A little about us.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Michael Robins, the Program Director of ProX of the Ewing Kauffman Foundation, is a native of Kansas City, Missouri, and a graduate of Archbishop O'Hara High School, now Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic High School.

During Robins’ time here in Kansas City, he began his post-secondary education journey at The Metropolitan Community Colleges – Penn Valley/Longview and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Mathematics and a Master's degree in Educational Administration from the University of Missouri - Kansas City.

Throughout his career, he has had a love for community and education. Michael began his career at 14 years old working for the City of Kansas City for the Parks and Recreation department at “The Greenhouse.” Michael had a multiple year internship with Hallmark Inc. and transitioned to an Information Technology position at Time Warner Cable for 13 years.

His career in education began in Kansas City Public Schools at Northeast High School as an Algebra 2 and Pre-Calculus teacher. After 4 years he transitioned to Central High School as an administrator where he served for 6 years. Service has always been at the core of all he does.

Two quotes Michael embodies are “Be the change you want to see in the world.” by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that” by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Amos Jaimes is the ProX Program Coordinator and supports the ProX Program Director and staff in the day-to-day operations.

Amos earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and history from the University of Missouri, his Master of Educational Studies from the University of Oklahoma, and his Master of Business Administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Amos has previously worked in multiple roles at different universities in student life and financial wellness offices.  He is excited to support students in achieving their dreams.

EMPLOYER DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Asia is the Employer Development Manager for ProX. She is responsible for establishing and maintaining positive relationships with employers who can offer real-world, work-based learning opportunities for local youth.

Asia builds and strengthens relationships with employers, community and civic networks, program partners and donors to ensure alignment with the quality and quantity of these work experiences. Asia is passionate about changing the lives of the youth and her community while advancing the mindset of how employers provide such opportunities.

COMMUNICATION COORDINATOR

Izsie is in her third year with ProX and is the Communication Coordinator. She over sees communication from the website to email, flyers to our student-run social media.

As a former middle-school teacher she is passionate about bringing Real World Learning to the youth of Kansas City and is passionate about ProX’s vision. As an entrepreneur, she is passionate about supporting KC’s local businesses and investing in the future of Kansas City.

OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Ms. Meko began her career in 2001 as a middle and high school math educator in the KCPS and Grandview School Districts. In those twenty-one years, Ms. Meko has fulfilled many teacher leadership roles from math department chair to club sponsor. Her most passionate role has been that of student and teacher mentor. Currently a twenty-three year educator, Ms. Meko now works as the Instructional Coordinator for Teachers Like Me in July 2022.

Ms. Meko is a 1994 graduate of Grandview High School. She obtained her bachelor's degree from Alcorn State University, an Historical Black College & University, in 1999; a Master's and Education Specialists in Curriculum and Instruction (Leadership) and an Education Specialists in Administration K-12 Building Leadership all from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Wesley Forte is a dynamic and experienced individual dedicated to youth development and community outreach. With a background as a Program Director at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City and a five-year teaching and coaching stint at Hogan Preparatory Academy, Wesley has a strong foundation in education and mentoring.

Wesley's commitment to youth extends to the sports arena, as he has served as both a football and wrestling coach, instilling valuable life skills in his athletes. He also worked as a summer coach with Pro X, gaining further expertise in coaching and mentorship.

Currently, Wesley serves as the Associate Director of programming at the Urban Scholastic Center, creating impactful educational programs for underprivileged youth. Additionally, he is a dedicated youth pastor at Concord Fortress of Hope Church, focusing on spiritual and personal development.

Wesley Forte's diverse background and unwavering passion for youth development make him an exceptional fit as a Pro X Outreach Coordinator. His dedication to empowering young people is sure to create a lasting positive impact.

OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Lamar E. Whitson IV, who serves as a ProX Outreach Coordinator, moved to Kansas City in 2015 after completing a degree in Exercise Science/Kinesiology while playing football at Sterling College (KS). From a young age, Lamar was fascinated with Sports Performance Training, Leadership, Growth and Improvement. He consistently found himself trying to find ways to learn and improve himself, as well as those around him. He began discovering a deep passion for helping people maximize their potential. This passion drove Lamar to begin training and mentoring younger athletes while still in college, then into 5 years of work with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Lamar’s ambitions to see people thrive continue now as he coaches multiple sports at Central High School (KCMO) and as he leads and builds GameBreakers Academy in Kansas City; a Non-Profit Organization that prioritizes the Athletic, Educational, and Leadership Development of young men in the city, that they may Defy Expectations in all aspects of life. His love for service, Kansas City, laughing, learning what excites people, and hats are hard to miss. If you come around Lamar, you are sure to be met with challenge and encouragement. “Go Be Great!” is a phrase he shares often, embodying his desire and hope to see those he interacts with maximize their potential.

RESOURCE COORDINATOR

I currently work in the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District as a Mental Health Therapist. I also provide private therapy to individuals and families through my private practice, Transform & Thrive Therapy, LLC.

I have provided therapy services to children, young and "seasoned" adults, and families throughout our community and the greater KC area for the last 7 years. My husband and I currently reside in Greenwood, Mo and have 2 children.