Being Me KC
Come along as we explore Kansas City and meet the diverse, creative people that make our city the place where everyone can say, I Can Be ME in KC! You'll learn about following your interests and developing your skills as we meet the fascinating people who have succeeded in making their professional dreams a reality. Share this book with children, support their love of reading, and help make their dreams a reality too!
Phil Shafer
Phil Shafer is an artist and mural painter whose business Sike Style Industries has created colorful murals indoors and outdoors all over Kansas City.
AD Franch
AD Franch plays goalkeeper for the Kansas City Current in the National Women's Soccer League.
Mark Launiu
Mark Launiu is the co-founder of MADE MOBB Urban Apparel a store selling t-shirts sweatshirts and baseball hats inspired by Midwest values: hard work craftsmanship and community.
Helen Jo Leach & Johnny Leach
Helen Jo Leach is a master baker and chocolatier and her husband Johnny is a chef. Together they create the meals and desserts at The Town Company restaurant in the Hotel Kansas City.
Rupal Gupta
Dr. Rupal Gupta is a pediatrician a doctor that cares for children. She takes care of children in a Children's Mercy Hospital clinic at a large childcare program in Kansas City.
Brooke Salvaggio & Dan Heryer
Urbavore Urban Farm is both home and work for Brooke Salvaggio and Dan Heryer. On about 13 acres of land in Kansas City they grow crops of fruits and vegetables.
Gia Trapani & Jen Orton
Gia Trapani went to college to study journalism and Jen Orton studied Spanish and French but they both turned their love of dogs into a business.
Shomari Benton
Shomari Benton went to law school and decided to use his knowledge of the law to make sure that the city of Kansas City has buildings and spaces that serve the needs of all people.
Pablo Sanhueza
Pablo Sanhueza moved to Kansas City from Santiago Chile in the 1990s. He brought his love of music from Latin America and his skills as a percussionist and bandleader.
Luis Virgil
Luis Virgil wanted to be a police officer ever since he was a child. He became an officer with the Independence Police Department.
Laura Norris
Laura Norris created Ragazza to be a cozy restaurant that serves guests like they are family.
Alejandro Sanchez Alvarado
Dr. Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado grew up in Venezuela and moved to the United States to go to college and graduate school.
Meet the Team Behind Being Me KC
Christle Reed
Being Me KC Author
Adri Guyer
Photography and Videography
Levi Hoffmeier
Being Me KC Illustrator
Kristin Droege
Turn The Page KC Project Lead
Teacher Curriculum
Download our comprehensive teacher curriculum guides for different grade levels