Daily Inspiration: Meet Jessica Blubaugh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Blubaugh.

Hi Jessica, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Manhattan, KS, with parents who were social workers, one who grew up in a Kansas wheat farm family, and the other of a small business owner. My parents divorced when I was six, and my dad moved to the country – so my brother and I grew up part-time in the city and the country. Those roots, familial background, and that makeup meant that I learned early on the value of hard work and the notion that if you’re going to do something, do it right.

I also grew up playing sports, which was a massive part of what shaped me into who I am today. Playing team sports, I learned things like grit, resilience, how to lead, and when to follow. All of which show up in my life as an adult. Sports took me to Kansas City on a softball scholarship to Johnson County Community College. After JCCC, I finished my undergrad at the University of Kansas with a degree in Communications Studies. I interned with the Kansas City Sports Commission during my senior year and WIN for KC. That experience launched me into a career in the nonprofit sector, doing events, marketing, and fundraising.

My career has afforded me opportunities to live in New York and Atlanta, and work for organizations including the Women’s Sports Foundation, Teach For America, Visit KC, and the United Way. I’ve had such an unplanned, windy path and had the great fortune to work with incredible people and leaders over the years. As of late, I lead the Development team at the United Way of Greater Kansas City, which has been such a fun opportunity as I get to zoom out from focusing on one mission, and work for an organization that helps to amplify the missions and work of so many incredible organizations across our metro.

Please talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned. Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve spent most of my 22-year career in events, so it has definitely sometimes been challenging, but it’s always been a learning experience. Some of the most significant bumps along the way have been those that so many others have had to navigate as well, like the economic collapse of 2008 and the pandemic in 2020. Another big challenge was deciding to run for public office – City Council in KCMO. I didn’t win, but I learned a lot along the way! It was the ultimate lesson that sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you don’t necessarily get the win. I respect people who choose to jump into that arena (for the right reasons) because it’s arduous, thankless, and incredibly taxing on so many levels. But, all in all, I have no complaints and have had an extremely fortunate professional path filled with important lessons, incredibly fund and cool experiences, and outstanding humans.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to be more familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve spent my entire career in the nonprofit sector and have worked in places as small as eight people to orgs as large as 3500. I’ve had the opportunity to work on projects like intimate fundraisers in the homes of celebrities, arena shows with 15,000 attendees, and with talent like Janelle Monae and Elton John. It’s always such an interesting experience working with professional athletes and celebrities – and usually excellent fodder for conversation later in life! (Ha!) I’ve learned though, it doesn’t matter how many people you have at an event or in an organization; the most important thing is how you make people feel. In an event, you must make them feel something that connects to your organization and its mission. Inside an organization, you must help people feel trusted and safe to try and fail. It’s the only way you can build an organization that thrives on innovation and a place where people want to be. I really enjoy and feel like I have a knack for building teams and helping them do their best work – I like to think that I try (but am certainly not perfect at) to be the ultimate “block and tackler,” trying to clear the path for the folks around me. I’m proud of the events I’ve helped to build and the teams I’ve been able to be a part of over the years.

We’d like to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
It’s a balance of intentionality and striving to do whatever I’m doing, to the best of my ability – no matter how big the task – and being willing to step through the door when luck presents you with an opportunity. I think it’s definitely more than just luck though. I really believe that another part of life is that what you put out into the universe, is what you get back. It’s a little luck, PLUS you work hard, put good energy and positivity out there, care about others and your community more than you care about yourself, be willing to take some risks, make some (or a lot) of sacrifices, and build genuine relationships with people – then it often opens doors and windows. You just have to be willing to walk through it – even when it’s scary, even when it feels like you’re not ready. Some of the most meaningful and impactful experiences I’ve had in my life, have happened when I didn’t feel ready and definitely had some fear of the unknown.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicablubaugh/