Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Powell.
Hi Jessica, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m Jessica Powell, owner of Social Balances, Managing Director of Back2KC and my story has always centered around people.
I was born and raised in Kansas City, went to Shawnee Mission East, and studied psychology at KU because I’ve always been fascinated by people, what they need, how they think, and how the right connection can change everything.
After college, I moved to Grand Cayman on a one-year visa and, without really knowing it at the time, became an entrepreneur. I worked at a hotel and started realizing that people came in looking for experiences, real connection and I could provide what they were looking for through my relationships – the people I know. A guest wanted an unforgettable day on the water. I knew a friend with a boat. The guest had a great experience, my friend got business, and I learned something that has shaped everything I’ve done since: connection creates value for everyone involved.
When I came back to Kansas City, I struggled to find the right fit in traditional jobs. I’ve never been great at accepting the status quo. Eventually, I reached out to a friend from high school who was building a startup in Chicago and asked if could be his EA. He laughed and said, “Jessica, this is a startup. You can just be the COO.”
That decision in 2012 landed me smack dab inside the early-stage startup and investor world. We built Venture Connects out of 1871 in Chicago, helping founders become investor-ready and hosting demo days exclusively to angel investors. Then we launched FUND Conference, creating space for 100 founders and 500+ investors to meet, build trust, and encourage those important second conversations. We expanded into cities like Austin, Denver, and Miami, but all the while I was still living in Kansas City.
A turning point came when Darcy Howe pulled me aside and asked why I wasn’t helping my own hometown’s ecosystem grow. I told her I didn’t really know anyone here doing what I was going. Laughing, Darcy replied with, “You just need to find your people.”
That stuck with me.
Since then, I’ve been all in on helping people in Kansas City find their people.
Through Social Balances, Back2KC, KC BioHub investor meetups, other ecosystem-building work, my focus has been on amplifying connections and relationships between founders, investors, civic leaders, and community builders.
I’m not an angel investor, and I’m not currently a founder building a venture-backed startup. People usually call me a super connector, but the reality is simpler than that: I’m obsessed with people. I love understanding what they need, who they need to meet, and witnessing firsthand how the right relationship can unlock something bigger.
That’s really how I got here. I followed people, relationships, and problems worth solving, and it led me to the work I do today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not been smooth, but I’m committed to enjoying it. I had a hard time establishing my seat at the table- perhaps that was my fault more than anyone else’s. Once I got to the table, I initially had a hard time knowing what to say and when to say it. But rather than always wondering when the right time is and what I should be doing for whom – I simply am committed to being authentic. I show up as myself every single day. I am relentlessly committed to living the life that I want to life. This really helps to keep me grounded inside of an industry like early stage startups – that can sometimes feel overwhelming. I think I struggle with the same things that every one struggles with – imposter syndrome, doubt, fear, uncertainty, but I’ve come to hold onto a few truths over the years and that is – if I am not uncomfortable that means I am not growing. To leverage fear and to remember that fail actually just stands for first attempt in learning.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Social balances?
Social Balances is a Kansas City-based strategic communications and ecosystem-building firm that helps people, companies, and initiatives find their people.
We specialize in storytelling, PR, founder and investor engagement, event strategy and marketing via community building. What sets us apart is that we do not just help clients get attention. We help them build trust, create meaningful relationships, and show up in the right rooms with the right message.
We are best known for connection. Our work supports founders, investors, nonprofits, civic leaders, and mission-driven companies that are trying to grow, build momentum, and create real impact.
At the heart of Social Balances is a simple belief: the right connection can change everything.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Authenticity
Joy, kindness leading with the go-give mentality
Contact Info:
- Website: Social Balances
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/social-balances/
