About Us

Launched in 2021 by a coalition of 14 local community organizations, ProX began as a pilot to create a shared front door for summer internships and client-connected projects. With support from the DeBruce Foundation and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, this community-driven effort has grown into Real World Initiatives—a formally established 501(c)(3) affiliate that ensures Kansas City students will continue to access high-quality, real-world learning experiences for years to come.

ProX provides accessible, meaningful work experiences that empower students and support local employers. More than a placement process, ProX offers a guided journey—student onboarding, coaching support throughout the summer, and employer tools that strengthen internship quality and consistency. A high-quality ProX internship includes meaningful work, consistent supervision, skill-building opportunities, and a workplace environment where students feel supported and valued.

Interns build essential work-ready skills, grow social capital, and earn Market Value Assets (MVAs), while gaining the confidence and career clarity needed for future education and career success. For employers, ProX offers a supported way to develop future talent and invest in a stronger, more prepared workforce for Kansas City—powered by students, mentors, and community partners working together.

Mission

ProX provides high school students with equitable access to real-world opportunities, empowering them to develop essential skills and connections for success in education and the workforce, while fostering meaningful partnerships with employers and the community to drive lasting impact.

A future where all high school students are equipped with transformative real-world experiences, empowering them to succeed in careers and education, and strengthening the regional talent pipeline. 

Vision

Work-Ready Skill Development

We equip ProX interns with the work-ready skills and mindsets they need to thrive—not just during their internship, but long after it ends.

Through our coaching model and weekly professional development sessions, interns practice the habits that matter most in today’s workplace: showing up with professionalism, communicating clearly, collaborating with others, solving problems, managing time, and learning from feedback. Coaches provide consistent check-ins, support, and real-time guidance so students can navigate new expectations with confidence and keep growing week to week.

This combination of hands-on experience, coaching, and skill-building helps interns contribute meaningful work, strengthen their confidence, and build the foundation they need for the future of work—no matter what path they choose next.

Meet the Team.

  • Solissa Franco-McKay

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Solissa Franco-McKay is the Executive Director of Real World Initiatives (ProX). She leads the organization in implementing policies and programs that create learning opportunities for students through connections with local businesses, in alignment with the organization's vision and strategic priorities.

    With over a decade of experience, Solissa has worked in nonprofit leadership, including roles at Kansas City Public Schools Education Foundation and Kauffman Scholars, Inc., where she advanced college access and career development strategies. A former educator and student affairs professional, Solissa is dedicated to equity-centered programming that uplifts historically marginalized communities.

    She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Middle School Education and a Master’s in Higher Education Administration from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. Solissa is a certified mindfulness facilitator and serves on the board of Nurture KC. In 2024, she was honored as a NextGen Leader by the Kansas City Business Journal.

  • Michael Robins

    Director of Programs

    Michael Robins is the Director of Programs at ProX. A Kansas City native, Michael earned his Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with a focus on Mathematics and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of Missouri–Kansas City.

    Michael’s career spans technology, education, and community service. He worked for Time Warner Cable in Information Technology before transitioning to education, teaching Algebra II and Pre-Calculus at Northeast High School. Later, he served as an administrator at Central High School, focusing on empowering students and educators.

    Michael’s passion for community and education drives his work. He draws inspiration from Gandhi’s words, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s message, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that” by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

  • Amos Jaimes

    Program and Data Manager

    Amos Jaimes is the Program and Data Manager.

    Amos earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and history from the University of Missouri, his Master of Educational Studies from the University of Oklahoma, and his Master of Business Administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

    Amos has previously worked in multiple roles at different universities in student life and financial wellness offices.  He is excited to support students in achieving their dreams.

  • Asia Campbell

    EMPLOYER DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

    Asia is the Employer Development Manager for ProX. She is responsible for establishing and maintaining positive relationships with employers who can offer real-world, work-based learning opportunities for local youth.

    Asia builds and strengthens relationships with employers, community and civic networks, program partners and donors to ensure alignment with the quality and quantity of these work experiences. Asia is passionate about changing the lives of the youth and her community while advancing the mindset of how employers provide such opportunities.

  • Gaelynn Patton

    Coaching and Resource Coordinator

    Gaelynn Patton is a coaching and resource coordinator for Real World Initiatives, where she oversees and supports the team of contracted coaches in the successful delivery of the ProX internship program.

    As part of her expertise in Talent Management, Gaelynn has worked with companies to help them attract and hire top talent from a wide range of industries, including technology, marketing, advertising, healthcare, and construction.


    Prior to joining the Kauffman Foundation, Patton worked as a merchandising manager at Ulta Beauty and Cosmetics utilizing her Bachelor of Science in interior design from Northwest Missouri State University.

    She is a professional life coach for The Liberation Laboratory, helping clients overcome limiting beliefs, accomplish their goals, and feel more empowered, healed, and optimistic.

  • Mindy Milner

    Operations Coordinator

    Mindy plays a key role in supporting the day-to-day operations and administrative functions of the ProX  program.

    Prior to joining the team, she served as assistant director of residence life at Rockhurst University. Mindy earned her Bachelor of Arts in communication sciences and disorders from Western University and Master of Organizational Leadership from Rockhurst University. She is certified in Mental Health First Aid and is a weekly volunteer for Heart of America Humane Society. 

  • Meaghan Higgins

    Director of Operations

    Meaghan oversees the day-to-day program operations, including resource management, program execution, and reporting. 

    Prior to joining the team she was executive director at Kansas State College Advising Corps, Kansas State University. Prior to her work with Kansas State, Meaghan served as a postsecondary advisor with the Kauffman Scholars, a Kauffman Foundation college access and scholarship program, where she helped high school juniors and seniors to prepare for and attend colleges and universities. Meaghan earned her Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Missouri and Master of Business Administration from the University of Missouri -- Kansas City. 

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