The Urban League of Kansas has a new executive director.
Angela Perez now heads the 61-year-old nonprofit in Wichita known for its work in providing economic empowerment and educational and other opportunities to underserved communities.
Perez has more than 10 years of nonprofit experience in fundraising, administration, and management. Her most recent management role was in homeless services, low-income housing and community engagement at HumanKind Ministries (formerly InterFaith Ministries). She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Fort Hays State University and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Newman University.
Perez says the Urban League will continue to work toward enriching the community by providing needed services.
"Whether it’s information on how to buy a home, do your budget, whether it’s our CNA classes that we’re hosting for WSU here," she said. "And also we are adding entrepreneurship to our resume, as far as things that we want to help people with."
The Urban League is currently upgrading technology throughout its entire building, including the computer lab. The organization is also launching an urban entrepreneurial maker space for community members to develop their ideas.
The building, near 9th & Grove, is expected to re-open mid-July under Sedgwick County's COVID guidelines. The facility will also serve as a new polling place for the upcoming primary and general elections.
Carla Eckels is director of cultural diversity and the host of Soulsations. Follow her on Twitter @Eckels. To contact KMUW News or to send in a news tip, reach us at news@kmuw.org.