BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Evan Griffith President
Evan joined UKCN in 2012 and has since shared his gifts with us through his participation in our Music Ministry, as a sponsor of our teen ministry, and, most recently, as a chaplain. After careful consideration, Evan made the decision to join our Board and believes contribution an important aspect of humanity, and has determined that his spiritual home is the place to make that contribution.
He brings many gifts to our Board, including strong analytical and problem solving skills, as well as extensive leadership and volunteer experience.
He brings many gifts to our Board, including strong analytical and problem solving skills, as well as extensive leadership and volunteer experience.
Ed Rippee Vice President
Ed has been a member of UKCN since 2010, and has served our spiritual community through singing in the choir, being a Y.O.U. facilitator, and teaching a Bible introductory class.
Ed's decision to run for the Board of Trustees stems from “A desire to become more involved in the ministerial life of UKCN in order to share my education, training and spiritual desire for growth, to help teach in order to learn twice over, and to lend any expertise I may have garnered from my years as a lay minister as well as a business owner.”
He feels he can serve the Board through his ability to listen, problem-solve and compromise; and also through a love for humanity that allows him to get along with most people and express thoughts in an authentic way.
Ed has previously held leadership roles in real estate organizations, and has served as Director of Religious Education/Youth Ministry in the Catholic Church before coming into Unity.
Ed's decision to run for the Board of Trustees stems from “A desire to become more involved in the ministerial life of UKCN in order to share my education, training and spiritual desire for growth, to help teach in order to learn twice over, and to lend any expertise I may have garnered from my years as a lay minister as well as a business owner.”
He feels he can serve the Board through his ability to listen, problem-solve and compromise; and also through a love for humanity that allows him to get along with most people and express thoughts in an authentic way.
Ed has previously held leadership roles in real estate organizations, and has served as Director of Religious Education/Youth Ministry in the Catholic Church before coming into Unity.
Jacy navarro Treasurer
Jacy Navarro began her spiritual journey with Unity of Kansas City North in 2014 and is lovingly dedicated to our ministry. In addition to serving on the Board, she is a 3rd year Chaplain, the Family Promise Overnight Team Lead, a member of the Unity Leadership Team, the Greeting Team Lead, a Platformer, and she serves in the Youth Ministry.
Jacy feels her experience as an administrative assistant working within a non-profit organization will contribute to her work with the Board. Of her decision to serve in this way, Jacy says, "My passion for the Unity message runs deep. When I am serving, my love and joy is apparent and palpable. I have a firm understanding of our principle and strive every day to grow, learn, and live from those truths inside and outside our church walls."
Jacy is currently enrolled in SEE/MS&RS courses with the Unity Spiritual Institute and is working toward becoming a licensed/ordained minister.
Jacy feels her experience as an administrative assistant working within a non-profit organization will contribute to her work with the Board. Of her decision to serve in this way, Jacy says, "My passion for the Unity message runs deep. When I am serving, my love and joy is apparent and palpable. I have a firm understanding of our principle and strive every day to grow, learn, and live from those truths inside and outside our church walls."
Jacy is currently enrolled in SEE/MS&RS courses with the Unity Spiritual Institute and is working toward becoming a licensed/ordained minister.
Jane Ray Secretary
Jane has been a member of Unity of Kansas City North since January, 1989. She has been a chaplain since 2011, and has also served as a member of the We Care Team, and as a Minister's Angel on Sunday mornings.
Jane has been employed by Hallmark Cards for many years, which she states has helped her develop her leadership skills as a facilitator for teaching the computer software system, coordinating outside events and also coordinating meetings and special events internally.
About her decision to run for the UKCN Board, Jane says, "I am motivated to continue learning in new ways. I feel the church needs people who are open to changing and are seeking to bring a higher consciousness into our community and the world in which we live. It will be an experience in which I can learn and grow from other members." Shea adds, "I am good at writing and have strong administrative skills. I am filled with a love of God that is open and receptive to do what is mine to do. I have a desire to serve this community."
Jane has been employed by Hallmark Cards for many years, which she states has helped her develop her leadership skills as a facilitator for teaching the computer software system, coordinating outside events and also coordinating meetings and special events internally.
About her decision to run for the UKCN Board, Jane says, "I am motivated to continue learning in new ways. I feel the church needs people who are open to changing and are seeking to bring a higher consciousness into our community and the world in which we live. It will be an experience in which I can learn and grow from other members." Shea adds, "I am good at writing and have strong administrative skills. I am filled with a love of God that is open and receptive to do what is mine to do. I have a desire to serve this community."
linda anderson Member-at-Large
Linda has been attending Unity of Kansas City North since the summer of 2014. She became a member in April 2015, and has been active in numerous groups and activities ever since. She was heavily involved with the Family Promise Team from the beginning and has also served for several years with our special Events Team. Linda currently also takes care of all the recycling here at UKCN. She has attended various classes over the years and has attended the Women’s Retreat the last three years.
When considering the question of what motivates her to serve on the Board of Trustees, Linda says, “I have been a member here for 4+ years. This family has assisted me in my personal, spiritual and mental growth. It is my turn to give back to a family which has given me a blessed, loved, and amazing life.” She continues to explain, “In my career, I have been involved with building, mentoring and inspiring teams to prosper. I enjoy supplying people with the tools, inspiration and guidance to accomplish a goal. I also love to ‘get in the weeds’ and work with a team.”
When considering the question of what motivates her to serve on the Board of Trustees, Linda says, “I have been a member here for 4+ years. This family has assisted me in my personal, spiritual and mental growth. It is my turn to give back to a family which has given me a blessed, loved, and amazing life.” She continues to explain, “In my career, I have been involved with building, mentoring and inspiring teams to prosper. I enjoy supplying people with the tools, inspiration and guidance to accomplish a goal. I also love to ‘get in the weeds’ and work with a team.”
charity stephens Member-at -Large
Charity has been an active member at Unity of KC North since 2011. She has spent many years volunteering with the Youth Ministry – primarily with the Y.O.U. - where she has served as a sponsor for more than seven years. She has also taken several classes over the years and attended various rallies and retreats with our Y.O.U.ers.
When asked about her motivation to serve on the Board, Charity says, “I seek to collaborate with the Board to ensure the best spiritual interest for all. I am aligned to the mission and core values of UKCN and prepared to make well-informed decisions to positively impact the church. As a third generation of Unity, I am motiviated to ensure the spiritual growth and development of our youth.” As a career high school teacher, Charity has served in numerous leadership roles throughout her career. She explains, “These positions have taught me the importance of empathy, advocacy and resilience. Furthermore, my educational doctorate in curriculum and instruction supports my motivation to make collaborative and bold decisions for our youth ministry.”
When asked about her motivation to serve on the Board, Charity says, “I seek to collaborate with the Board to ensure the best spiritual interest for all. I am aligned to the mission and core values of UKCN and prepared to make well-informed decisions to positively impact the church. As a third generation of Unity, I am motiviated to ensure the spiritual growth and development of our youth.” As a career high school teacher, Charity has served in numerous leadership roles throughout her career. She explains, “These positions have taught me the importance of empathy, advocacy and resilience. Furthermore, my educational doctorate in curriculum and instruction supports my motivation to make collaborative and bold decisions for our youth ministry.”
The Board of Trustees holds an open meeting the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM in the Adult Education Classroom. If you have an item you would like to have included on the agenda, please submit it to the Board President or email the church office (Marcia@unitykcnorth.org) no later than the 2nd Tuesday of the month.