Bakari Ukuu’s mission is to leverage his diverse experiences to help dismantle systems of inequity and expand the educational opportunities and outcomes for students. Bakari is currently pursuing a master’s degree in education and international development at University College London in London, England.

Jacqueline Erickson Russell applied to the corps so she could work for social justice and build her leadership skills. Today, Jacqueline runs a consulting business to help non-profits align to their mission and goals.

Cydney joined Teach For America Kansas City from Texas, where she attended Southern Methodist University and studied Political Science, Public Policy, and Human Rights. She found a passion for working with students as an orientation leader in college and is excited to continue that passion as a high school english teacher in Kansas City.

While Kayla was working toward her master’s degree at Mississippi State University, she became interested in the K-12 education system and its role in preparing students for higher education. Committed to bringing the skills she learned in graduate school back home to KC, Kayla joined the Kansas City corps in 2018 as a history teacher.

Juan Carlos joined Teach For America Kansas City in 2013 after graduating from the University of California-Davis. He remains in Kansas City and  works as a math and Spanish literacy teacher for his 4th grade class at Carver Dual Language School.

Katie is a Kansas City native who joined Teach For America in 2008 and went on to help found the C.A. Franklin Elementary School middle school team and, Alta Vista Charter Middle School. She then founded LEANLAB Education, an organization that builds communities and launches transformational innovations into K12 schools

Lauren joined Teach For America in 2010 and taught English Language Arts at Urban Community Leadership Academy. Today, Lauren is currently serving her first term as a State Senator for District 17. As a state legislator, Lauren advocates for a number of policy issues, including funding for early literacy programs.

Julie has been a member of the Teach for America Kansas City family since 2010 and is the region’s Executive Director. She attended Bemidji State University where she majored in Early Childhood Education and Political Science. Upon graduation she worked as an advocate for early childhood education and taught special education in the South Bronx. Following the completion of her Masters in Teaching from Pace University, Julie worked as a special education coordinator at Achievement First Bushwick Elementary, where she piloted a special education model that is widely used within the network today. In addition to her work at TFA, Julie is in her 10th year of service on the KIPP KC Board of directors, currently serving as Board President, and is a foster parent.