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C. Stephen Metzler Mentor Program

The C. Stephen Metzler Program for Leadership and Civic Engagement exists to promote and expedite the development of aspiring LGBT leaders and professionals in the LGBT and greater Kansas City community through one-on-one and group mentoring with local business and community leaders.

About Metzler Mentor Program

The C. Stephen Metzler Program for Leadership and Civic Engagement exists to promote and expedite the development of aspiring LGBT leaders and professionals in the LGBT and greater Kansas City community through one-on-one and group mentoring with local business and community leaders.

This program is an incredible opportunity for both mentors and proteges to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diversity and complexity of our LGBT identity and community. Mentors will gain a new perspective on the issues facing younger LGBT leaders, and proteges will learn invaluable lessons from the experiences and advice shared by our mentors.

Our goal is to help proteges learn to become stronger leaders in the workplace and in the community by building strong personal and professional networks, thanks in part to the connections available through our highly engaged mentors.

See Below for Detailed Requirements

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Protege Applications for the 2020 Metzler Mentor Program are now closed. Check back in November 2020 to apply to our next class.

For more information about the Metzler Mentor Program, email metzlerinfo@midamericalgbt.org.

Meet the 2020 Mentors

Rob Adams

President & CEO

Bishop-McCann

Jolie Justus

Director of Pro Bono Services

Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP

Peggy Lowe

Veteran Reporter

National Public Radio, KCUR

Sandie Mullen

North American Broking Leader, Life Science and Pharmaceuticals

Willis Towers Watson

Marsha Riley

Owner/ Principal Consultant

Marsha Riley Consulting

Tim Van Zandt

Vice President of Government & Community Relations

Saint Luke's Health System

Brandy Williams

Coordinator of Advocacy

Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA)

Program Requirements

The Metzler Mentor Program is a two year commitment with a new class starting every January. Each class includes a minimum of 6 mentors matched individually with proteges. During the two year period, mentors and proteges are expected to meet all requirements below, as well as those included in our Code of Conduct and Non-Disclosure Agreement.

  • During the first year, the class meets once per month and works together to explore and discuss topics related to authenticity and personal identity, professional development, community engagement
  • During both years, mentors and proteges will meet at least one additional time per month to discuss group activities, complete assignments, and develop a stronger personal relationship
  • The class may occasionally decide to participate in community events or volunteer with local organizations, these opportunities are voluntary
  • Proteges are responsible for scheduling individuals meetings and asking about additional networking opportunities, as well as setting agendas or discussion topics for individual meetings
  • Mentors should actively identify networking or shadowing opportunities such as board meetings, neighborhood meetings, and fundraisers
  • Generally, mentors should consider themselves financially responsible for costs associated with protege attendance or engagement
  • During the length of the program, mentors and proteges must be members in good standing with the chamber
  • Proteges are also responsible for an additional $350 program fee which may be paid by their company

Meet the Committee

Michael Hopkins

Founder, Chair, Facilitator

Brian Williams

Co-Chair, Mentor Liaison

Drew Elliott

Facilitator, Protege Liaison

Kim Jones

Co-Founder, Past Co-Chair

Megan McCurdy

Professional Development Facilitator

Hunter Hess

Professional Development Facilitator

Briju Solanki

Community Leadership Facilitator

Matthew Hughes

Community Leadership Facilitator

Alyse Zadalis

Alumni Relations & Events

Jordon Borrell

Alumni Relations & Events

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Remembering Steve Metzler

In 2015, the Mid-America GLCC and the entire Kansas City community lost an individual that exemplified personal, professional, and community leadership through his family business, an extraordinary record of community service and civic engagement, and most importantly through the many lives and good works he inspired every single day.

The Mid-America GLCC will be forever grateful for his service and friendship, and is proud to memorialize the legacy of C. Stephen Metzler through our mentor program. #BeLikeSteve

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