KCCI names Interim Executive Director

Ms. Samantha Ruggles is now the Kansas City Center for Inclusion’s Interim Executive Director.

Ruggles has been serving for the past year as the KCCI Operations Manager and has been instrumental in KCCI’s increased community involvement.

Ruggles started volunteering at the Center in 2015 after attending an Equal Trans Support Group meeting.

She volunteered with KCCI regularly in different roles until late 2016 when she was brought on as KCCI’s Executive Assistant.

Since her initial appointment, Ruggles established consistent open hours, programming and a cadre of volunteers.

“My success at the Kansas Center for Inclusion is because of the support from the community, board and volunteers,” said Ruggles. “I am most proud of the number of people helped directly or indirectly just by visiting the Center.”

KCCI operates exclusively for charitable purposes by providing a safe, welcoming community space and provides community outreach by building a cohesive LGBT+ community in the Midwest. LGBT+ individuals, their families, friends and straight allies can come for education, resources and activities.

Among her recent accomplishments, Ruggles orchestrated KCCI’s National Coming Out events, Equality Teen Prom and volunteer staffing at KCCI’s Kansas City Pride booth. She is a regular contributor to several panels and further serves the community on transgender support groups.

Ruggles facilitated providing a reflecting space for Transgender Day of Remembrance and continues to network and provide education to various stakeholder groups about LGBT+ matters.

Ruggles earned her Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Missouri, Kansas City.

She was also selected to represent KCCI at CenterLink’s upcoming Executive Director Boot Camp later this year. She also serves the LGBT+ community through work with the Transfinity Choir, Kansas City’s first transgender choir.

Ruggles explained, “We are growing. The Center is continuing our programming and outreach as we build a diverse and inclusive community center for all. I am truly blessed to be part of KCCI and will continue listening, learning and fighting for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ Community.

“I stand by you!”

The Kansas City Center for Inclusion, Inc. (KCCI) is Kansas City’s LGBTQIA+ resource center. Founded in 2017, KCCI is proud to focus on the future of their family in Kansas City, as they strive for a more cohesive community. Call (816) 753-7770 or visit www.inclusivekc.org.

The Gayly. March 12, 2018. 10:15 a.m. CST.