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.
Protege Applications for the 2020 Metzler Mentor Program are now closed. Check back in November to apply to our next class.
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
Birju Solanki
Community Leadership Facilitator
Matthew Hughes
Community Leadership Facilitator
Alyse Zadalis
Alumni Relations & Events
Jordon Borrell
Alumni Relations & Events
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