Nicole Collier White, Kansas City Public Schools’ Repurposing Initiative program coordinator, answers The Pitch‘s questionnaire
Name: Nicole Collier White
Occupation: Program coordinator, Repurposing Initiative, at Kansas City Public Schools
Hometown: KCMO
Current neighborhood: Waldo
What I do (in 140 characters): Inform stakeholders about the Repurposing Initiative/Master Planning effort, in Kansas City Public Schools. Find ways to solicit feedback from parents, staff and community.
What’s your addiction? Have you seen the show Naked and Afraid on the Discovery Channel? That is the most amazingly ridiculous show ever created. Seeing two strangers stranded in the middle of nowhere, naked, and with only two items is so hilarious. The tweets alone will hook you.
What’s your game? For the past two years, I have been participating in sprint triathlons. A half Ironman is definitely on my Dirty 30 bucket list. I could also school you in a round of Catchphrase.
What’s your drink? Coffee with French-vanilla creamer makes every day/thing better. If I need a Drink with a capital D, it’s a Moscow Mule.
Where’s dinner? Likely at my house, but I do like the occasional “beef on bun to go, please.”
What’s on your KC postcard? Trolley Track Trail, light shining through the trees on Meyer Boulevard, Winstead’s on the Plaza, Swope Park dog park, and the fountains in front of Crown Center (preferably the old fountains that kids could run through).
Finish this sentence: “Kansas City got it right when …” The Chiefs hired general manager John Dorsey and head coach Andy Reid.
“Kansas City screwed up when …” It didn’t have a parade for the Royals after the World Series.
“Kansas City needs …” To find ways to better engage with the community. How are we going to ensure all generations can provide feedback on city issues? How are we going to utilize the growing young professionals’ network? People should not only want to work in KC but live in and give back to the city as well.
“I can’t stop listening to …” The Maxwell or Jill Scott station on Pandora. Bob Marley has also been on constant rotation in my house since my husband started finishing the basement.
“I just read …” GRE study manual.
The best advice I ever got: The dream is free, but the hustle is sold separately.
My sidekick: My rescue dog, Jones, and my little brother, Matthew. (Small plug: There are a ton of kids in KCMO who need Big Brothers and Big Sisters. This is a great way to get a sidekick!)
My dating triumph/tragedy: Triumph is my college sweetheart turning into my forever sweetheart.
My 140-character soapbox: Great things are happening in KCPS. We are on the rise, with new programs and initiatives taking place. It’s time to give KCPS another look.
What was the last thing you had to apologize for? I apologized to my husband while trying to take a splinter out of his finger.
Who’s sorry now? I hope the squirrels that ate through all three of the pumpkins on my porch.
My recent triumph: I am very proud to say that I completed my first half marathon a few weeks ago. Running is not my strong suit, but I had an amazing support team that pushed me to the finish line.
