PRESENTS
Thursday, April 24, 8 to 9:30 a.m.
The Medallion Theater
300 E 39TH Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
Join business and community leaders at Lead to Read KC’s inaugural business breakfast for a morning of meaningful conversation, connection and action toward a shared vision: a Kansas City where everyone reads and everyone thrives.
Featuring Local Experts
Following opening remarks by Dr. Jennifer Collier, Superintendent of Kansas City Public Schools, there will be a panel discussion moderated by Lead to Read KC Executive Director Rhea M. LeGrande with local business, healthcare, civic and literacy experts about how we can expand literacy for every child in Kansas City.
DR. JENNIFER COLLIER,
OPENING REMARKS
Superintendent, Kansas City Public Schools / Board Member, Lead to Read KC
RHEA M. LEGRANDE,
MODERATOR
Executive Director, Lead to Read KC
SLY JAMES,
PANELIST
Former Mayor, Kansas City, Missouri
MICHELLE WIMES,
PANELIST
Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer, Children’s Mercy
PAUL FISCHER,
PANELIST
Chief Operating Officer, Burns & McDonnell
SHAWN CREGER,
PANELIST
Principal Financial Advisor, Creger Wealth Management, Edward Jones / Board Member, Lead to Read KC
Celebrating Local Champions
We’ll honor two incredible leaders who are making a difference in our city.
Reading Mentor
LEN JENNINGS
Sports Director, KMBC
Community Partner
CHRIS GOODE
President, Ruby Jean’s Juicery
Reading Mentor
LEN JENNINGS
Sports Director, KMBC
Community Partner
CHRIS GOODE
President, Ruby Jean’s Juicery
About Lead to Read KC
Did you know that just 21% of Kansas City’s third graders in public and charter schools are reading at grade level? This milestone is critical for their academic future and the future of our city. Lead to Read KC is Kansas City’s leading children’s literacy nonprofit, dedicated to transforming our community into one where all students thrive academically and personally through unparalleled access to reading resources, mentorship and support.
Transformative Reach
Each week, 1,700 Reading Mentors volunteer in 31 schools across the Kansas City metropolitan area, making meaningful connections with students.
Targeted Tutoring
Our tutoring program uses a Science of Reading-based approach to provide more than 1,300 students with high-dosage, individualized support to boost reading skills.
Equitable Book Access
We distribute more than 3,000 books each month, ensuring local children have the opportunity to build home libraries and develop a lifelong love of reading.
Community Engagement
We bring local children’s authors into schools to share books highlighting mental health and wellness, providing them with coping strategies and tools to build self esteem.
Sponsor the Event
By sponsoring Lead to Read KC’s Kansas City Reads Breakfast, you will help expand our efforts, empowering the next generation of local readers and leaders.