Centurions NOW - June 10, 2024
Jun 10, 2024
REGISTER NOW! CENTURIONS ALUMNI ANNUAL MEETING
Edgar J. Palacios is the President & CEO (and founder in 2018) of the Latinx Education Collaborative (LEC), a nonprofit aiming to increase Latinx representation among K-12 education professionals. He previously owned a nonprofit consultancy (EJPKC, LLC) and worked with various organizations, including Community Builders of Kansas City and the Kauffman Foundation. Edgar served as Executive Director of Blue Hills Community Services, leading it through a merger, and held senior roles at Connections to Success and Central Exchange. He holds an MBA from Rockhurst University and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
A 2021 LEC report highlighted a disparity: only 261 Latinx teachers for 51,000 Latinx K-12 students in greater Kansas City. The LEC works across three verticals: community, pathway exposure, and building culture, aiming to support and retain Latinx teachers and inspire students to consider teaching. They focus on creating environments where teachers of color thrive.
The LEC also founded Revolución Educativa (RevED) to empower the Latinx community in education. In 2023, they expanded their mission to also advance Latino youth. Key achievements include professional development for 470 educators, launching the EducaTec digital skills program, and engaging 438 students in education careers, supported by strategic partnerships.
Edgar values role models who are visionary, inclusive, community-centered, risk-taking, and passionate, traits he embodies in his work. Centurions Alumni and graduating second-year Apex Centurions are welcome to join us as we recognize Edgar at the Annual Alumni Meeting on July 23, 2024 from 8-10 a.m. Learn more and register here >>
PINNACLE
PINNACLE AT BOULEVARDIA
Pinnacle Social and family will meet at Crux KC to enjoy light appetizers before heading to the Boulevardia festival for the evening. This is a family friendly event, and we will have a small toast to honor those for Father’s Day! Register here>>
PINNACLE SOCIAL COFFEE
Pinnacle's Steering Committee would like to join in on monthly coffees. 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 >>
PINNACLE NIGHT AT THE K
Hit a Home Run with Us at the Royals Game! Get ready for a night of fun, excitement, and America's favorite pastime! We're thrilled to invite you and your families to join us for an unforgettable night at the ballpark. Please note that attendees are responsible for their own parking and game day ticket purchases. Register here>>
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:
- June 11 – Newhouse New Day Breakfast
- June 12 – Rose Brooks Kitchen Assistance
- June 15 – June Teenth
- June 17 – KC Autism Training Center Golf Tournament
- June 21 – Kansas City BBQ Festival
- July 9 – JA BizTown: Help Students Run a City
- July 12 – Bowl for Kids’ Sake
- July 22 – Cigars & Pars Golf Tournament
APEX
APEX LEGACY SELECTION
The Legacy Selection event for the next Apex Legacy project will be June 10 at 4:30 at Burns & McDonnell. Please join us as the two finalists give their presentations to the cohort and the first-year Apex class will vote to select the next project! Register here >>
APEX CLUB 40 CELEBRATION
Thank you for sharing your gifts of time and talent with our Kansas City community throughout the 2023-2024 program year, you've gone above the call of duty. Now it's our turn to celebrate you. Please join us at 4 p.m. on June 13 for food, drinks, and fun at Blade and Timber - Power and Light as you're inducted into the most prestigious club around... Club 40! This event is invite only, but please register here >>
SHARING OUR STORIES – UNLOCKING THE POWER OF DE&I
Join us on June 18 at 5:30 p.m. to learn about unlocking the power of DE&I in your day to day life. The objective for the evening is to help individuals identify actionable steps to practice inclusivity in their daily interactions. Steps will be identified through planned activities that focus on fostering empathy and understanding among Centurions, including open discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion through the sharing of personal stories. Register here >>
APEX AT THE KANSAS CITY ROYALS
The Kansas City Royals are playing some ball - and we want to cheer them on! Join Apex for the final social event of the year! Register to watch the Kansas City Royals take on the Miami Marlins on Monday, June 24 at 7:10 p.m. You must register on the Chamber website to be included. Registration closes at 12:00 p.m. on June 17! Register here >>
APEX SECOND-YEAR EXECUTIVE BREAKFAST
Second-Year Centurions and their executives are invited to attend this breakfast to learn about the accomplishments of the graduating Centurions over the last two years. This is also an opportunity to see how their investment in the program will return a more engaged, educated, thoughtful, and connected leader. Register here>>
APEX CLASS OF 2024 GRADUATION
They've learned, they've served and they've led. Now, join us as they graduate! The Social Committee cordially invites you to gather with your fellow Centurions and their guests as we celebrate the important work that the Second Years have achieved during their time with us. We'll also announce the winners of three big honors: Centurion of the Year, Outstanding First Year, and Task Force of the Year. Register here>>
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:
- June 11 – Newhouse New Day Breakfast
- June 12 – Rose Brooks Kitchen Assistance
- June 15 – June Teenth
- June 17 – KC Autism Training Center Golf Tournament
- June 21 – Kansas City BBQ Festival
- July 9 – JA BizTown: Help Students Run a City
- July 12 – Bowl for Kids’ Sake
- July 22 – Cigars & Pars Golf Tournament
ALUMNI
REGISTER NOW! CENTURIONS ALUMNI ANNUAL MEETING
Join the Centurions Alumni Association for our annual meeting during breakfast on July 23 where we kick off the new membership year and honor Edgar Palacios, the 2024 Benard Powell Award recipient. Enjoy a fantastic breakfast at United Way of Greater Kansas City and networking with our alumni. The event is open to Centurions Alumni and graduating second-year Apex Actives. Register here >>
Interested in serving on the 2024-2025 Centurions Alumni Board? Let us know by completing a brief application by June 7, 2024. Complete the application here>>
LEGACY VOLUNTEERING – IVANHOE PARK CELEBRATION
Alumni will join Pinnacle Actives on June 29 to support the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council (current Legacy project) Park Celebration, an outdoor festival-type event. Volunteers will be assisting with grilling and passing out food, setting up, assisting with check-in, helping with giveaways, monitoring bouncy houses, cotton candy, popcorn, etc. This will be a fun and meaningful opportunity to engage with fellow alumni and actives while supporting one of Kansas City's dynamic neighborhood orgs! Please register via Sign-Up Genius >>