Jim holds a Bachelors degree in Finance from the University of Missouri and an MBA from Mississippi State University. He is a recently retired healthcare executive who spent 28 years with Healthcare Corporation of America. He currently serves on the board of three non-profits and spends his time traveling and volunteering.

As CEO of Konza Global Wealth Group, David Freisner leads teams in Overland Park and Chicago dedicated to delivering exceptional client experiences. Drawing on his background as a CPA and former CFO and COO, including M&A experience, he brings strong analytical insight to the dynamic wealth management landscape. David specializes in private markets, business retirement plans, and tax-efficient strategies for public company employees, including Net Unrealized Appreciation planning. Under his leadership, Konza Global emphasizes integrity, transparency, and innovative financial guidance.

Rachelle Hofstetter is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of hands-on experience building and running retail businesses. As the owner of Ardent Clothing Corporation and Plato’s Closet Belton, she understands what it really takes to turn an idea into a profitable, sustainable operation. She’s managed everything from day-to-day operations and inventory to hiring, finances and growth—so her perspective comes from actually doing the work, not just talking about it. Rachelle knows how to navigate the challenges of retail and adapt in a constantly changing market. As a Community Navigator with KC Sourcelink, Rachelle is passionate about helping other entrepreneurs succeed by sharing practical insight, local resources, real lessons learned, and a straightforward approach to building a business that lasts.

Jessica Powell is a key figure in Kansas City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, leveraging her expertise in organizational development and strategic partnerships to make a lasting impact on the startup community. Driven by a passion for uplifting founders, Jessica has led numerous initiatives that provide vital resources and foster meaningful connections. At Startland (formerly KC Startup Foundation), she oversaw the annual Startup Crawl, connecting thousands of attendees to the local startup scene. As a leader of KC Collective, she facilitated $1 million in resources to help early-stage companies scale. At Full Scale, she co-produced the Startup Hustle podcast, earning over 9 million worldwide downloads, aligning with her mission to amplify startup stories. Jessica’s dedication is especially evident in her work with Back2KC, a highly successful event she has helped lead since its inception in 2018. The event reintroduces former Kansas Citians to the city’s thriving business landscape, sparking talent return and community growth. Jessica finally went all in on her own PR consultant agency in 2024, publicly launching Social Balances to help business owners find the people they need to grow their business. Beyond these roles, Jessica is known for her personal touch, frequently mentoring local founders and helping them navigate challenges, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to fostering both individual and regional success. --- Back2KC is a Kansas City-based initiative designed in 2018 to reconnect former residents and attract new talent by showcasing the city’s innovation ecosystem, career opportunities, and community. Through curated events and meaningful introductions, Back2KC helps people plug into the networks that drive growth across the region. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to get involved in the local business community. If you'd like to volunteer or get involved, please complete the signup form found at Back2KC.com