Driving impactful change often requires leaders who possess a clear vision of an organization’s direction, and at the Children’s Services Fund (CSF), that vision is expertly championed by Jovanna Rohs, Ph.D., Chief Program Officer, and Moji Shogbamimu, MBA, Chief Financial Officer. Together, they ensure that the CSF’s operations are smooth, that the funds are well-managed, and that the programs make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families across Jackson County.
With diverse backgrounds and complementary skills, Jovanna and Moji are the driving forces behind CSF’s strategic planning and daily operations. Jovanna, with her extensive experience in early childhood development, is focused on supporting strong programmatic initiatives, while Moji, with her nonprofit financial expertise, ensures that every dollar is spent efficiently and effectively.
We sat down with Jovanna and Moji to hear about their roles, challenges, and vision for CSF’s future.
Q: Can you share a bit about your backgrounds and what brought you to the Children’s Services Fund?
Jovanna:
I’ve always worked in the youth sector, from teaching and research to being involved with early childhood education programs in Kansas City. My passion is ensuring that the Greater Kansas City region is the best place for families to thrive. I originally started off as a board member with the CSF, then came into my role.I was drawn to the opportunity to make a real impact, particularly in a focused area like Jackson County. The ability to direct funding to organizations and support their efforts in creating lasting change was really appealing.
Moji:
My background is in financial leadership in nonprofits, and I’ve always had a passion for helping people take that next step, whether that’s advancing a program or supporting an organization’s growth. I was attracted to the CSF’s mission because it aligns with my passion for helping children and families, particularly in mental health, which is an area that often doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your roles at the CSF?
Jovanna:
The biggest challenge is meeting the vast need in our community. While we have substantial funding, the need is so much greater. Our challenge is to be intentional about how we allocate those dollars, using data to make informed decisions about where we can have the most impact. It’s about finding a balance between maximizing every dollar we have and meeting the constantly evolving needs of children and families.
Moji:
For me, it’s about getting those dollars out into the community while maintaining strong relationships with our partners. We’re constantly engaging with them to ensure the funds are being used effectively and that we’re staying in sync with their evolving needs. The goal is always to support their growth while ensuring long-term impact for the youth and families they serve.
Q: How do you ensure the programmatic and financial sides of the Children’s Services Fund are aligned?
Jovanna:
Communication is key. It’s not just about funding a program, it’s about meeting our partners where they are and helping them get where they want to go. The CSF is great at listening and adjusting based on feedback. For us, it’s not just about providing the funds—it’s about understanding what our partners need and making sure we align our funding to help them succeed.
Moji:
Alignment is crucial. We understand that every partner has different programming needs, and as those programs evolve, so must our funding. It’s important that the program teams are constantly in sync to ensure that we’re supporting our partners in the right way, with the right resources, at the right time. We’re always working to make sure that funding is being allocated appropriately.
Q: Collaboration is essential in your roles. How do you ensure that communication remains open and effective between the financial and program teams?
Moji:
We’re lucky to work in a smaller organization where we can have that personal touch. It’s an open-door policy for us, and that makes communication so much easier. Whether it’s about the flow of funds or adjusting program details, we’re always in touch with one another to make sure we’re all aligned. That immediate access to each other helps us stay on track.
Q: Looking to the future, what are your main goals for the Children’s Services Fund?
Jovanna:
We’re focused on stabilizing our team, wrapping up the Children’s Services Assessment, and using that data to shape our funding strategy for 2027 and beyond. We also want to make sure that we’re maximizing the impact of our investments. A big part of that is the new grant-making software we’re implementing, which will streamline how we do business and make us more efficient in supporting our partners.
Moji:
One of my main goals is implementing a more robust accounting system that aligns with our new grant-making software. By improving these processes, we’ll make it easier to track how funds are being used and ensure that our partners are able to meet their goals. It’s about growing our capacity to manage an increasing amount of funds and partners as we continue to evolve.
Q: Can you share any emerging trends or innovations the Children’s Services Fund is exploring in the realm of children’s services?
Jovanna:
One area we’re excited about is the ‘cultivation’ funding category we’ve introduced. This allows us to support organizations that are still growing by providing them with opportunities to apply for Core Funding down the road. This approach isn’t about dictating what organizations should do, but giving them the tools to grow and move toward their goals. We’re also focusing on growing our capacity building, particularly around staff training, to help organizations stay ahead of the curve with their staff members and provide high-quality training for their services.
Q: What’s one key thing you want the community to understand about the Children’s Services Fund and its work?
Jovanna:
We want people to understand that we’re always listening to the needs of the community. Transparency is key, and we strive to make sure that the voices of our partners are heard in every decision we make. We’re here to make sure children in Jackson County are thriving, and that means continually adjusting and improving how we work.
Moji:
We’re here to support all our partners, no matter their size. As long as an organization is a qualified nonprofit, we’re ready to work with them. Our goal is to provide the resources and support they need to help children, especially in areas like mental health, where the need is so great.
Looking Ahead
Jovanna and Moji’s expertise in program development and financial management ensures that the CSF remains agile and responsive to the needs of the community. As the fund continues to grow and evolve, their vision is clear: to ensure that children and families in Jackson County have access to the services they need to thrive. Through strategic funding, innovative approaches, and ongoing collaboration with partners, we are poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come.
