Kristen Engelbrecht

Kristen has served as the Director of United Way of Greater Kansas City 211 for seven years, driving initiatives that uplift individuals and families in need. Her tenure as President of the MAK-AIRS (Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas) affiliate for the last four years underscores her commitment to regional collaboration across diverse I&R services and partnership-building to address community challenges effectively. Kristen possesses a unique blend of skills in customer relations, contract and grant oversight, and project management. Her collaborative leadership style fosters synergy among diverse stakeholders and teams, leveraging collective strengths for maximum impact.

Kristen is particularly passionate about equity and inclusion, supporting survivors of domestic violence, investing in housing services and initiatives as well as veteran-centered programs. Her academic background includes a Master's degree in marriage and family therapy, which informs an emotionally intelligent leadership style with a blend of community- and person-centric approaches. Throughout her 22-year career, Kristen has consistently demonstrated a commitment to community partnership, innovative problem-solving, and inclusive leadership, making strides in advancing social justice and resilience, specifically across the Kansas City region.

Kristen serves on the MAK-AIRS board as President as well as a board member of the Buffalo Stampede. Additionally, she has served as a board member of the Kansas City Regional COAD.