Expanding Your Reach for Mission Fulfillment Through Board Diversity

When a nonprofit’s board reflects the diversity of the community served, the organization will be better able to access resources in the community through connections with potential donors and/or collaborative partners.  A diverse board will improve the nonprofit’s ability to respond to external influences that are changing the environment for those served by the organization.  This hybrid/virtual program will allow you to hear from non-profit leaders who have diversified their board and bring their perspectives on building a better board.

Please join our panelists: Carlee Stensaas, Denise Sherman & Joseph Shepard along with moderator Heather Gennette

Dr. Carlee Stensaas is a Concordia, KS native who returned to her hometown looking to make a difference.  She is the Manager and Pharmacist in Charge at Auburn Pharmacy since 2017.  Carlee has been a part of the Cloud County Community College Foundation Board since 2021.  As a young professional she brings a new, fresh perspective to the CCCC Foundation Board.  She has been integral on the Diversity and Inclusion taskforce, which is a new initiative of the Board.

Denise serves as the Executive Director for The Kansas African American Museum where she provides leadership by strategically focusing on the African American story. Using technology and innovative ideas, Ms. Sherman has retooled and upgraded educational programs for virtual/online access, developed new cultural awareness and enrichment programming in response to DE&I, social and political climates, as well as moderated and participated in panel discussions with community leaders regarding sensitive, relevant, and compelling issues and topics. Ms. Sherman credits her Master of Science in Organizational Development degree from Friends University in reorganizing TKAAM to serve as a cultural hub for the State of Kansas.

Many people born into poverty and hardship have a hard time overcoming it. Joseph Shepard took a difficult childhood to change the trajectory of his life. Born into a military family, Shepard recalls sleeping in a car, living in homeless shelters, and struggling to maintain a stable lifestyle. Those experiences, coupled with other hardships, help shape his passion to tackle critical challenges that hinder young people from achieving their American dream. As a first-generation college graduate, Shepard holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Master’s degree in Public Administration with a focus in nonprofit management and is currently working on his Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership at Wichita State University. Shepard is a community mobilizer, champion for youth and young professionals as well a conversational catalyst for equity and inclusion. In 2021, Shepard left his career in higher education to pursue his calling and passion for young people through Lead For America. Shortly after his onboarding, Joseph successfully launched Lead For Kansas, an affiliate organization of Lead For America. Since his start with Lead For America, Shepard has been promoted to Chief of Staff to CEO of Lead For America, Joe Nail, overseeing partnerships, execution of strategic plans, staff morale and the national hometown fellowship which serves over 100+ fellows across the country. When not working for LFA, Joseph spends time serving in the community through various non-profit organizations.

Heather Gennette has worked in the non-profit world for nearly 12 years.  She has served as the CCCC Foundation’s Coordinator of Fundraising and Alumni Relations, Interim Executive Director and now the Director of the Foundation.  Through these roles, she has been able to learn and understand every working part and the importance of the Foundation and its mission.  She finds joy in meeting with donors and alumni who contribute to the scholarships and foundation funds and love helping the students she sees and talks with daily.  The impact of all the work that goes into fundraising and building relationships is what she finds most rewarding. Staying engaged and volunteering with community projects and events is very important to Heather, especially ones where she can use a power tool or dress up as a Christmas elf.  She has been a member of Concordia’s Pros of Con, Musicfest and Business in Motion committees.