Centurions NOW - September 25, 2023

DEI: CLOSURE IS NOT JUSTICE

This private Centurions event on September 26 will explore the art project that challenges the convictions from the 1988 South Kansas City explosion that killed six firefighters. This event will feature guest speakers Andrew Johnson, creator of the exhibition, and Bryan Sheppard, one of the five people convicted in 1997 of causing the explosion. Bryan was released early from his life sentence in 2017, although he and the other four remain convicted of the crime. All five have always maintained their innocence. Register here >>

SOCIAL COFFEE

Recurring Social coffees or lunches will be held at various locations around KC on the last Thursday of every month. Check GroupMe for locations and specific event contact people each month. Food and beverage will be available for purchase at the venue. Please register for the event here so we will have an accurate headcount for the event. Register here >>

ISSUES UP CLOSE: AFFORDABLE HOUSING

The Kansas City Housing Discussion will be a great discussion with Centurion's own Geoff Jolley, KCMO's Director of Housing and Community Development Blain Proctor, and Marvin Lyman, Partner at Equitable Development Institute.

This discussion will cover the current environment in the housing market in Kansas City and what current policies and opportunities are available. This conversation will also help set the stage to a housing discussion that will be continued in Portland. Register here >>

LEADERSHIP UP CLOSE: MAKI MOUSSAVI

Maki Moussavi is an executive coach, speaker, and author who helps executives and organizations empower, strengthen and transform their leadership and teams. Maki provides the mental tools and accountability to enable highly transformative, professional, and personal development that focuses on "reprogramming" to a new authentic, mindset. Her tools align personal, career, and organizations aspirations while gaining clarity on direction and vision. She also supports executive teams and organizations to empower meaningful change during times to transition or cultural challenges.

Through speaking and coaching Maki teaches the unique process she has created, The Aligned Executive, using the wisdom and knowledge she gained through her experience as a corporate career veteran and Master's-trained genetic counselor, as well as her own journey from being confined to empowered. Register here >>

CENTURIONS INFORMATION SESSIONS

Do you know someone who would make an excellent Centurion? Have them join us at our first information session of the season on Tuesday, October 3 from 3-5 p.m. at Chicken N Pickle (South). The Centurions application is now open and is due January 15, 2024. The application and more information about the Centurions Leadership Program can be found here. Information Session registration >>

REMINDER: SIGN UP TO ACCESS SERVICE PROJECTS ON VOLUNTEERMARK

There are several contact-free, small group, or outdoor volunteer opportunities that are now open and are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ready to serve? Check out VolunteerMark for a few opportunities that are still in need of volunteers. Check the calendar regularly as new projects are added weekly and look for newsletter announcements or GroupMe to sign-up for projects in which spots still need to be filled.

Upcoming Projects In Need of Volunteers:

• September 28 – Rosedale Middle School 6th Grade Career Jumping
• September 29 – Your Royal Grace
• September 29 – Cross-Lines Gala for Hope
• September 29 – Pork N Boots American Royal BBQ
• September 30 – Dream Big Day
• September 30 – NKC Schools Career Mentorship Program

CENTURIONS INFORMATION SESSIONS

Do you know someone who would make an excellent Centurion? Have them join us at our first information session of the season on Tuesday, October 3 from 3-5 p.m. at Chicken N Pickle (South). The Centurions application is now open and is due January 15, 2024. The application and more information about the Centurions Leadership Program can be found here. Information Session registration >>

REMINDER: SIGN UP TO ACCESS SERVICE PROJECTS ON VOLUNTEERMARK

There are several contact-free, small group, or outdoor volunteer opportunities that are now open and are on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Ready to serve? Check out VolunteerMark for a few opportunities that are still in need of volunteers. Check the calendar regularly as new projects are added weekly and look for newsletter announcements or GroupMe to sign-up for projects in which spots still need to be filled

Upcoming Projects In Need of Volunteers:

• September 28 – Rosedale Middle School 6th Grade Career Jumping
• September 29 – Your Royal Grace
• September 29 – Cross-Lines Gala for Hope
• September 29 – Pork N Boots American Royal BBQ
• September 30 – Dream Big Day
• September 30 – NKC Schools Career Mentorship Program

INFORMATIONAL MASTERMIND: SUBSTANCE ABUSE, ADDICTION, AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Register now for a Mini-Task Force hosted by the Centurions Alumni Association. Join in a conversation with educators, police, treatment providers, and individuals impacted by substance use and behavioral health in the greater Kansas City area. More info coming soon. Register here >>

ALUMNI DIRECTORY AND DUES

Emails were sent requesting updated information for the 2023-2024 Centurions Alumni Directory.

We want to do our best to help you stay connected to fellow alumni. If you would like to continue your Centurions Alumni Association membership, feel free to follow this link to pay online by scrolling down to the "Centurions Invoice Payment" section to pay the $75 alumni dues. On the form, include the code “AD-2023” when it requests an invoice number, and include your first and last name in the notes section so we can pair each payment to the appropriate alumnus. All Apex 2023 graduates were invoiced in early 2023-2024 Alumni dues. If you registered for the Alumni Luncheon you also paid your dues for the upcoming year as part of the fees.

Alumni Dues: Please Remember that 100% of alumni dues go toward alumni programming, existing scholarships for active Centurions, and beginning last fall, a new DEI Legacy scholarship opportunity. The Centurions Alumni Association is committed to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Centurions program. As a first step in this effort the Centurions Alumni Board has created the DEI Legacy Scholarship. This Scholarship covers the full cost of tuition and trip fees for one professional from a traditionally underrepresented group who is working to create equity within Kansas City. We hope to fund one scholarship per class on an ongoing basis.

Joining the Alumni Association guarantees you a copy of the Alumni Directory once it’s published in the fall. Please stay tuned for more information on upcoming events.