Connext: Emerging Nonprofit Leaders

We’re excited to introduce the panelists for our April event.

Join us for Aligning Mission-Based Communication Across Teams and hear from two local nonprofit professionals bringing deep experience in nonprofit strategy, development, and capacity building:

✨ Danielle Pinnell McAllister – Director of Development, Veterans Community Project
With a background in community engagement and fundraising, Danielle specializes in building meaningful donor relationships, strengthening stewardship strategies, and aligning systems like CRM data to support long-term growth.

✨ Cindy Laufer – Program Coordinator, Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership
Cindy brings expertise in program development, evaluation, and capacity building—supporting nonprofits in designing stronger, more effective systems and strategies.

✨ Chris McCoy, PhD – Director of Development, Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey
Chris brings over 25 years of experience across major performing arts organizations and community-based initiatives. His work in nonprofit development and the arts offers a unique perspective on how communication supports both large institutions and grassroots efforts.

Together, they’ll share real-world insights on how intentional internal communication can strengthen your team and advance your mission.

📅 April 24 | 🕑 2:00–3:30 PM
📍 Blip Coffee Roasters
🎟 Free to attend (first drink included)

Spots are limited. Register by April 21: https://buff.ly/Yk8qWxP

How can your organization better align communication across teams to strengthen mission impact?

Join Connext on April 24 for Aligning Mission-Based Communication Across Teams, an educational panel focused on practical strategies, real-world examples, and tools to improve internal communication within nonprofit organizations.

📅 April 24
🕑 2:00–3:30 PM
📍 Blip Coffee Roasters (1301 Woodswether Rd, Kansas City, MO)\

Attendees will walk away with actionable insights to bring back to their teams—no matter their role or department + first drink is on us!

Space is limited to 30 participants
Register by April 21: https://buff.ly/Yk8qWxP

Say hello to the newest members of the Connext Board ✨

We’re excited to welcome this group of passionate, community-driven leaders who are committed to strengthening Kansas City’s nonprofit sector. Each brings unique experiences, fresh ideas, and a shared dedication to making an impact.

Swipe through to meet them →

Huge thank you to everyone who made Shadow Day 2026 possible!

From our incredible host organizations, to our engaged student participants, to MCC Penn Valley for providing space and breakfast for our kickoff breakfast — this day truly reflected the strength of Kansas City’s nonprofit community.

A special thank you to our phenomenal panelists:
Tanesha Nooner-Ford and Erica Prieto

Your leadership and insight set the tone for a powerful day of learning and connection.

We’re deeply grateful to our host organizations who opened their doors and poured into the next generation of nonprofit professionals:

Camp Encourage, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, Center for Conflict Resolution, Charlotte Street, Cultivate Kansas City, Eden Village of Kansas City, Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, Hillcrest Hope, reStart Inc, ScrapsKC, Seton Center, StoneLion Puppet Theatre, What IF Puppets, Wayside Waifs, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City, Unbound, Angel Flight Central, Square One Small Business Center

We were also proud to welcome students from:

Washburn University, KU, K-State, UMKC, Avila University, UMSL, Rockhurst University, KCAI

Shadow Day continues to show what’s possible when our nonprofit ecosystem comes together to invest in future leaders.

Already looking forward to next year!

Meet the Panelists 🎤

We’re excited to introduce the nonprofit leaders who will kick off Shadow Day at our Networking Breakfast & Nonprofit Professionals Panel at MCC Penn Valley in their Education Center!

Erica Prieto – Partnership Manager, Nonprofit Leadership Alliance
Erica builds partnerships that strengthen nonprofit teams and expand access to professional development opportunities, including the nationally recognized Certified Nonprofit Professional credential. She holds degrees from Missouri Valley College and an Executive MBA from University of Missouri–Kansas City.

Tanesha Nooner-Ford – Interim CEO, Nonprofit Connect
Nonprofit executive, consultant, and systems-level leader guiding organizations through transition, growth, and change. Tanesha also serves as Vice Chair of the Board and Policy Committee Chair for Kansas City Public Schools and leads High Definition Consulting, where she supports nonprofits with interim leadership and capacity building.

Shadow Day participants will gain real-world insight, career advice, and sector wisdom from these incredible leaders.

🚨 LAST CHANCE! 🚨

Don’t miss your opportunity to experience Shadow Day 2026 — a full day of learning, connection, and real-world nonprofit exposure.

🗓 Friday, February 27
⏰ 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 MCC Penn Valley
💲 Registration: $15

If you’ve ever been curious about nonprofit careers, leadership pathways, or simply expanding your network — this is your moment.

👉 Register now: https://buff.ly/zFINuZq

Ever wondered what it’s really like to work in the nonprofit world?

Shadow Day 2026 gives undergrad, grad students and emerging professionals a behind-the-scenes look at nonprofit careers by pairing you with local organizations for a day of learning, connection, and hands-on insight.

🗓 Friday, February 27, 2026
⏰ Begins at 8:30 AM
📍 Kickoff Breakfast: MCC Penn Valley
💲 $15 Registration

This isn’t just an event — it’s exposure, inspiration, and opportunity.

Secure your spot today, register now: https://buff.ly/zFINuZq

✨ Explore a career in the nonprofit sector — firsthand!

Registration is officially OPEN for Shadow Day, an annual career-exploration experience hosted by Nonprofit Connect and Connext.

Shadow Day connects undergraduate and graduate students (and future nonprofit professionals!) with local nonprofit leaders for a full day of learning, networking, and real-world insight into mission-driven work.

Friday, February 27
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
MCC Penn Valley | Kansas City, MO
$15 registration fee

Whether you’re curious about nonprofit career paths or ready to build your network, this experience is for you.

🔗 Register here: https://info.npconnect.org/events/details/connext-shadow-day-2026-10200

Meet our 2025 Connext Mini-Grant Recipients!

These emerging nonprofit leaders are growing their impact across Kansas City—and we’re honored to support their journeys.

⭐Jennifer Wilson, Executive Director, Modern Family Alliance
⭐Myra Milam, Bilingual Scholar Advocate, Great Jobs KC
⭐Katie Veys, Trauma-Informed Clinician, FosterAdopt Connect
⭐Annamarie McGuire, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, AcruxKC

Huge thanks to our 2025 Mini-Grant Sponsor, Community Capital Fund!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Connext & Nonprofit Connect Holiday Open House! ✨

The energy, the connections, and yes, the ugly sweaters, made the night unforgettable.
We’re grateful for this community and can’t wait for more moments together in the new year.

Nonprofit Connect: Network. Learn. Grow.

It’s time to get festive! ✨

Connext and are teaming up for a joint Holiday Party—and you’re invited! Break out your best ugly sweater (the louder the better), sip, snack, and celebrate an incredible year with our community.

Join us on December 3 at 5 PM at the Nonprofit Connect office.
RSVP at the link in bio!

It’s time to get festive! ✨

Connext and Nonprofit Connect are teaming up for a joint Holiday Party—and you’re invited! Break out your best ugly sweater (the louder the better), sip, snack, and celebrate an incredible year with our community.

Join us on December 3 at 5 PM at the Nonprofit Connect office.
👉 RSVP here: https://buff.ly/DBLjFIC



Nonprofit Connect: Network. Learn. Grow.