As Principal of Curls Jude Joseph Property Group, Dr. Curls leads efforts to provide high-quality commercial and residential services, focusing on site acquisition, planning, design, construction management, HUD Section 3 consulting, and compliance monitoring. Her experience includes managing HUD 202 projects for the Community Development Corporation of Kansas City, overseeing site selection, land assemblage, construction, and community coordination. Previously, as Director of Real Estate for CDC-KC, she facilitated new construction and rehabilitation in surrounding neighborhoods, attracting major tenants like Walgreen’s and AutoZone to stabilize the Linwood Shopping Center District. Earlier roles included managing single-family housing developments and overseeing a multi-family housing project in South Los Angeles, where she engaged with HUD and mediated community conflicts.

Mike Hughes is a passionate community advocate dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of others. With a commitment to service, Mike goes above and beyond to ensure that every project he undertakes is completed with excellence. His work with Curls Jude Joseph, LLC has been instrumental in driving various operations and initiatives that focus on community enhancement.

In addition to his consulting services, Mike serves as an educator at the Kansas City Transition program. Here, he works with young men who have faced challenges within the justice system, providing them with invaluable guidance and support. Mike's approach emphasizes not just education, but also mentorship, as he strives to create a nurturing environment where these young individuals can learn and grow.

Through his dedication, Mike has forged lasting relationships with his students, becoming a trusted role model and advocate. He is deeply invested in their journeys, offering support and encouragement that extends beyond the classroom. His ability to connect with these young men has fostered a sense of hope and empowerment, helping them navigate their paths to success.

Mike Hughes's unwavering commitment to improving the community, combined with his hands-on approach to mentorship, makes him a vital force in the lives of those he serves. His efforts not only inspire change but also create a ripple effect, encouraging others to invest in their communities and uplift those around them.

Simone Curls is a dedicated professional in economic development, holding a Bachelor’s Degree from Xavier University New Orleans and a Master’s Degree from Southern University. A Kansas City native, she became the Executive Director of the Prospect Business Association (PBA) in February 2019 after relocating from Los Angeles. Under her leadership, PBA transformed from a volunteer organization into a dynamic team, launching seven innovative programs to support businesses at various growth stages.

With over twenty years of experience, including twelve years running a consulting firm in Los Angeles, Simone's expertise spans strategic planning, project management, grant writing, and organizational development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she facilitated over $2 million in relief for local businesses, expanding PBA's reach across Greater Kansas City. In the last two and a half years, PBA has helped over 1,500 businesses secure approximately $4.2 million in capital, generating over $16 million in revenue.

In 2021, Simone was appointed to the State of Missouri Show Me Strong Recovery Task Force. She has received multiple awards for her contributions, including the Economic Development Champion at the LISC KC Thrive Awards in October 2023 and the Small Business Champion award by COMTO Kansas City in June 2023.

Ms. Brice has over 9 years of experience in commercial real estate development including lending, equity investment, federal & state tax credits, tax increment finance, and public/private development partnerships.  Throughout her career Ms. Brice has maintained an active presence in and focus on development in urban communities and community economic development.

A commercial real estate lender for over 5 years Ms. Brice has co-managed,  underwritten and closed over $350 million of debt for retail, office, hotel,  industrial, and multi-family housing projects nationwide.  In this capacity she has also has worked with over $100 million of debt related to Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Transportation Development Districts (TDD), Sales Tax Revenue Bonds (STAR) and New Markets, Historic, & Low Income Housing Tax Credits.

Principal of Maxwell Consultants and Associates, Mr. Maxwell has over 30 years of executive management and business development experience. Mr. Maxwell specializes in the areas of general management, business planning, business development, financial investment and real estate development.

Maxwell Consultants and Associates is a holding company that manages real estate, rehabilitates properties, markets businesses, and invests in small companies. The firm is also nationally known for it’s works with community development corporations and economic development.  Mr. Maxwell served as the President of the Community Development Corporation of Kansas City from 1976-1998.

Locally he has completed and/or been involved in over $200 million of development. This includes shopping centers, multi-family, single family, office, and industrial property development.