16 · SBJ.NET MARCH 6-12, 2023 40 UNDER 40 While Kenny Kabak directs music for a church, it’s an entrepreneurial spirit that’s been a thread in his young career. It’s led him to co-found two choirs – the Queen City Chorale in the wake of the pandemic and the Springfield Street Choir to give a voice to the homeless community. Kabak’s entrepreneurism even got him an internship in South Africa, with the Drakensberg Boys Choir School, while earning his music education and conducting degrees from Missouri State University. The international work is still his proudest professional accomplishment. “I led an extensive three-week tour of Japan, performing multiple concerts in sold-out venues,” he recalls. “And I was culturally expanded beyond what I had ever thought possible.” At the heart, Kabak, 29, is a teacher of music. As he puts it, his skills are in music – “but my passion is bringing communities together, sharing our stories through song, and leaving a lasting tune on the hearts and lives of those who I’m so privileged to meet and work with.” Your first job? At 14 years old, a busboy at a small pizzeria in rural Missouri. Your most treasured possession? A handwritten note from my late mother. Favorite TV show? “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Favorite food item to order in the Springfield area? French dip from Neighbor’s Mill. —Eric Olson, Editorial Vice President KENNY KABAK Christ Episcopal Church HAILEY KOLSTAD Next Level Solutions Who changes careers in the middle of a global pandemic and huge uncertainties? Hailey Kolstad did. She says the move has paid off. She went from managing a dental office to the office assistant for insurance software firm Next Level Solutions. That job was a stepping stone to her role as global workplace and public relations manager for the 250-employee company with offshore offices. Along the way, she’s developed an onboarding program for new staff and built out two departments. Kolstad, 29, also keeps an eye on community needs and this year introduced the company to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks’ mentorship program. Seven employees quickly signed up. “I stand firm on the faith that every single one of these kids will be successful in all they do in life because of the relationships they are building with our stellar employees,” she says. “These kids are the future of 417.” Your first job? Spring Creek Tea Room in Ozark as a hostess. I owe so much to Brenda and Kerry. They played such a large role in making me into the worker I am today. Best productivity hack? Anytime I don’t want to start something, I have an internal conversation: “OK, count to five, and then go.” Your most treasured possession? My wedding ring. It was my mimi’s ring and I have admired it since I was a kid. After she passed, it was given to me to use for my own wedding. She was my favorite person. —Eric Olson, Editorial Vice President Dani Lacio is helping to build a more inclusive Springfield. Since December, Lacio, 38, has worked as an equality organizer for Promo, an organization that advocates on behalf of the LGBTQ community. “I am a dedicated advocate that continues to push myself and boundaries in the effort to create an environment where everyone feels like they belong and can thrive,” Lacio says. That dedication was put to work when Lacio assisted former CoxHealth CEO Steve Edwards, prior to his retirement, with the hiring of a chief diversity officer. “Now, through my work with Heather Hardinger, Cox chief diversity officer, they have changed their forms to provide the option of pronouns, preferred name, sexual orientation and gender identity,” Lacio says. “I helped influence Cox to create a safer and more inclusive space for all.” What did you learn the hard way? Growing up as a Latinx, queer and nonbinary, I’ve dealt with discrimination, hostility and feeling unwelcome. I’m also a suicide survivor, a rape survivor and a cancer survivor. Through these struggles, I’ve learned what true love and acceptance not only look like but feel like. Favorite hobby or creative outlet? I love being outside, whether that be hiking, kayaking, skydiving or even just hanging out in a hammock. I find summiting a difficult hike or jumping 18,000 feet out of a plane a great outlet for stress. In my line of work, that is needed. —Geoff Pickle, Digital Editor DANI LACIO Promo Holly Madden’s work as the family connection director at The Connecting Grounds church in north Springfield requires a diverse professional skill set. While focused on parents and children going through crises, on any given day Madden, 31, could be training volunteers, updating the organization’s website or collaborating with staff members to further expand the services offered. However, it’s working directly with the families served that she considers her biggest privilege and most important responsibility. “Every night I spend at the shelter or at a family connection visit, I put my energy into calling out potential and working with each individual family to work towards goals, to fight for healing, and to [help them] learn to believe in themselves,” she says. Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Learn to listen to other people’s stories. Favorite podcast? WCWD? A podcast that asks: What Can We Do? Two of my dearest friends launched the podcast that speaks life and trauma awareness, and challenges change and action. Favorite hobby or creative outlet? I am most myself in nature. I love to run, and trail running helps to ground me to myself and to the earth. Favorite drink to order in the Springfield area? The Greenhouse has the most amazing coffee (the lavender latte) and is decorated with the most beautiful collection of plants! —Tessa Cooper, Contributing Writer HOLLY MADDEN The Connecting Grounds HEATHER MOSLEY
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