Jeana Van Sickle, HappyBottoms director of development, answers The Pitch‘s questionnaire
Name: Jeana Van Sickle
Occupation: Director of development for HappyBottoms
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Current neighborhood: South Hyde Park
What I do (in 140 characters): Work with the incredible team at HappyBottoms to ensure that low-income families have enough diapers to keep their babies clean, dry and healthy.
What’s your addiction? I can’t survive without coffee or Netflix. I could probably survive without the beer, but that’s no fun.
What’s your game? A daily wrestling contest with my son to see if I can change his diapers before he crawls away. He usually wins.
What’s your drink? Casual: Boulevard’s KC Pils; fancy: English Summer at Julian
Where’s dinner? This is what I ask my husband every night, and he can never provide a solid answer. We usually have to grab something fast like Minsky’s or whatever frozen food I can throw in the oven.
What’s on your KC postcard? As much local art as would fit on a 4-by-6-inch card — “Pulse” by James Woodfill in the City Hall parking structure is my favorite! Sculpture by Spencer Schubert, public art by Matt Dehaemers, paintings by Vanessa Lacy, the incredible activist art of John Sutton III, the mixed-media work of Heinrich Toh. I could go on. … Oh, and if I had a little corner left, I’d include a picture of the cast members of Late Night Theatre!
Finish this sentence: “Kansas City got it right when …” Its early entrepreneurs created such a rich legacy of philanthropy. This is a town that really supports giving back to the community.
“Kansas City screwed up when …” Really, it screws up anytime it underestimates the political and social power of grassroots activism.
“Kansas City needs …” Even more resources and individuals dedicated to supporting families and children in poverty.
“I always laugh at …” My husband. I laugh with him, too, but mostly at him. He’s the funniest guy I know.
“I’ve been known to binge-watch …” West Wing! And (secretly) I could spend days watching a Beverly Hills 90210 marathon.
“I can’t stop listening to …” My Spotify playlist. You’ll think less of me if I tell you what’s on it.
“I just read …” I’m in the middle of reading A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn.
The best advice I ever got: Was from Harold and Maude: “Everyone has a right to make an ass out of themselves. You just can’t let the world judge you too much.”
Worst advice: “A perm would look really good on you!”
My sidekick: My daughter, Harper. She is so smart and so hilarious!
My brush with fame: I almost stepped on Lauren Bacall’s little dog in front of the Dakota. She was not happy about it, God rest her soul.
My 140-character soapbox: Son, I love you, but please sleep. Please, just go to sleep. Please, for the love of all that is holy, sleep!
What was the last thing you had to apologize for? Cursing in front of my children (due to the lack of sleep).
Who’s sorry now? Obviously not my son, or he’d be sleeping right now.
My recent triumph: Helping a rad group of midtown activists protect affordable housing in the urban core — and of course, my new job at HappyBottoms!
National Diaper Need Awareness Week runs through September 14. For HappyBottoms events, see happybottoms.org.
