Susan B. Wilson PhD MBA is a licensed clincial psychologist with a multifaceted career in education, healthcare admistration, consulting, clinical and media work. Susan has over twenty years of mental health and diversity-related experience. She previously served as Associate Dean for Diversity and Community Partnership at UMKC School of Medicine.
Wilson has held leadership poisitions in several notable health and behavioural healthcare organizations in the Kansas City area, including Swope Health Services and St. Luke’s Health System.
Steve McClure, PhD has over forty-five years of experience with district public and charter schools in the greater Kansas City area. During his years of service, Steve has provided research for legislative testimony resulting in a revised Missouri Charter School Law (2005).
Established ban smoking in schools, which serves as the basis for the current Kansas Law. Member of the Topeka United Way Board of Directors, as well as Board of Directors for the Kansas Association of School Administrators.
Holly has been devoted to early childhood education for over 25 years. Her career started as business owner of her own childcare program.
She is currently employed with the Kearney School District as the Director of Childcare and Early Learning. She has many years of experience working in the non-profit organizations and school district with a diverse population including family styles, ethnicities, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds. Majority of her experience was with Early Head Start/Head Start. During her career, she has worked in Northwest Missouri and the Kansas City area.
Nelko Mahlyanov is a highly accomplished financial management executive with over a decade of experience leading organizations toward financial stability and growth. Holding an MBA and certifications as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Nelko brings a unique combination of strategic vision, technical expertise, and operational excellence to his work.
Throughout his career, Nelko has demonstrated exceptional leadership in diverse roles, including Chief Financial Officer, Head of Finance, and Interim/Fractional CFO. He has successfully guided organizations through complex challenges, such as mergers and acquisitions, financial system transformations, and fundraising for early-stage initiatives. Nelko has also excelled in implementing innovative financial strategies, improving internal controls, and enhancing operational efficiencies.
Lauri Ealom is the Democratic Director of the Kansas City Election Board (KCEB). Lauri began her career in Election Services 11 years ago, capturing the mailroom to the boardroom philosophy. Lauri’s positions with the election board include stints in Voter Services, IT, Election Services Outreach, Training, and Finance. Lauri served as an Assistant Director before being recommended for her current role.
Having held a variety of positions throughout her 25 year career, Lauri credits her diverse education as the guiding tool for all of her successes. A graduate of Clark Atlanta University and Auburn University, Lauri returned to Kansas City to be closer to family and lifelong friends.
Nicolle Jones holds a Master of Education in Early Childhood Administration, and has been in the Early Education field for over 20 years. She has served children, families, and teachers across the country from Alaska to Washington, DC. Ms. Jones began her early childhood career as an EHS teacher and Family Service Advocate in locally designed EHS-CC Partnerships in 2001.
Since 2013, Nicolle worked as an Early Childhood Specialist for Head Start Region XI- Training and Technical Assistance with AIAN (American Indian/Alaska Native programs). As an ECE Specialist many cross-country travel hours, planning and facilitation of trainings transpired.
Alicia Smith, LMSW currently works with the Kansas City Public School district as a Trauma Sensitive School Clinician. Alicia comes to the organization with 10 years of experience serving individuals, groups, and families within the Kansas City area.
Having a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Development (Missouri State University), a Masters of Social Work degree (UMKC), along with the ability to connect with various “at-risk” populations, she knows all too well the importance of how feelings of belongingness, and socialization factors contribute into a child’s self-esteem.
When both psychological needs are met, coupled with stable and consistent basic needs, one's ability to achieve their full potential is limitless.
For over 15 years, Leo Prieto has worked as a community organizer, motivational speaker, lawyer, emcee, and marketing consultant in the non-profit, corporate, management, and political fields, respectively. He served as a Public Policy Fellow with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute(CHCI) in Washington, DC, where he worked at the U.S. Department of Justice - Civil Rights Division, followed by Capitol Hill, helping shape national immigration, education and health policy.
Recently, Leo was back in the Sports & Entertainment industry as an on-air talent for the Kansas City Chiefs Spanish broadcast, while serving as the Vice-President of Market Development for three other NFL Teams. His current capacity is as Executive Director of the Linwood YMCA, where he focuses his efforts on healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility. His mission is to build a cause-driven membership, new donor cultivation, and continuing to impact the community.
Jim Nunnelly, affectionately known as “Granddad,” is a Kansas City icon whose legacy bridges education, activism, and youth empowerment. A proud University of Missouri graduate, Jim excelled academically and broke barriers during the Civil Rights era, setting a powerful example for future generations. Jim’s passion for uplifting youth found its voice through “Generation Rap,” the groundbreaking Saturday morning radio program on Hot 103 Jamz.
For decades, he mentored and inspired thousands of Kansas City teens, giving them a platform to speak openly about the issues that matter most and preparing many for leadership in their communities and beyond. As the show’s longtime host and coordinator, Jim-known simply as “Granddad” on air-cultivated a space where young people could find their voice, develop confidence, and learn the value of authentic dialogue.
Beyond broadcasting, Jim’s vision led him to found Jackson County COMBAT, a pioneering anti-drug initiative that emphasized treatment and prevention over incarceration, transforming public health strategies in the region. His dedication as a retired healthcare executive and community advocate is honored in the Jim Nunnelly Community Room at the Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center.
Jim’s enduring commitment to service, education, and mentorship continues to shape Kansas City. As a board member of Essential Families, he remains devoted to ensuring every child and family has the support, encouragement, and opportunity to thrive.
Kent Deselle is Principal Business Consultant and Senior Appraiser at Due Process International, LLC, where he specializes in insurance appraisal, estimating, and consulting. With a background as both an attorney and public adjuster, he brings seasoned expertise to complex insurance matters. His work spans property damage claim appraisals, trial preparation support, and strategic business analysis, helping clients navigate disputes and strengthen outcomes. At Due Process International, Kent applies his legal insights and appraisal skills to deliver precise results.
In addition to his work at Due Process International, Kent established Essential Families, Midwest Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization for the state of Missouri, dedicated to supporting community advancement and family stability. He was also instrumental in writing the original rehab statement of work for contractors, ensuring clear standards for project execution and accountability.
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