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It's here. The May-June issue of Twelve Magazine. This one is the Success Guide 2013. Learn what you need to do, people you need to meet for education, job and life success.TRANSCRIPT
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For Connoisseurs & Conscious Living
This magazine is called
TWELVE to note it’s
monthly presence, only
TWELVE times a year.
Also, and more impor-
tantly, TWELVE is a symbol
of time. So it represents
timely information and the
central point by which life
events are measured. And
of course, time pieces are
part of the finer things,
perfect for our core read-
ers in pursuit of sophisti-
cated living.
Welcome to TWELVE.
3
Welcome to No. V!
Thanks for reading issue V, the Success
Guide. We designed this issue to help KC
prepare for new opportunities in business and
in their careers. This publication ties in with
our 2nd Annual Network with the 100 event
coming up on June 11, produced by the 100
Black Men of KC and Twelve Magazine,
where various top executives in K will be
attending.
Next, be sure to visit twelvekc.com for our
next Twelve Play CD, recorded live at the
event.
As always, we highlight the people to watch,
key tips and places to go. So enjoy the fea-
tures.
Remember, this is your magazine. You have an opportunity to contribute to the content by
writing, submitting story suggestions, and of course, attending the launch events and more.
Contact us at [email protected] to get involved and send us feedback too!
Sincerely,
Ken L
HERE’S TO SUCCESS
COVER
Execs. See 25
DON’T MISS
Get the new Twelve Play
CD: 12 Play Crave at twelvekc.com.
INSIDE
Character 7
Be GREAT 12
Mother’s Day 20
Top EXEC 26
Male Teachers 32
Walk for Health
38
May Calendar 42
MAY 2013 Volume I, Issue V
Though a lifestyle publication isn’t unique, TWELVE evolves the genre. It’s the only magazine
that you both read and live. We set out to create more than a literary piece. We’ve merged
both the online world and the live event into the “magazine experience”. Once a month, we
release a new issue of the magazine. The release is paired with a live launch event on First
Fridays, where the feature elements and characters of our magazine are brought to life for
you to touch, taste, feel and experience. The live experience becomes part of gathering
ground of additional stories, photos, and more for the final written magazine.
What’s Different? Read It & Experience it Live
kcsoul.com #TWELVEKC
TWELVE Magazine is
part of the kcsoul.com
network. Owned by
H.G.E. Marketing, LLC.
4
CLOSER TO MY DREAMS Plan now for Spring Graduation! Establish a Gift page today for the graduating student. Enable friends and family to easily make a contribution to salute their well-deserved ac-complishment. Help toward future expenses such as travel plans, a new car, or a new suit for interviews or jobs. Chances are a little extra money toward the tuition bill would be useful too! It’s FREE to start your page. Log on today.
Where The Nation Goes to Give
GIFT PAGES PROVIDE:
Real-time direct payments
Customized donation amounts
Goal meter option for tracking
Social media sharing
Email & contact invitations
Personalized gift page urls
Picture & video additions
Reporting
Specials & bonuses
Because sometimes they need it. Other times they deserve it.
5
SPECIAL THANKS
To all of Our Writers, Designers,
Planners, Contributors,
Advertisers & Supporters of
TWELVE!
Ken L.
Join the team: Email: [email protected] W. Sarah Fletcher
DJ Franklin
Raye Jackson
Danielle Jones
Clarence Lomax
Iman Lott
Sherry Lumpkins
LeAndrea Mack
Randi McCreary
Gary Mitchell
Casie Murff
Earl Smith
Michele Watley
Jessikha Williams
Christopher White
Salute To:
AEH Photography
Blue Symphony, LLC
CRAVE Presenters
H. Ervin Photography
TWELVE PLAY artists
Network with the 100 Executive Photoshoot
6
7
ore than ever, the most important key to
success in life is being a person of good
character.
In the years I’ve worked with young people –
most recently through my association with the
100 Black Men of Greater Kansas City – one
of the recurring themes of these discussions
center around the concept of respect. In virtu-
ally every case, their interpretation of respect is
“being held in high esteem” by their peers,
neighbors, and the community at large.
You’ve probably heard the old axiom,
“Respect is earned, not given.” Well, I define
respect as “courtesy;” therefore, everyone de-
serves courtesy. What I think people mean
when they talk about earning respect is really
about earning esteem – being regarded highly
as skilled, competent, celebrated, and ulti-
mately…special. This continues to be the most
By Brian Foster
Character Essential For Success
difficult concept to convey to young people;
it’s particularly challenging when these indi-
viduals are at a time in their lives where peer
approval is sacrosanct.
My personal approach in highlighting the dif-
ference between respect and esteem has been to
help the individuals I mentor cultivate venera-
tion from within (self-esteem), in order to mini-
mize the desire to engage in behaviors solely to
solicit validation from others. We live in a so-
ciety where unsolicited external pats on the
back, or slaps to the face, are but a mouse-click
away; therefore, relying on other people to de-
fine your self-worth is a risky proposition. No
one can control how others may view you –
what other people think of you is none of your
business anyway! – yet one can certainly con-
trol how one views one’s self. A person with
(Continued on page 40)
During Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963, he stated that he hoped his “four little chil-
dren will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their
character.” Well, we’re closer to King’s dream than he was, but we are not yet there. Our society may be more
racially diverse than in Dr. King’s day, but that’s only part of the journey. That’s a topic for another time. The focus
of this piece is on the part of his statement relating to character.
M
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LOVE STARTING WITH YOURSELF
W. SARAH FLETCHER
W. Sarah Fletcher Photograph: Raye Jackson
twelvekc.com
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A Tribute By: W. Sarah Fletcher
Mother A female ancestor
A woman who creates, originates, or founds some-
thing A creative source
Used as a title for a woman respected for her wis-
dom and age To give birth to; create and produce
To watch over, nourish, and protect maternally To act or serve as a mother
Creator. At the core, the definition of a mother is that of a CREATOR. Givers of life. A
mother is powerful. Her roles diverse; no matter whether they are biological, surrogate, step, or stand in, titles make no difference. What’s interesting about a mother is it’s not
the title that makes a mother, a mother, rather her divine gift and power of creation from the creator. A Mother gives more than just life to physical bodies; she gives life to the inner spirit and soul, to an idea, concept or vision. With her words she creates and with her wisdom she shapes, providing the sustainment and nourishment needed, for
that which was her creation.
Divinity. Royalty in a tangible form. She is gift of power to be respected and honored;
a sage-wisdom to be desired; she is a source of connection whose bonds rarely break and withstand the storms, seasons of life, and tests of time. With much power comes
much restraint, as there are times when raising a child requires special care, grace and
mercy, to ensure her creation lives and thrives.
Treasure. It is the beauty of mind, body, spirit, presence, personality, and character, by
which a mother set the standard, often making it nearly impossible to match or duplicate,
who she is. She shines all on her own. A kind word, a smile, hug, or an amazing meal;
she sets the standard of what a treasure really is. Her imprint is undeniable, found on all
she touches and all that is within her sphere. How do you honor adequately this woman with such power, who is irreplaceable and
reigning as Queen? How will you pay tribute to your mother or to the woman or women who embodied what it means to be a mother this Mother’s Day? Choose to
honor and treasure God’s gift to you this mother’s day.
To my mother, Sally Ellis Fletcher; mom, everything good about me is a reflection of you!
I love you and enjoy you every day, but especially this mother’s day! Xii salutes women everywhere who embody the sacred role of a Mother. We pay trib-
ute and toast your greatness!
Happy Mother’s Day!
10
Style
Tammy Edwards is vice president of Community Development for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.
She leads the bank’s community and economic development initiatives throughout the seven states of the Tenth
Federal Reserve District which includes Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Colorado, northern New Mex-
ico and western Missouri. The Community Development department focuses on community development invest-
ments, financial stability, small business development, neighborhood stabilization and workforce development.
11
High-powered EXECs tend to manage mil-
lions, lead teams, and run divisions. The jobs
are demanding, and hours are not limited to a
9 to 5 schedule. Within their core priorities,
fashion doesn’t seem like an immediate con-
cern, but dressing for success has always
been part of the criteria for climbing the cor-
porate ladder. Maybe you’ve heard one of
these
quotes that
have im-
pacted
many ca-
reers,
“Dress for
the job you
want, not
the job you
have.” and
“Image is
Everything.”
Frankly,
your fashion speaks before you ever utter a
word.
We’re not just talking business attire. Work
is only part of an executive’s life. For exam-
ple, there are the socials, church, and family
events which require “everyday” casual attire.
We looked for execs that have an excellent
command of fashion and style for everyday
living. We found one who rises to the top.
Tammy Edwards is vice president of Commu-
nity Development for the Federal Reserve
Bank of Kansas City. She gave us some in-
sights on her fashion.
You strike me as trendy or progressive.
Describe your fashion sense or style. My style is probably considered classic with
an edge. I say classic because I invest in pieces
that are timeless. I mix the "edge" in with
unique accessories and great shoes. I'm often
on the go from morning until late into the
evening so my clothes have to keep up! Qual-
ity, proper fit and comfort are must haves.
I’m sure you’ll keep some secrets, but
do you have any favorites—designers,
shops, types of clothing? I have a very busy life so I do the majority of
my shopping online or while I'm traveling. I
favor websites like bluefly.com and net-a-
porter.com because they carry the brands I
like and have great sales. In regards to de-
signers and brands, I like St. John, Diane Von
Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Rachel Roy, Lafay-
ette 148 and Trina Turk because they fit me
well and the quality is consistent. Stuart
Weitzman and Ivanka Trump have fashion
forward professional shoes at great prices.
Do you find that execs have more free-
(Continued on page 14)
Look Of Success
“My style is probably considered classic with an edge.”
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The Recipe – Priest and 3-3-7 The Recipe is a powerful dramatic arts in rhythm duo that fights ignorance with the
fusion of dramatic interpretation and spoken word. Through the use of costumes, fully developed characters and storylines that inter-
weave poetry and spoken word, the Recipe delivers socially conscience messages to
the masses.
A spoken word completion at the Blue Room brought Priest and 337 together. For
over 10 years the duo has collaborated on a number of performances and provide
creative writing and life skills courses in area schools, homeless shelters and prisons.
www.reverbnation.com/therecipe
crave
eaders. The cream of the crop. Influencers. These
established frontrunners forge a footprint for
those who aspire to emulate them. In our exami-
nation of success and achievement, we reached out to con-
summate executives, the best of the best, leaders who have
risen to greatness in their fields and asked them to instruct
us on how to accomplish and maintain success.
“Education is power, knowledge is power. The more
knowledge you have the more opportunities you have” she
says.
Dr. Andrea Hendricks earned a Bachelor of Science in Hu-
man Development Psychology and Mass Communications
while also earning a Master of Science in Counseling Psy-
chology from Kansas State University. She also has a Doc-
torate in Educational Psychology and Policy Analysis from
the University of Missouri –Columbia. Dr. Hendricks has
served as a Vice President of Programs and Services for the
Urban League of Greater Kansas City, President of the Don
Bosco Community Center and Associate Dean of Student
Services at Penn Valley Community College.
She is currently the Senior Vice President of Diversity and
Inclusion at UMB Financial Corporation. “The most important thing I do is drive diversity within
4,000 associates. I’m the thought leader. I work on helping
leaders, managers and associates gain a better understand-
ing of diversity and I get them to acknowledge it. I abso-
lutely love what I do without a doubt. I’m in my lane and in
my zone.”
Dr. Hendricks works strategically with financial leaders at
UMB to help them with diversity, leadership training, and
development. She is also active with several professional
and community organizations. To top it all off, Dr.
“Bottom line you need to be willing to start at the bottom
and work your way up. Internships and mentors are vital.
You have to be able to accept criticism and allow feed-
back.”
What Makes
the Great...Great? L
By Iman Lott
13
Hendricks is a certified trainer, psychologist, a wife and
a stepmother.
“How does the person that has it all main-
tain it all, what makes the great, great?” I
ask. Without hesitation, Dr. Hendricks offers her insight, “I
recommend having a personal mission statement for
life. Visualize your future. That’s where you start.” In order to achieve this vision, Dr. Hendricks advises
embodying these five skills and characteristics geared
toward attaining and sustaining success:
1. NETWORK “No matter your gender, ethnicity or age, I believe net-
working is a huge key to success. The more highly net-
worked you are, the more people you have to call
upon. In good or bad times, these people can help you
navigate through challenges and facilitate opportunities
for individual success. Inner networks are champions
that will go to bat for you no matter where you are.
Networking is the prescription for success.”
2. DELEGATE “Delegate and learn to trust others. This equals less
work and more time for family and friends which leads
to fewer errors, decreased stress and a satisfying and
productive work environment.”
3. MANAGE TIME “Time management can be very effective in a senior
management position. 8-5’s don’t exist in this type of
role so you need to be able to manage your time
wisely.”
4. DEVELOP SKILLS “Your talent involves the legacy you want to leave.
Take care of your talent and make sure you are sharp-
ening your skills. Be a work in progress and always
open your mind to new ideas that will help you manage
your talent, whatever that may be.”
5. GIVE “Get and give to others. You have to be able to give
when you have the opportunity. Do something with
that opportunity. Even if it’s a little it goes a long way
so you should treasure that. Never take that chance
for granted.”
Dr. Hendricks has given some insight into the world of
success and I encourage you to develop this model.
These strides are the start of what could be a great
adventure. Take them, utilize them, be inspired, be
GREAT!
(Continued from page 12) SUC
CESS
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dom with attire or are they more closely moni-
tored because they are office “role models”? Executives are held to a higher standard and usually set
the tone for what's appropriate. I have always taken that
role very seriously. More established professionals do
take more fashion risks because they've earned the right.
How do you define business attire for yourself? Business attire is primarily defined by the type of organi-
zation you work for or the business you own. Since I have
a very visible role for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas
City, my wardrobe is probably considered conservative
yet fashionable because I add my own flavor. I typically
wear dresses when the weather is nice and pantsuits in
cooler weather. You can always find a way to support
your company's culture and be yourself.
In addition to her professional responsibilities, Mrs. Ed-
wards is very active in several civic and community organi-
zations. She serves on the boards of the Black Community
Fund, Menorah Medical Center and the Urban League of
Greater Kansas City. She is also a member of the Greater
Kansas City Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, The
Central Exchange and the Kansas City Leaders Forum.
(Continued from page 11)
15
DOWNLOAD Twelve Play: CRAVE
To listen to this poem performed LIVE.
www.twelvekc.com
Photo: Raye Jackson
Stylist: Christopher White, Meddrin, Inc.
Clothes by: "Clothz Minded"
4115 Pennsylvania KCMO 64111
WWW.CLOTHZMINDED.COM
“You can always find
a way to support
your company's culture
and be yourself.”
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EXEC Toolkit. How Executives we profiled keep up and take the lead.
INDUSTRY HAPS
Stay current by reading Periodicals on business,
wealth and management.
DIRECTION Define your goals,
and navigate
Life’s challenges.
SOCIAL Networking and
learning & busi-
ness building
online.
CONNECT It’s an i-world. iPad, iPhone, but Sam-
sung is another leading brand. ONE PLACE Put your books,
magazines, and so-
cial media on Flip-
board for custom-
ized access.
18
Sound Off
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20
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Congratulations Congratulations Collegiate Class of 2013! You
did it! Whether Bachelor’s, Master’s or other gradu-
ate degrees, you’ve accomplished an outstanding feat.
In Kansas City and beyond, you’ve matriculated from
universities and colleges and you represent some of
our finest.
You’ve heard it from your secondary education and
certainly through your college years that a degree is
essential in today’s world. Though a degree doesn’t
come with a guaranteed salary and maybe not even
your choice job, immediately, statistically, graduates
still earn more and have better job success.
Beyond the degree, the importance and wealth you’ve
attained includes the collective college experience—
friendships, networks and exposure to new things.
Plus, employers know that higher education takes
more work, effort and expense, so the accomplish-
ment makes a statement about your character and
tenacity.
This next phase of your life, whether full time work,
returning for graduate school is new and different.
You’ve simply traded one set of books to embark on
a new journey of learning.
Though earning a living and becoming a responsible
adult should be a priority, also recognize there’s a
responsibility that comes with earning a degree: giving
back! Help the next student. To set an example,
we’ve asked graduates of last year’s class (2012
Grads) for a few tips to help the 2013 class:
Grad Tips
“Make sure you give back to the community and the peo-
ple who didn't have the same opportunities you had. Util-
ize the connections you built in college. Set weekly,
monthly, and yearly goals that can be met. Give back to
your community, build strong relationships with quality
people, set realistic goals, help someone else and remem-
ber the sky is the limit.”
Darius T. Jackson
Class of 2013 The Nation’s NEXT
2013 Graduating UMKC Students, attending the Minority Graduate
Reception at UMKC’s Student Union.
23
Congratulations
College
and Your
Wallet
By Albert Okagbue
“Be realistic about your goals and job prospects after
graduation. Depending on your degree, you may not land
your dream job (or any job at all) immediately after
graduation. Be optimistic and don't hesitate use your net-
works! Don't be pressured by your family and peers to
jump into a graduate program if you are unsure about it.
If you are sure about a grad program, go for it. However,
taking time off between undergrad and grad school to
reflect on your life goals is not always a bad thing. You
have to be content with the choices you make concerning
your future. Don't let another person make those choices
for you. Earning your Bachelor’s degree is a great accom-
plishment. Congratulations!”
Lola Oduyeru
Tiffany Williams, Asst Dean of Student Success
delivers remarks to graduates, family and friends at
the 2013 UMKC Minority Graduate Reception,
Thursday, April 25th, 2013
Mercy Gbomina B.S. Criminal Justice Major
University of Central Missouri
Shawnta Nicole Clark University of Missouri-KC Master of Arts in Education
Administration-Higher Edu-
cation Administration
Tidy Dillard Master's Degree in Liberal
Arts /Communication
Entertainment
University of Missouri-KC
Grad Tips
“Give back to your community, build strong relationships with quality people…”
Salute
24
Find Jobs | Grow Business | Get Connected
RSVP & Tickets
network100.kcsoul.com
Qiana Thomason
Dept VP
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Mark Bryant
Vice President
Federal Reserve Bank
Ed Butler
Vice President
SureWest Comm.
Tammy Edwards
Vice President
Federal Reserve Bank
Fred Wise
HR Director
Hallmark Cards
Ted Crews
Vice President
KC Chiefs
Just a few of the participating and
supporting executives pictured here.
25
Join Kansas City’s leading Executives and urban professionals
citywide for the 2nd Annual Network with the 100! Don’t miss our Signature EXECUTIVE Speed Networking, your
opportunity to meet directly with KC’s power brokers, plus our
business development panel and more. Presented by the 100
Black Men of Greater Kansas City. Powered by Twelve Maga-
zine and kcsoul.com
Tuesday, June 11th, 2013
2nd Annual Network with the 100 5:30pm-8:30p
College Basketball Experience
1401 Grand Blvd, KCMO
RSVP & Tickets
network100.kcsoul.com
Darrel Davis
Director
GSA
Melonie Jones
Chief Privacy Officer
Assurant
Tiffany Williams
Assistant Dean
UMKC
Ralph Caro
COO
Samuel Rodgers Health
Denise Kelley
Chief Human Capital Mgt
KC School District
Damon Bryant
Vice President
FOX-4 TV
Andrea Hendricks
Sr. Vice President
UMB
Just a few of the participating and
supporting executives pictured here.
26
What’s it take to be successful? We’ve spent time
with executives in a variety of industries with a
goal of delivering a roadmap to Kansas City. We
discovered some core themes for success which
include knowing your purpose, servant leadership,
making God your anchor, and staying current.
We also visited two technology executives in the
area— Paget Alves, Chief Sales Officer for Sprint
and Phillip Spencer, CEO of Rural Broadband In-
vestments (RBI). Leading multi-million dollar deals
and budgets and managing teams across the
country are a part of their daily work routine. They
make decisions that affect thousands to millions of
customers.
We are eager to share with you, what we gained;
practical insight, know-how and wisdom on what it
takes to be successful, from the viewpoint of these
accomplished executives.
(Continued on page 28)
View From The Top
Add These Insights to Your
Executive Flight Plan
By W.Sarah Fletcher. Photos: Jessikha Williams
27
Paget Alves, Chief Sales Officer
Sprint
“...I wasn’t willing to let people tell me I would fail…”
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Page 28
kcsoul.com
SUCCESS
Paget Alves, Chief Sales Officer,
Sprint The sounds of jazz filled the home of
Paget Alves, Chief Sales Officer for Sprint,
as we sat down to talk about success. A 25-
year telecommunications industry veteran,
he’s been named by Black Enterprise maga-
zine as one of the 100 Most Powerful Execu-
tives in Corporate America. Alves is time-
less, much like the jazz playing in his home.
A classic appearance, confident and humble
in personality, Paget Alves shared some of
what he’s learned along his journey to the
top.
Q. From your vantage, what are 5 charac-
teristics of success? (1) Be Clear About
Goals. Have a good sense of what is to
be accomplished and where you are go-
ing. Know what the destination is fairly
early. (2) Build Relationships. No one
gets there by themselves. Build relation-
ships that are diverse. (3) Hard Work.
This goes without saying, but it’s worth
saying. Without it, things aren’t going to
happen. (4) Be Willing to Take Risks. You
will fail. If you don’t fail, you probably
haven’t tried hard enough or pushed
yourself. (5) Perseverance. Have a will-
ingness to overcome obstacles, regard-
less of what you encounter, if you are
really trying to achieve your goals.
Q. Hard times and failures, how did you
make it through? I’ve had several. …I
wasn’t willing to let people tell me I would
fail… I was stubborn enough to not be-
lieve and had enough confidence in my-
self to overcome whatever it was they
said would set me back.
Q. 25 years in the Industry is a long time.
So, what is the passion within you that
keeps you coming back for more every
day? I’m not done. 25 years may be a
long time, but I can accomplish more.
Q. Best piece of advice you’ve ever re-
ceived? To not give up and don’t be
afraid to fail. The worst that can happen–
you’re probably not going to starve; you
are probably not going to drop dead; so
imagine the worst, because you’ve proba-
bly already been there, and you already
know you can get out of it and find your
way back.
(Continued on page 31)
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Phil Spencer is CEO of Rural Broadband In-vestments. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, the company acquires and invests in rural-focused cable systems serv-ing residential and commercial customers in small-to-middle sized markets and rural ge-
ographies.
31
Phil Spencer, CEO, Rural Broadband
Investments
The delicious aroma of a home-cooked din-
ner lingered, as the Spencer family was mid-
way through their Saturday routine. A self-
proclaimed serial entrepreneur and family
chef, Phillip Spencer, CEO of RBI, has over
20 years in the cable and media industry.
Spencer shares that most of his success
and habits simply came from watching oth-
ers.
Q. What is your definition of success? It
evolves over time, but it would be experi-
ence; gaining valuable experience to make
quick and effective decisions.
Q. What is your purpose? At first it was fi-
nancially motivated and now, it is giving
back; giving back to families, charities, im-
pacting people’s lives, and impacting the
lives of my employees.
Q. As CEO, what gets you out of bed in the
morning? The nice thing about my business
is we buy companies that are struggling, fix
them and sell them. So, it’s always the initial
challenge at the beginning that keeps me
going.
Q. What are 3 keys to remember about suc-
cess? The customer is the most important.
Shareholders and investors are the second
priority as they have entrusted you with their
investments, and happy employees mirror
the success of any successful company.
Q. What is your favorite quote? A double
minded man is unstable in all his ways.
James 1:8
Q. In this issue of Twelve, we salute Mothers
for Mother’s Day. What did your mom al-
ways tell you about success? It’s not what
(Continued from page 28) she said, but what she did. She ingrained a
work ethic into us. I watched her go to work
every day to pay the bills. Her work ethic,
routine, consistency, even Saturday clean-
ing, showed me what it took to be success-
ful.
We’d like to thank Paget, Phil and the nu-
merous executives that have provided their
power, insights, and wisdom on what it
takes to be successful. Thank you for pro-
viding an excellent roadmap, including prac-
tical and tangible tools and ways to achieve
success. We salute you all for giving back
and empowering Kansas City and our read-
ership to be successful.
“The customer is the most important. Shareholders and investors are the second priority as they have entrusted you with their invest-ments, and happy employees mirror the success of any successful com-pany.”
32
By LeAndrea Mack
H. Ervin Photography
AEH Photography
Read It.
Wear It.
Dream It.
Do you remember the male teachers in your elementary school? What about an African American or His-panic male teachers? According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, you shouldn’t remember many! In 2012, 81% of elementary and middle school educators were women and those numbers have hovered around this per-centage for at least 10 years now. Educators build our nation! They help shape the minds of our children into future-driven, well-rounded adults. As part of the world’s greatest nation, how can we encourage our young men, and especially our young African-American men, to pursue a career in teaching others? A career where the rewards and pay is minimal compared to others and the recognition and respect of the profession is undervalued? African American men pursuing a career in education is extremely uncommon. It is not a glorified role like rap-pers in the music industry, and doesn’t provide the kind of financial freedom of other minority male role models like that of athletes and entertainers. Since men have to position themselves to provide for their families, reach-ing for a career in education doesn’t always seem like a logical choice. The average teaching salary is less than a third of the average NFL or NBA salary, however, the impact that an educator can provide is well beyond the comprehension of money. Recently, Twelve Magazine was able to speak with a representative of the US Department of Education about the Respect Project. The project is an initiative to aid in America’s understanding and respect of educators. One of the main goals of the project is to bridge the salary gap between teaching and other professions. For instance, the amount of time it takes to become a teacher is identical to the time it takes to become a computer engineer. The classes are just as challenging and the amount of tuition is exactly the same, but starting salaries among these professions are vastly different. The Respect Project sees this as a problem that requires a full analysis and solu-tion. They recognize that until America realizes the importance of compensating their educators more deserv-ingly, they will continue the battle to obtain quality teachers in the classroom that can produce quality students. In an effort to know more about how African American men actually viewed this topic of education, Twelve Magazine plowed into the heart of the situation with a few men that have a wealth of experience in this area.
(Continued on page 33)
Where Are The Men…in Education?
33
magazine
Dr. Edward Underwood Executive Director/Kauffman Endowed Chair and Institute for Urban Education Dr. Edward Underwood believes that the skills you learn in becoming an educator are not simply for the classroom but for life! As the Executive Direc-tor for UMKC Urban Institute, he’s had his hand in molding several successful teachers and educators in K.C.’s urban community. The 4 year program executively directed by Dr. Underwood, contracts graduating college students into educational work in Kansas City’s urban areas. Starting as an Academic Advisor in the College of Arts and Science at UMKC, he realized that he needed to do more. He saw the opportunity to en-courage young, ambitious students to bring their talents and drive into the classroom where there were children who desperately needed it. Dr. Underwood also agrees that developing the interest in men towards education is difficult, but he believes that many of them don’t understand what teaching is truly about and the kinds of re-wards it can bring. More often, they are discour-aged by rumors of low salary option and problem-atic children, but the truth is that teachers stay in demand, their benefits are among the best and most stable in the nation, and the majority of them
have the option of Summer break with pay ! At the end of my visit with Dr. Underwood, he gave me full clarity on the importance of strong men in education by saying: “You have to be on a mission to see these kids succeed, but that same mission will bring you great happiness for those who are inspired or are able to fill that mission with your help.”
(Continued on page 35)
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Dr. Hickman and Promise Academy’s sense of innovation is what keeps his students interested! He explains that iPads, Kindles, and other tablets are as necessary in preparing them for the world as computers were previously. Promise Acad-emy provides the tablets for their classrooms, but what’s most important to Dr. Hickman is encouraging confidence and self-advocacy among his students. The assurance that his students have the ability to effectively communicate, convey, negotiate or assert their own interests, desires, needs, and rights will help them in every area in and outside of the classroom. He promotes self advocacy through mentoring, empowering, and acknowledging his students and their learning experi-ences throughout the school year. He admits that being an educator can be difficult but under-stands that the need for positive African-American male role models is a responsibility that he gladly accepts in an effort to give young students exemplary leadership. In the process of writing several books and running the K-12 consulting firm, Dr. Philip Hickman has managed to find suc-cess, financial security, and fulfillment while instilling lifelong lessons, encouraging our future adults, and taking on the posi-tion of a role model. As the son of a schoolteacher, he experi-enced the impact that his mother had on her students and on himself, which may have aided in his decision to choose edu-cating as his own profession.
(Continued from page 33)
(Continued on page 37)
Dr. Philip Hickman, Assistant Superintendent and Principal of Promise Academy
36
37
Like many men with the opportunity to go to college, Keanan Weir initially pursued another career path, too. While pursu-ing an undergrad degree in Psychology and Sociology, Weir doesn’t remember being encouraged to go into the field of education and his interest was in counseling adolescents. However, his passion to make a bigger impact on the youth of Kansas City inspired a mentoring role and he soon realized that being an educator would give him the biggest platform. Obtaining his Master’s in 2008, he is now the Dean of Students at Pathway Academy, one of three schools in the KC metro area with proficient MAP standardized test scores. He explains that educating, mentoring, and encouraging our youth is a responsibility he takes very seriously! Having the opportunity to shape and mold the next generation is ex-tremely gratifying to Weir. As the Dean of Students, he is re-sponsible for all of the discipline in the school, on the school buses and the students’ routes home. In addition, he counsels and tutors students, meets with parents, and tracks statistical data to analyze ways to mitigate behavioral issues at his school.” Weir concedes that encouraging African American men to pur-sue a career in education is an uphill task but nonetheless, one that needs to be undertaken in order to provide more ideal male role models, especially for our young black males, on which they’ll build a foundation.
(Continued from page 35)
We acknowledge and salute ALL educators for taking an active role and recognizing the importance of our future generations and appreciate the distinguished values our men in education bring!
Keanan Weir, Dean of Students
Pathway Academy Charter School
38
‘Cause Women Love A Well-dressed man!
When incorporating walking into your fitness plan follow these simple guidelines:
1. Getting the right gear is essential. Choosing the proper shoes can prevent many
common foot injuries. If walking at night, wear bright colors or reflective tape for in-
creased visibility.
2. Select your course carefully, being sure to avoid paths with cracked sidewalks, pot-
holes, and uneven surfaces.
3. Warm up, cool down and stretch your muscles at least 10 minutes before and af-
ter your workout to prepare your body and help it recover from exercise.
Just like with any other fitness routine, staying motivated is important. Start with simple
goals such as 10 minute walk during your lunch break and gradually increase. Make walking
an enjoyable activity by inviting friends, neighbors or co-workers to join you. Vary your rou-
tine by alternating between outdoor locations.
If you enjoy the accountability and camaraderie that comes from being part of a group,
check out these area Walk/Run Organizations: Black Girls Run, Kansas City Track
Club, Running in the USA and KC Express.
By Danielle Jones
By Spring, nearly half of all individuals who resolved to lose weight as part of their New Year’s Resolution have
given up. Why? Most often because they’ve set unrealistic goals for themselves and or have fallen back into un-
healthy lifestyle habits. While weight loss is never a “quick fix” beginning with a regular walking routine is a quick,
simple and cost free way to regain your motivation and jumpstart your workout. Not only does walking help
maintain your weight and reduce your risk of chronic diseases like Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease, it also
strengthens your bones, lifts your mood and can help improve balance and coordination.
While walking is generally considered a low impact activity it is not without its risk so proper technique and plan-
ning is essential to beginning any exercise regimen.
Walk it
Out
39
Look forward
not at the
ground.
Keep your chin
parallel to the
ground.
Gently tighten
your stomach
muscles.
Walk smoothly,
rolling your foot
from heel to toe.
Hold you
Head high.
Move your
Shoulders
Naturally.
Keep your
back straight
not arched
forward or
backward
Swing your
arms freely
with a slight
bend in your
elbows.
Reference: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
Walking Technique
40
self-esteem likes what they see in the mir-
ror, believes in their own abilities, and
never ceases working towards their goal.
Success begins by becoming a mature and
happy person – or, more succinctly, a per-
son of good character.
It is my belief that every person must con-
sistently exude three traits to become a per-
son of good character, in order to be suc-
cessful: RESPONSIBILITY, which is
“doing what you’re supposed to do when
you’re supposed to do it;” DISCIPLINE,
which is “doing what you’re supposed to do
when you’re supposed to do it – even when
you don’t feel like doing it,” and; HUMIL-
ITY, which is, as I put it, “getting what you
want
last.”
For all
three
of
these
char-
acter
traits,
add
the
word
SELF
in
front
of it.
As an adult, no longer under parental au-
thority, we make decisions on what we want
to do, and who we want to be. During those
first steps into adulthood, we eventually
find that our newfound freedom of choice –
life is ALL about choices – will expose our
selfish nature more than at any time in our
lives. Selfishness in and of itself isn’t bad;
it’s what keeps us alive (it’s called self-
preservation). But in applying discipline
and humility towards your responsibilities
to yourself, your family, your employers,
and your community, you demonstrate to
the world that you are a person of good
character –trustworthy enough to keep your
word, confident enough to do the right thing
no matter the consequences.
Frederick Douglass wrote, “I prefer to be
(Continued from page 7)
true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule
of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own
abhorrence.” You cannot respect others if you don’t re-
spect yourself. By developing the traits of responsibility,
discipline and humility, one becomes a person of good
character – building the highest regard where it counts:
internally. For me, this is the best framework for success
in all aspects of one’s life.
“I prefer to be true
to myself, even at
the hazard of incur-
ring the ridicule of
others, rather than
to be false, and to
incur my own ab-
horrence.”
41
crave
It’s Game Time. Just one more interview to go and
the job is yours...or theirs.
The Final Two…Who Gets the Job?
In a second interview, the presumption can be made that that both candidates are qualified and have the potential to
close the deal and get the job offer. Thus, a battle is already underway, yet devoid, of course, of any physical confron-
tation. So how does one rise to the occasion and claim the title? We sat down with Gregory Ikner, President of the
AGA Group (agaexecsearch.com), a leading executive search firm in the Kansas City area, to reveal the keys for
clinching the job when you’re a finalist.
10 Steps To Distinguish Yourself From the Competition
Be Current. Make sure you are comfortable with today’s technology, social media, and your resume speaks to
the job at hand. You should be able to execute using current methods.
Know Your Stuff. “In an interview, anxiety will be natural, but if you “know your stuff” you’ll still come across
well,” states Ikner. Nerves show you care. However, know your industry, the job, and the skills required.
Again, be sure you know the current tools used to get the job done.
Research The Company. You’ve done some of this to make it to this phase, but you continue this research
for new interviewers, and new questions from the hiring manager. You’ll also use this information to help
you build your questions and navigate the conversation, when necessary. (Continued on page 45)
It’s a familiar script. Two Men Enter. One Man Leaves.
It’s the all-too-familiar sequence of your favorite martial arts, western showdown, boxing or cop feature. Both individuals are prepared and determined and appear fit
for the challenge. Yet, at the end of the bout, there will only be one victor. Who will win? Well in the movies, the good guy always wins…well at least 95% of the time,
but in the employment “battlefield” both finalists are
“good guys” and as a candidate, you’re fighting “blind”. You have no clue who your competition is and what weapons they possess. Therein lays the conundrum.
Gregory Ikner, President of the AGA
Group, a leading Executive Search
firm, sat down with TWELVE to pro-
vide some tactics for job seekers.
1
2
3
Career
42
Sat
05/18 KCKS Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
2013 Jabberwock Pageant Event type: Fundraiser Venue: Ritz Charles: 9000 W. 137th
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Grand Kansas City MO Time: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Producer: 100 Black Men of Greater KC Contact: Email: [email protected] Web: network100.kcsoul.com Sat 06/15 Taste of Art Event type: Community Action Venue: Negro League Museum: KCMO Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Producer: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,
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43
44
45
Develop A Value Proposition. Understand the company’s needs and how your skills match their needs.
What benefits will the company realize by bringing you onboard? Ikner states, “Always do a value proposi-
tion statement. It can be written, as part of your resume or something you verbalize.” TIP: When you think
about a statement you will make, think of the hiring managers response as “So What?” That triggers you to
be prepared and provide supporting information and benefits.
Always Offer Proof. Let them know what you’ve done in the past and document it. e.g. “I created a new pro-
gram. Consequently, we were able to lower costs 15% year over year and our division was the top per-
former in the region.”
Anticipate Questions. Anticipate Answers. See two or three steps ahead. If there are issues in your work
history—gaps or maybe you can be labeled as overqualified, remove the roadblocks by developing answers
to possible questions to show your overall benefit to the position and company as a whole.
Lay Out Your Plan. “If you want to differentiate yourself from someone else, tell them what you’re going to
do if you get the job.” Develop a 30-, 60- and 90-day plan. It can be fairly high level, just a few paragraphs.
“That tells a hiring manager that, I have a person that can do the job, is self-motivated, already giving thought
to what they’re going to do and has already pictured success,” says Ikner. Tip: Don’t emphasize a willingness
to learn a job, indicate how you are ready to apply your skills now.
Express a Team Effort. When stating your contribution, speak to how it benefits the larger team, not you. “In
business, we don’t care what you know, until we know you care,” says Ikner. You show that you bring value
to the team, department, region, etc. to move the company forward.
Show Up and Perform. Everyone brings a resume, so a chronological order of all of your work doesn’t help
you stand out. It’s about conveying the experiences and benefits to that specific job. Interview performance
includes having a positive attitude. Give it your best. You’ve got one shot and this is a battle. “Don’t go to
war and come back with bullets,” says Ikner.
Close and Call-to-Action. “ABC” Always-Be-Closing. Example: “Thank you for the opportunity to interview.
I think I would fit well and deliver solid results. I would like to ask for your support to move me to the next
phase of the process”. TIP: Don’t be disrespectful to the process or other prospects, “You can tell everyone
else to go home”. This shows a selfish attitude rather than one that indicates you care. For closing com-
ments, be sure to always have three or four questions. “e.g., Can you explain your training program?”
Use these tips to prepare for and close on your next job opportunity and you’ll be prepared for battle.
(Continued from page 41)
READ
TWELVE
EVERY
MONTH
ONLINE
OR ORDER
PRINT COPIES AT
TWELVEKC.COM
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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47
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here is something to be said about a mother’s advice. It may not be what you want to hear, but somehow it resonates for a
lifetime. Good advice comes from a wealth of ex-perience. Women that have embarked on the jour-ney of parenthood know that sound advice can
MOMMA
Always Said
T
49
shelter you from the toughest trials or serve as vali-dating rewards for decisions well made. What is it about a mother that makes the rest of the world affirm that she knows best? It could have some-thing to do with the fact that good mothers only
(Continued on page 53)
By Randi McCreary
Looking back now, advice
from your mother, can really
be appreciated.
50
t takes a special kind of person to race. For the
major, international races, standard entry requires
qualifying in certified marathons. Couple this with
entry fees, travel expenses, and the overall toll of
training, and you’re out a tidy sum. For some races,
there’s prize money on the line, but the biggest reward
for most is finishing; joining the elite fraternity
of those that have proven they can outdo and
outlast.
In the U.S., amid rising obesity numbers and in-
creasingly sedentary lifestyles, we can still
find a strong force of those who will-
ingly, even eagerly, place their bodies
under the grueling pressure and strain of a 26.2
mile marathon stretch. Count Christopher
White among them. He conditioned his body for
years through school athletics of basketball and
football. He continued his athletic involve-
ment as an assistant basketball coach for Lin-
coln Preparatory Academy. Like the sports he played
and coached, running was always an essential part of
the formula, and Christopher enjoyed it.
He examined more formal pursuits of running and
pursued coursework at UMKC. However, his se-
lected course was cut from the schedule due to low
registrations. Determined, he asked the instruc-
tor to continue anyway as independent study.
The instructor agreed. It wasn’t long until
Christopher moved from the
treadmill to 5K and 10K races
in town. Always up for the next
challenge, he pursued marathon
races, completing his first, the
KC Marathon in 2007, after
over seven months of
training.
Over the next few years, Chris-
topher trained, dieted, and re-
searched. His marathon time
improved from a first time of
3:33 hours to 2:59 hours qualifying
time in the Chicago Marathon. So on April 15,
2013, as he entered the Boston Marathon, for
the 117th Annual race, the world’s longest run-
ning marathon, he knew he could finish. The only
unFINISHed Line Survived Boston. Staying the Course.
“My failure
was a blessing.
He protected
me.”
Christopher White
LIVE From the
Boston Marathon
I
51
unknown was what his finish time would be…or so
he thought…
Some-
where
near the
twenty-
first mile,
something
went
wrong. “I
got weak.
I’d never
felt like
that be-
fore.” says
White.
He made
his way over to a medical tent. It was primarily
manned by medical students, who suspected dehy-
dration, but he didn’t have some of the usual symp-
toms of heart palpitations, headache or dizziness.
Concerned, Christopher asked for an IV drip, think-
ing he could refuel
and energize his
body and complete
the race. Yet, they
didn’t have an IV
drip in the tent, so
he drank Gatorade.
He began to feel
better, but was still
weak and uncertain
of what was really
wrong, so he called
for an ambulance.
Soon he was wear-
ing an oxygen mask
lying on a stretcher
en route to the
nearest hospital.
With over 500,000
spectators at the
race, the ER was
light and Chris received
express service. There, he was diagnosed with de-
hydration, placed on an IV drip, and began to re-
cover. “While I was there, I told them that I’d left
my bag at the race and wanted to call in so they
could hold my bag.” says White. Shortly after, there
was a huddle of doctors and medical staff. “I heard
somebody say two bombs detonated.” Three peo-
ple were killed. “You’re in the right place”, a nurse
turned and said to White. Another, somewhat jok-
ingly said, “That was your bag?”
It was about 2:50pm and the hospital televisions were
tuned in to the havoc. Within 15 minutes, the in-
jured began flooding in. Christopher was there first-
hand in the emergency room witnessing the sudden
and disturbing influx of maimed men, women, chil-
dren. Later reports would cite over 200 victims of
the bombing attack by suspected terrorists, Dzhok-
har Tsarnaev and his brother, Tamerlan Tsarnaev,
reported to be Russian-born, Muslim extremists.
Led by his faith, Christopher, a practicing Hebrew
Israelite, credits the Most High for his protection.
“My failure was a blessing. He protected me.” Reliv-
ing the situation, Christopher notes various incidents
that are evidence of divine protection. “First he shut
me down. I had never felt like that before. And if
you look at the timing, had I received an IV in the
medical tent, when I asked for it, I may have regained
my strength and I could have been right there at the
time the bombs were detonated”, he said.
That initial protection is not the only revelation.
“The early reports were that the bombers were dark
skinned or African-American. Here
I am, African-American with a
beard, with a missing bag at the
finish line. A nurse had already
implied that the bag was my bag.”
He was an easy stereotypical target
amid the highly charged streets full
of fear and terror. Yet, throughout
the ordeal, Christopher received
support, including great care at the
hospital, even an escort by a hospi-
tal administrator and nurse to his
taxi, which returned him to the
hotel. There was additional kind-
ness from hotels and area residents
providing accommodations for run-
ners.
“It was all a blessing in disguise and
it makes me continue my spiritual
walk.” In the end, the marathon
still gave Christopher a run medal.
He accepted it reluctantly, since he
didn’t finish, telling the staff of his ordeal. Though
Christopher feels blessed to have been able to return
home safely and doesn’t suffer any post-traumatic
stress, he hasn’t yet decided on future races.
“Competing and the medals are all futile. People lost
their lives. Reflecting on his spiritual journey, he
states, “I’m doing my part, but given this experience, I
know I can do more.”
Chris wore number 2897 in the Boston Marathon.
52
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want the best for their children. Mother’s wit acts as armor in our battle against everything life has to throw at us; whether we are ready or not. As a junior in college I can recall crying to my mother about the relationship trouble I was having. Through heavy sighs and sniffles I opened up about all of my problems and waited for her to reveal those immaculate words of wisdom that would give everything clarity. “Maybe you should try something different this time”, was all she said. At the time those words didn’t comfort me. There was no “aha!” moment. I wondered if she truly un-derstood what I was going through. But over time, I realized she was giving me advice that was sim-ple, but so poignant. In telling me to try something different, my mother was telling me to always look at the big picture. She was letting me know that if one door seems to
slam in your face, you have to have the faith that several more will open. In essence, if you aren’t happy with the cards you are dealt you can always play a new game. I’ve used this advice throughout my life;
from dating and friendships to pursuing a career. A mother’s guidance is like a road map. Each pre-cious jewel of advice is like a separate destination that she knows you will one day visit. There’s a ver-bal compass relaying just enough to guide you in the right direction, while still giving you the ultimate choice in your destination. For all of us, each jour-ney is different. We asked friends and acquaint-ances to recall advice from their mothers.
(Continued from page 49) James McNea and Lydia Taylor were guided by simple affirmations that keep them moving in the right direction. “Treat others how you would like to be treated” and “Don’t judge people when you do not know their story” are simple offerings, but might be more nourishing than many other pieces of advice passed along. It is the center of respect and understanding. It is the knowledge of a mother. For Natasha Ria-El Scari, the compass led to ad-vice on marriage. Her mother’s cautionary com-ment, “Check the plumbing before you buy the house” teaches her that you must take the time to truly know someone before dedicating your life to them. Mothers have a way of telling you every-thing you need to know without insinuating too much. We often times want to resist those mater-nal nudges, but ultimately it’s the end result of a wealth of experience. Lana Spaller- Little believes in her mother’s advice of putting money away in savings know matter how much you make. A mother wants her child to always have a better tomorrow. So the words, no matter how presumptuous they seem, are truly coming from a place of protection and love. How lucky we are to have someone that has al-ready traveled down that road, to forewarn us of what we ought to avoid and to clue us in on what we should stop and look at along the way. Happy Mother’s Day.
“A mother’s guid-ance is like a road map. Each precious jewel of advice is like a separate des-tination that she knows you will one day visit.”
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Who’s Who in Black KC. Bruce Watkins Cultural Heritage Center. 3.26.13
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