Week 4 - Collaboration
This week, we’re focusing on collaboration—the skill of working with others to achieve a common goal. Whether you’re part of a team, solving a problem, or building something new, collaboration is how big ideas come to life.
When people work together, they can share responsibilities, support each other, and combine their strengths to get things done more efficiently—and with less stress. From school projects to sports teams to the workplace, collaboration is a skill that shows up everywhere.
Learning how to be a strong collaborator will not only make you a better teammate—it’ll help you build stronger relationships and succeed in whatever path you choose.
ImBlaze Check-in
Song Of The Week
At its core, Birds of a Feather is about commitment—the kind that says, “I’ve got you, no matter what.” It’s soft, emotional, and full of that deep desire to stay connected through everything.
While the song speaks to love, the message goes beyond romance. It’s about trust, loyalty, and choosing to show up for someone again and again. That same energy is at the heart of strong collaboration: being dependable, building real trust, and sticking with your team—even when things get tough.
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
🎤 ASK A PROFESSIONAL
This week’s theme is Collaboration—working together to get big things done.
Whether you’re building a campaign, running a business, or sharing the spotlight on a team project, no one makes it alone. Great collaborators know how to listen, share ideas, and play to their strengths.
👀 Want to get better at working with others? Now’s your chance to learn from two pros who’ve mastered the art of teamwork—on the air and in the community.
They know a thing or two about working with others to make big things happen. From community impact to breaking news, both of these pros rely on strong teams, good communication, and shared goals to succeed. Get ready to meet them.
Morning Session
Co-Founder of The Porter House KC + KU Business Professor
Dan Smith is a builder—of businesses, community, and opportunity. Born and raised in Kansas City, he’s launched five businesses and co-founded The Porter House KC, a nonprofit that supports small business owners in historically underserved communities. He also teaches at the University of Kansas School of Business, helping students turn ideas into action.
Dan’s work brings together people from all walks of life to collaborate, learn, and grow. With a background in both for-profit and nonprofit leadership, he’s passionate about creating economic opportunity in the city he calls home.
Dan Smith
Afternoon Session
Morning News Anchor, KSHB 41
Rae Daniel is a morning news anchor and multimedia journalist at KSHB 41 News. She’s been telling Kansas City’s stories for the past eight years—and knows that bringing the news to life takes a team.
Originally from Cincinnati, Rae studied broadcast journalism and Spanish at Western Kentucky University, and later earned master’s degrees in higher education and public affairs. She’s a proud member of the National Association of Black Journalists and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and brings her full self to every story she covers—on and off camera.
Rae Daniel
Week 2 Breakout Sessions
Building Wealth with CommunityAmerica Credit Union
Led by Prentiss Earl III, CommunityAmerica Credit Union
Time to think bigger—because this Monday, we’re talking investing. Whether you’ve got $5 or $500, knowing how to grow your money is a skill that pays off for life.
Prentiss Earl III is back with another high-energy session to break down what investing really means—and how to start building wealth now. No boring lectures here. Just games, real talk, and hands-on tips to help you make smart money moves.
With 15+ years in education and innovation, Prentiss has helped thousands of KC students feel more confident about their finances. Now it’s your turn.
💡 Expect surprises, strategy, and a mindset shift around how you think about your money. You’ll walk away with tools, knowledge, and maybe even a prize.
Money doesn’t grow on trees—but it can grow.
🤝 Why Collaboration Matters — In Life and at Work
Director, Kansas City College and Career Attainment Network (KCCAN)
Collaboration is like a group dance: everyone brings their own rhythm, but the magic happens when the team moves together. Whether you’re solving a problem with friends or launching a big idea at work, strong collaboration helps you stay flexible, adapt to surprises, and keep things moving forward.
When everyone has a clear role, shares responsibility, and brings different strengths to the table, it not only makes the team stronger—it makes the experience more rewarding. Embracing a teamwork mindset sets you up to thrive in any setting, no matter what changes come your way.
This session will give you the chance to explore what collaboration really looks like—and why it matters. Get ready to move, think, and work together in new ways.
Week 4 Resources
-
Collaboration (col·lab·o·ra·tion) means working together with other people to achieve a common goal. It’s about sharing ideas, listening to each other, and combining everyone’s strengths to create something better than you could do alone.
Why is it important?When people team up, they can split tasks, help each other, and finish things faster.
You don’t have to do everything alone—everyone brings their own strengths, and that makes the job easier and better.
Whether it’s a group project, a sports team, or planning an event, working together makes it more fun and less stressful.
-
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.
