Mentors changed her dad’s life, now this KC connector pairs children with role models
Editor's Note: This interview is part of an ongoing Star series highlighting Kansas Citians from historically under-represented communities and their impact on our region. The series builds on The Star's efforts to improve coverage of local communities. Do you know someone we should interview? Share ideas with our reporter J.M. Banks.
Anna Mungia views her life as a testament to the importance of mentoring. Growing up with a father who’s life was changed by mentorship, Mungia now works with Big Brothers Big Sisters KC to help youths find the role models they need to succeed.
Recently Mungia sat down with The Kansas City Star’s culture and identity reporter, J.M. Banks, to talk about community engagement, the importance of mentoring and organizations working together to improve the lives of children in the Kansas City area.
Banks: Can you tell me a little bit about your upbringing and early life?
Mungia: I’m originally from Tyler, TX. Born and raised there. My mother’s parents and siblings came to Kansas back in the early 60s so I have been coming to Kansas City all my life. After high school I attended college at Texas A&M University and came then I moved to Kansas City (Missouri.)
12 years later, Kansas City is home and it has been very good to me. I met my husband here and he is a Colorado native.
How did you first get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City?
I’ve been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters for over 10 years but officially, in my current position, for three years. My father had a mentor who really changed his life and the trajectory of his future. So, I tell people the true reason why I got involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters is because I am the generational product of what a mentor can do for someone.
Can you tell me about your work as the director of community outreach?
I take a lot of pride that in my role I get to build authentic relationships. This role allows me to be truly immersed in the Kansas City community, specifically communities of color. It means the world and it is important to me because I want people to know the importance of mentorship, especially thinking of our future generations. So my role is to partner with different organizations and businesses to find ways to work together. Collaboration is key and of course there is always us trying to get people involved.
We currently have 1,100 active matches in our city but we have over 270 children on the waitlist that are looking for mentors. So my team and I are really involved in the community to be able to advocate for our mission and recruit, especially mentors of color, so we can match and try to bridge the gap with our littles (youth mentees), so they can see a person who looks like them or speaks Spanish like them. We work closely with our justice, equity, diversity and inclusion board.
What do you think is the most fulfilling aspect of your work?
It’s the people. That is so fulfilling to me. I love learning people’s stories, hearing their successes. But what’s fulfilling to me is when I’m able to be a connector and I’m able to find a solution on how we can better work together, how we can support one another. It’s truly about the community and to know that I’m trusted to be a person who makes a difference in the community through my organization feels like such a blessing.
What are some of the challenges you face in your role and how do you overcome those challenges?
Sometimes the struggles are the number of resources can feel limited. Sometimes there’s just only so many resources and we have to ask ourselves how do we continue to work with others to make a bigger difference?
How do you think your work impacts your community?
I’m passionate about the work that I do, that I’m excited to get up every day to come into the office or to go out to the community. What excites me the most is when there’s someone new because that is a new story I get to hear, and I get to figure out how to work together.
Do you have a motto or philosophy that guides you in your work?
Always treat people with kindness. It sounds so simple but it means the world, especially when you’re in the community, because you just don’t know what someone is going through. I tell my team all the time, be your authentic self and treat people with kindness because that’s what sets you apart.
What are your goals for the future, professionally and personally?
I want to keep growing as a pillar in the community. I want people to know that I am here to listen to them and support them in whatever capacity. I’m grateful to those who pour into our organization so we can make a difference to the community. I hope I can in the future continue to do that, but maybe on a bigger level.
What advice would you give someone aspiring to follow a similar career path?
Mentorship is key. You can have mentors of all shapes, colors, and sizes. I have mentors who are women and I have mentors who are men. The advice that I hear from them, the perspective they give means the world to me. Ask questions, especially if you are a person on a board. Don’t be intimidated if you look different. Use your voice to inform and educate whenever you can.
