About the Program

Root & Rise KC runs August through December 2026 and it is free to participate. This pilot will match 10–20 participants (5–10 mentor/mentee pairs). If demand is strong, we plan to grow the program in future years.

The program has three key goals:

1. Meaningful Mentor–Mentee Connections Participants will be matched with a mentor or mentee through a thoughtful pairing process that accounts for professional goals, industry background, and personal context. Pairs will create a mentorship agreement based on the mentee's goals and meet regularly over the course of the program. Program directors will be available for questions and support throughout.

2. In-Person Community Gatherings Root & Rise KC will host two in-person events for the full cohort — a kickoff in mid-August and a closing celebration in December. These gatherings are designed to build connection beyond individual pairs, giving participants the chance to meet peers, share experiences, and form a professional network that extends well beyond the program.

3. Continuous Improvement At the close of the pilot, we will gather feedback from all participants to assess what worked, what didn't, and how to make the program even stronger next year.

How to Apply

If you meet the eligibility requirements above, please complete the application form by 11:55 PM CST on July 19, 2026.

You will be asked about your professional background, motivation for joining the program, mentor/mentee preferences, skills and experience, and prior experience with mentorship. This information will be kept confidential among the organizing team and is used solely to make thoughtful, well-informed pairings.

A note on matching: To ensure the highest-quality matches, we cannot guarantee that every applicant will be paired. If we are unable to find the right match for you this year, we warmly encourage you to apply again next year.

Discover The Silk Road by NAAAP-KC

Explore Kansas City's destination for Asian American makers, artists, and entrepreneurs. Shop unique goods from local vendors, learn the stories behind each maker, and discover upcoming events and workshops.

Every purchase at The Silk Road directly supports NAAAP-KC's nonprofit programming, helping us provide professional development, mentorship, cultural events, and community initiatives that uplift the AAPI community.

Interested in getting involved? Whether you'd like to become a vendor, volunteer, host a pop-up or workshop, or plan your visit, you'll find everything you need on our website.

Visit: https://www.silkroadkc.com

Shop with purpose. Support local makers. Strengthen our community.

After a month of reading, it's time to come together and share our reflections on this moving and unforgettable memoir.

Whether certain chapters made you laugh, cry, or reflect on your own experiences, we'd love to hear your thoughts.

No presentations. No pressure. Just thoughtful conversations, meaningful connections, and a welcoming community of readers.

📍 Location: The Silk Road (201 Westport Rd).

Missed the kickoff event? No worries! You're still welcome to join our discussions. Simply bring your own copy of the book. Whether it's a physical book, eBook, or audiobook, and come share your thoughts with us.

📖 Book

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

📅 Discussion Schedule

• July 25 (Sat), 12:00–1:00 PM – Chapters 1–10
• August 29 (Sat), 12:00–1:00 PM – Chapters 11–20

Come connect with fellow readers, share what resonated with you, and hear different perspectives. Whether you've finished every chapter or are still catching up, you're welcome to join the conversation!

Register here: https://kc.naaap.org/events/book-club-crying-in-h-mart-discussion-chapters-110