KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On Feb. 26, National Institute for Construction Excellence (NICE) Program Coordinator Tina Shonk-Little received Connection to Success’s — a nonprofit with a mission to connect, empower and strengthen individuals and communities across Kansas City and St. Louis, respectfully, according to its website — “Honored Inspiration Award” at its eighth annual “Tribute to Success” luncheon.
Hosted at The Gallery Event Space in the Power & Light District, various union community members gathered in support of Shonk-Little including IUOE Local 101 Business Manager Aaron Brown.
While Connections to Success honors one individual from its organization each year with its Inspiration Award, the program shared that Shonk-Little was selected as this year’s recipient for her work within its Pathway to Success program and contributions to youth participants.
“Tina is a shining example of what we do,” Connections to Success CEO Brandi Jahnke said in a video, Feb. 26. “She wanted to give back and provide the same opportunity that was provided for her. [Shonk-Little] excelled and has made [Connections to Success] a safer place for women involved with their own children.”
Julia Williams — a Kansas City native — is a reporter and digital producer for The Labor Beacon. A University of Missouri School of Journalism alumna, she previously served as the editor-in-chief of The Northeast News before joining The Labor Beacon staff.
Williams’s grandfather was a Claycomo Ford Motor Company retiree and avid UAW Local 249 supporter, allowing her to understand the union difference from a young age.
In her free time, Williams enjoys spending time with her family, traveling to see her friends and hanging out at home with her cat, Greta. She loves a good cup of coffee, seeing local, live music and shopping secondhand. With a passion for storytelling, she hopes to bring her knowledge of journalistic integrity to the Kansas City union community — giving union and labor workers a voice, while holding people in powerful positions accountable.
