What’s My Next Step? Navigating Change and Embracing Your Journey to Leadership - Connext
Early-career professionals are often thrown into the working world immediately out of school, performing at 110% to reach the "next step" in their careers. There’s one problem: What is the BEST ‘next step’? How do I navigate what feels like so many options? Is there value in making a change? What if I make the wrong choice as I progress through my career? When I do choose my next step, how do I approach the change that comes with it?
Featuring three regional trailblazers at varying stages of their professional journeys, join Connext for a conversation on navigating career decisions, setting realistic expectations, embracing flexibility, and trusting your gut. This empowering webinar will leave you with curious questions, lightbulb moments, and encouragement to take on what is considered one of the most ‘unsettling periods of life.'
Facilitators:
Emma Downing (Manager, Dairy Policy and Industry Relations, Dairy Farmers of America): Growing up on a row-crop and beef cattle operation in West-Central Missouri, Emma received a bachelor's and master’s in agriculture economics public policy analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia before transitioning her long-time internship to a fulltime position at Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a global milk-marketing cooperative, in 2019. Emma began full-time in a new role at the Cooperative working on a multitude of projects focused on policy, milk analytics, and strategic initiatives. Today, her role in dairy policy and industry relations provides an opportunity to work directly with DFA’s farmer-owners, staff across the Cooperative, and a variety of others in the industry. The work Emma does for the Cooperative provides a unique insight into the core components of DFA’s governance and exposure to the farmer-owners that lead the Cooperative.
Christopher Stibbs, CFRE (Vice President of Development, Newhouse): Christopher is a seasoned professional with a lifelong commitment to advocacy and impact, culminating in a successful career within the philanthropic community. As the Vice President of Development for Newhouse, Kansas City’s oldest domestic violence agency, Christopher demonstrates an unwavering dedication to the organization's mission. His role involves bringing passion, energy, and creativity to philanthropic endeavors, leveraging the power of storytelling to forge meaningful connections between donors, volunteers, and the community. Beyond his impactful work at Newhouse, Christopher actively contributes to various community impact initiatives, including participating on the Core Planning Team for TEDxKC, serving on the Board of Directors for the Keystone Innovation District, and presiding as President of the Loop KC. A two-time graduate of Rockhurst University, Christopher holds a Bachelor's in Psychology + Criminal Justice, and a Master's in Management, concentrating in Nonprofit Administration. Outside of his professional pursuits, he enjoys exploring Kansas City, fostering friendships, and playing sand volleyball.
Dr. Brent Never (Associate Dean, Associate Professor of Public Affairs Director, Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership, Henry W. Bloch School of Management) is an Associate Professor of Public Affairs at the Henry W. Bloch School of Management.
Never has served as a Visiting Professor in the School of Community Resources & Development at Arizona State University where he conducted research on the continued devolution of human services from government provision to private-sector provision through contracts, vouchers, and grants.
Never’s research has been funded by national and regional foundations. He was a Fulbright Scholar (2003-04 to Benin and 2007 to Northern Ireland), and in 2011-2013 was awarded a Young Scholar Research Grant from the Kresge Foundation. In 2018, he and Prof. Jim DeLisle was awarded the Alteryx Excellence Award for their method of data cleaning, mixing, and analysis; their work is now being used to understand patterns of abandoned housing in Kansas City.
Never teaches courses in research methods, public policy analysis, program evaluation, and public-private partnerships. He teaches courses in the Master of Public Administration, Executive Master of Public Administration, Executive Master of Business Administration, and the Master of Business Administration programs. He has earned the Elmer F. Pierson Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Bloch Student Award for Impactful Teaching.
Never serves the nonprofit research community as a Track Chair for the ARNOVA Annual Meeting (2014-2016), a member of the Executive Committee for the Theories, Issues, Boundaries Section, and is a frequent manuscript reviewer for journals and book publishers.
Never enjoys serving the regional nonprofit community as a Senior Fellow at the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership. His work includes executive board training, strategic planning, and program evaluation services. He has also served the City of Kansas City as a member of the Citizens’ Commission on Municipal Revenue and Mayor Sly James’ Challenge Cabinet.
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A Connext Program
Connext (formerly YNPNkc) provides learning and networking opportunities for the next generation of nonprofit leaders. We welcome people of all ages and professions, although most of our members are in their 20s and 30s and working in the nonprofit sector.
Event Sponsors
Date and Time
Thursday Aug 15, 2024
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT
- 12:00 PM| Welcome
- 12:06 PM| Panelists Introductions
- 12:10 PM| Curated questions
- 12:45 PM| Q&A with panelists
Location
Your desk! Zoom meeting access instructions provided after registration.
Fees/Admission
$5.00 for members and non-members
If this fee presents a barrier to your attendance, please email connextkc@gmail.com.
Contact Information
Connext Board of Directors
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