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LOCAL NONPROFIT GROWS TO HELP STUDENTS THRIVE

WICHITA - The Pando Initiative, a local nonprofit helping students thrive, announced the addition of two new staff members this week.

Angela Kessler, Director of Development, is a dedicated professional with over 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, special event coordination and partnership development. Angela is a gifted fundraiser who enjoys working with donors and community partners to find ways for them to engage in helping local youth.  Angela received her bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University and holds a certification in leadership studies from Fort Hays State University.  She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Wichita Chapter.

Daniel Morford, Marketing Manager at the Pando Initiative, has over 14 years of experience working and leading in youth development and mentoring organizations. Daniel is an energetic communicator who enjoys working with youth and connecting the community through social media and marketing campaigns. Daniel is looking forward to sharing the mission and success stories of Pando with others. Daniel holds a bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Southern New Hampshire University and is a member of the American Marketing Association.

“We are excited to grow the organization’s depth in fund development and marketing so we can increase connections in our community and help more students reach their full potential,” said Penny Olsen, Pando Initiative Executive Director. “We want to share the success stories of the students we serve so we can help others and these two new positions will help us do that.”

The Pando Initiative is a local nonprofit helping students thrive. Pando provides students in need with a positive learning environment improving their chances for success in school, their community and beyond. Pando partners with schools and the community to provide students with mentoring, life skills and basic needs.

Pando measures success by student growth.

In 2021-22:

Grumpy Old Men produces two concerts per year. Through their 85+ members they raise approximately $250,000 annually. On May 1st, The Pando Initiative was the recipient of a generous donation from their Spring charity concert held at the Orpheum Theatre.

To date, Grumpy Old Men have raised $2 Million, 80 Thousand for local non-profit organizations and causes in the Wichita area. With The Pando Initiative connecting with more than 150,000 students in area schools, this support helps to provide PandoKids with the tools and resources that they need to THRIVE in the classroom and in life.

At Pando, we have dedicated team members in each of our schools to help address both academic and non-academic impediments that prevent students’ learning. We measure success by improving attendance, behavior and academic performance.

Recently, at our STAR Awards and Pickleball Tournament, we had the opportunity to recognize students from each school that have soared this school year! Through hard work, perseverance, the support of our staff and PandoKid's families our kids are are doing remarkable work at school, as well as with their personal goals. 

We are thankful to community members and supporters like Grumpy Old Men who believe in the work that we do, and support our mission to connect with students to help them engage and thrive in education and their future.

To learn more about The Pando Initiative and how YOU can help to empower the kids that we serve, contact Penny Olsen, Executive Director at polsen@pandokids.org.