Events

Ten Years After Ferguson: The State of Policing -- a FREE program by American Public Square -- will be held 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm Monday Aug. 5 at the Resurrection Downtown, 1601 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108.

Join American Public Square and Kansas City PBS in examining the state of policing in Missouri with law enforcement and civil rights leaders in a Week in Review special moderated by Nick Haines with panelists:  

• • Stacey Graves, Chief of Police of Kansas City
  • Darryl Forte, Jackson County Sheriff
  • Gwendolyn Grant, President and CEO, Urban League of Greater Kansas City and community activist
  • Jean Peters-Baker, Jackson County Prosecutor

Reserve a spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-state-of-policing-ten-years-after-ferguson-in-person-registration-914653251497?aff=oddtdtcreator

The event is Free. More info at https://americanpublicsquare.org/event/policing-in-kc/

An Agent of Change speaks on The Other Kansas City, and Finding Solutions 

https://givebutter.com/c/needleandthreadgala

Mr. Quatman is a licensed architect and attorney, who received two degrees in architecture from the University of Kansas and obtained his J.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Bill is a member of both the AIA and DBIA Colleges of Fellows and he is a fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America (CLSA). He has been named one of The Best Lawyers in America and he is annually rated a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent lawyer.

Bill was in private practice for 24 years, focusing on design and construction claims. From 2008 to 2021, Bill was Senior Vice President and General Counsel to Burns & McDonnell Engineering Co., Inc., one of the nation’s largest design and construction firms. Bill now serves as an arbitrator and mediator with Quatman ADR, LLC in Kansas City, Missouri and is on the board of the Skywalk Memorial Foundation.

Attendees will learn:

The reason the skywalks fell and design decisions that led to a critical change.

What happened to the two engineers involved and how this event changed building codes nationwide.

VanTrust: Then and Now

VanTrust Real Estate was founded in 2010 in Kansas City, Missouri.  From the beginning, VanTrust focused on understanding the unique needs of its clients and the communities where it operates. This client-centric approach helped VanTrust build a strong reputation for delivering tailored real estate solutions. By leveraging its expertise and commitment to excellence, the company quickly expanded its footprint across the United States, establishing itself as a significant player in the real estate development industry and is proud to be named the 2023 NAIOP Developer of the Year.

Rich Muller Bio

Executive Vice President, Science + Technology Rich Muller is a seasoned real estate executive and a founding member of VanTrust Real Estate. With a strong background in architecture, design, construction, and real estate, Rich brings a comprehensive perspective to his role. He currently leads VanTrust's newly formed national Science + Technology division, identifying and developing opportunities across the life sciences, R&D, and technology sectors.

Prior to this, Rich served as the Executive Vice President of VanTrust's Kansas City market, overseeing a robust development portfolio. His extensive experience includes the successful delivery of numerous commercial real estate projects, totaling over $1 billion in value.

A dedicated community member, Rich serves on the Johnson County Community College Foundation Board and is actively involved in various civic initiatives.

Hillary Singer Description and Bio

Navigating Current Trends in Refugee Resettlement and Immigration policy

Please join us for an insightful session with Hilary Singer, a specialist in refugee resettlement and immigration policy. With a deep understanding of the evolving landscape, Hilary will explore the latest trends, challenges and opportunities in this field. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of current policies, their impact on our communities, thus the future directions for effective advocacy and support. Do not miss the opportunity to gain valuable perspectives and enhance your knowledge on these critical issues.

BIO - Hilary Cohen Singer began her career in nonprofit leadership in New York City supporting education, coalition-building and advocacy efforts across religious and ethnic communities. Since returning to her native Kansas City almost 14 years ago, she has served as Executive Director at Jewish Vocational Service, working to make Kansas City a more welcoming place for refugees and immigrants, and providing holistic services to our newest neighbors to help them succeed. She continues to work to build bridges across diverse communities as a member of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom Muslim-Jewish women’s dialogue group and the University Health Ethics Committee.

Zoom host Karyn Eppler

• A sign-up sheet will be circulated at club meetings until September 20
• Contact Denise Holt before September 20 at: dholt@linccc.com 

Kevin Honomichl was inducted into the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering Hall of Fame at Kansas State University in March of 2024.

Karla Juarez - Executive Director

Karla Juarez has served as the Executive Director of AIRR since September of 2020. She was born in Chihuahua Mexico and raised in New Mexico. Karla Graduated from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelors in political science and has a background in business management.

Karla’s lived experience navigating the immigration process has given her the insight and courage to fight for immigrant justice alongside her community. Karla has been involved in multiple campaigns pushing for an immigration reform since she was 15 years old . Immigration is her life and passion, as she witnessed first hand the injustices the immigrant, undocumented community faces.

As Executive Director, Karla hopes to implement a grassroots fundraising strategy and continue to empower the immigrant community to be their own voices by creating leadership opportunities for the community and building a grassroots movement that is committed to immigrant justice.

Free and open to the public, Rumba Latina is sponsored by Advocacy and Awareness Group of Johnson County and features music, foods, dancing, and educational opportunities. Held in downtown Olathe. For more info: https://www.aagjc.org/events 

Grandparents for Gun Safety's 11th annual forum is at 6 pm Monday Oct. 14 at Arrupe Auditorium on the Rockhurst University campus, 5401 Troost. The event features:

• Fred Guttenberg, gun safety advocate, father of a Parkland, FL, high schooler killed in school shooting,. He will be joined by two community gun safety advocates: 
• Jason Kander, former MO Secretary of State, head of Veterans Community Project, 
• Kyle Hollins, Lyrik Institute, a KCMO non-profit working with at-risk youth

Two tickets are $150. 

Details: https://grandparentsforgunsafety.org/11th-annual-community-forum/#!event-register/2024/10/14/11th-annual-community-forum

Zoom host Karyn Eppler

Eric Wesson is a Kansas City native who has led a diverse and impactful career. He served in the United States Marine Corps for six years, with postings at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and Marine Barracks White House.

After his military service, Eric pursued higher education, earning degrees in Political Science from Morehouse College and Clinical Psychology with a focus on Early Childhood Development from Howard University.

Following his passion for education, Eric worked as an elementary school teacher in the Kansas City, Missouri School District for five years. He later transitioned into journalism, starting as a reporter for the Kansas City CALL newspaper. His dedication and talent led him to the positions of Managing Editor and Publisher until June 2023.

In June 2023, Eric embarked on a new venture by launching Next Page KC, where he serves as the founder and Publisher. Committed to community service, Eric is actively involved in various organizations. He chairs the Board of Directors for Palestine Missionary Baptist Church of Jesus Christ and also serves on the Board of Directors for the Kansas City Museum Foundation.

In his personal life, Eric is a loving husband to Candance J. Wesson and a devoted father to Amanda Bradley, (Vincent)  Brianna McNeil, Erica Wesson, and Eric Wesson Jr. He cherishes his role as a grandfather to Vincent IV, Theodore, and Delila. Through his professional endeavors and community involvement, Eric Wesson continues to make a significant impact in Kansas City and beyond.

Caleb Buland, AIA, is a visionary architect, dedicated preservationist, and astute
investor with a passion for revitalizing urban landscapes. As the driving force behind
Exact, Caleb leads a dynamic team of architects and real estate professionals renowned
for their innovative approach to adaptive reuse and urban infill projects. With a portfolio
boasting millions of square feet of transformed spaces, Caleb and his team at Exact
have become synonymous with sustainable development and architectural excellence
in the heart of the city. 

Caleb’s commitment to urban renewal extends beyond the design; his investments
reflect a deep belief in the potential of neglected spaces to foster community and
culture. His designs are not just structures but catalysts for change, breathing new life
into forgotten areas and creating vibrant, livable environments.

Recognized for his contributions to the field, Exact's work stands as a testament to the
power of thoughtful design in shaping the future of urban living.

Ryan Sorrell

Ryan has a diverse background including working at one of the nation's most esteemed Black think tanks, one of Chicago's top Tech PR agencies, a top 3 global PR firm, and founded one of Kansas City's largest Black-led Abolitionist direct action groups during the 2020 uprisings. He was a key organizer in the October 2021, 21 day occupation on the grounds of Kansas City's City Hall following the horrific brutalization of a 9-month pregnant Black woman by a KCPD officer, and formerly, he was temporarily suspended from his college at Loyola University of Chicago for organizing the largest social justice demonstration in university history, before being pardoned by the President in the university's first ever pardon resulting from national outcry about the situation.

During Ryan's professional career he's consulted brands such as Facebook, Samsung, Amazon and Google. He is a recipient of the Civil and Human Rights Award recognized by the Urban League of Kansas City, Innovator of the Year by the Local Media Association, and Emerging Leader of the Year from the Institute for Nonprofit News. He has engaged in a number of public talks as a prison industrial complex Abolitionist thinker including on; DemocracyNow, NPR, PBS, a Kansas City Art Institute Lecture, a lecture at University of the Arts London, as well as the Annual International Symposium.

Most recently he founded the nation's fastest growing Black nonprofit digital news startup and community organization, The Kansas City Defender. Under Ryan's leadership the Black-led organization has broken over 20 national news stories, reaching over 50 million people and growing a social media following of over 85,000 across platforms since its launch in 2021.

Jennifer Sweeton

Bio and Description

Description: More than 50% of us will experience at least one traumatic event in our lives, and we know from brain science that even one trauma can alter brain activity. However, these changes don't have to be permanent, and with a little bit of knowledge and know-how, we can all begin to take steps to change our brain in the direction of health, maximizing attention, emotion regulation, problem-solving, and tackling unwanted thoughts. This presentation will present attendees with some fast, evidence-based techniques for brain recovery after trauma!

Bio: Originally trained as a neuroscientist, Dr. Jennifer Sweeton is a clinical and forensic psychologist, Amazon #1 best-selling author in clinical psychology, and internationally-recognized expert on trauma recovery and the neuroscience of mental health. She is the author of the Trauma Treatment Toolbox (PESI Publishing), Train Your Brain Card Deck (PESI Publishing and Media), Eight Key Brain Areas of Mental Health and Illness (W. W. Norton & Company), and the Traumatic Stress Recovery Workbook (New Harbinger Publications, Inc). She has a private practice on the Country Club Plaza.

Heath Rath

Executive Director, PACE KC

Heath Rath has spent his professional career working to build and expand evidence-based programs that improve the lives of older adults. Over the last six years, he has focused his efforts on the development of programs that aim to allow older adults to age gracefully in the communities they call home, specifically PACE Programs. PACE – Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly – is a model of care that provides a full range of person-centered health and wellness services that empower individuals age 55+ to age in place rather than be institutionalized. PACE KC is a newly formed non-profit, championed by Swope Health, to bring the PACE model of care to the residents of Kansas City for the first time.

Heath worked with Swope Health to successfully lobby members of the Missouri Senate and House of Representatives as well as the Missouri Department of Social Services, MO Health Net Division, to support and appropriate PACE funding.

Prior to his work with Swope Health, Heath served as Director of Midland Care Connection’s Ann Street PACE Center in Kansas City, Kansas. During his time at Midland, he oversaw the development and successful launch of Midland’s third Center and the first PACE Program in the Kansas City metro area.

Heath earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and secondary major in Gerontology from Kansas State University. He went on to complete a Master of Science in Gerontology with an emphasis in long-term care administration. While earning his M.S. at Kansas State he worked in the College of Health and Human Sciences Center on Aging as a project specialist for the PEAK 2.0 program. Heath is a licensed long-term care administrator in the state of Kansas.

Zoom host Karyn Eppler

Nominations for the 2024 RISE Business Awards Are Open

Kansas City Plaza Rotarians are asked to nominate businesses for the 2024 RISE Business Awards.  The awards recognize minority—and women-owned businesses in the KC Metro area whose owners adhere to the principles of the Four Way Test in operating the businesses.

Nominations are free and easy, and business owners may nominate their own businesses.  Nominees complete the entry form, and independent judges review entries to select the top three businesses.  Kansas City Plaza Rotary Club members vote on the winner.  The winner receives a free one-year membership in Plaza Rotary and a custom promotional video.  Nominations are due July 31, 2024.

Save the Date – for the second annual awards ceremony, 6 p.m. Thursday, November 21, at The American Jazz Museum.

RISE stands for Rotary Investing and Supporting Equity.

Rwanda Nurses Saving Lives is a Rotary vocational training team global grant being conducted in Rwanda in 2024-2025.  The purpose of the project is to train front-line, health center nurses who operate in remote areas without physician support in the early detection of strep throat to prevent the development of rheumatic heart disease.  The project has been piloted in Rwanda and a three-person team is now engaged in implementation through five district. hospitals that whose catchment area covers about 10% of the country.  The instructional team includes two doctoral level nurse practitioners who are advanced practice cardiology nurses and Venters who serves as the grant direction and co-evaluator for the project.  This team will move this project to Zambi in 2026.

Dr. Cassy Venter's professional career was with the University of Missouri Extension Service Small Busienss Development Centers where she served in business and leadership develpment roles.  During that time, she served for thirteen years and director of a leadership exchange program with the Ministry of the Interior of the Royal Thai government.  In Rotary, she has served as a District Governor, District Rotary Foundation Chair, Youth Exchange Outbound Coordinator, Rotary Youth Leadership Coordinator, Group Study Exchange Leader, Kansas City Plaza Rotary Club president and she currently serves as District 6040 Peace and Conflice Resolution Chair and the communications chair of the Kansas City Plaza Rotary Club and grants chair of the Lander Wyoming Rotary Club.  

Allan Gray is a former Lee’s Summit city councilman and a longtime arts advocate in Kansas City.

He is a graduate of Paseo High School and then went away to Morehouse College, returning to Kansas City in 1976 with a political science degree.

He is active in the community, involved in community service organizations including the Black Economic Union, the Missouri Arts Council and Cultural Trust, and the Missouri Council on Economic Education. He is the founder of the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey.

Now, he serves as a partner at Zhou Brothers Art Center in Kansas City, the new $20-plus million art center in the historic 18^th and Vine district.

GIFT Hosts Holiday Business Market: Join Kansas City G.I.F.T for its Holiday Business Market on December 14th at 11:00 a.m. at GIFT offices, 5008 Prospect Ave., Kansas City, MO 64130

Enjoy a day of shopping and support Black-owned businesses. Admission is free.  (GIFT is Generating Income for Tomorrow, a RISE Microloan partner.) 

Justice Committee December 2024 meeting will be held via Zoom: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88600300160?pwd=2isOa9rSkZhK9b1u4DqWOMolk0fEMf.1

Meeting ID: 886 0030 0160
Passcode: 387948

Discussion topics: 

• Post mortem on 2nd Annual RISE Business Awards
• RISE Microloan program promotion 2025
• Feb. 2025 Lock It for Love promotion
• Other topics as brought by committee members!

 “A WWII Soldier’s Story—Omaha Beach to Berlin”   This is a first-person account of one soldier’s journey from being 4-F, to getting certified as a forward observer where the survival rate was 20%, becoming a tank driver and fighting in all 5 major campaigns in northern Europe.  One of his fighting buddies found a German camera and took pictures of the soldier and others during the fighting.  The story includes how he ended up with the pictures and survived from Omaha Beach to Berlin and how he coped beyond.

BIO

Martin Bauer is a life-long Kansan.  Farm boy from near Clay Center, Kansas, K-State undergrad, KU Law School followed by Judicial Clerkship with the Honorable Richard Rogers and now 47 years with Martin Pringle Oliver Wallace & Bauer.  Handled commercial litigation that evolved into trying contested adoptions to adoption practice.   Now handles all Guardianships/Conservatorships for Ascension Hospital for all hospitals in Kansas.  President of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys.  Helped found Wichita Montessori, Chaired the Kansas Arts Commission.  Past President of Downtown Rotary Club, Past District Governor.  Married to Ann, 3 children, 5 grandchildren.  Loves tennis, pickleball and international hiking.

Zoom Host Karyn Eppler

In April 2023, Lindsey Rood-Clifford became the first woman to serve as President and CEO for the Starlight Theatre Association of Kansas City, Inc. in its  nearly 75-year history. Starlight is an 8,000-seat outdoor amphitheater that  presents nationally touring and locally produced Broadway, a national concert series each summer, and provides arts access, community engagement, and  education programming. Prior to her current role, Lindsey served as Chief Operating Officer and Starlight’s Vice President of Philanthropy, leading philanthropic efforts for Kansas City’s oldest and largest continually operating performing arts venue. Under her leadership, Starlight’s philanthropic revenue  expanded by more than 50% and the organization launched its largest capital campaign in more than 20 years - a $40 million dollar fundraising effort to support capital improvements  and programming expansions in time for the World Cup in Kansas City in 2026 and Starlight's 75th  anniversary. A lifelong arts enthusiast and advocate, Lindsey believes that access to meaningful arts  experiences is an essential element of healthy, thriving communities and to developing skilled, engaged,  and empathetic students and adults. 

A direct recipient of impactful arts programming, Lindsey began her professional career as a paid  summer intern at Starlight before serving as a consultant for nonprofit and corporate clients in events  and fundraising in the Greater Kansas City region and across the country as part of Starlight’s subsidiary. 

Lindsey is the Immediate Past President for the Board of Directors of the Kansas City Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals; Secretary of the Centurions Alumni Board; a Vice President of  the Board of Directors for Grace, a foundation dedicated to providing safe sober housing and  normalizing recovery; and a past chair of Kansas City’s National Philanthropy Day. She is a 2017 graduate  of the KC Chamber’s Centurions Leadership Program. She was named by the Kansas City Business  Journal as one of “20 Nonprofit Leaders to Know” in 2022; one of In Kansas City Magazine's "Innovators  and Influencers" in 2023; one of the Independent Magazine's "Rising Stars" in 2024; and one of the  Kansas City Business Journal’s “NextGen Leaders” in 2024. She has appeared on several podcasts  including “There’s Just Something about Kansas City,” “Speak with Presence,” “Show Me Today” and “KC  Leaders.” 

Lindsey grew up in Kansas City and lives in the metro with her husband and son. She has three children - two grown stepdaughters and a very active high school sophomore who keeps her and her husband  running with his active love of the theatre, music, debate, and Scouts.

Monthly meeting of Justice Committee via zoom: https://meet.google.com/rnx-wfrz-bcm

Julie Quirin, FACHE, serves as president of BJC Health System's West Region, which serves the Kansas City area, northwest Missouri and eastern Kansas and operates as Saint Luke's.  In this role, Julie oversees day-to-day opereations for the region, including its acute care and critical access hospitals, ambulatory clinics and post-acutre care functions, Saint Luke's physician enterprise, hospital throughput, clinical hospital throughput, clinical nursing administration, government affairs team, and philanthropy.

In more than 25 years with Saint Luke's, Julie has served in numerous health systsem leadership roles, including senior vicepresident and chief oeprating officer of Saint Luke's Health System, senior vice president of hospital oeprations, CEO of Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City, senior vice president of continuum of care services, and president and CEO of Saint Luke's South Hospital.

She is past chair and board member of the Missouri Hospital Association and is a past chair of the United Way of Greater Kansas City.