Team

We are a community of educators, employers, and advocates working together to provide equitable experiences through integrated partnerships between students, teachers, and local businesses.

Meet Our Team

Every student should graduate with the tools to pursue their career goals and successfully navigate the rapidly evolving and increasingly complex economic landscape. We are activating a community to ensure that students are able to develop essential skills and understand their professional possibilities. The RWL Team supports districts, schools, and educators in creating opportunities for students to unlock their potential and empowers employers to improve career trajectories.

  1. Donna McDaniel

    Educator in Residence

  2. Jennifer DiGiovanni

    Executive Administrative Assistant

  3. Anna Hennes

    Program Leader

  4. Bill Nicely

    Educator In Residence

  5. Salvador Ocampo

    Program Leader

  6. Angee Simmons

    Communications & Engagement Program Leader

  7. Dan Tesfay

    Data Strategist

  8. Todd White

    Support Team

RWL Collaborators

These companies have helped shape the RWL initiative, maximizing its impact on individuals, organizations, and our communities.

  1. Visit AlignEd's website
  2. Visit Big Picture Learning's website
  3. Visit Blue Valley CAP's website
  4. Visit Getting Smart's website
  5. Visit Green Works' website
  6. Visit Junior Achievement's website
  7. Visit KC Chamber's website
  8. Visit The Civic Council of Greater Kansas City's website
  9. Visit KC Common Good's website
  10. Visit KC Global Design's website
  11. Visit KC Rising's website
  12. Visit KC Scholars' website
  13. Visit KC Stem Alliance's website
  14. Visit Kansas City Area Development Council's website
  15. Visit Learning Collaborative's website
  16. Visit Mid-America Regional Council's website
  17. Visiti MDRC's website
  18. Visit Northland CAPS' website
  19. Visit PrepKC's website
  20. Visit ProX's website
  21. Visit Startland's website
  22. Visiti Young Entrepreneurs Program KC's website

Executive Committee

Comprised of employers and education leaders, our Executive Committee exists to review key resources, ensure equitable access, cultivate support, and advocate for continuous learning and innovation in our community.

  1. Julie Atkins Honeywell
  2. Dr. Kim Beatty Metropolitan Community College
  3. Angie Besendorfer KC Scholars
  4. Arthur Cheatham Spire
  5. Dr. Frank Harwood DeSoto School District
  6. Lynette Huscher Garmin
  7. Paula Infranca Burns and McDonnell
  8. Tysie McDowell Crossroads Academy
  9. Carolyn P. McKnight KU Edwards Campus
  10. Anita Newton CommunityAmerica Credit Union
  11. Megan Remley Lockton
  12. Brad Sandt Menlo
  13. Brandon Simpson Entrepreneur
  14. Dr. Kenny Southwick Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas City
  15. Mike Stradinger Holland 1916
  16. Dr. Andrew Underwood Belton School District
  17. Molly Weaver Sunflower Talent Strategies
  18. Sharmelle Winsett KC Scholars

CEO Champions Group

As part of the regional Real World Learning initiative our community partner, KC Rising, has recruited a small group of CEOs to help support and champion RWL efforts.

  1. Visit AlignEd's website
  2. Visit The Civic Council of Kansas City's website
  3. Visit KC Chamber's website
  4. Visit Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation's website

Employers

Employers play a central role in RWL by providing experiences that allow students to discover their passion and understand their professional trajectory. There are over 600 employers involved in this work.