KNOW NEWSLETTER
April 2025
Sometimes, we just need a break.
If you’re like most women, your day usually consists of an endless mental to-do list that starts the moment you wake up until you fall asleep.
For those of us with children, pets, plants, or even a sourdough starter to care for, that list never truly goes away. But it’s important to step back and delegate every once in a while, shedding some of that mental weight.
Taking time off work, switching off notifications, or trusting others to help with tasks can feel impossible when your daily routine seems like an endless cycle of responsibilities only you can manage.
In this month’s Downtime recommendation, we’re featuring Kansas City-based leadership consultant Dr. Katie Ervin’s podcast, The Path to Leadership. The episode we chose features Kansas City-based entrepreneur Michelle Markham, discussing how to align personal and professional goals.
Our personal and professional goals are always shifting and changing. One that never goes away: our financial goals. As single women or co-CFOs of our households, how we manage money is essential for our current and future financial stability. So, why is there a financial literacy gap for women? McKinsey partners and co-authors of the Broken Rung break down the basics for us. Watch this video for an introduction to the topic.
If you’re like us, we’re ready to ditch soup for something lighter that reminds us of summer. Our recipes this month will make you want to kick off your sandals and get a little sunburnt on your back porch.
Find all this and more in the April edition of the KNOW Newsletter.
Upcoming Events
Leadership Coffee
In April, KNOW will be hosting a coffee date for women in leadership to bond and share their experiences!
Invites via email to follow!
Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build
Friday, May 16
Join us for the Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build on Friday, May 16. This volunteer project helps bridge the gap for women in our community facing disadvantages in the housing market. Together, we can create opportunities for women and their families to obtain safe, decent, and affordable housing in Kansas City.
Keep an eye for more information!
STAY IN THE KNOW
Exciting news in our Network.
KNOW Now Offering Professional Development Sponsorship
As part of our commitment to empowering women in their careers, we’re excited to introduce our new Sponsorship Program to support KNOW members’ continued professional development.
Our goal is to support local, Kansas City-based opportunities such as:
- Chamber of Commerce Events
- Association Events
- In-Personal Continued Education Courses
- Professional Development Courses and Events
Our sponsorship will not extend to out-of-town or multi-day conferences. We encourage you to discuss your chosen course or event with your manager before reaching out.
Take your career to the next level with KNOW’s support!
DLX Celebrates International Women’s Day
On March 12, DLX held lunch in honor of International Women’s Day. The women engaged in inspiring dialogue and admired each other’s contributions before capping off the fun day with happy hour.
Tracy Davis Cassalia
As Vice President of Vendor Relations at Airshare, Tracy Davis Cassalia brings over 25 years of experience in the corporate aviation sector. She started as a flight attendant and steadily advanced to senior level positions.
In her current role, Tracy oversees building strong relationships, ensuring exceptional value, and making significant contributions to every aspect of our business. She’s earned the affectionate nickname of “Mama Bear” from her colleagues, reflecting her commitment to mentorship, collaboration, and support. Her passion for personal and professional growth empowers those around her to reach their full potential!
Tracy’s story and leadership are a driving force at Airshare and an example of the impact women continue to make in this dynamic industry.
Women in Aviation International Conference 2025
Our Corporate Recruiter, Vaughn Howig, attended the 36th Annual Women in Aviation International (WAI) Conference held March 27-29, 2025, in Denver, Colorado. The WAI conference provides a unique opportunity for women to network, explore job opportunities, and engage in professional development through workshops and education sessions.
We’re proud to foster such a supportive and growth-oriented environment for women in aviation!
Amanda Lafferty
As Program Manager at Moonshot Solutions, Amanda oversees projects and ensures strategic alignment between their internal team and clients. Recently, she’s excelled at helping clients with license distribution.
Amanda’s manager praised her attention to detail in reviewing and right-sizing licenses to meet business needs and objectives. While there’s not a specific example, her manager said, “I do think we can safely say she helped save our clients tens of thousands of dollars throughout the process.”
Keep up the great work, Amanda!
Courtney Conrad
Congratulations to Courtney on her promotion to Managing Partner at Kompass Kapital!
Courtney Conrad, previously Chief Legal Counsel, will take on an expanded leadership role as Managing Partner, overseeing Kompass Kapital’s governance, risk management, and strategic operations. In addition to leading legal and compliance functions, she will also guide the team’s execution of a cohesive strategy that supports the firm’s long-term vision.
Sarah Schiltz
Congratulations to Sarah on her promotion to Partner at Kompass Kapital!
Sarah Schiltz, previously Chief Financial Officer, will take on an expanded role as Partner focused on financial strategy, capital allocation, and operational efficiencies across the firm’s diverse investment platforms. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving financial performance, and she will continue to enhance investment execution and long-term financial planning.
PSST!
Dear Katie
“I find myself holding back.”
Team meetings are great opportunities to share ideas and brainstorm with my team, but as an introvert, I find myself holding back. I prefer to process information before I speak, waiting for the right moment to share my ideas. However, sometimes, the moment passes me by, or all the good ideas are out on the table before I speak up.
How do I participate in a way that relies on my strengths as an introvert while also giving myself the confidence to speak up?
Sincerely,
Shy but Thoughtful
Dear,
Shy but Thoughtful
First things first: Take the pressure off yourself. Not every idea you share has to be groundbreaking or polished. It’s easy to fade into the background in meetings by overthinking and deferring to the more vocal people in the room.
One way to break this cycle is to speak up early in a conversation. If you’re not ready to start things off, wait for the second or third person to share their thoughts, and then jump in. This way, you gain some visibility without feeling like you’re fighting for attention. You also avoid talking yourself out of speaking at all.
And sometimes, it’s not about speaking up at the right time but organizing your thoughts beforehand. Try prepping for the meeting by writing down your ideas and questions in advance. This will give you a helpful reference when you’re feeling shy. Once you’ve broken the ice, you might find it easier to speak up later in the conversation, too.
Good luck,
Katie
Drink & Food Recipes
Lemon Lavender Gin Rickey
INGREDIENTS
3 ounces gin
4 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey
4 ounces seltzer water
2 sprigs lavender
2 wedges of lemon
DIRECTIONS
Pour gin, lemon juice, and honey over ice in a cocktail shaker and shake well.
Strain into two glasses filled with ice. Top with seltzer.
Garnish each glass with a sprig of lavender and a slice of lemon.
Layered Mediterranean Dip
INGREDIENTS
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 medium seedless cucumber, chopped
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons minced fresh mint or 1 teaspoon dried mint
1 carton (10 ounces) hummus
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 cup chopped roasted sweet red peppers, drained
2 packages (4 ounces each) crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup pitted Greek olives, sliced
2 plum tomatoes, chopped
Optional: Minced fresh parsley and additional minced fresh mint
DIRECTIONS
Line a strainer with 4 layers of cheesecloth or 1 coffee filter and place over a bowl. Place yogurt in prepared strainer and cover with edges of cheesecloth. Refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. In a small bowl, combine the strained yogurt, cucumber, vinegar and mint.
Spread hummus in the bottom of a 9-in. deep dish pie plate. Layer with onion, peppers, feta cheese, olives, tomatoes and yogurt mixture. Top with parsley and additional mint if desired. Chill until serving.
Optional: Homemade Pita Chips
INGREDIENTS
20 pita pocket halves
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
DIRECTIONS
Cut each pita half into 3 wedges; separate each wedge into 2 pieces. Place in a single layer on ungreased baking sheets. Brush both sides with olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Bake at 400° for 8-10 minutes or until crisp, turning once. Serve with dip.
Downtime
Your downtime is precious. Fill your cup with an activity that nurtures, inspires, and is plain-old fun.
Our April Recommendation:
The Path to Leadership with Dr. Katie Ervin
The Journey to Harmonizing Professional and Personal Goals with Michele Markham
Host, Dr. Katie Ervin, is joined by Kansas City-based entrepreneur Michelle Markham. They discuss how stepping back is essential in finding perspective, renewed energy and clarity in both her personal and professional life.
Help us stay in the KNOW
Send us your promotions, recipes, downtime recs and other exciting news to: