You Are Not Your Job: A Mini-Masterclass on Personal Branding | Connext

Your brand tells a story about you, your journey, and your impact. What story do you want to tell across your nonprofit career? 
 
Tune in over lunch time for mini-masterclasses on building your personal brand, brought straight to you from some of our favorite (and fantastically branded) nonprofit leaders from across the state.

Meet the Speakers:

• Lauren Conway, Founder & CEO of InnovateHER KC
• Kristy Jackson, Ed.S. Executive Director of the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Harris-Stowe State University | Founder of SheCan Connect Global Network
• Katie Lord, Big Brothers Big Sister Kansas City
• Kerri Voyles, Founder/CEO, Flourish Creative

Key Takeaways:

• Gain insights from experienced nonprofit professionals on how they have built their professional reputations 
• Discover tools and strategies to increase your visibility
• Leave with your next steps to start shaping or refining your personal brand 

Speakers

Lauren Conaway is a multidisciplinary leader and self-described “Swiss Army Knife” with expertise in operations, marketing, sales, and program management. She began her career with global brands like Hilton and Boeing before founding Ideative Creative, a boutique agency helping clients—from indie makers to Fortune 500s—craft authentic brand stories. Today, she’s the founder and CEO of InnovateHER KC, a leadership community serving 8,000+ women and gender minorities in Kansas City. A former host of the top-ranked Startup Hustle Podcast, Lauren champions inclusive innovation and ecosystem development. She received her MBA from Rockhurst University and lives in KC with her husband, Aaron, their dog Kiya, and cat Ada.

 

Kristy Jackson is a dynamic leader whose combination of entrepreneurial and education experience makes her the perfect fit as the founding Executive Director of the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Harris-Stowe State University’s Anheuser-Busch School of Business. Kristy is a sought-out consultant, coach, author, and professional speaker with more than 20 years of experience creating purpose driven projects, developing district-wide curriculum, facilitating training and empowering a variety of start-up, corporate, nonprofit, and higher education clients to dream and launch. The source of Kristy’s inspiration is her faith; and this quote by Nelson Mandela: “It only seems impossible until it is done.” When she is not working, she loves to travel and enjoy great food with family and friends. Her husband James, two daughters, Kelsie and Jada keep her laughing and grounded.

 

Katie Lord, Director of Donor Engagement at Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City, brings extensive expertise in nonprofit development, marketing, and strategic donor engagement. She has served in fundraising roles with three national nonprofits and as Vice President for a national consulting firm, helping organizations raise millions through strengthened donor relationships and best practices. Katie serves on the boards of the Kansas City AFP Chapter, Jackson County CASA, and the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Executive Leadership Committee. A KU graduate, she enjoys traveling, reading, and staying active with her daughter and dog.

 

 


Kerri Voyles she/her is founder/CEO of Flourish Creative, an inclusive brand strategy + design studio. Her passion is equipping purpose-driven brands ~ and their leaders ~ to grow inclusively and resiliently. She enjoys speaking, coaching, and serving on the board of The Beacon. A Nebraska-native, Karri holds bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism with an emphasis in strategic communication from the University of Missouri School of Journalism. She drinks tea, not coffee.