Today we’d like to introduce you to Celeste Lupercio.
Hi Celeste, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I changed careers from social work to travel/tourism/sports in 2012. I’d previously not understood the positive impact of this industry on the local economy, and the power of this industry to boost small and locally-owned businesses. The people I know who own their own business inspire me greatly, and thus developed my passion to promote them and Kansas City in general.
Professionally, I have served on several boards and committees and have volunteered for community events to advance these efforts. These include volunteering for the Main Street Parkville Association, Fiesta KC, Young Latino Professionals, Greater Kansas City Attractions Association, Skal (Kansas City and USA), Kansas City Kansas Chamber of Commerce, KC Destinations, West 18th Street Fashion Show, Grow Kansas Film, and American Royal World Series of Barbecue. Currently, to assist with Kansas City businesses’ preparation for The 2026 FIFA World Cup™ I am on a project group for KC Game Plan and a member of Go North KC.
Personally, I use my social media platform to promote local events and businesses. My barbecue reviews on Google Maps prompted my designation by Google as a Local Business Champion. As a Google “Guiding Star,” I assist local businesses with their placement on Google Maps, which helps them earn more business and ensures their business information is accurate.
In the last year, my focus has become micro, specifically on the City of Parkville and its “Hometown U,” Park University. I previously served on the Civic Advisory Committee, but am now employed as the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations. In addition to fundraising efforts for the University and Athletics programs, I am using my social capital to develop an increased community presence of the University brand.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Transitioning careers takes grit! After a year of contract and part-time roles that were not fulfilling, I opened myself up to my then-minuscule network and asked for help. Key people opened up my career path and connected me to additional support. Joining Young Latino Professionals was pivotal. As my brand grew, I was invited to serve on more boards, which expanded my network further.
As a woman working in the sports industry, there are many barriers. I believe many are so ingrained, some of the males who practice inequitable behaviors do so without intention. But there remain those people whose interest is not in the success of the whole; rather, the promotion of themselves. To this end, becoming connected to female leaders in sport was very important for my growth and success. There were three to five key women who offered advice on how to overcome the challenges, which I almost always accomplished.
To pay it forward, I often take coffee dates with people who are looking to transition careers, start a career in events/sports, and with young women – in any industry – who are looking for support to be more empowered.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have worked at many types of nonprofits over the decades, but this is my first role in higher education. I really enjoy speaking with businesses about what sets Park University apart. As an open-access school, Park opens the door to success for anyone. The rates are reasonable, and Park’s staff work hard to find scholarships to offset costs even further. They inspire me to work hard at raising funds for new scholarships, to develop new partnerships to support all programs, and to find grant opportunities.
My volunteerism and community engagement has allowed me to develop a professional and personal reputation of trust. This helps me achieve my goals to help Park University grow. Bonus – it also supports my personal efforts, such as my board role with Camp Fire – Heartland! Working in non-profits teaches you how to get things done, no matter the limitations on finances or resources. From my decades of experience, I’ve become empowered to get things done. I do not let past organizational and procedural failures stand in my way of trying something old or new that I think will work. I see myself as innovative and an entrepreneur in this way.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My biggest role model is Kerry Stein, the Advancement Director at Bishop Ward High School. She taught me everything I know about event planning and fundraising and is still my advisor today. She is who inspired me to move into this career. But I could not have done it without the endless support of Sharon McGloin, who was the Vice President and my supervisor when I was a social worker looking to become an event-planning fundraiser. She gave me time on the clock to attend training and encouraged me as I worked towards my new career. She is always championing me with words of encouragement and let me know she is proud of me. After a year of unsuccessful attempts to find a good role, it was Carla Wheeler who gave me the opportunity to really start my new career, referring me for the role at the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. She continues to be a great friend, colleague, and advisor. Last but not least, the person I most rely on for professional advice is Selena Corpuz. We met while both in the sports industry, and she now works at GastingerWalker&.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nexuskc.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celesteskc/?next=%2F
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celestelupercio/
