The Library launches a new series, Real/Modern: KC, that takes a humorous, opinionated, intimate, and informative look at the modern world of design, technology, and media engagement. In this inaugural installment, social media and digital marketing veterans Ramsey Mohsen and John Kreicbergs lead a panel discussion about the ways local organizations use Kansas City as a selling point. Is the current Cowtown buzz helping area firms attract clients and recruit talent? Are developments like Google Fiber making KC a major player on the tech scene? Does the city need more than hometown sports and cultural offerings to elevate its reputation? The fast-paced format features three elements: a quick rundown of timely industry news and topics followed by an interactive, in-person and online question-and-answer session and finally a lively conversation among Mohsen, Kreicbergs, and a panel of featured guests.
Jon Stephens — Founder & President, Rockhill Strategic Jon is a 15-plus year veteran of the advertising and marketing industry. After stints with two of KC's top agencies, he served as the director of marketing and public relations with the Cordish Company and later the president of the Kansas City Power & Light District. He started his own advertising/marketing/communications consulting firm, Rockhill Strategic, in 2009; has served on the KCCVA's board of directors for the last 6 years, was part of the team that assembled the bid for the 2016 Republican National Convention and served as the interim President and CEO of the KCCVA from 2013 to 2014. Chase McAnulty — CEO, Charlie Hustle You may not immediately know who Chase McAnulty is but odds are that you've seen his work a lot in the last few years. In fact, some of it may be sitting in your closet right now. As a student at the Kansas City Art Institute Chase started his first company, Wicked Threadz, out of the basement of his parent's house as a way to help pay his way through college. After graduating in 2012, he then started Charlie Hustle. It's now one of Kansas City's best known vintage t-shirt and casual clothing lines, whose "heart KC" design has become one of the most recognizable grassroots designs to brand our city in since KCMO's official fountain logo was created in the early 80s. Jennifer Wadella — Software Engineer at SMRxT Jennifer Wadella has been writing code since before she realized it was a credible career path. After graduating from Drake University in 2009 with degrees in graphic design and business management, she returned home to Kansas City. She currently works as a full-stack developer at a medication adherence startup with a love of building javascript applications and speaking at technical conferences. Jennifer is an active member of the KC tech community and the founder of Kansas City Women in Technology (KCWiT), a non-profit aimed at growing the number of women in technology careers in Kansas City. She also founded and organizes CoderDojoKC, Coding & Cupcakes, and Coding & Cocktails, and sits on several boards and committees including the Shawnee Mission School District CTE Advisory board, KC STEM Alliance's Girls in STEM initiative, and Young Women in STEM Conference planning committee. Erik Wullschleger — Director of LiveKC After graduating from the University of Nebraska 2004, Erik Wullschleger moved to KC. A ten year veteran of Sprint, he also earned an MBA in entrepreneurship from UMKC during that time and was a driving force behind the formation of the Sprint Accelerator, an entrepreneurial and innovation center located in the heart of KC. In August of 2014, after spending more and more time in a volunteer capacity, Erik became the Director of LiveKC, a joint initiative between some of Kansas City's most recognizable and influential companies who's goal is to make Kansas City a more attractive place for Millennials to live, work and play. His team is dedicated to crafting unique and new pop-up experiences that not only raise the profile of KC, but also attract young new talent to our city.