Meet the Team

Our team at the Black Community Fund is committed to empowering Kansas City’s Black community by fostering growth, equity, and opportunity. With a diverse blend of passionate individuals, we work to build strong partnerships, provide essential resources, and create meaningful programs that drive impactful change. Together, we strive to uplift and invest in our community, building a future where all can thrive.

Empowering Kansas City’s Black community

NaTika Rowles

Executive Director

The Black Community Fund, an affiliate of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, has awarded more than $3.5 million to over 200 nonprofit organizations addressing critical needs within the Black community. In her role as Executive Director, NaTika partners with the Board of Directors, oversees and leads the development, grantmaking, and scholarship program for the Fund to enhance the socio-economic well-being of the Black community in Kansas City. Under her leadership, the Black Community Fund administers grants and capacity building opportunities to Black-led and Black-serving nonprofit organizations in Kansas City.

NaTika brings over 15 years of executive leadership experience to her work, coupled with over 20 years of management experience gained from a robust career as executive director, business owner and community volunteer for several charitable organizations. 

“I am committed to seeing positive change in our communities,” NaTika says. “I am driven by a passion to change narratives in the lives of marginalized people.”

Victoria Rollins

Intern

Victoria is studying at Harris-Stowe State University, majoring in Communications with a minor in Sociology. She’s always believed in the power a community has if it invests in itself. Focusing on assisting in grant reviews and event preparation, she has become an essential hand in the team that aims to lift the community.

Marcus Jones

Coordinator of Programs and

Community Impact

Born and raised in Kansas City, KS, and a proud graduate of Wyandotte High School, he is passionate about community, educator, and service. While serving as the Coordinator of Programs and Community Impact at Black Community Fund, he also serves as a College & Career Coordinator for the Kansas City Kansas Public School District.

Carrying a big desire to help students navigate their post-secondary options and future careers by gaining experience, exposure, and scholarship access. He earned his degree in Nonprofit Leadership with a minor in Communication from William Jewell College, it equipped him with skills to develop strategies that empower the next generation of college students.

Being deeply involved in his community, he is committed to creating opportunities that foster growth, access, and success for the black community. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • Emmet Pierson Jr.

    Board Member

  • NaTika Rowles

    Executive Director

  • Darron Story

    Board Member

  • Shannon Barry

    Board Member

  • Dan Haley

    Board Vice Chair

  • Damon Bryant

    Board Chair