Speakers

Mr. Venters was born and raised in Jefferson City, Missouri. After graduating with a Computer Science degree from Missouri S&T (formerly University of Missouri, Rolla) he moved to St. Louis where he began his career as a software developer. In late 2000, he decided to travel abroad for an extended period of time with little more than a backpack to hold his possessions. He left on his "round-the-world" trip in March, 2001, and was in New York City on September 11th. He immediately made his way to Ground Zero where he volunteered for the next five days before returning to St. Louis. Mr. Venters moved to NYC in 2011 and worked in the financial industry as an IT consultant, commuting to the same neighborhood where he had volunteered so many years before. He also met Rebecca, his future wife, there. After the birth of their first child, they moved to Evergreen, Colorado, a beautiful town nestled in the front range of the Rocky Mountains. They currently live in Evergreen with their two young children.

Dr. Kalaitzidis has served as Associate Professor at UCM since 2004, teaching courses in international relations, comparative politics, international organizations, American foreign policy, global terrorism, and post-communist transitions. He has published four books on American foreign policy, international relations and immigration topics; and for several years he has been active in humanitarian assistance projects on behalf of underprivileged youth in Ghana, Africa. Dr. Kalaitzidis is the second Rotary World Peace Fellow chosen from Rotary District 6080. He attended Chulalongkorn University in 2013 class of 2015.

Ann is Don Bosco Centers' Director of Development and Communications, and has 25+ years of experience in the nonprofit sector as a volunteer, board member, AmeriCorps director, and community engagement leader. Growing up in Iowa, her family often visited Kansas City - so after living in 10 other places, she jumped at the chance to move here in 2008. She holds a master's degree in nonprofit management from Regis University, and as a proud resident of the Columbus Park neighborhood, she is a passionate supporter of the local purveyors of food, drink, and fun.

About us - Since 1940, The Don Bosco Centers have helped people live more independently, in better health, and with greater joy. All our clients - seniors, adults with disabilities, teens, families, and adult refugees/immigrants - benefit from targeted services, programs, and activities available through our facilities: Senior Center, Community Center, and English as a Second Language School. We're proud to be recognized by the Mid-America Regional Council as the largest, most comprehensive provider of senior adult services in the KC metro area, feeding more than 600 people each weekday. To learn more, visit donbosco.org or follow us on Facebook @donboscocenters.