Nancy, a first-generation Mexican American from Western Kansas, is passionate about community engagement and marketing. A graduate of Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing, she began her career at a tech agency, where she honed her digital marketing skills and gained experience in the dynamic world of technology and business. Now based in Kansas City, Nancy continues to grow professionally while staying committed to representing her community. With a strong dedication to fostering meaningful connections, she actively engages in local initiatives that uplift and support those around her.

Andres Mata is a 2017 graduate of Salina South High School and a 2021 graduate of Bethany College. With a lifelong commitment to public service, Andres has been actively involved in politics and community engagement since the age of nine.

At just eleven years old, Andres led a successful fundraising campaign for Haiti, raising over $3,400 in two weeks. By the age of thirteen, he was appointed to the Salina Human Relations Commission by Mayor Norm Jennings. His subsequent appointment to the Salina City Planning Commission from 2015 to 2017 further solidified his role as a young voice in local government and community development.

During his time at Bethany College, Andres was recognized for his leadership and community impact. He was awarded the 2019-2020 Student Leader Community Award for his research on food insecurity, which sparked community conversations and ultimately led to the creation of the Dala Pantry in Lindsborg.

From 2017 to 2021, Andres gained valuable experience lobbying on behalf of everyday Americans in Washington, D.C.

When not engaged in civic activities, Andres enjoys traveling, following professional sports, and spending time with loved ones. 

Fatima Contreras, a 2016 graduate of Salina Central High School, has been studying at Fort Hays State University since then and plans to earn her Bachelor's in Social Work in May 2021, followed by a Master’s degree. Actively involved on campus, she has worked as a Student Assistant for Student Engagement, participated in The National Society of Leadership and Success, served as a Welcome and Orientation Leader, and contributed to the Hispanic American Leadership Organization and Hispanic College Institute, earning the NASPA IV-W Rising Star Award for her leadership. Currently holding the title of Miss Hays Latina, she advocates for mental health awareness in immigrant families, emphasizing the need for resources and support. Passionate about immigrant rights, equality, and mental health, Fatima also enjoys concerts, traveling, soccer, adventure, and spending time with loved ones.

I'm a currently a Junior at Fort Hays State University, majoring in Construction Management. I am originally born in Mexico and moved to Kansas City at the age of 13. I am someone who wants to make an impact on  the community. I am a firm believer of reciprocity of knowledge, I am always eager to learn and grow!

My name is Kelin Rodriguez and I am a recent graduate of Bethany College, where I obtained a bachelor's degree in Pre-med Biology. In the future, I wish to become a physician with the appropriate education and experience, and I hope to continue seeking my dream of working in the medical field.

Nailea Mata is a current student of Sacred Heart High School. She is a part of the Band playing the flute since age of 9. She qualified and attended the 3-2-1A Kansas State Debate tournament and placed 18th this past January. She is passionate about music and art. She heavily enjoys anything that has to do with science!

Her policy interests include: gender equality and climate change. 

Hi! My name's Sophie, and I'm currently a sophomore biology major with a gerontology minor at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. I'm on the premed track, hoping to enter rural healthcare,  I'm excited to start in this position and to learn!

Currently pursuing a Masters degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. Looking forward to using the educational and personal skills developed in order to help make change. Currently helping serve the Kansas Civic Network from the Kansas City metro area.

Passionate and creative student at the University of Missouri

My name is Afifa! I am a first-year student at Texas Christian University pursuing my bachelor’s in computer science. I currently have my associates dress from Hill college at Liberal Arts. I can’t wait to help make an impact in many rural communities.

Hi, my name is Ajitesh Venkatesh. I am a motivated and passionate learner from Troy, Michigan. I am currently enrolled in Supply Chain Management at Michigan State University and have a comprehensive knowledge of business analytics. I joined KCN as a donor relations intern to gain more knowledge about a different aspect of my career, contribute to community awareness, and help educate people about KCN. In my role at KCN, I assist in searching and managing potential partners and donors to help the organization of the Kansas civic network. 

Kathleen Alonso was born in Silver City, New Mexico and raised in Liberal Kansas. Alonso is a first generation Mexican-American. She is currently a student at Seward County Community College and is working on her bachelor's degree and hopes to attend law school in the future. Her passions include community organizing, advocacy, and voter engagement. Alonso occupies her time with non-profit work and several groups and organizations in her community. During her free time, she loves to spend time with her family and friends.

Chelsey Crawford-Cline graduated from Bethany College with a bachelor's degree in Secondary Social Studies Education. She teaches 8th grade United States History at Lakewood Middle School in Salina, Kansas. Along with teaching, Chelsey is the Scholar's Bowl coach, assistant 7th grade girls' basketball coach, and the Civics Club sponsor. Pursuing her love of History, Chelsey is also an active member of the Kansas Anthropological Association and the Kansas Historical Society. In her spare time, Chelsey does free-lance writing for local and state publications, travels as much as possible, works in her gardens, and enjoys spending time with family.

Hello, my name is Hunter Feyerherm. I graduated from KU with a Bachelor's in Political Science with two minors in Public Policy and Economics. As a believer in strong civic networks, I hope to make Kansas a role model State for citizens who would like to be more civically engaged. 

Volunteering has also played a major role in my life. When I was growing up, my Mother operated her own non-profit: The Love, Chloe Foundation. Seeing the impact her non-profit had families not just locally, but also globally, taught me a lot about the importance of volunteering. 

Now is more important than ever that we maintain strong communal ties. I think it's also extremely important that young people seek to get involved as much as they can. The impact that younger citizens can have can be long lasting, which is vital. Overall, I hope to break down any of the age barriers that may exist and also seek to promote a healthy environment for people of all backgrounds to increase their volunteering aspirations.

Hello! My name is Amri' Littlejohn a proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School (Tulsa) and I have been continuing my education at Bethany College, an honor student double majoring in Political Science and Religion. I spent my high school career focusing on activism. I used poetry to teach on important topics regarding social justice and the actions we all can take to aid in the betterment of the community. I was blessed to perform for Stacey Abrams book tour, I have had the opportunity to study under the ACLU, and shadow elected state representative Regina Goodwin at the Oklahoma State Capitol. 

In my free time, I enjoy practicing mindfulness, writing poetry, trying out new foods, and learning DIYs .. who doesn't love a good DIY? 

Hello, my name is Jessica Loera and I am so honored and excited to start this new journey with the KCN. I am a 2015 GBHS alum as well as a 2020 FHSU Alum and I am currently studying at WSU. I have always enjoyed working within my community and trying to help shape and inspire the youth within. During my undergrad I had the opportunity to coach for the local middle school girls soccer team and at FHSU I was actively involved in the NSLS (National Society of Leadership and Success). I was the SNT (Student Networking Team )Leader and in this organization we put together opportunities for students as well as our community such as a working on activity planning and talking about our goals and then enjoying pottery class together, as well as hosting a blood drive during a FHSU basketball game for students and the community.One of my passions is helping others especially those who may be underrepresented in our communities and that is why I am so honored and excited to work as the new Chief Belonging Officer for KCN. I am excited to see how all of us together, can make a change.

Kylee Gullion is a 2016 graduate of Manhattan High School. She is also a recent graduate of the University of Kansas earning a degree in environmental studies and a minor in anthropology. During her time at KU, she was involved in various clubs and activities ranging from color guard to environmental clubs.

Full-time everything: student, mom, and worker. I found my passion for helping others through higher education, and I am currently in my last semester of my senior year at Emporia State University. I am looking forward to grad school right after my undergrad.

Hello! My name is Jazmin Jasso and I am a first-generation college student. I am a first-year at the University of Kansas majoring in Social Work and minoring in Psychology. I am really excited to be part of the Kansas Civic Network and get a head start in a career that I am passionate about.

Alvaro Escobedo, a 2017 graduate of Salina South High School and 2019 graduate of Fort Hays State University, attended the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs through a student exchange program while serving as a legislative aide for U.S. Senator Michael F. Bennet and working with Lutheran Refugee Services. A dedicated advocate for immigrant rights and a DACA recipient, he completed World Relief Immigration Law Training to assist refugees and immigrants with legal processes. He volunteers for Catholic Charities, Sigma Chi’s Huntsman Cancer Institute, and political campaigns while also serving in local government roles. In his free time, Alvaro enjoys music (especially Frank Ocean), traveling, kayaking, playing sports, exploring Colorado mountains, and watching TikToks and David Dobrik’s videos.