Week 3 - Communication

Communication (com·mu·ni·ca·tion) is how we share information, ideas, and feelings with others. Good communication means not just saying something clearly, but also listening and understanding what others are trying to say.

Check out the resources below for how you can become a better communicator and how to apply it this week through out your internship!

ImBlaze Check-in 

Song Of The Week

Frank Ocean’s Thinkin Bout You is more than just a vibe—it’s a reminder that what we think about matters. Whether it's relationships, goals, or next steps, our thoughts shape how we move. This week’s theme is critical thinking, and just like in the song, it’s about going deeper. Instead of taking things at surface level, we’re learning to pause, ask better questions, and understand what’s really going on—both in our heads and in the world around us.

Monday

Professional Development

Ewing Marion Kauffman School High school

6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131

Morning Session
8 AM Check-in Begins
8 AM–12 PM

Afternoon Session

1 PM Check-in Begins
1 PM–5 PM

Estrella Gonzalez

Meet This Week’s Speakers:

ESTRELLA GONZALEZ is The Beacon’s community engagement manager in Kansas City. She is a Texas Native from El Paso. She graduated from the University of North Texas with a B.A. in Broadcasting and moved to Kansas City in 2019. Since her time in KC she has built connections with other non-profits and previously worked as a Lead for the Social Media team at H&R Block. She believes that the power of community voice as a joint force can bring a change to KC and help shape the impact of reporting.

Julie Leonhardt

Julie brings a passion for entrepreneurship and team building to her role as CEO. Over the course of her career, Julie has been an executive leader for two of the most globally-renowned real estate brands, worked as a real estate finance attorney on Wall Street, and led teams and program development in education and healthcare-focused organizations. She also founded a real estate tech startup and understands how isolating entrepreneurship can be, and the impact organizations like Startland can have in that journey.

From her work in corporate structures, to startups and nonprofits, Julie has always maintained a focus on mentoring and empowering the people around her. She cares deeply about protecting the rights and dignity of all, especially women, the LGBTQ+ community, and those who are marginalized and traditionally underrepresented in business.

Julie’s passion for people and track record of success is fundamental to accomplishing Startland’s mission, vision and strategic initiatives. 

Week 2 Breakout Sessions

Financial Literacy with CommunityAmerica Credit Union

Led by Prentiss Earl III, CommunityAmerica Credit Union

Money doesn’t have to be boring—and this session proves it. Prentiss Earl III is the Lead Innovation Specialist at CommunityAmerica Credit Union, where he designs games and interactive challenges that help students build real-life skills around credit, saving, and financial confidence. He’s already worked with over 3,000 young people across Kansas City—and now it’s your turn.

Before joining CommunityAmerica, Prentiss helped elevate Black and Latinx entrepreneurs as an Entrepreneur in Residence at the Kauffman Foundation. With 15+ years in product design and education, he’s all about turning big ideas into action—and making sure the next generation is ready to thrive.

You’ll walk away from this session with a stronger understanding of your money mindset—and a few surprises along the way.

LinkedIn Skill Workshop

Dr. Mako Miller (she/her) serves as the inaugural Director of the Kansas City College and Career Attainment Network (KCCAN), a regional initiative of the Missouri College and Career Attainment Network (MOCAN). KCCAN is focused on increasing postsecondary attainment for students from low-income communities across the Kansas City metro.

With more than 20 years of experience in college access and higher education, Dr. Miller has held roles in admissions, academic advising, first-year experience, and career development. Her professional journey includes positions at Kansas State University, Metropolitan Community College, Kauffman Scholars, Inc., and the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC). In the community, she is currently a part of the Centurions Leadership Program through the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and serves as a board member of the Center for Architecture and Design and the Kansas State University Alumni Association Board of Directors.

A proud first-generation college graduate, Dr. Miller holds a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University, a master’s from UMKC, and an Ed.D. from the University of Kansas. Dr. Miller believes in the power of connection and that every student can build a professional network to support them through their educational and career journey. She’s here to show you how LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for building that network and finding ongoing professional support.

Mako currently lives in Olathe, KS, with her husband, Walter, and daughter, Rylie. 

Week 3 Resources

  • Communication (com·mu·ni·ca·tion) is how we share information, ideas, and feelings with others. Good communication means not just saying something clearly, but also listening and understanding what others are trying to say.

    Check out the resources below for how you can become a better communicator and how to apply it this week through out your internship!

    Why is it important?

    • Builds trust and stronger relationships- People trust you more when you communicate honestly

    • Solves problems faster- Talking through challenges leads to quicker solutions

    • Boosts confidence when speaking or sharing ideas- good communication helps you speak up more confidently

  • Be Present, Be Engaged

    • Show up on time & ready to participate — your energy sets the tone.

    • Listen actively, ask questions, & contribute thoughtfully to discussions & activities.

    Lead with Respect — Always

    • Treat everyone with kindness & respect — staff, peers, guests.

    • Be open to new perspectives & give others space to speak & share.

    Use Tech with Intention

    • Phones away unless prompted for a PD activity — stay focused on the moment.

    • Use your devices only when directed, & for program-related tasks only.

    Own Your Experience

    • Take initiative: if you’re unsure, ask. If you see a need, fill it.

    • Your growth depends on your effort — what you put in is what you get out.

    Protect the Space

    • Help create a positive, focused environment where everyone can thrive.

    • Follow directions, manage distractions, & keep side conversations low or on hold.

Meet Your Coach

Your coach is your guide through the ProX experience. You will meet often with your coach and they will check-in with you and your employer weekly. Get to know your coach, and take a peek at the other coaches working with ProX interns.