KConnect

What happens when a community takes bold risks to drive change? KConnect shows us exactly how transformative leadership can reshape the future. In this episode of #TogetherForChange, Paris Woods, Ed.D., chief program officer at StriveTogether, is joined by Mark Woltman, vice president at KConnect, and Dr. Shayla Young, vice president at KConnect, as they talk about the work that awarded KConnect the Nancy Zimpher Courage in Leadership Award. Listen here! https://hubs.li/Q038jxJX0

According to, The Delta Project Nonprofit, boys and young men of color are disproportionately represented in the juvenile justice system. Many lack access to mentors who share their lived experiences. The Delta Project is working to change the narrative and support these young men as they navigate their journeys to become what they can’t always see. In one of their recent conversations on the What I Know Now podcast, hosts Bilal and Cole sit down with Dominic, a young man who transformed his life after encountering the juvenile justice system. From interpersonal difficulties as a youth to a high school graduate with his sails set for college, Dominic’s powerful experiences show what is possible through self-determination and positive mentorship. Listen to Dominic's story below!

Join us in welcoming Deshawn Pope, MPA, our Administrative Project Manager! DeShawn's passions are rooted in equity, collaboration, and ensuring her team runs smoothly. With a background in strategic communications, community engagement, and project coordination, she’s helped drive meaningful change in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors—whether by leading volunteer programs or building strong partnerships. A Grand Valley State University MPA graduate, DeShawn’s leadership extends far beyond her day-to-day work. She’s served as Co-Chair of Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Grand Rapids (ynpn.gr) and as a Committee Member for the Council of Michigan Foundations' Annual Conference Program Committee. We're beyond excited to have DeShawn joining our team!

Today, we're recording episode three of our PACE Forward Podcast, focused on women in policy and advocacy. Hosted by Dr. Shayla Young, we are excited to highlight Kathleen Ley Bruinsma, Renell Weathers, and Jayme Vosovic. Thank you to Developing Dreams LLC for hosting us!

Our very own Vice Presidents, Mark Woltman, and Dr. Shayla Young joined the Strive Together: Together for Change podcast to discuss being recognized as 2024 Cradle to Career Network Convening Award winners! Learn more about the impact of systems change and civic infrastructure, along with our Vice Presidents' reflections on the significance of the Nancy Zimpher Courage in Leadership Award here: https://bit.ly/42ZNckh

Meet Dr. Shayla Young, our Vice President! In her role, Dr. Young leads the organization’s policy and advocacy initiatives, as well as community engagement efforts; working to create systemic change while amplifying lived experience expertise and collective action. With a Doctorate from Michigan State University, a Master’s from Purdue, and a Bachelor’s from The Ohio State University, she received all of her degrees for free as a Gates Millennium Scholar. Dr. Young is a faith-driven leader who is deeply committed to her family and community, working to lift the voices of others and drive meaningful, collective action. We are immensely grateful for Dr. Young’s commitment to driving systemic change for our communities!

🎙️ Exciting day at Developing Dreams LLC! The KConnect backbone team is in the studio recording episodes for the KConnect Podcast! 🎧 Get ready to dive into who KConnect is, what we do, and the impactful work ahead in 2025. Stay tuned - new episodes dropping soon!

Meet our Director of System Building, Maegan! With a career spanning behavioral health, higher education, and nonprofits, Maegan brings unique expertise to advancing equity for youth and families. Within the team, she leads cross-sector collaborations to drive systems change from prenatal to career. Previously, Maegan expanded access to education as Assistant Director of Admissions at Grand Valley State University, partnering with programs like Fostering Laker Success to support underrepresented students. Her work reflects a deep commitment to equity and inclusion, which is shown in her leadership roles with local initiatives like the West Michigan Teacher Collaborative and Experience Grand Rapids’ Diversity Advisory Committee. Thank you for all that you do, Maegan!

In Michigan, only 9 out of every 100 Black 8th graders are proficient in math—compared to 1 in 4 of their white peers. Addressing this disparity, STEM Greenhouse, led by Dr. Keli Christopher, has become a catalyst for change in education. The nonprofit recently received a $200,000 grant from Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, to expand its STEM programming and mentorship initiatives in West Michigan, positioning the region as a leader in cultivating STEM opportunities. As Grand Rapids continues to grow as a hub for technology and innovation, Google’s grant to STEM Greenhouse underscores how strategic support can redefine education, prepare students for successful careers, and advance Michigan’s economic future. The latest video from STEM Greenhouse provides some insight into how they seek to create safe spaces for high school students in science and math. Check it out below!

Continuing our celebration of the incredible people that make KConnect, well, connect! Meet our Director of Operations, Stephanie Salamone. With over a decade of experience in fast-paced office environments, Stephanie plays a key role in fostering relationships with our systems change partners and ensuring internal operations run seamlessly through her exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and dedication. A Grand Valley State University (GVSU) graduate with a B.S. in Studio Art and a Data Analytics certificate, Stephanie’s career includes roles at GVSU, North Carolina State University, and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. As a proud Grand Rapids local, Stephanie enjoys live music, festivals, nurturing her ever-growing collection of houseplants, and exploring her passion for interior design. We’re so grateful to have you on this systems change journey with us, Stephanie!