Thrive: A Celebration of Community Development Event Returns
Thrive is an opportunity to connect with community leaders from various sectors and honors Kansas City area heroes who have gone above and beyond to invest in the region. These are individuals who have dedicated their time and resources to make a long-standing impact. As we celebrate the remarkable initiatives of these champions, let us remember that Thrive is not just an event but a call to action to invest in the Kansas City area.
LISC KC will give five awards that acknowledge an outstanding person, organization or initiative that has made a tremendous impact in the community. Meet the 2023 Thrive honorees:
- Generating Income For Tomorrow (GIFT): GIFT will be receiving the Financial Empowerment Champion award. GIFT is an organization whose mission is to ease the pathway of economic resilience while addressing the racial-wealth gap, poverty-related crime and other effects of systemic racism.
- Nailah M’Biti: The Affordable Housing Champion is awarded to Nailah M'Biti. M’Biti is a real estate development consultant and is known for her innovative efforts to enhance the community and fulfill affordable housing needs.
- Simone Curls: The Economic Development Champion honor will be given to Simone Curls, executive director of Prospect Business Association. Curls has been a remarkable advocate for the advancement and amplification of entrepreneurs, assisting them with creating quality jobs while promoting community wealth and financial security.
- Jerusalem Farm: This nonprofit organization assists Kansas City residents with home repairs. Jerusalem Farm is honored as Thrive’s Outstanding Partner of the Year. They now partner with LISC KC and will receive recognition for its efforts to provide affordable housing resources to the Kansas City community.
- Pamela Smart: Pamela Smart, executive director of Mt. Carmel Redevelopment Corporation, is the recipient of the Jim White Community Development Legacy Award, an honor that highlights individuals or organizations who have a profound and lasting impact in Kansas City.
The shared commitment to be of service to the Kansas City community is a true example of unity and resilience. It also acknowledges the disparities the region faces that must be addressed. By highlighting the work of our community heroes, Thrive will encourage others to get involved and support the needs of the region.
The event will take place on Thursday, Nov. 9, 4:30-7 p.m. at the Urban Youth Academy located in the historic 18th and Vine District of Kansas City, Missouri. If you are interested in attending, please register at Thrive: A Celebration of Community Development.