Written by Jarrett Meek, Founder/Pastor/Executive Director
We’re excited to introduce you to Alex Ruybalid, our brand new Partner Engagement Director! Over the past five years, one of the most significant areas of growth for Mission Adelante has been partnerships. As Adelante Thrift has begun to thrive, we’ve found new ways of connecting with other businesses and organizations in our own neighborhood and across the city. As we’ve begun to plan ways to encourage entrepreneurship and revitalization along the Central Avenue corridor, we’ve deepened our connection with organizations like Central Avenue Betterment Association and Forward Cities. In our ongoing passion for developing leaders from our community, we’ve locked arms with Freedom Fire Ministries and The Hope Center in KCMO. Dream KCK, our first-ever 5K run/walk knit us together more closely with local government officials and other non-profits in our community. And, our growing network of church partners across the city continue to walk in-step with us as they provide support and volunteers to help accomplish our mission. In light of this exciting growth and the opportunities it brings with it, we’ve hired a brand new Partner Engagement Director to help us build deep, reciprocal partnerships in our community and across the metro.
Skate for Change
Photo: Aawhan Jung Rhana
Alex Ruybalid began in this new role the first week of January and is already making an impact! As a high-capacity millennial leader, Alex brings experience in organizational leadership, inter-agency partnerships, marketing, and fundraising. His role as Communications Director with The Bay, a skate park, concert venue, and art space for at-risk youth, included developing partnerships with other organizations, managing staff and volunteers, and creating marketing and fundraising campaigns. As Director of Skate For Change, a sister organization to The Bay, Alex has developed a network of city leaders in 114 cities who serve at-risk youth and the homeless communities in their own cities. Additionally, Alex currently serves on the board of Directors of the Whiteclay Makerspace, an artists’ makerspace operated by, and in service to, the Oglala Sioux artists of Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
We first met Alex when he began volunteering with Mission Adelante in January 2019 in our Monday evening Arts Community program. His faith in Christ is marked by authenticity. His unassuming character elevates those around him. And, his creative talent shines through in everything he produces. Though you may not have met Alex personally, you have probably enjoyed his work; he is the videographer behind the outstanding video of Phulmaya Rasaily, which we released in November. We are so excited to welcome Alex to our team and community. And we’re excited about how Alex will help us continue to build collaborative partnerships with organizations in our own community and throughout the metro area! Join us in welcoming Alex to the Mission Adelante staff team!
