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OUR PROGRAMS

The Kansas Latino Community Network makes a difference in Kansas' communities through non-partisan civic engagement and leadership development activities. We utilize data to identify and target communities with the highest Latino population growth and use effective strategies adapted to successfully serve the community.

The core programs are organized in three categories: Civic Engagement, Leadership Development, and Coalition Building.

OUR BOARD

Our Board and Staff

OUR STAFF

Audé Negrete

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Audé Negrete is a seasoned professional with a strong background in community engagement, public administration, voter engagement, and team leadership. Known for her ability to unite diverse groups to achieve significant business and community outcomes, Audé brings dedication, reliability, and a collaborative spirit to the KLCN.

Audé’s passion for civic engagement began in her grandmother’s kitchen table when she was 7 years old. The moment Audé learned to read, her grandmother started asking her to read the newspaper every Sunday while cooking and eating breakfast. Current events, politics, and even sad news articles were part of her weekend routine with her grandmother, where she began to understand the importance of civic engagement and how it impacts our communities. 

 

Audé’s hunger to learn about current events, government, human rights, and community driven impact continued in High School and college where she was involved in organizations and extra curricular activities that allowed her to learn more about civic engagement and take action to improve communities through civic engagement. 

 

Audé's professional career started in college when she interned for Honorable Delia Garcia at the Kansas State House in 2007, promoting Latino civic engagement, assisting with policy at the Kansas Legislature, and helping with  Latina Leadership events at the Capitol. After graduating from college Audé started working in political campaigns where she managed field operations, recruited and trained staff, wrote campaign strategic plans, and cultivated relationships with leaders and elected officials.  

 

Audé went on to work for CASA de Maryland where excelled as a Community Organizer, recruiting and training volunteers and advancing community advocacy efforts. As the Kansas State Director for a presidential campaign, she led statewide campaign operations, achieving significant success through strategic planning and effective team management.

After she left political campaigns, Audé worked at El Centro Inc., expanding office operations, developing outreach programs, and managing volunteers. She then joined the private sector where she managed a bilingual team providing online content and online marketing services to Latino businesses. 

In her  role as Executive Director of the Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission, Audé  served as a vital liaison between the Hispanic community and the Governor’s Office. They addressed health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic and implemented culturally relevant programs. Most recently, they served as a Community Partnerships & Engagement Consultant at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, enhancing community-led health initiatives.

Audé is currently the Executive Director of the Kansas Latino Community Network overseeing the organization and working closely with the Board. With a career marked by effective leadership, strategic planning, and a commitment to the Latino community, Audé continues to drive positive change and to make a significant impact.

 

Karina Vazquez

Karina Vazquez is a dedicated and accomplished Southwest Civic Engagement Manager working with Kansas Latino Network. Karina has over 10+ years of experience in the healthcare field, specializing in public healthcare.

 

Currently based in Liberal, KS Karina specializes in project management, critical thinking, leadership, and skills management, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success to her role at Kansas Latino Network.

 

Throughout her career, Karina has demonstrated exceptional abilities within her field, showcasing her commitment to excellence and innovation.

 

Karina has a true passion for public healthcare and believes educating and giving back to our disadvantaged communities, will help our communities become better equipped and stronger. Karina’s main goal is to make a difference and be able to give back to her community in every way possible.

 

 

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In addition to her professional achievements, Karina holds a Nursing Degree as a Registered Nurse from Seward County Community College and currently pursing her BSN degree from Oklahoma Panhandle State University. Karina continues to expand her expertise to give back to the community. When not working, Karina enjoys exercising, being outdoors, spending time with her family, and watching sports.

 

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