March is Women’s History Month, and there’s no better time to celebrate the amazing women of the Children’s Services Fund! These women work every day to make an impact on kids in Jackson County whose lives are changed by the efforts of our funded partners.
In this blog, we want to take time to highlight each of these women—the role they play at the CSF, what drives them in the work that they do and how they’ve been inspired and impacted by other women in their lives. Join us in thanking them and other women across the Jackson County community for everything they do!
Moji Shogbamimu
What is your role with the Children’s Services Fund?
Chief Financial Officer
What makes this work meaningful to you?
Being able to see the reach and the impact of CSF funds.
What women have inspired you in the work that you do?
I had the opportunity several years ago to work with Judith Shewach, former Executive Director of LACASA in Howell, Michigan. She was one of the kindest and most determined individuals I have ever come across. Trying to make budget to ensure the survival of the nonprofit was challenging, and it was during this time I learned the importance of resilience and determination. Over the years, she has remained someone I use as a sounding board.
Jovanna Rohs
What is your role with the Children’s Services Fund?
Chief Program Officer
What makes this work meaningful to you?
The CSF has an opportunity to make an impact on the mental health and wellbeing of youth in Jackson County. Every day we are working towards our mission: Investing in Children. Strengthening Community. Being a steward of processes and funds that support access to services that ensure children in Jackson County thrive is what makes this work meaningful.
What women have inspired you in the work that you do?
I had the honor of serving on the inaugural Board of Directors for the CSF of Jackson County with three other phenomenal women: Rhonda Holman, Marietta Parker and Ann Mesle. During our start-up, we sat in a room for many hours reviewing by-laws, meeting with community members and designing the initial funding round. The experiences and wisdom they shared were inspired, thoughtful and forward-thinking. They demonstrated what it means to be a humble leader and how to move innovation forward.
Jane Mosley
What is your role with the Children’s Services Fund?
Director of Impact
What makes this work meaningful to you?
I am a longtime resident of Jackson County, so knowing how the funding is improving this community makes it meaningful. From this vantage point, one can really see all the incredible work done by so many nonprofits.
What women have inspired you in the work that you do?
On a personal note, I would say my mother. She was a teacher for 35 years and the most humble person I know.
Katherine Rivard
What is your role with the Children’s Services Fund?
Program Officer
What makes this work meaningful to you?
I love supporting the important work of the frontline agencies who are helping Jackson County children and youth build resilience and receive the mental health services they need to develop and prosper. I enjoy learning about the best practices in the field—what is working and what is less successful—and how the CSF can help our partners achieve their goals.
What women have inspired you in the work that you do?
I have always worked in nonprofit management, and several of my managers in various jobs have been instrumental in leading the way to innovate in this field. Gina Pulliam and Alinda Dennis at United Way of Greater Kansas City and Jewel Scott at the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City were incredible mentors to me. I am also an admirer of Michelle Obama who has been a shining example of intelligence, grace and savvy in supporting the success of young women and girls around the world.
Bernadette Spooner Thompson
What is your role with the Children’s Services Fund?
Program Officer
What makes this work meaningful to you?
I have the honor of having the most interactions with our partners and really get the opportunity to learn more about their individual organizations, along with being able to see how working in tandem with another organization could be more beneficial for the youth and families of Jackson County. I truly enjoy being the bridge to connect organizations in order to create a larger, deeper impact.
What women have inspired you in the work that you do?
That would be my mother, grandmother and great grandmother. All three of these women believed in fiercely protecting children, especially those who don’t have the privilege of being considered children for as long as others.
Kia Cannon
What is your role with the Children’s Services Fund?
Operations Manager
What makes this work meaningful to you?
I have seen firsthand how critical access to mental health services, educational support and family stability programs can be for children. As someone with a background in social work, I understand the challenges many families and kids face and how the right resources can change lives. Being part of an organization that funds vital services for children aligns with my passion and values for advocacy, equity and community impact.
What women have inspired you in the work that you do?
I draw inspiration from the many women, specifically women of color leading nonprofit organizations, balancing compassion with strategic leadership to drive meaningful and measurable change. Their commitment and determination remind me why this work is so important.
Shannon Dupree
What is your role with the Children’s Services Fund?
Accounting Specialist
What makes this work meaningful to you?
This work is meaningful to me because I know that as the invoices are processed, the funds are going to wonderful programs that will help our youth be successful in all stages of life.
What women have inspired you in the work that you do?
I have a lot of inspirational women in my life. They are supportive, loving and encouraging and really inspire me to be my best no matter the challenges or the successes.
Celeste Ortiz
What is your role with the Children’s Services Fund?
Contract Administrator
What makes this work meaningful to you?
This work is meaningful to me because the CSF is expanding the reach that our partner organizations have to continuously make a positive difference in the community.
What women have inspired you in the work that you do?
I am inspired by all the women in this industry who consistently try to make the JACO community a better place for children and families.
