July 2026 News

IN THIS UPDATE

Summer Series: Investing in Emerging Talent
Welcome, Ryan Hobart!
Thank you, Channing!
News You Can Use
Cool Events
Opportunities Await

Summer Series: Investing in Emerging Talent

Summer Series: Investing in Emerging Talent | Developing People in the Age of AI
A Conversation with Chanelle Zak

As AI reshapes internships and entry-level work, meaningful opportunities to learn, contribute, and build professional confidence matter more than ever.

For our summer intern series, I sat down with Strategic Communications Consultant Chanelle Zak to discuss what organizations and interns can do to make those opportunities count. Drawing on her own early-career experiences and her work supporting The DeBruce Foundation, Chanelle shares practical advice about mentorship, networking, taking initiative and using AI without allowing it to replace learning.

Our conversation gave me a new perspective on how interns can adapt to a changing workplace – and why organizations should continue investing in emerging talent.

Read more about what I learned from Chanelle.

Ella

Welcome, Ryan Hobart!

We are excited to welcome Ryan Hobart as a Senior Associate at Mazur & Co.! Based in Columbia, Missouri, Ryan brings nearly 20 years of experience in strategic communications, government relations, and public affairs with leadership roles spanning healthcare, state government, and political communications.

Outside of work, Ryan enjoys playing the drums, a hobby that showcases the same creativity, focus, and rhythm he brings to his work every day. We’re thrilled to have him on the team.

Learn more about how much Ryan rocks here.

Thank you, Channing!

This week, we bid a fond farewell to Channing Ansley Grate as she begins an exciting new chapter in her career. Since joining Mazur & Co., Channing has helped clients navigate complex communications challenges, supported national initiatives, and brought creativity, professionalism, and thoughtful counsel to every project she touched. She has been a valued teammate, and we’re grateful for the many contributions she made to our clients, our firm, and our team.

We wish Channing every success and happiness in all that’s ahead – and know she will continue to do Grate things! (See what we did there?!)

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Arts, Entertainment, & Culture

Tech & Science

Agriculture, Environment, Energy, & Climate

Education, Workforce, & Economic Development

Entrepreneurship

Today’s Great Leaders Disrupt Themself Before Someone Else Does

Health & Wellbeing

Sports

Kansas City’s Wild Success as Host During FIFA World Cup 26 Could Attract another Worldwide Tournament

Leadership

Potpourri

COOL EVENTS

7/16-7/26/26 — Kansas City FRINGE Festival (Kansas City, MO)
The KC Fringe is the largest celebration of arts and culture in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Returning live for its 22nd season for a two-week explosion of performance, film, visual arts exhibitions, and events that showcase the work of local, national, and international artists. The mostly volunteer-run organization has been supporting artists, cultivating creators, and attracting adventurous audiences since July 2005. Learn more.

8/6/26 — Craftcycle Cinema: Pretty in Pink (Columbia, MO)

In collaboration with Ragtag Cinema, CoMo Craftcycle launches Craftcycle Cinema with a screening of Pretty in Pink, the 1986 tribute to upcycled fashion. CoMo Craftcycle will offer a selection of creative reuse craft kits for sale before the film, or you can bring your own portable, quiet project: knitting, crocheting, embroidery, coloring, or beadwork. Learn more.

8/12/26 — United WE Institute Forum: Caregiving at Work in Arkansas (Virtual)

The United WE’s Institute Forum series “Caregiving at Work,” sponsored by AARP, is designed to inform and equip employers, community leaders, and caregivers with the knowledge, tools, and resources to expand access to quality caregiving solutions. Learn more.

8/19/26 — Introduction to Agilities™ Resources for Educators (Virtual)

Looking for career-building resources for your K-12 classroom or youth organization? Join The DeBruce Foundation for free tools and lesson plans for your students. This virtual session is best suited for administrators, instructional coaches, counselors, classroom educators, and those leading after-school programming. Together, we can help young people build bright futures! Learn more.

8/20/26 – The Rome Group’s Philanthropic Landscape (St.Louis)

Join nonprofit professionals at the 2026 Philanthropic Landscape on August 20 in St. Louis for a morning of insights, strategy, and inspiration. Keynote speaker Mallory Erickson will explore how fundraisers can move beyond traditional metrics to embrace agency, presence, and practice in their work. It’s a valuable opportunity to gain fresh perspectives and connect with others in the philanthropic community. Learn More.

8/20/26 — Legal Services of Eastern Missouri: “For the Common Good” Award Luncheon

Legal Services’s “For the Common Good” Awards celebrate outstanding community leaders, volunteers, and partners whose dedication advances access to justice. The public is invited to attend and celebrate this year’s honorees on Aug. 20, 2026 at The Ritz-Carlton in Clayton. Learn more.

8/25/26 — Maximizing the Value of Internships: Designing for Impact and Success

Maximizing the Value of Internships: Designing for Impact and Success explores how organizations can build stronger talent pipelines through intentional internship programs. Featuring business leaders and Strada’s Laura Love, the forum will share practical strategies for designing internships that drive workforce development and long-term business success. Learn more.