Margaret J.

Margaret’s approach to life could be described in four words: Keep learning. Keep sharing. She was and is an avid learner, especially during her 30-year career with the Social Security Administration (SSA). She advanced steadily and retired as director of human resources, which involved leading administrative, personnel, employee relations and training for thousands of employees in the four-state region. While working at SSA — and raising four boys — she earned a Bachelor of Administration degree from Park College.

Margaret is a past president of Swope Corridor Renaissance, where she participated in programs for children and senior citizens — efforts for which she was awarded a REACH Award for Excellence in Customer Service from the Kauffman Foundation. She also formerly served on the Tax Increment Finance Commission, the Kansas City Planning Commission, was proud to participate in the 2011 Enterprise Partner Affordable Housing Design Leadership Institute, and was executive director of the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council. “I worked with civic, governmental and community leaders to ensure fiscal management and progress in Ivanhoe, including in developing housing, a community center, a park, and a community garden,” she says.

Margaret and her late husband enjoyed 62 years of marriage and, along with their four sons (two on earth, two in heaven), they have nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.  Today, Margaret serves on the board of her homeowners’ association. “I’m still learning and sharing,” she says. “I hope others will join the fun and experience the satisfaction of serving the community.”