Brooke Hilst

When I think of enthusiastic nonprofit leaders in Kansas City, Brooke Hilst always comes to mind. She has dedicated her time and professional career to helping others.

Brooke is a native of Wichita, KS, and went to The University of Kansas; she followed up her undergrad with a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. While in school, she was involved with the Dole Institute of Politics: Student Advisory Board and Kappa Alpha Theta.

After school, she started her path in the nonprofit world, working with the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance as a Next Generation Nonprofit Leaders Program Coordinator, focused on compliance with grant-funded stipend contracts and program evaluation of a multi-year, $5 million grant.

She joined the Arthritis Foundation in the fall of 2013 as a Community Engagement Director, then moved into the Development Director role. In her first stint with the Arthritis Foundation, she helped coordinate galas, worked with local healthcare partners and community partners, and was in charge of one of their most significant events, the Jingle Bell Run. Combined with the Gala, she was able to help raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the organization.

Brooke rejoined The Arthritis Foundation as their Executive Director in March 2022 after working with Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph for almost two years as a Major Gifts Manager.

The Arthritis Foundation's mission is to boldly pursue a cure for America’s #1 cause of disability while championing the fight to conquer arthritis with life-changing science, resources, advocacy, and community connections.
They aim to help you live your best life by creating a robust support network through shared experiences, empowering information, and meaningful connections.

If you would like to get involved, volunteer opportunities include helping with local research projects and the chapter’s helpline, serving on volunteer committees and at fundraising events or conferences, and assisting with support groups and advocacy initiatives.

One of the Arthritis Foundation's most significant events is only a few weeks away; the Jingle Bell Run is on Sunday, December 9th, at Chicken N Pickle OP.

I know the sky is the limit for Brooke as she continues her journey as ED at the Arthritis Foundation, and I cannot wait to watch what she accomplishes next.

You can visit the Arthritis Foundation website to learn more, donate, or get involved.

Website: www.arthritis.org/local-offices/ks