Welcome To West iNd Connection
West iNd Connection was established to create a safe and progressive community for all to live, work, play and visit. We aim to create a positive progressive culture and strengthen awareness for all members of our city through arts programs, neighborhood initiatives, and public events. Our intention is to explore all possibilities for fostering partnerships that support local programs in our core pillars:
Arts, LGBTQ+ Community, Animal Welfare, and Community Care.
Tammy Parsons & Thad McCullough
Tammy Parsons Co-Founder, President and Co-Executive Directer
Thad McCullough Co-Founder, Vice-President and Co-Executive Director
Tammy and Thad's journey started together in 2004 when thad joined her team at B-Vogue Salon & Gallery. Being inspired by their brand of choice, John Paul Mitchell Systems, they chose to make the world a better place! Their philanthropic efforts involved their local community of Independence, Missouri, The Englewood Arts District more specifically. B-Vogue Salon added "Gallery" in 2009 when the Arts District was established and used the Arts as a means to fund their fundraising efforts. In 2018 the demand to increase our outreach instigated the founding of the West iNd Connection.
Tammy resides in the arts district with her wife and partner of 28 years and their little nugget, a frenchie named WiNc! Thad lives just off the Independence Square with his husband and partner of 14 years and their menagerie of pets! We are all very proud Independence residents!
RoseAnn Inzenga, B.S.
Executive Board Treasurer
RoseAnn graduated from Rockhurst University earning aBachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting. She has worked in the field of accounting for over 40 years. Having helped with several of our fundraising events, RoseAnn is excited to be part of the Executive Board and Honored to co-chair the Animal Welfare Pillar Event. RoseAnn enjoys working in her garden and traveling the country with her wife, Tracy, whom she met in 2010 and tries to live by the motto “Positivity is greater negativity”. + > -
Karen E. Hall, B.A.
Executive Board Secretary
Karen's education at Bethany College, Lindsborg, KS, culminated in a B.A. in Music. Additionally, she showed a tremendous interest in the Humanities. These affinities have been integral in her 25+ years in dentistry as well as in her community activities. Karen has sung with the Kansas City Symphony Chorus and has lent her energies to Micah Ministries, Kansas City Fashion Week, and Kansas City Strong. Particularly, she has concentrated her efforts with building community through spiritual growth, missions and outreach of Gracemor Christian Church.Helping with past West iNd activities has been a privilege, and now Karen is honored to be part of the Executive Board! Hoping to contribute creativity, resourcefulness, organizational abilities, and enthusiasm, she is excited to collaborate in the next phase of what is possible with the West iNd pillars!Karen met her husband, Chuck, in 1997 at a classical concert of love-themed music! They were married in 2000. Chuck presently works at Walgreens. We love spending time with our friends and family, especially our two grandchildren! And, of course, we adore our Mademoiselle Coco Chanel, a.k.a. "Madi the Yorkie"!
Timothy A. Dial-Scruggs, Ed. S.
Executive Board Member
2020-21 marks Tim’s 16th year in education. Currently, he is in his 6th year as a high school English teacher at Fort Osage High School in Eastern Independence. He is the faculty sponsor of the Gender & Sexuality Alliance at Fort, and he brings the board a connection to the educational community and an understanding of the wants and needs of the high school GSA clubs, among other things. Before moving to Fort, he taught English, Special Education, and In-School Suspension at William Chrisman High School.
As a member of the board, Tim is excited to work in all four of the West iNd pillars and become more active as a LGBTQA+ representative within the Independence community.
He and his husband Paul met in 2009 and were married in 2014. Paul is a 6th grade ELA teacher at Fire Prairie Upper Elementary. Together, they love to cook. are passionate theater lovers, have four cats (Tommy, Sweeney, Gypsy, and Charlie), and are MO certified foster parents - looking to adopt (more info on their journey at https://dialscruggs.weebly.com/ ).
Jon-Michael Richardson
Executive Board Member
JM is an accomplished corporate to retail strategist and a values driven leader with an exceptional track record with 5 global brands. He has a solid foundation in program management and brings a combination of team leadership and development, business strategy, sales operations and customer/employee experience. His focus on marketing, social media, and technology will enable West iNd Connection to bring our ideas to life in a way that engages the community, creates good vibes, and helps us achieve success. JM is an avid movie watcher and enjoys vintage shopping with his husband Gary and son Wyatt.
GOOD VIBES ONLY!
A word from our President: Tammy Parsons
I am always humbled by the continued support that fuels this organization. Grateful for our connections in community partnerships as we work to bring GOOD; turning visions into realities. Thad and I are excited to introduce and welcome the West iNd Connection board; community leaders who are passionate and in alignment with our purpose as we work to create a safe community culture for all to live, work, play, and visit. Again, much gratitude for all your support; we truly are stronger together. “What Else is Possible…”