Click the GuideStar link to go directly to Connections’ page!
We are a proud member of:
Passion: Inspire action, life-long engagement, dedication, commitment to results
Hope: Seeing and believing in possibilities, a path to a brighter future
Collaboration: Trusted partnerships, shared visions, teamwork
Leadership: Lead by example, forward thinking, inspire others, drive the vision
Excellence: Raise the bar, set and maintain high standards, never compromise results
Compassion: Empathy, shine a light on dreams, listen, seek to understand
Inclusion: Everyone is welcome, we recognize differences & engage without judgment.
We currently offer Connections to Success programs in five cities:
Kansas City, KS
Kansas City, MO
Columbia, MO
St. Charles, MO
St. Louis, MO
Poonnasa Corn
Board President
Edward Jones,
Senior Director-High
Net Worth Segment
Wendy Savlin
Board Vice President
T-Mobile,
Sr. Director Employee Experience
& Culture Enablement
Elizabeth Lawson
Board Treasurer
BJC HealthCare,
Vice President – Finance
Leslie Boe
Board Secretary
Dysart Taylor McMonigle
Brumitt & Wilcox, P.C.
Madeline Franz
Board Vice President Elect
MedMutual Protect,
Director of Agency
Growth & Development
John Heddens
UMB Bank, AVP Commercial Banking
Michelle Moersch
Emerson, VP Audit & Compliance
Dr. Tyjaun Lee
Metropolitan Community College, Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services
Mike Morales, Jr., PHR
Walmart, Regional People Director
Eric M. Madkins
Regions Bank, Vice President, Community Development Manager
Rev. Robin Morgan
Rock of Ages Baptist Church, Senior Pastor
Samantha Marble
Simmons Bank, Regional Marketing Specialist
Jeff Morris
World Wide Technology, Chief Digital Advisor
Melanie O’Brien
Southwest Airlines, Regional Manager, Community Outreach
Carla Smocks
Executive Coach and Consultant, Keisha’s Closet
Rosalina Syahriar
RSyahriar Integrated Coaching, Life & Wellness Coach
Virginia Van Berkum
World Wide Technology, Senior Marketing Manager
Goals: YPB members support the mission of Connections to Success through three key areas: volunteerism, fundraising and raising awareness.
Staff Liaison- Anna Vobejda, Connections to Success, Resource Development Manager
Board Liaison-
Samantha Marble, Connections to Success Board of Directors, Simmons Bank
Young Professionals Board Members
Lindsay Coffey, Lowes
Lisa Durkin, Jobs for the Future (JFF)
Collin Fischer, Independent Contractor-Energy & Power Expert
Morgan Geile, EPRI
Alex Hager, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust
Lorenzo Harrison, Lorenzo Harrison Enterprise & Church of God in Christ
Heather Jaconis, Prosperity Connection
Heather Keeling, Safety National
Catherine Kickham, Wexford Labs
Amber Taylor, Enterprise Mobility
Elizabeth Taylor, Commerce Bank
Macy Vulgamore, Buttonwood Financial
Josh Williams, Regions Bank
Application Process:
Member Benefits:
