About the Presenters
Karis Agnew
Karis is PROMO’s Field Director based in Springfield, Missouri. Karis graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Drury University with a focus on systematic economic disparities. Before joining team PROMO in 2017, Karis had extensive experience working with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community through peer support, volunteer organizing and educational seminars. At PROMO, Karis is a trainer for the LGBTQ Cultural Competency Training program, connects with communities and volunteers across Missouri to further equality, and oversees PROMO's TRANSforming Missouri and leadership training programs.
Jasmine Bailey
Jasmine has worked as the Springfield Police Department’s Public Affairs Officer since 2018, where she acts as bridge between SPD and the community - managing social media accounts, media relations and special projects, among other duties. Most recently she created a new section of SPD’s website called “Where We Stand,” which consolidates open data and answers various questions that have stemmed out of conversations on police reform. Jasmine has five years of experience working in the field of journalism, mostly recently as the morning news anchor at NBC affiliate KSNF in Joplin. Before that, she taught English in South Korea for a year. Jasmine has a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Missouri School of Journalism. She is also currently working on her master’s degree in Business Administration. She is also a 2020 Springfield Business Journal 40 under 40 honoree.
Heather Hardinger
Heather is the Programs & Communications Director with Taney County Partnership. She works closely with employers, community partners and leaders across the region to identify workforce needs, apply sustainable solutions and strategies for growth, and advise on equity, diversity, and inclusive policies.
In addition to organizing local employment efforts in Branson, Heather also serves as Chair of the City of Springfield’s Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights & Community Relations, was appointed by Gov. Parson to the 2020 Missouri (Census) Complete Count Committee, and is also Vice Chair on the board of directors of Bread for the World, a national non-profit organization tasked with ending world hunger. Heather holds a B.A. degree in International-Multicultural Studies from Evangel University and a M.A. in Political Science with an emphasis on Public Policy.
Daniel Ogunyemi
Daniel has created a career in serving others throughout our community, advocating for people with disabilities, children and families involved with child welfare. He is currently the Learning, Development, & Inclusion Partner at Burrell Behavioral Health.
Originally from Ruston, La., Daniel obtained his B.S. in Psychology from Southwest Baptist University and an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Evangel University. His work in the community includes The Network's Leadership Council, the Mayor's Commission on Human Rights and Community Relations, the Forward SGF Advisory Committee, and other organizations. Daniel has been recognized as 417 Magazine's
2020 Best Dressed, Springfield Business Journal's
12 People You Need to Know, and an
Emerging Leader of the Year Finalist at the 2020 Southwest Missouri Nonprofit Excellence Awards. Daniel's most prized accomplishment is his family which features his wife, Ki, and son, Kian.