Welcome to the 10th Community Animator Cohort!
I wanted to take a minute to introduce y’all to this INCREDIBLE group of folks that make up our TENTH Animator Cohort! We had a great time at our cohort kickoff and I cannot wait to see the amazing discoveries and connections these folks make in their neighborhoods throughout the next twelve weeks!
Front Row: Cynthia Pizzini, LaWanda DeShazer, Kerrie Baker, Chianne Lowe, Jessica Maldonado, Carmen Macias, Grace Parker Sutter
Back Row: Tyrone Berry, Durell Gilmore, Michael Lewis, Kayln Boesen, Kieryn McCann, Me (Marisa)
Michael: Michael’s warmth, honesty, and charisma make him an incredible connector in his neighborhood and community! Heavily involved in local youth outreach, Michael helps host the Jeff Hill Basketball camp during the summer where he mentors kids both on and off the court. He also serves as a Future Ready Advocate for USD 259! In his free time, Michael enjoys sports, grilling, fruit pies, and spending time with his family!
Cynthia: Fun, witty, and vivacious, Cynthia is an amazing storyteller. Originally from New York, she spent over fifteen years abroad before moving to Wichita with her husband about three years ago. She is currently a junior at WSU working on completing a major in Marketing with an emphasis in Real Estate. Cynthia plans to use that knowledge as a basis to create a nonprofit in Wichita focused on accessible affordable housing! We are so lucky to have her as a part of this cohort!
Kalyn: As soon as you talk to Kalyn, her kindness is immediately apparent. She has an incredibly grounding presence that makes her such a natural connector! Kalyn is currently working on her Master of Social Work at WSU and is passionate about our connection to the land and how that can positively impact our mental health. In her free time, you can find Kalyn hosting yoga in the park, creating her loose-leaf tea blends, or gardening native plants!
Kerrie: Kerrie’s ability to be vulnerable with others is her superpower! She is an amazing connector who is passionate about mental health and making sure that folks have the resources that they need not to just survive but thrive. Kerrie enjoys crocheting impressive drag costumes as well as woodworking, something that her grandpa taught her during her childhood. Also, Kerrie has applied to be on Survivor nearly every year since the show began in the early 2000s and that’s an incredible fun fact.
Chianne: Chianne’s empathy and compassion for others make her a fantastic connector in her neighborhood and community! She’s deeply passionate about ensuring that kids have access to the resources that they need to develop and succeed. In her spare time, Chianne enjoys building craft miniatures as well as repotting her house plants!
Durell: Durell lives in our founding South Central neighborhood! We are thrilled to have him be a part of this cohort! Durell is part of the Cure Violence team at Destination Innovation and works closely with the neighborhood youth. He is very passionate about community engagement and his personable nature makes him a remarkable connector with others! In his free time, Durell makes an incredible stuffed shell and has a keen interest in history, particularly in the Black Panthers!
Carmen: Carmen is an incredibly active community member! After growing up in Wichita, she left for a few years to attend college in KC and then served through AmeriCorps in Montana. She currently volunteers at The Phoenix Gym, a local sober volunteer-led gym. Carmen excels at holding space for others and active listening which enables her to connect with folks easily. Right now she’s adventuring into the realm of baking and enjoys comparing book to movie adaptations! (she gives fantastic book recs btw)
Kieryn: Kieryn’s passion for inclusivity and belonging make per a positive force for change in the McPherson community. Kieryn has been active in the nonprofit spaces and is no stranger to grassroots efforts - having been involved with “McPherson Says Thanks,” a program recognizing local businesses as pillars of the community. Kieryn’s cheerful and open nature make per a fantastic connector! Kieryn enjoys rollerskating and will venture to Wichita as often as possible to hit up the skating rinks!
Jessica: Jessica embodies local community care and involvement! Passionate about justice of all kinds, Jessica is the co-president of the League of Women’s Voters and is involved in various local environmentalist groups. Bold, kind, and personable, Jessica connects with others easily and is an incredible asset to her neighborhood and community. In her free time, she enjoys rock music and local films!
LaWanda: With a passion for local politics, LaWanda is incredibly active in the local community! LaWanda’s kind, personable disposition gives her an incredible knack for networking and connecting with folks. LaWanda has sat on many local boards and has also been involved with local youth mentorship! We are so excited to have LaWanda be a part of our TNM community!
Tyrone: Tyrone’s continued commitment to his community is apparent through his involvement in various local roles and programs. A pastor at his church, a Future Ready Advocate for USD 259, and a volunteer who works with youth in the foster care system, Tyrone is a pillar in his community! He has lived in his current neighborhood in Wichita for over sixteen years. Tyrone’s favorite dessert is coconut cream pie (the correct answer).
Grace: Thoughtful, attentive, and empathetic, Grace is a remarkably natural connector. Grace grew up in Wichita and she recently moved to the College Hill area with her family after spending some time in Kansas City. Throughout her career, she has taught kids and adults of various grades and levels in the education system. Grace approaches relationships from a lens of curiosity and love, influenced by her faith. In her free time, Grace enjoys reading and writing (she also has some excellent book recs).
We are so excited to welcome this newest cohort to The Neighboring Movement, and we are so thankful for all that they bring to their neighborhoods and communities! Stay tuned for updates as they complete Phase 1 of the Community Animator Network!
As always, if you want to continue to support our work here at The Neighboring Movement, you can make a one-time or recurring donation here.
