These leaders reinvest in other women’s success; a statewide nonprofit says they define the ‘Greater Missouri Woman’

This year’s Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation Women of the Year roster has a distinctly Kansas City flavor.

Three of the four honorees at Wednesday’s luncheon event at CPKC Stadium are Kansas City women who lead within their industries and community. The list of awards and recipients includes:

• Civic Leader of the Year — Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, president and CEO of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City;
• Community Leader of the Year — Angie Long, co-founder and co-owner of the Kansas City Current and CIO of Palmer Square Capital Management;
• Alumna Leader of the Year — Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight, executive director and COO of the Kansas City-based DeBruce Foundation (Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge Class of 2010); and
• Inspirational Leader of the Year — Angela Drake, University of Missouri School of Law emerita and founder of the school’s Veterans Clinic.

Kathleen Steele Danner, executive director of the Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation speaks during the group’s Women of the Year luncheon at CPKC Stadium; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

According to the Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation (GMLF) — a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and inspiring women leaders to make a difference — the awards recognize the achievements of women leaders making an impact locally, statewide, and beyond.

“These Women of the Year awards are presented annually by the Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation to recognize prominent female leaders of Missouri, who exemplify the definition of the Greater Missouri Woman,” said Julia Gaines, president of the GMLF board of directors.

For 35 years, the GMLF has been the premier statewide women’s leadership development organization in Missouri, noted Executive Director Kathleen Steele Danner.

“Through the Greater Missouri Challenge, we empower our cohort to understand how personal experiences shape values and priorities, articulating how purpose connects to civic engagement, and embark on a journey of personal growth,” she continued. “We strive to normalize empathy, resilience and representation in the workplace. And we ensure that women leaders continue to invest in one another’s success.”

Civic Leader of the Year

Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, president and CEO of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, center, poses with her award for Civic Leader of the Year from the Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, president and CEO of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

For more than 25 years, Burns-Wallace’s leadership has opened greater access to opportunities, shaped policies that expand resources, and better positioned communities to thrive,” noted Gaines, who handed out the awards. “An award-winning public sector leader and educator, Dr. Burns-Wallace is recognized for her ability to envision and implement innovative data-informed solutions in complex organizations that yield sustainable impact.”

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Dani Welniak, vice president of communications for the Kansas City Current, accepts the Community Leader of the Year award on behalf of Angie Long, from Julia Gaines, Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Community Leader of the Year

Angie Long, co-founder and co-owner of the Kansas City Current and CIO of Palmer Square Capital Management

“The leadership of Angie, for husband Chris Long, and the ownership group of the Kansas City current is putting this community on the world stage,” Gaines said. “Angie’s alignment with the description of a Greater Missouri Woman is evident in that she is a fierce advocate for equal opportunities for women no matter what field or industry. And she is a community leader in many ways, including serving on the Kansas City Union Station and World Cup 2026 board of directors.”

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Alumna Leader of the Year

Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight, executive director and COO of the DeBruce Foundation, accepts the Alumna Leader of the Year award from Julia Gaines, Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight, executive director and COO of the DeBruce Foundation and Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge Class of 2010

“Leigh Anne is an outstanding leader who has had a transformative impact on education and workforce readiness and has provided dedicated service to the state of Missouri and beyond,” Gaines acknowledged. “Her exceptional ability to lead with vision, cultivating strategic partnerships, and empower individuals to discover their strength, further distinguishes her as a remarkable leader and truly sets her apart.”

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Inspirational Leader of the Year

Angela Drake, University of Missouri School of Law emerita and founder of the school’s Veterans Clinic, speaks after accepting her award for Inspirational Leader of the Year from the Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Angela Drake, University of Missouri School of Law emerita and founder of the school’s Veterans Clinic

“After honing her legal skills in the private sector. Angela made the decision to follow her passion for public service by joining the University of Missouri School of Law Veterans Clinic,” Gaines said. “It’s in this role where Angela shines as an inspirational leader for her clients, colleagues, students, and community.”