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Profiles in Leadership

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Profiles in Leadership

Kansas City is home to the most dedicated educators, the most committed leaders, and the most inspiring students. Our Profiles in Leadership series introduces some of best and brightest in Kansas City.

Inspiring Educator: LaChelle Nichols

Profile in leadership

LaChelle Nichols is a native of Kansas City. She graduated from Lincoln College Prep Academy and then went on to graduate with B.S. in Industrial Technology from Virginia State University. She holds a M.S. in Adult Education with a concentration in Higher Education from North Carolina A & T State University. Nichols has spent the past eight years helping young people prepare for life after high school.

Profile in Leadership: Marnie Morgan

Profile in leadership

Marnie Morgan Executive Director, 20/20 Leadership Marnie Morgan currently serves as the Executive Director of ...

Profile in Leadership: Edgar Palacios

Profile in leadership, Governance

President & CEO, Latinx Education Collaborative Edgar J. Palacios is the President & CEO (founder) of the Latinx Education Collaborative (LEC), a nonprofit, start-up organization that works to increase the representation of Latinx education professionals in K-12. Edgar previously owned a nonprofit consultancy (EJPKC, LLC) and has had the privilege of working with organizations such as Community Builders of Kansas City; Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City; El Centro, Inc.; Show Me KC Schools; and the Kauffman Foundation.

Profile in Leadership: Nicole Goodman

Profile in leadership

Nicole Goodman is the Superintendent at Scuola Vita Nuova Charter School. She graduated from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa with a B.A. in Elementary Education and a minor in Sports Administration.

Inspiring Educator: Megan Jefferson

Profile in leadership

Megan Jefferson will be beginning her 9th year as a special education teacher this school year. She currently teaches at Kansas City International Academy (KCIA), where she is thankful to be a part of such a wonderful education community!

Profile in Leadership: Harrison Neal Sr.

Profile in leadership

Harrison Neal is the current Principal at Central Middle School. He has also served in leadership roles at Lee A. Tolbert Community Academy and Banneker Elementary. During his time working as a school administrator, Harrison has been recognized with several awards, including the 2017 KCPS Rookie of the Year Award, the 2018 KCPS Attendance Award, and the 2019 KCPS Newcomer Award.

Inspiring Educator: David Price

Profile in leadership

Born and raised in Kansas City, MO. Attended Martin City Elementary/ Middle School in the Grandview School District and Rockhurst High School. Graduated from the University of Kansas City Missouri with a degree in Early Childhood Education and later received a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction.

Exceptional Student Profile: Tamea Levingston

Profile in leadership

My name is Tamea Levingston and I will be a sophomore at Johnson County Community College. I’m pursuing a career in the beauty industry as an Esthetician. I’m passionate about all things wellness related--such as exercising, skin care, and holistic healing. During this chapter of my life I am learning how to navigate through the new and challenging times.

Profile in Leadership: Dr. Jayson Strickland

Profile in leadership

Dr. Strickland has served young people for more than three decades in a number of instrumental roles and capacities. He began his career working in his family’s preschool business. This valuable experience instilled a love for education while cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit. He has described himself as an “edu-preneurial”, a passionate educational leader with an entrepreneurial mode of operation

Inspiring Educator: Salvador Montanez-Espinoza

Profile in leadership

Salvador Montanez was born and raised in Michoacan, Mexico. He moved to the United States in 2011 when he was a sophomore in high school and graduated in 2014. Salvador attended Johnson County Community College and then transferred to the University of Kansas City Missouri, graduating in 2020.

Profile in Leadership: Hilary Cohen Singer

Profile in leadership

Hilary Cohen Singer joined Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) in 2010 and has been Executive Director since 2014. Hilary has over 20 years’ experience in nonprofit leadership, program development and strategic planning. Prior to joining JVS, Hilary was a Planning Executive at UJA-Federation of New York, working to support community-building efforts in the Russian Jewish Community.

Exceptional Student Profile: Jade Valdez

Profile in leadership

Jade Valdez is a recent graduate of East High School and was a 2021 recipient of the Hispanic Development Fund Scholarship and is attending Avila University in the Fall. Born in California into a close-knit immigrant family, Jade is the oldest of four children and is a first-generation college student.