Thrive Allen County’s Damaris Kunkler stands out among the 15 selected by the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City to participate in the Healthy Communities Leadership Academy. The majority of this year’s participants are from the Kansas City area. Kunkler, program director at Thrive, is the lone candidate from a rural community.
The academy is designed to help community directors develop expertise to help promote policy and environmental changes that will promote a healthier lifestyle, something that Thrive Allen County already strives to do, Kunkler said.
The yearlong program includes workshops that focus on civic leadership, policy, community collaboration and resource leveraging.
The process of applying was extensive, according to Kunkler.
“We had to do a self-evaluation,” she said. “I found out I’m good at collaboration, but I need to build on leveraging the resources.”
She was very excited when she found out she was chosen.
“I feel like I’m ready,” she said. “They will help polish up those rough edges and teach me how to convey a message more clearly.”
Jennifer Sykes, communication officer for HCFGKC, said this is the second year for the leadership academy. The first round of participants graduated this June.
Brenda Calvin, program officer for HCFGKC, said the first class helped them learn what needed to be added to the program for the next group to be even better.
“We learned we need mentoring, so they have an opportunity to share what they learned,” Calvin said.
Kunkler’s group will be mentored by graduates from the first class. This will help promote sharing and experimenting with ideas, Calvin said.
Kunkler said she was looking forward to meeting the group as a whole and be surrounded by those who have similar passions and goal. But, Kunkler added, the best part of all — and one of the goals of the academy — would be bringing all she learns back home to make a difference in Allen County.
“I love working here,” she said. “This is my home town area, so I’m passionate about serving my community.”
Thrive director selected for leadership academy
