Women's History Month Discussion at Park University with Local Female Leaders from Kansas City
On March 20, 2024, Alumni Hall on the University's flagship Parkville Campus will play host to a captivating discussion moderated by Kay Barnes, Park University's senior director for university engagement and former mayor of Kansas City, Mo. (1999-2007).
The event, titled "Women's History Month conversation," will feature three women leaders, all of whom are Park University alumni: Mary Lou Jaramillo, Bridget Locke, and Merideth Rose. These accomplished individuals will share their journey from the classrooms at Park University to their current roles in civic leadership.
Bridget Locke, who earned a Master of Arts degree in communication and leadership from Park University in 2018, established BNL Communications, a consulting agency, in 2020. Prior to her role at Swope Health, Bridget served as the managing director for KC Mothers in Charge and director of strategic communications at Park University. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication and human development from the University of St. Mary, Leavenworth, Kan. Bridget has also worked with the United Way of Greater Kansas City and at Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kan.
Mary Lou Jaramillo, who earned a Master of Public Affairs degree in nonprofit and community services management from Park University in 1996 and a Bachelor of Science degree in business in 1992, served on Park University's Board of Trustees from July 1998 to January 2003. Mary Lou is currently a commissioner with the Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission.
Merideth Rose, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication theory and human relations from Park University (2006) and a Master of Public Administration degree in project management from Park University (2008), is the president and chief executive officer at Cornerstones of Care, a behavioral health agency in Kansas City, Mo. Prior to this role, Rose held positions with the Community Services League in Independence, Mo., the Independence School District, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The event is open to the public and will be livestreamed at ourumedia.com for those unable to attend in person. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the remarkable journeys of these three Park University alumni and their contributions to civic leadership.
- Bridget Locke's involvement in health-and-wellness extends beyond her role at Swope Health, as she also founded BNL Communications, a firm rooted in communication and leadership, areas she studied in her education-and-self-development journey at Park University.
- Mary Lou Jaramillo's professional journey spans from business studies at Park University to serving on the University's Board of Trustees and now holds a position with the Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission, demonstrating her commitment to women's health and community service.
- Merideth Rose, with degrees in communication, education-and-self-development, and project management from Park University, is the CEO of Cornerstones of Care, a role that combines her passion for leadership, science (behavioral health), and business.
