Welcome
BUiLD Participants, Special Guests, Allies, Managers, and Leaders:
We are thrilled to welcome you to the 2025 National BUiLD Summit in Kansas City, Missouri!
This year’s theme is –“Owning Our Future Together”
We are honored to welcome more than 50 managers, allies, and executive leaders whose presence reflects the strength and significance of our shared commitment to BUiLD. This broad base of support is a testament to the importance of BUiLD to both our company culture and business operations.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience – one packed with meaningful opportunities for learning, growth, and connection. Additionally, this wouldn’t be a BUiLD Summit without plenty of energy, enthusiasm, and fun!
Thank you to everyone who helped shape this inspiring program, and to all attendees for joining us on this incredible journey.
Welcome to Kansas City and welcome to the 2025 National BUiLD Summit!
You are not here by accident; you are here by purpose. Thank you for being part of the journey to owning our future together.
Marcus Walker
Jason Banks
Zoraya Rowlands
LANYARD KEY
Please see below the coordinating colors of the lanyards
Leadership and Supporting Roles
EXECUTIVE SPONSOR
Gordon Lansford
NATIONAL CO-CHAIRS
Lynnsee Boyse & Drew Eanes
EAST / HEALTHCARE REGION:
Jason Speller – Regional Chair
Ashley Lloyd
Ashley Savatovic
Benjamin Garrison
Cherish Johnson
Desiree Curry
Destiny Aladegbemi
Keith Walker
MIDWEST REGION:
Nisaiah Tibbs-Wright
Reese Moore
Tiara Chambliss
Christina Chandler– Regional Chair
Darius Drew
Jacque Braswell
JaRen Daily
Angeles Guillory, Jr.
Ashley Johnson
Gloria Owusu
Martell Dyles
Ashley Johnson
Chidoziri Maghiro
Jason Banks
Kelsey Barnett
Kisha Bausby
Linda Webb
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION:
Kamila Jones – Regional Chair
Ashley Rhodes
Indria Thomas
WEST REGION:
Kamal Rogers – Regional Chair
Michael Brown
Olu Oludoro
AFG REGION:
Basie Andoh
John Rolls, Jr.
Julius Cherry
Marcus Walker
Louis Armstrong
Starla Goss
Zoraya Rowlands
Walmon Richard
Bryant
Michael Brown
Tina Savory-Sylvester
SPEAKERS & GUESTS
Keynote Speaker
Denise Hamilton
Author, Speaker & Consultant Watch Her Work
Denise Hamilton is an author, speaker, and consultant dedicated to helping leaders foster authentic connections in an ever-evolving world. Whether navigating the challenges of remote work, integrating AI into workplaces, or embracing a more diverse workforce, Denise champions the people side of change.
A firm believer in our collective potential to create solutions rather than dwell on problems, Denise brings a uniquely optimistic and practical approach to even the most difficult conversations. Her ability to inspire trust and guide discussions toward actionable outcomes has become her hallmark, empowering leaders to cultivate teams that thrive in complex, fast-changing environments.
Denise’s insights on building stronger, more connected workplaces have been featured in MIT Sloan Management Review, NPR, Harvard Business Review, Bloomberg, MSNBC’s Morning Joe, and Newsweek. Her debut book, Indivisible, explores how shared purpose and collaboration can help us bridge divides and build a stronger future together.
Denise lives in Houston, TX, where she continues to inspire leaders and organizations to prioritize people and purpose. Learn more at denisehamilton.co
Guest Speaker
Sylvester “Sly” James
Author & Leadership Consultant
Wickham
James
– Strategies & Solutions
Sly has had a multifaceted career, serving as a Marine military police officer, a trial attorney, the dynamic mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, and an award-winning author. After military service, he graduated cum laude from Rockhurst College and the University of Minnesota Law School, enjoying a nearly three-decade legal career. His leadership as mayor was marked by transformative projects, such as a modern streetcar line, a new airport terminal, and significant infrastructure improvements. He successfully championed universal pre-K and diversity initiatives, notably founding the KCMBA Diversity Initiative, which earned an American Bar Association Diversity Award. Sly's tenure saw numerous accolades, including the American Graduate Champion of Education and Government Technology’s Top 25 Doers Dreamers and Drivers. After military service, he graduated cum laude from Rockhurst College and the University of Minnesota Law School, enjoying a nearly three-decade legal career. His books include "A Passion for Purpose" and the award-winning "The Opportunity Agenda."
Guest Speaker
Joni Wickham
Author & Leadership Consultant Wickham James – Strategies & Solutions
Joni, hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, arrived in Kansas City almost 15 years ago, bringing her distinctive southern accent and extensive experience from diverse governmental and advocacy roles. Joni served as Chief of Staff to former Kansas City Mayor Sly James, contributing to major development projects and elevating Kansas City's reputation nationally and internationally. Among Joni’s honors: 2019 University of Missouri Truman School of Public Affairs Mel Carnahan Public Service Award; and recognition as one of the 50 most influential people in Kansas City. Joni was also honored as a Woman Who Means Business by the Kansas City Business Journal in 2023. In addition to public speaking engagements, Joni leads workshops on a variety of leadership and communications topics and assists clients with their public policy, strategic communications, crisis communications, government relations and political consulting needs. Additionally, she is celebrated as the author of the best-selling book, "The Thin Line Between Cupcake and B*tch: Taking Action, Driving Change, and Getting Results."
Guest Speaker
Nikki Newton President – Private Wealth Management UMB
Nikki joined UMB in 2019 as president of UMB Private Wealth Management (PWM). In this role, he is responsible for the development and strategic execution of PWM initiatives, including driving service and revenue goals and managing senior leadership teams in the division.
Prior to joining UMB, Nikki worked at Waddell & Reed in positions of increasing leadership within the investment arena, from president of global distribution to president of Ivy Distributors, a subsidiary of Waddell & Reed.
Nikki earned a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in economics from the University of Central Arkansas, in Conway, Arkansas, and a master’s degree in business administration from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
He is actively involved in the community and currently serves as board member for the Saint Luke’s Health System, American Jazz Museum, and Health Forward. Internally at UMB, he serves as the executive sponsor for the B-EPIC inclusion and collaboration associate resource group.
JE Dunn Guest Presenter
Cindy Kirtley Director of Benefits
JE Dunn Construction
Cindy Kirtley is over Total Rewards at JE Dunn. This includes oversight for all employee benefit programs, leave of absence, retirement, compensation and wellness. She is starting her 8th year with JE Dunn and loves being a JE Dunn employee-owner. She is passionate about quality in health care and improving maternal health and mental health both for JE Dunn employees and their families, as well as ensuring that all employees have an exceptional experience when they interact with the JE Dunn benefits department.
She lives in Kansas City, has been married to her husband Paul for 16 years, and has 5 children, 6 grandchildren, and one very bad dog that is her greatest failure as a parent. Her hobbies include as much travel as possible, reading, exercise and worrying.
Guest Speaker
Lauren Madlock, Psy.D., PMH-C
Psychologist
Lyra
Dr. Madlock is a licensed clinical psychologist and maintains a private practice specializing in working with adults. Dr. Madlock’s interests are working with pregnant and postpartum individuals and couples, racial identity/race-based trauma and mindfulness. Dr. Madlock completed her graduate training at The George Washington University. She has worked in various mental health settings, from community-based care to large medical settings such as Kaiser Permanente and the VA Health Care System with individuals from diverse clinical and cultural communities.
Prior to entering the field of clinical psychology, Dr. Madlock worked in K-12 educator sector as a special education teacher, training specialist, and program director.
Guest Speaker
DeAngela Burns-Wallace, Ed.D.
President & CEO
Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace is president and CEO of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a private, nonpartisan organization focused on expanding access to economic opportunity. Her career spans public service, academia, and philanthropy, with a deep commitment to equitable economic mobility.
Before joining the Foundation, she served as secretary of administration and chief information technology officer for the State of Kansas – the first African American to hold either role. Her higher education leadership includes positions at the University of Kansas, University of Missouri, and Stanford University. She began her career as a U.S. diplomat with postings in China, South Africa, and Washington, D.C.
Dr. Burns-Wallace serves on the Stanford University Board of Trustees and has held board roles with the College Board and Heart of Missouri United Way. A life member of the Council on Foreign Relations, she remains rooted in her Kansas City upbringing and is most proud to be mom to her son, Xavier.
BOARD MEMBER
Board Member
Leroy Williams Board of Directors
J.E. Dunn Construction Group
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CyberTeKIQ LLC., a cyber security and digital strategy consulting firm providing trusted insight and deep expertise to small and midsize businesses seeking to improve their overall cybersecurity capabilities and technology leverage. He previously served as the global Chief Information Officer of Ball Corporation, as a cabinet member and Secretary of Technology for the State of Colorado and held several leadership positions at US West/Qwest. Williams currently serves on the board of directors of Molson Coors (NYSE: TAP), UMB Financial Services (NASDQ: UMB), and JE Dunn Construction Group. He is also active in the nonprofit world, serving on the Daniels Fund Private Foundation, the National Association of Corporate Directors’ Colorado Chapter, and the Colorado Children’s Hospital
ATTENDEE DIRECTORY
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Basie Andoh AFG
BUiLD NATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Gordon Lansford – Executive Sponsor
Lynnsee Boyse & Drew Eanes – National Co-Chairs
Jason Speller East/HC
Kamila Jones
South Central
Christina Chandler Midwest
Kamal Rogers West
2025 NATIONAL PLANNING & LOGISTICS COORDINATORS, MODERATORS, PANELISTS & INTERNAL SPEAKERS
Adam Cox
Antonio McBee
Ashley Lloyd
Ashley Rhodes
Basie Andoh
Chidoziri Maghiro
Christina Chandler
Christy Paoli
Cindy Kirtley
Darius Drew
Drew Eanes
Fred Tull
Gordon Lansford
Indria Hollingsworth
Jacque Braswell
James Robles
JaRen Dailey
Jason Banks
Jason Speller
Jeff Blaesing
Josette Ramirez
Julius Cherry
Kamal Rogers
Kamila Jones
Kelsey Barnett
Kevin Sears
Kisha Bausby
JE Dunn Café Staff & Renovations Team
Linda Webb
Lindsey Varra
Louis Armstrong
Lynnsee Boyse
Marcus Walker
Martell Dyles
Matt Frankel
Neia Norris
Starla Goss
Susan Schaefer
Tara Petrov Tiara Chambliss
Trekia Nolen
Zoraya Rowlands
CORPORATE CREATIVE AND MARKETING SUPPORT
Anne Binkley
Debbie Beaulieu
Maggie Kolb
A heartfelt thank-you to the incredible individuals who worked tirelessly to bring this event to life – your dedication and teamwork made it possible. Special thanks to our presenters and panelists for sharing their wisdom and inspiring us all.
We appreciate you!
A
special
thank you to our Guest Speakers & Vendors
SPEAKERS
Denise Hamilton
WatchHerWork
Sly James and Joni Wickham Wickham James - Strategies & Solutions
Nikki Newton
UMB Private Wealth Management
DeAngela Burns-Wallace, Ed.D. Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
Lauren Madlock, Psy.D., PMH-C Lyra
Cindy Kirtley
Brian B. Shynin'
Carla Mabin-Peterson
Juston Brewster
Mike Simmons
Pastor Willie M. Horton
JE Dunn Construction
VENDORS
KPRS 103.3 radio station DJ
Shutterbooth KC
D-Jay Brew & the Crew LLC
The Shop Cigar Lounge Owner/Founder
Jazz musician
Antioch Printing
Drexel
Gates BBQ
JE Dunn Construction Prefabrication
Kansas Ink
KC Blueprint
Russell Stovers
Sandlot Goods
The Roasterie
Topsy’s KC
LYRA RESOURCES
REFERENCE MATERIALS
In the spirit of continuing the conversation, we invite you to explore a few helpful tools and resources from Lyra, our mental health partner.
Lyra offers several materials designed to support your ongoing journey toward mental wellness and resilience.
– Building Resilience Through Self-Care (Article)
– Examining Race and Mental Health (Video)
– Rewriting the Feelings Rules: A New Era for Men's Mental Health (Article)
– Sleep Deprivation: Causes and Remedies (Article)
– Identifying Your Values to Make Better Decisions (Article)
– Course: Banish Imposter Syndrome and Perform Your Best
– requires Lyra registration
