Meet Lorece Chanelle

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lorece Chanelle. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lorece below.

Hi Lorece, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from the unwavering love, support, and guidance of my family. They taught me that I can weather any storm as long as I learn, do my best, and advocate for myself and others.

Since my senior year of high school, my mom encouraged me to “walk through the doors of opportunity.” She taught me to actively seek ways to contribute and grow, while believing that success was within reach. I enjoyed tutoring students after school. However, I complained about her insistence that I enroll in a full load of advanced courses, despite already having enough credits to graduate. Looking back, I realize my mom was guiding me to continue challenging myself even while helping others.

Another key lesson came from my grandmother, who always reminded me, “Nothing beats a failure but a try.” This advice carried me through my first challenging statistics course in college, where I failed my first test. Rather than give up, I got tutoring and completed additional practice exams alongside my regular homework. Through consistent effort, I improved my score to a C on the second test and an A on the third, earning a B- overall. While I didn’t consider it a stellar grade, I was proud of my determination and perseverance.

Finally, my aunt still tells me: “If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no.” As someone who used to be shy, I had to learn to advocate for myself in the workplace. In one instance, I hesitated to apply for a position because I didn’t think I had enough experience. Ultimately, I decided to go for it, and it turned out to be the best decision of my career. Not only did I get the job, but I also gained supervisory experience that boosted my confidence in taking on leadership roles. As a leader, I loved developing strategy and implementing policies that improved work-life balance and promotion opportunities.

Through the encouragement and lessons from my family, I learned that resilience is not just about enduring challenges but also about proactively seeking new paths and possibilities. Their advice continues to give me the strength and mindset to navigate whatever comes my way.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am deeply committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within the Kansas City arts community. My goal is to listen to, learn from, connect with, and advocate for the artists and enthusiasts who enrich our culture. As such, it is an honor to serve on the Board of Directors for two organizations that share this commitment: the Kansas City Artists Coalition (KCAC) and the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC) Friends of the Conservatory.

KCAC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of visual arts in Kansas City and the surrounding region while supporting the professional growth of artists. As Co-Vice President and a member of the Executive Committee, I collaborate with fellow board members and executive staff to oversee the organization’s strategy, finances, and operations. I am particularly excited to serve as Co-Chair for KCAC’s 42nd Annual Auction, scheduled for Saturday, February 22. This event is a highlight of the year for collectors, art enthusiasts, and friends of the Coalition, providing an opportunity to acquire artwork from both established and emerging artists. Importantly, all proceeds from the auction support KCAC’s operations, exhibitions, and programming.

Similarly, the UMKC Friends of the Conservatory play a vital role in providing scholarships and fellowships for Conservatory students. Since 1996, the Friends have raised over $6 million through membership dues and events like Crescendo, one of Kansas City’s premier arts gatherings. As a new board member, I am excited to serve on the membership committee, where I work to share the importance of our mission and encourage others to become involved.

Through my involvement with both KCAC and UMKC Friends of the Conservatory, I am dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive arts community in Kansas City. I believe that by advocating for diverse voices and supporting artists, we create a richer cultural landscape for everyone to enjoy.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my 20-plus year career in public service, I focused on developing three qualities that allowed me to be successful while remaining true to myself: showing genuine care for others, empathetic listening, and maintaining discretion. I bring these traits into all my personal and professional interactions, but here’s how they’ve shaped my career and some advice for those early in their own journeys.

Small gestures make a big difference in how we connect. For instance, during my time as a team lead, I learned that my approach to showing care—by giving team members space and autonomy—was misinterpreted. One employee thought I didn’t value their contributions because I rarely asked for their help. I was shocked. To address this, we scheduled a quick daily meeting to share our progress. This allowed me to keep my preferred independent working style while giving them an opportunity to collaborate. I also kept a candy jar in my office to encourage informal visits, creating an inviting atmosphere where team members felt comfortable stopping by. My advice here is to find small ways to connect with your team. Even a simple gesture can make people feel seen and valued.

Empathetic listening is important for supportive environments. In my first management role, I led a team of new managers, all of whom were adjusting to their responsibilities. During a meeting, one manager became overwhelmed and broke down in tears. Recognizing the moment, I gently guided them to my office, allowing them to express their frustrations in a safe space. This act of listening without judgment helped build trust and credibility within our team, transforming a previously insular environment into one of openness and support. I recommend cultivating a space where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions.

Finally, discretion creates a safe space for sharing sensitive information. I always tell people our discussion is confidential, which encourages them to open up and share. Prioritizing confidentiality, even in casual conversations, builds trust.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

Since moving to Kansas City from the Washington, DC region in 2020, my journey has been a mix of both intentional and beautifully surprising growth. Out of curiosity, and to pass the time during quarantine, I took a series of art history courses at local community colleges. This sparked my interest in the Kansas City arts scene. Despite not having friends here, I pushed outside my comfort zone and began to explore various cultural venues on my own. The people I’ve met along the way have been warm, genuine, and inviting. Through these connections, I’ve had wonderful opportunities to build lifelong friendships and contribute in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

For example, I am working on my first curatorial project as a designer for the Kansas City Symphony Alliance’s (KCSA) 55th Showhouse at 3621 Belleview Avenue. In a short time, I’ve learned to seek advice from other curators (thank you, Robb Gann and Courtney Wasson!) and to trust my own vision as it refines over time. This opportunity allows me to support KCSA while highlighting the works of talented artists, including: Vivian Bluett, Esther Boyd, Anita Easterwood, Elise Gagliardi, Feliz Kehinde, Lolita Looney, Sandra Revelle, Crissi Rice, Aleah Washington, Janet Wilson, and Tanya Wilson. Showhouse tours are open to the public from Saturday, April 26, to Sunday, May 18. I invite everyone to learn more at showhouse.org.

Additionally, I am thrilled to serve on host committees for two upcoming events which raise funds for arts education. The Kansas City Art Institute’s ARTPOP (https://kcai.edu/give/artpop/) on May 8 and the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art A Match Made in Heaven Gala on May 10 (nermanmuseum.com). These experiences not only enhance my engagement with the arts community but also deepen my appreciation for the collaborative spirit that thrives here.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Personal Photo. Elements Studio Photography
Additional Photo 1. JoAnne Northrup (me in front of Nourish mosaic by Dyani White Hawk)
Additional Photo 2. Crissi Rice (me in Crissi Rice studio)

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