Some big, positive changes are happening at the Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy, and we are excited to share them with our KYEA family! When our organization began back in 2005 (and even before that when we were just the KSYLF), the hope was that the alumni of our programs would one day be leading the organization. This day has come! KYEA is excited to announce that Carrie Greenwood has been selected as our new Executive Director. Carrie brings 24 years of experience with the organization and is an alumni of the 2001 Kansas Youth Leadership Forum.

KYEA has been undergoing some transitions for the last few months and years. Long-time Director, Julia Connellis, ended her time with KYEA in December of 2023. At that time, Shannon Kennedy became the Director. In May, Shannon left the organization, and Carrie stepped in as Interim Executive Director. Just last week, Carrie was selected as the new Executive Director, and her title became official on Monday! While the leadership of KYEA has undergone transition, the mission and philosophies remain as strong as ever! Our organization is committed to empowering and supporting youth with disabilities throughout Kansas, as well as remaining true to our belief in high expectations for youth, the independent living philosophy, the importance of disability pride, and the priority of youth voice above everything else.

Carrie has worked for KYEA since October of 2001, even before it was an actual non-profit organization. She attended the very first Kansas Youth Leadership Forum in 2001, was completely changed by it, and knew that she had to remain involved. Carrie volunteered for the organization for a few months and then began working part-time. When KYEA became a non-profit in 2005, Carrie was part of the team that advocated for funding to start the organization and helped create the original mission. She served as Outreach Coordinator for 3 years and then Program Coordinator for 16 years. Carrie has seen KYEA through its journey of over 20 years… the ups and downs, as well as the many stories of youth being positively impacted by our various programs. She has seen, and has been instrumental in, the tremendous growth of KYEA to become the impactful, important organization that it is today. She will now work with the staff and board to move KYEA into an even brighter future!

Carrie states, “I never would have imagined 24 years ago that I would be leading this organization and using my skills to move KYEA forward. The KSYLF changed my life and made me the leader that I am today. Now I get to ensure that our programs continue changing the lives of youth with disabilities in Kansas. I have loved KYEA for 24 years, and my passion is now even stronger. I am so excited to work with my awesome, talented co-worker, Kirstianna; our KYEA Board; and our future staff to make KYEA the best that it can be, while staying true to our values, our mission, and our youth. KYEA is so important to our state. We are here; we are strong; and we are ready to truly put our mission into action!”

KYEA is so grateful for the unwavering support of our alumni, volunteers, colleagues, funders, and community members. We have the best family of support, and, if you are receiving this email, then you are part of this family! Stick with us as we discover what comes next for our organization. We know one thing for certain- KYEA is here to stay, and our passion for empowering youth is as strong as ever!