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Kristine Twidwell
Foundation Director at Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
Professional Background
Kristine Vainovska Twidwell is a dedicated and passionate philanthropic professional hailing from Latvia, who has seamlessly integrated into the community of Greater Kansas City. With a diverse career spanning multiple sectors, Kristine has evolved into a respected steward of philanthropy and community service, demonstrating a clear commitment to advancing and supporting the non-profit sector. Her wealth of experience encompasses higher education, direct service non-profits, and membership associations, uniquely positioning her to harness her talents in building and streamlining programs, processes, and initiatives that drive positive change.
Currently, Kristine serves as the Foundation Director at the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. In this esteemed role, she manages the day-to-day operations, fundraising efforts, and leadership programming for women, empowering local leaders to thrive in both personal and professional realms. Her strategic vision and organizational skills are instrumental in enhancing the impact of the KC Chamber Foundation—a civic investment vehicle aimed at fostering growth and development within the Kansas City community.
Education
Kristine holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Organizational Leadership from Rockhurst University, which has provided her with a solid foundation in effective leadership principles and the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of non-profit management. She also earned an Associate of Arts (AA) in Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities from Metropolitan Community College - Longview.
Achievements and Legacy
Throughout her career, Kristine has accumulated an impressive array of experiences and roles that underscore her dedication to the Greater Kansas City area. Her journey began with her involvement as a Phonathon Student Caller and Supervisor during her studies at Rockhurst University, where she initiated her passion for philanthropy and community engagement. Over the years, Kristine has assumed various roles at the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, where her expertise in relationship-building and program management has transformed the way the organization operates.
As a Development Coordinator at Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity, Kristine honed her fundraising skills and developed an understanding of housing issues in the region, collaborating with families to fulfill their home ownership dreams. Prior to her work at Habitat for Humanity, she served as a Volunteer Management and Special Events Intern at SAFEHOME and a Student Ambassador at Rockhurst University, both of which further shaped her commitment to improving lives through service.
Kristine's true enthusiasm lies in her capacity to uplift others, particularly through her work empowering women in leadership. The KC Chamber Foundation’s Women’s Leadership programming, which she directs, offers invaluable mentorship and resources to women seeking to strengthen their careers, forge connections, and become influential leaders in the Kansas City business community.
In her spare time, Kristine indulges her love for coffee and wine, appreciating local brands and enjoying the vibrant culture of Kansas City. When not savoring her favorite beverages or focusing on her professional endeavors, she cherishes moments spent with her family and her beloved Swedish Vallhund dog, Hodor. Kristine's multi-faceted approaches to philanthropy and community engagement, blended with her personal passions, emphasize her role not only as a leader but also as a community advocate.
tags':['philanthropy','non-profit','community engagement','organizational leadership','Greater Kansas City','women in leadership','KC Chamber Foundation','Rockhurst University','fundraising','program management','Volunteer Management','Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity','local wine connoisseur','community service','Latvia'],