FOR WICHITA’S YOUNG, DIVERSE AND TALENTED
URBAN MAGNATE
DREAMCHASERS’ SPECIAL EDITION • SEPTEMBER 12, 2015
PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS
dreamchasers’ program Welcome – Rolls Royce Spirit aerosystems promo Civic Leader Presentations - Brandon Johnson and angela scott Mentor Presentation - brian black collegiate Impact Award - joseph shepard and lat.in.a corporate presentation - koch industries, inc. Entrepreneur Presentation - carlos fernandez and jondalyn crosby featured speaker - ann fox, wichita habitat for humanity sharing our gratitude Urban Professional of the Year Presentations after party to follow for ages 21 and older featuring dj chris “playmaker” stimpson, hot 103 jamz
“S
o we decided to be catalysts and not complainers.” Wichita Urban Professionals has come a long way since I said those words as part of our public launch event a year ago. Yet, even more amazing than how far we’ve come, is that these words are as true today as they were then. This organization has grown to be so much more than I had imagined. In all honesty, I didn’t know if this idea would work when I came up with it in my basement in the summer of 2013. What I did know was that something had to be done. Many of the capable young, diverse and talented people of color had fled Wichita for cities like Atlanta, Dallas and Kansas City. Others were biding their time growing frustrated with the constant questioning of when they, too, would join the mass exodus. But not us— and hopefully not you. We don’t blame anyone who believed that their best chance for success was miles away. However, we have made a conscious decision that —while we are in Wichita— to focus on what could be and not on the possible spoils outside of the watchful eyes of the Keeper. No longer are we content to stand idly, waiting for others to present opportunity.
We’ve shed that “trying to fit-in” mentality and have, instead, focused on discovering opportunities so that we can stand out. Some of those opportunities formed organically as if they were previously hidden in plain sight; events like “Our Future—Now,” publications such as Urban Magnate and recognition amongst mainstream Wichita such as the Wichita Business Journal’s 40-Under-40, for example. Others were formed more by sheer will, determination and grit; programs like the Create Campaign, scholarships from the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce to attend the annual City-to-City leadership trip and recognition events such as DREAMCHASERS. Wichita is changing and it’s more important than ever that the young, diverse and talented be diligent, intentional and strategic in being the change that we seek. We are one Wichita, but it’s incumbent upon us to take a participatory role with what’s happening in the mainstream and also make strides to develop and innovate the communities around us. We’ve done a lot in the last year, but we’re nowhere near the finish line. I thank you all for supporting Wichita Urban Professionals and for believing in my ability to lead this organization and this city forward. -- J. Long
IN THIS ISSUE:
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ICT-UP YEAR IN REVIEW
Our Future - Now Survey Recap • 9 ICT-UP Accomplishments • 10-11 Membership • 12 Urban Magnate Performance Update • 13
HONOREE SPOTLIGHTS
Civic Leadership Award Recipients Brandon Johnson • 16 Angela Scott • 17 Mentor Award Recipient • Brian Black • 18 Collegiate Impact Award Recipients Joseph Shepard • 19 Lat.in.a (Latina Interest Association) • 20 Corporate Award Recipient Koch Industries, Inc. • 21 Entrepreneur Award Recipients Carlos Fernandez • 22 Jondalyn Crosby • 23 Featured Speaker • Ann Fox • 24 SPECIAL THANKS • 26
URBAN MAGNATE Wichita Urban Professionals (ICT-UP) exists to develop a network of rising leaders to improve the quality of life in the urban communities of Wichita. Urban Magnate is the premier publication of Wichita Urban Professionals covering events and issues of interest to the city’s young, diverse and talented. This bi-monthly publication is available in electronic and hardcopy formats. Hardcopy editions are strategically distributed to ICT-UP members and city, civic and business organizations. Subscriptions are available for $30 annually. Checks may be made payable to the Urban League of Kansas c/o Wichita Urban Professionals’ Urban Magnate, 2418 E. Ninth Street, Wichita, KS 67214. Limited ad space is available for purchase. Contact cmlcollective@gmail.com or call 316-371-8145 for ad inquiries.
Urban Magnate Contributors
Christina M. Long of CML Collective, LLC oversees the majority of reporting, writing, editing, layout and design of this publication in partnership with ICT-UP.
Jonathan Long, Contributing Writer/Reporter Shana Stephens, Contributing Reporter David D. Wallace, Jr., Contributing Photographer Keshia Ezerendu, Contributing Photographer Michael E. Woods, Contributing Photographer
On the front cover: Joseph Shepard, Courtey image for photo illustration featuring cityscape photographed by Christina M. Long On the back cover: Jonathan Long with Brett Harris and Sierra Scott on the set of the Brett and Sierra show
CHRISTINA M. LONG, OWNER/PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT
Bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope.
Join us! Volunteer. Donate.
Learn more at www.wichitahabitat.org Wichita Habitat for Humanity 130 E. Murdock St. Suite 102 Wichita KS 67214 316/269-0755
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ICT-UP JOIN THE MOVEMENT ICTUP.ORG
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WICHITA URBAN PROFESSIONALS: YEAR IN REVIEW By Christina M. Long// Editor, Urban Magnate
W
ichita Urban Professionals, a vision of founding president, Jonathan Long, began with a belief that there is a valuable voice too many of our city’s decisionmaking tables are missing — the voice of the young, diverse and talented. Fueled by that belief, the organization spent one year (2013) structuring for success. What developed was a core group of committed young professionals who began to lay the framework that the group would build upon when it officially launched in September 2014. At its heart, Wichita Urban Professionals is about creating a network of rising leaders to improve the urban communities of Wichita. Through compelling personal and professional coaching, leadership training through the Kansas Leadership Center and dynamic social networking, the organization has become a magnet, attracting young, urban professionals of various races, ethnicities, ages and professional industries. The accomplishments have been numerous. And we’ve only just begun.
SURVEY SAYS: WICHITA URBAN PROFESSIONALS ANCHORS ACTIONS, INITIATIVES WITH DATA
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ichita Urban Professionals received its initial direction from the Our Future— Now survey, administered in Fall 2014. The survey, which received more than 120 responses from the city’s urban core, gave members a roadmap from which to build its mission, initiatives and endeavors. For more information on the survey, or to see results, please visit www.ictup.org or view the article reporting survey results int he first edition of Urban Magnate.
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RESULTS-DRIVEN WICHITA URBAN PROFESSIONALS’ ACCOMPLISHMENTS- YEAR 1
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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT COACHING:
ichita Urban Professionals exists to develop a network of rising leaders to improve the qualiy of life in the urban communities of Wichita. We do this through: personal and professional development coaching, leadership training in partnership with the Kansas Leadership Center and dynamic social networking events. Here are some of our accomplishments in year one.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COACHING:
Wichita Urban Professionals were exposed to top-level talent and sage advice from a variety of seasoned leaders. Professional development coaching included: learning about the Hallmarks of a good leader from Interim County Manager, Ron Holt; hearing Brian Black of Spirit AeroSystems talk about the “golden jelly” of networking and learning how to successfully navigate any room from Kaye Monk Morgan of Upward Bound and Mark McCormick of the Kansas African-American Museum. Sessions drew a combined attendance of more than 50 Urban Professionals.
Renaire Palmer, of Fundamental Fitness, helped ICT-UP members kick off 2014 with healthy eating and fitness tips. The effort has now evolved into Urban Group Fit, a pilot program involving 10 members who are focusing on achieving a healthier lifestyle through bimonthly fitness and nutritional activities combined with daily support via social media interaction.
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LEADERSHIP TRAINING
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ichita Urban Professionals was one of several groups to receive in-kind leadership development training through the Kansas Leadership Center’s Building Community Leadership Effort. The initiative, which was overseen by Shaun Rojas of the center, aimed to “provide an all-encompassing, fromthe-ground-up package of support of in kind training that will position community-based organizations to offer a sustainable leadership program under their own direction to the communities they serve.” The initiative, which spanned 12- to 18 months helped to lay the foundation for LEAD ICT-UP, a leadership course that will kick later this year with ICT-UP members.
SOCIAL NETWORKING
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ichita Urban Professionals believes in the power of a creating a strong network while also showcasing the best of what the city has to offer. In doing so, ICT-UP has held highclass, quality social networking events which have placed members at the top of the city with the Urban Magnate magazine release party at the Penthouse at Mayflower Plaza to the suites at Intrust Bank Arena. The organization also collaborated with Young Professionals of Wichita to hold a mayoral candidate forum. With its proven record of drawing a crowd with quality experiences, ICT-UP plans to announce a major partnership later this year that will surely excite the city’s young, diverse and talented.
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MEMBERSHIP MATTERS WICHITA URBAN PROFESSIONALS’ DRAWS DIVERSE MEMBERSHIP
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ichita Urban Professionals believes in diversity and its membership reflects that belief. The organization’s official membership numbers more than 50 in its first year. Among its representation: a city council candidate, a former mayor, three executive directors of area nonprofits and a dozen entrepreneurs, among others. Our members are achievers with several earning awards including 40 Under 40, Diversity in Leadership, the Twyla J. McFall Young Achievers Award, Black Women Empowered in Wichita award recognition and more. Wichita Urban Professionals also has a robust network of mentors whose sound experience and advice offer another layer of support in our leadership development efforts.
OUR LEADERSHIP
Top Row (L-R): Jonathan Long, President; Danielle Johnson, Vice President; Robert Moody, Treasurer. Bottom Row (L-R): Christina Long, Secretary/Urban Magnate Editor; Troy Andrews, Historian
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URBAN MAGNATE: COVERING WICHITA’S LEADERS, DECISION-MAKERS AND HEADLINERS
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t was only supposed to be a newsletter. Instead, Urban Magnate, the premier publication of Wichita Urban Professionals developed in partnership with CML Collective, LLC, has organically evolved into a popular platform covering issues of interest to the city’s young, diverse and talented. The publication, which is distributed in electronic and hardcopy format, has generated nearly 8,600 impressions with online readership reaching nearly 2,700. Cover stories have featured former Mayor Carl Brewer, Dr. John Bardo, President of Wichita State University, Celebrity Chef Jason Febres to issue-
oriented stories acknowledging the duality of being young, diverse and talented in corporate America, diversity as a growth strategy and more. The photographic skills of Photography by Michael E. Woods, LLC, Jeff Tuttle Photography, Keshia Ezerendu Photography and David Don Wallace, Jr. have created compelling images to complement the content written in large part by Christina Long, Jonathan Long and newly-named contributor, Shana Stephens. For more information about Urban Magnate, please contact Christina Long, editor, Urban Magnate, cmlcollective@gmail.com
JOIN THE MOVEMENT WWW.ICTUP.ORG NEW MEMBERS ARE WELCOME!
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Our Featured Honorees Civic Leadership Award Recipients Brandon Johnson • 16 Angela Scott • 17 Mentor Award Recipient Brian Black • 18 Collegiate Impact Award Recipients Joseph Shepard • 19 Lat.in.a (Latina Interest Association) • 20 Corporate Award Recipient Koch Industries, Inc. • 21 Entrepreneur Award Recipients Carlos Fernandez • 22 Jondalyn Crosby • 23 Featured Speaker Ann Fox • 24
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randon Johnson demonstrates his love for Wichita through progressive programming, investments and initiatives to create a better city for current — and future—residents. Johnson’s civic leadership spans more than 10 years in areas including economic development through youth employment advocacy and job creation, social services and community education. Most recently, Johnson has announced his candidacy to run for the Wichita City Council District I seat following the end of Lavonta Williams’ term in 2017. Among his other endeavors, Johnson created the nonprofit agency, Community Operations Recovery Empowerment (CORE). The agency focuses on community engagement and leadership development, particularly in District 1. Through CORE, Johnson has helped foster dialog between law enforcement and residents through a series of “Know Your Rights” forums and champions health and wellness through the development of a community gardens with produce being distributed to bordering neighborhoods. Johnson’s willingness to lend his voice to community causes is inspired by the notion: “I believe that we are the ones we have been waiting for, and we should be the change that we seek.”
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U
buntu Village was born out of a desire to fill the gap in quality cultural enrichment programming in Wichita, Kansas. Ubuntu is a Swahili word which means I am because we are and represents the essential virtues of family, community, friendship, reciprocity, compassion and humanity. Our mission is to infuse, inspire and ignite the fullness of one’s potential using cultural symbols, language and general way of life to heal, transform and empower diverse learners for global leadership. Our goal is for each family to discover the goodness in oneself and humanity through worldview learning. Thanks to the Roundtable initiative facilitated by The Council of Elders in 2013, individuals like myself were able to connect and build around a number of challenges facing our communities. Education was one of those initiatives. Since the summer of 2013, several individuals have worked to make Ubuntu Village School a reality. Ubuntu Village School officially opened its doors in September 2014 on Saturdays only. In our second year, we are now operating an after school program in collaboration with our partner school, Holy Savior Catholic Academy. We also have added a summer enrichment program and continue to offer our Saturday school schedule throughout the fall and spring semester. I knew very little for sure when I became involved in this endeavor except these things: The Ancestors are with me, my Family supports me and my Ego has no place in transformative work. A civil rights activist once said (and on this journey I found to be true): The Leadership is there. If you go out and work for your people, then the leadership will emerge.
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B
rian Black is a difference maker who is intricately woven into the fabric of Wichita through his community interest, advocacy and investments. Black, who is a Senior Leader of Global Diversity and Corporate Administration for Spirit AeroSystems, provides strategic leadership in the areas of global corporate citizenship, employee charitable giving, community partnering, employee volunteerism, global diversity and response to needs in the community. In addition, he provides leadership for the special events, communications, government relations, executive protocol and food services teams. His community engagement is varied and includes leadership positions with the Wichita Community Foundation Board of Directors to the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity Alpha Nu Boulѐ. Through it all, Black remains constant in his willingness to help prepare people to connect, collaborate and take advantage of opportunities that position people to achieve. At a recent Wichita Urban Professionals workshop, Black offered practical advice for networking including, “Wear a nametag... unless you want to be forgettable.” Another nugget of timeless advice from Black, “It is important to continue learning every day. Always push yourself to continous self improvement.”
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A
s the Student Body President of Wichita State University, Joseph Shepard shares that the impact he’d like to make “is to ensure that I unite individuals from different backgrounds in order to create a more diverse and inclusive atmosphere. When we educate our community on what it means to be culturally competent and accept individuals who come from different walks of life, we create a real community that flourishes together. United we stand, but divided we fall. It is my hope that by the time my term ends I have encouraged the student body to stand united.” When it comes to encouraging others to step into leadership, Shepard shares, “Our world is in need of more young people who will step up to the plate and advocate on behalf of our generation. We cannot change the system unless we become active in the decision making process. Oftentimes young people feel they’re not good enough because they’re not the most wealthiest, smartest or strongest. I am reminded of the words my father told me at a young age: ‘Your Present Condition is not your final Conclusion. Put on the full armor of God knowing that every set back in your life is just a set up for a stronger come back.’ “Don’t let your present condition define your future.”
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T
he girls of the Latina Interest Association saw a growing number of Hispanic women enrolling in college. Some of the women found a hard time connecting with others and other girls wanted a way to celebrate their Hispanic culture. We were told of a former sorority on campus, Kappa Delta Chi, who did an excellent job bridging this gap by providing a support network. The Latina Interest Association began and will now transition to Kappa Delta Chi. The organization is working to help women on campus succeed and to graduate. There are certain academic requirements that must be met to remain in the organization and this encourages several women to exceed these standards. The organization also works to dispel negative Hispanic stereotypes by educating others about Hispanic culture. During the process we learned that leadership was an important quality to become a sorority. Every member was a leader in her own right and helped the group transition to a sorority in less than a year. The women of the Latina Interest Association are grateful to receive this award. We know this wouldn’t be possible without the support of our advisors, WSU Student Involvment, and the many fraternities and sororities on campus that helped us throughout the way.
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K
och Industries’ community engagement, as Meredith Olson describes, focuses on “removing barriers to help others succeed.” The company’s recent contributions and collaborations with organizations including the United Negro College Fund, the Kansas Hispanic Education and Development Foundation, Rise Up for Youth, the Wichita Griots, the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas, its ongoing commitment to Project Impact and its investment in the Innovation Campus at Wichita State University are examples of Koch’s connecting with causes and to help remove barriers and create opportunities.
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G
ive Carlos Fernandez a microphone and he’ll do more than share his success in business as the co-founder of Clutch Studios, a mobile app house. He’ll talk about how the trials he has overcome fuels his passion to help other young people understand the power of perspective, a plan and opportunities to live a more full and vibrant life — even when their immediate surroundings say otherwise. The married father of 7 has seen success on multiple platforms, including with the development and release of Page-Out, an oncall mobile solution for volunteer firefighters and EMS responders. The technology helps responders better coordinate resources to improve response times. And while his work has carried him from Silicone Valley to the White House, the message he carries to others is one of humility fueled by a sincere desire to motivate, encourage and impact. “I wasn’t the most talented guy in my neighborhood,” Fernandez told Urban Magnate earlier this year. “I ask, ‘What’s the reason I’m still here? Why did I make it?’ So I believe it’s my responsibility to help others; to help build.” Follow Carlos Fernandez on Twitter @ losdaworkoholic.
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J
ondalyn Crosby knows she’s walking in favor. In 2012, following the birth of her son, she was inspired to lose 85 pounds. Crosby shared her journey online and began helping other women to start — and complete — their own fitness journeys. One year later, the married mother of four who holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, launched her own business, Road to Hauteness. Now, Crosby brings innovative workouts to the Wichita area. Her latest, the Lil’ Black Dress Bootcamp, kicked off September 1 and will run through October. “I try to keep my events, workouts and camps exciting so that I can keep people motivated and excited about fitness,” said Crosby, who is a certified Aerobics Instructor and Beachbody Coach. Crosby said her classes draw a sisterhood of diverse women at different fitness levels who help motivate one another to reach their fitness goals. And while the sisterhood bond is encouraging, Crosby said her greatest satisfaction comes “when people tell me they don’t have to live or rely on medication.” “Some may have opportunities, but I have favor,” Crosby said of what’s next for Road to Hauteness. “I feel like, as long as my heart is pure in what I’m doing, He’s going to lead me... where He needs me to be.” Follow Crosby on Facebook at Road to Hauteness or email her at joynaya2001@yahoo.com.
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Facility Interiors, Inc. | 1433 W. Frankford Road | Carrollton, TX 75007 www.facilityinteriors.com Charles Griggsby, President
Glam 1 Studio, LLC - Signature Glam Events 2614 E. 21st Street N Wichita, KS 67218 Michelle Griggsby, Owner
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Special thanks
Meet & Learn From “THE
CORPORATE Corporate Standouts - A 2015 Supplement to
10”
•Davis •Dempsey •Dukes •Gladney •Gladney •Jackson •Lee
STANDOUTS
2015
Inside the Sept 3, 2015 Issue of
•Patrick •Woods •Wright
WE'RE HERE; NOW IT'S TIME TO BE PRESENT www.ictup.org