Kansas City, MO – Connections to Success will host its annual Tribute to Success luncheon at The Gallery on February 26th, bringing together community leaders, partners, and supporters to celebrate transformation, connection, and economic mobility.
Tribute to Success is a signature fundraising and community event for the organization. In past years, the event has raised more than $450,000 and attracts attendees from across the greater Kansas City area who share a passion for empowering individuals to thrive through restored hope, career readiness, and a lifelong family. Presented by Southwest Airlines, the official airline of Connections to Success, the celebration will honor the impact of Connections to Success and recognize the individuals, employers, and community partners who make lasting change possible by supporting individuals on their path to self-sufficiency and long-term success.
This year’s event features as its keynote speaker Joanie Bily, Chief Executive Officer of Dress for Success Worldwide. Bily is a nationally recognized workforce leader with more than 30 years of experience in employment and talent solutions. As CEO of Dress for Success, she leads the global non-profit in advancing women’s economic independence through career readiness, professional development, and workforce access. The collaboration between Connections to Success and Dress for Success supports women in the region as they prepare for employment and long-term success.
“Tribute to Success is about celebrating what’s possible when people are connected to opportunity, encouragement, and support,” said Brandi Jahnke, CEO of Connections to Success. “These events allow us to honor the stories of transformation we witness every day, while also shining a light on the partners and community members who help make that possible. As longtime network members of Dress for Success, we are excited to welcome CEO Joanie Bily to Kansas City and highlight the important connection between workforce readiness and economic mobility.”
Proceeds from the event support Connections to Success programs that help families impacted by poverty, incarceration, unemployment, and other barriers achieve long-term economic independence.
About Connections to Success:
Founded in 1998, Connections to Success is a non-profit organization based in Missouri, with locations in St. Louis, Columbia, and Kansas City. Connections to Success offers comprehensive support to families working toward economic stability and growth by providing practical resources, career preparation, and a strong foundation for lasting success. The organization provides a comprehensive network of services and referrals to help people achieve economic independence after facing challenges such as generational poverty, incarceration, and violence. The Connections to Success model integrates training opportunities, life transformation coaching, support services, and job development to set participants up for long-term success. This evidence-based model delivers a measurable ROI, resulting in sustainable change that positively impacts all areas of a person’s life while also having a positive influence on the community.
Since its original start in 1998, the organization has served over 40,000 individuals throughout Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois.
