Community Representatives
Community Representatives, who comprise our Community Journalism Lab, serve as a vital link between The Kansas City Beacon and the communities we are dedicated to serving.
Their role is integral to our community engagement strategy, facilitating valuable connections and insights. Community Representatives, as paid contractors, play a significant role in bridging the gap between The Beacon and our community. They are instrumental in providing insights, promoting information equity, and nurturing meaningful relationships within our diverse audience.
The Beacon aims to have 8-10 Community Representatives in every community we serve. This commitment ensures that we have a robust network of individuals who can effectively engage with and represent the diverse voices and needs of our communities.
Community Representatives receive competitive compensation, earning $22 per hour for their work. They have the opportunity to work up to 20 hours per month.
Collaboration with Community Representatives is central to our community engagement strategy. Their insights and experiences contribute significantly to the continuous improvement of our journalism and the strengthening of our community relationships.
If this sounds like a role you’re interested in, read on for what makes an exceptional applicant and find our full application here. New representatives are accepted on a rolling basis, as spaces become available throughout the year.
Key Attributes
 | EMPATHETIC LISTENERS They excel in the art of active listening, demonstrating respect, care, and curiosity in their interactions. They are quick to ask questions and slow to prescribe solutions. |
| LIFELONG LEARNERS Possessing a genuine eagerness to learn and grow is a defining trait. They are proactive in identifying training and workshops that will help them grow. | DIVERSE NETWORKS They are well-connected within various communities, reflective of the many backgrounds and experiences that make Kansas City home to people from all walks of life. |
| COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Experience in neighborhood community building and community organizing is highly valued. | REPRESENTATION The selection process actively seeks individuals whose perspectives or experiences may be underrepresented in news coverage. |
| MULTILINGUAL SKILLS Proficiency in languages other than English is a valuable asset. Community Representatives may help with story or event translation. | LOCAL TIES CJL representatives are residents of our communities with deep connections to the people, organizations, places, and history. They’ve got at least 5 hours per month to give. |
Our Community Journalism Lab Representatives
Eden Barnes (She/Her) grew up with continuous interaction and engagement within the community, having been raised in the AME church in Kansas City, KS. As part of the LGBTQ+ community she hopes to expand community education and ensure her community is informed and supplied with the resources to prosper.
Max Sheffield (They/He) resides in Kansas City, Mo., and brings a decade of healthcare experience into their career as a speaker and copywriter who believes every person has a unique and powerful story the world needs to hear.
Gabby Moore (She/Her) is a native of Wyandotte County and a professional tattoo artist who has always held a strong desire to further the community and uses her platform to do so.
Clay Marcusen (He/Him) resides in Midtown Kansas City and is a retired registered nurse who has been very active in community nonprofits, specifically around social justice issues as they relate to public health.
Lisbeth Ureña (She/Her) is originally from the Dominican Republic but resides in Johnson County, Kan. She is a recent graduate of Wichita State University and is involved in her community through volunteerism.
Shakina Shelby (She/Her) is from South Kansas City but resides in Lee’s Summit, Mo. She is a mother of one and has her own party and event balloon decorating business.
Ben Keefe (He/Him) is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, hopes to help working-class individuals find their voices. For over a decade, he has coached and programmed recreational sports in the Northland.
Rosana Polanco (She/Her) was born and raised in Kansas City and is a mother of three daughters who loves being involved in her community and helping underserved residents.
Isaac Young (He/Him) has held leadership positions as a student at Kansas City Kansas Community College. Since then, he has worked in the local food industry supporting a small black business.
Asia Jones (She/Her) is a Kansas City, Mo., native and content creator with a passion for connecting people through better communication. Her previous experience includes supporting city government communications efforts through print and digital content.