Click through the slideshow above to see our board members in action.

Board Members

Shomari Benton, Esq., Board Chair
Shomari is a practicing environmental, real estate, and public law attorney with experience in negotiating large environmental and real estate matters in and around the Kansas City metropolitan area. Prior to his practice, Shomari was a member of the Missouri Environmental Law Journal. Besides the practice of law, Shomari is involved in Higher Impact, a mentoring program for those in need, and the Downtown Retention Council. Shomari, along with Kathy Hauser, authored an article entitled "Curbing the Effects of Storm Water Runoff with Public Funding" published in the 2006 Law Day publication.

Ryan Bresette
Ryan Bresette is currently Director, Accounting for Kansas City Power & Light.  Ryan has worked for the last 5 years in the energy sector.  Prior to joining the utility industry, Ryan held various finance and accounting roles in the Kansas City area.  His interests are in creating long-term sustainable strategies and developing tomorrow’s leaders.  Ryan is actively involved in youth activities with his children, including coaching sports and Boy Scouts.  As an Eagle Scout, Ryan has always given his time and talent in serving others.  Ryan started volunteering as a young adult with the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  Ryan earned a BSBA in Accounting from Rockhurst University and is a Certified Public Accountant.  Currently, Ryan is completing his MBA at the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Executive MBA program and expects to graduate in May 2010.

Erika Brice
Erika works for US Bank in the area of commercial real estate management and development. Erika's interests in sustainable building practices, youth and community development are reflected in her volunteer work for a number of organizations including Leaders of Tomorrow, Kauffman Foundation Urban Entrepreneurship program, ICSC Young Leaders Board and the KC Downtown Council. Erika holds a BBA in Finance.

Kate Corwin, Founder and President

Deth Im
Deth (pronounced "Date") has 17 years of experience as a youth worker and 14 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Most recently, he was the director of Quality and Performance Improvement for YouthNet of Greater Kansas City. In this role, Deth designed trainings to improve the skills of adults who work with young people, developed processes which allowed youth serving organizations to improve the quality of service they provide and promoted best practices to ensure that young people were getting optimal opportunities and support. Deth is an adjunct professor at Metropolitan Community College. He holds a BA in Political Science and is completing an MA in Theology.

Rusty Smith
Rusty is currently the Vice President of Wholesale Power Trading at Kansas Energy.  Rusty brings to Green Works 13 years of experience doing business in the energy sector, with a recent emphasis on energy efficiency through demand sided management.  Rusty is a veteran of education-based volunteerism through organizations such as Amigos de las Americas, and Junior Achievement.  Rusty earned a BS in Marine Transportation from Texas A&M, and an MBA from the University of Chicago. 

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Advisory Board Members
Green Works also has an advisory board of educators who assist with program design and student issues.

Joan Leavens
The common thread throughout Joan’s 25 years as a teacher, volunteer and environmental educator is connecting students and teachers to real-world experiences. Joan currently serves as the Integration and Outreach Leader for One Health Kansas. Her former work includes YouthFriends, Blue River Watershed Assoc. and the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks. Her work has been recognized with awards from the Missouri Environmental Education Association, Missouri Stream Teams, Kanza Sierra Club, Bridging the Gap and the National Arbor Day Foundation. Joan holds a BS in elementary and early childhood education from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.

Natalie Lewis
Natalie enjoyed a successful corporate career before giving in to her true passion as an educator. After obtaining a Chemical Engineering degree from MIT, Natalie worked for Mobil Chemical.  She then completed an MBA at the University of Texas in Austin and moved to Kansas City to work for Hallmark Cards and later Sprint.  In 2002 Natalie began a career in education working as a teacher, education consultant, tutor and mentor before joining the Kauffman Foundation in 2008.  Natalie currently works as a High School Education Coach for a group of Kauffman Scholars who are benefiting from her nurturing, guidance and love.