WELCOME
Metropolitan Leadership institute, Inc. looks forward to renewed activity after the long pause brought on by the global coronavirus pandemic. As we enter the second decade of our existence, we do so with a new outlook toward our purpose, operations and programs of service.
I am energized by the opportunities emerging for Metropolitan Leadership Institute, Inc. to meet the current and evolving needs of our community. Our collaborations allow us to make a larger community impact.
We thank those of you who have supported our fundraising and program activities in the past and hope that you will continue your support and others will join as we implement our programs and service in the community.
Norma McKelvy,
Board Chairman
Board Members
Norma McKelvy - Chairman
My career included various financial positions and I retired from a position with a compliance focus on Health Information Privacy, System and Physical Security and Business Readiness and Resumption. I hold a BS in Accounting from Providence College and an MBA with emphasis in Human Resource Management. My current organizational leadership involvement includes Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Black Achievers Society of Greater KC, Soroptimist International, St James UMC Leadership Board and United Women in Faith.
Lani Stigler - Vice Chairman
I am the Director of Network Operations for Mastercard in Kansas City, MO and hold a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a MBA from Webster University. My involvement in leadership, beyond work, spans from Vice President and Program Chair for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Mu Omega Chapter, to providing guidance in developing STEM skills through Girls4Tech, and being a member of the Disaster Acton Team mobilized by the American Red Cross.
E. Jeanne Cosby - Recording Secretary
I recently retired from State Farm Insurance in Atlanta as a Learning Delivery Facilitator. I also worked as a.Claims Representative - Field Catastrophe Services was deployed across the county. Formerly I was a loan officer for several years. I hold a B.A in Biology from Harvard-Radcliffe University and Post-Baccalaureate Studies in Architecture - Univ of Florida. My insurance designations are CPCU, AIC, API. The organizations I am involved in are past president of Mu Omega Chater Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc among other positions, St. Paul's Episcopal Church- Atlanta, GA and CPCU Society- Atlanta Chapter.
Debra Johnson - Treasurer
I retired in 2017 as a Department Vice-President of Operations/Customer Service for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City managing approximately 180 customer service agents, their managers and technical staff. I have a Bachelor of Management degree from Baker University and an MBA from Avila University. I also completed course work for executive leadership and life skills coaching. Organizations I support are Church Women United- Kansas City Unit serving as the board secretary; Friendship Baptist Church Women's Missionary Union serving as Vice President-Enlistment Chairman; Member of the International Coaching Federation(ICF)- Heartland Chapter and a Member of the National Association of Parliamentarians.
Audrey Gardner - Correspondence Secretary
I currently work in the insurance industry as Property Claim Specialist. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Psychology. I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc - Mu Omega Chapter. I serve as the Board lead for the Asset Managment Committee and am continuously looking at locations in Kansas City, Kansas for our program location. I am in the Temple Keepers Axillary at New Generation Christian Church and I am very family oriented supporting various business ventures.
Kim Ford - Financial Secretary
I am a retired financial institution examiner with the Office of the Comptroller of Currency. I’m associated with the following organizations: Oak Ridge Missionary Baptist Church where I serve as the chair of the Church Civic Action Committee Chair; Churches United for Justice (Wyandotte County) and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Mu Omega Chapter where I chair the Audit Committee.
Meredyth Vick Esq. - Board Chairman
I am an attorney with my own practice Vick Law Firm focusing on Bankruptcy law and real estate landlord/tenant cases. I hold a BA in Management from The University of Missouri - Columbia and a J.D. from the University of Kansas. I enjoys being active in my community and have served in various leadership roles in different organizations.
Sharon Hayes - Board Member
My career field is Education Mathematics 5-12 although currently I am an ESOL Resource Teacher K-12. I have earned several degrees - BS Mathematics CMSU(UCM); BA Education Mathematics 5-12; MS Educational Leadership 5-12; MS ESOL Education . The organizations I am involved in are :KCAFT&SRS board member for 33 years(teachers union); NCTM; AKA Sorority, Inc 1981.
Dr. Yvette Richars - Board Member
Currently I am focused on Community Engagement and Women's Empowerment. I am the Director of Community Connections and Mission for St. James United Methodist Church. I hold a BS from North Carolina A&T- Mass Communication, Masters in Leader Development Walden University, Masters in Christian Ministry and Doctorate of Ministry- United Theological Seminary. Some of the organizations I am involved in are Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, United Women in Faith, Della Lamb, Cornerstones of Care, Flourish Furnishing Bank, Center for Conflict Resolutions, and C.M. Merritt Foundation. I also serve on national and international committees and boards within the United Methodist Church
ABOUT US
The Metropolitan Leadership Institute, Inc. (MLI) was founded in 2011 by members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Mu Omega Chapter to operate as a separate and distinct 501(c)3 entity from the Sorority.