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The holidays can feel like a season of wonder, full of twinkling lights, cozy moments… and sometimes like a glitter-strewn obstacle course with a calendar that fills itself. It’s also a time when our Agilities© get a workout without us even noticing, so I challenge you to pay attention to yours this season—whether you’re planning travel or managing the joyful chaos of family time!
For me, Serving & Caring shows up in the small things: checking in on how everyone’s really doing, building traditions that make people feel connected, and making space for meaningful moments. Sometimes that looks like an intentional conversation; sometimes it’s seeing my daughter take the lead on baking for the first time, laughing and sharing cookies with my son as he “helps.”
Meanwhile Managing & Organizing work quietly in the background—as I’m coordinating gatherings, keeping track of details, and the annual “where did I hide that present?” treasure hunt.
As you plan, if you want a fun activity to put everyone’s Agilities to use, try a family Draw Your Future session to imagine what’s possible in 2026! You can learn more in this month’s blog.
Here’s to a season of joy, warmth, and staying agile!
So… What Are Agilities©?
Can you explain Agilities in 60 seconds? Our team was challenged to do just that—and the result is a fast, fun video that breaks down what Agilities are and how they can support you as you choose and change careers. We’re excited to give you a sneak peek!
Watch the video to see how Agilities help you understand how you work best. Then feel free to share it with anyone who’s ever asked, “So… what are Agilities?”
Expanding Pathways in MO Independent & VogageKC
Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight, Executive Director and COO of The DeBruce Foundation, was recently featured in VoyageKC and The Missouri Independent, sharing insights on leadership, career exploration, and the future of work.
In VoyageKC, she reflects on experiences that shaped her leadership journey and her passion for expanding career pathways, helping individuals identify and use their strengths.
In a separate op-ed for The Missouri Independent, she highlights the growing need for stronger career exploration in schools as technology reshapes entry-level jobs, pointing to new nationwide research.
Together, these pieces reflect her commitment to advancing economic opportunity and preparing for the changing world of work.
Innovating with Agilities at Make48 Nationals
The Make48 Season 9 Nationals brought innovation to Indiana as six teams raced to develop real-world solutions to combat food insecurity in just 48 hours.
Congratulations to The Dream Makers from the Kansas State School for the Blind for earning first place in the competition.
Throughout the challenge, teams used their Agilities to organize, problem-solve, delegate, and bring their ideas to life, demonstrating the power of strengths-based collaboration.
Special recognition goes to We Fail Fast Too, winners of the Best Agilities Award.
The DeBruce Foundation is proud to partner with Make48, helping young innovators apply their strengths through hands-on, career-building experiences.
Future-Proofing Your Organization with Betsy Cohen
The DeBruce Foundation recently co-hosted Future-Proofing Your Organization, a gathering of nonprofit leaders from across the Kansas City region, alongside Commerce Trust and The William T. Kemper Foundation.
The event featured Philanthropic Futurist Betsy Cohen of FutureGood, who shared insights on the trends reshaping the nonprofit sector and practical ways organizations can strengthen resilience in uncertain times.
Her perspective on adaptability, futurism tools, and long-term strategy sparked meaningful reflection and conversation among leaders from Missouri and Kansas.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside so many dedicated leaders working to ensure their missions continue to thrive!
Youth Lead KC Career Expo
The DeBruce Foundation recently attended a Career & Business Expo hosted by Youth Lead KC, formerly known as 20/20 Leadership.
Team members Cindy Schluckebier and Tiffany Way, joined by DeBruce Career Corps Member Fern Scott, shared new insights from The Foundation’s 2025 Employment Empowerment research.
Using The Foundation’s Occupation Explorer, they helped attendees explore higher-wage career options and make more informed career decisions.
Attendees also engaged with an interactive display, voting on career fields they’re excited to continue learning about. Click here to learn more about Youth Lead KC. Interested in joining DeBruce Career Corps? Head here.
Draw Your Future to Kickstart 2026
Our December blog, written by Patti Dobrowolski, CEO of Up Your Creative Genius, explores how imagination—paired with your Agilities—can help you step into 2026 with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Drawing on recent cognitive science research, Patti reframes intentional imagination as a powerful, trainable skill your brain uses to test possibilities and guide real-world decisions, so you can see new opportunities as you plan what’s next.
Through the Draw Your Future process, readers activate their whole brain, tap into their strengths, and outline bold, meaningful next steps toward the future they want to create!
Ready to see what’s possible and bring it to life? Read the full blog here.
Are you looking for resources to build career pathways in your classroom, curriculum, or organization? Register now to explore our career tools!
Available on-demand now:
Employment Empowerment for K-12: From Classroom to Career – Virtual Event
Virtual Agilities Tours:
January 6, January 20, February 3
Virtual Introduction to Agilities K-12 Resources for Educators:
January 21, February 18, March 18
In-Person Agilities Coach Training:
January 29-30 (Kansas City, MO)
February 5-6 (Kansas City, MO)
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