Nonprofit founder, tech people leader join Kauffman as trustees on shared mission: economic inclusivity
May 22, 2025 | Startland News Staff
The year-long transformation of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation continues this week as the influential philanthropic organization announced two new trustees meant to bolster its rebooted grantmaking strategy and commitment to driving equitable economic mobility in Kansas City.
Newly appointed leaders to the Kauffman Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Aimée Eubanks Davis and Kristen Ludgate bring diverse expertise that strengthens the foundation’s trio of refined priorities: college access and completion, workforce and career development, and entrepreneurship.
Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, president and CEO of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, right, speaks Thursday during the Networked for Change summit in Wichita; photo courtesy of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
“Aimée and Kristen represent the next generation of values-driven, community-minded leaders who understand what it takes to turn opportunity into impact,” said Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, president and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation. “We’re honored to have them join us at this pivotal moment in our journey.”
The addition of the new trustees is a critical step in ensuring broad perspectives in grantmaking and community partnerships from leaders with national experience in fields that span education, workforce development, and business ownership, the foundation said in a press release.
Selected through a competitive national search led by CBIZ Talent Solutions, Eubanks Davis and Ludgate were elected to a three-year term on a board of 12 trustees. The duo joins a community-focused group that already includes Burns-Wallace, Susan Chambers, Matt Condon, Karen Daniel, Esther L. George, Anita Newton, Carlos Rangel, Paul Schofer, Carmen Tapio, and Maurice Alvin Watson.
“They bring unique strengths and proven leadership to help advance the foundation’s strategic priorities for college access and completion, workforce and career development, and entrepreneurship,” said George, chair for the board of trustees. “Their voices will be critical in ensuring our work reflects the aspirations and needs of the communities we serve.”
Click here to read more about the Kauffman Foundation’s strategy.
Eubanks Davis is the founder and CEO of Braven, a national nonprofit dedicated to closing the education-to-employment gap for underrepresented college students.
A Chicago native and former sixth-grade teacher, she led Braven to serve thousands of students through partnerships with higher education institutions and employers across the country. Her extensive experience in human capital, education equity, and talent development reflects a deep alignment with the foundation’s goals in education and workforce pathways.
Ludgate most recently served as chief people officer at HP Inc., where she led global talent, culture, and inclusion strategies for one of the world’s most recognized technology companies.
Her career has spanned leadership roles in human resources, law, communications, and philanthropy, including as president of the 3M Foundation and executive vice president of HR at 3M. Ludgate is a passionate advocate for inclusive leadership and the future of work, and she brings expertise in organizational transformation and employee development.
ICYMI: Kauffman earmarks $32M in grants to boost entrepreneurship, workforce, education efforts
Featured Business
2025 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Well Played, KC: How an overseas Chiefs game inspired designs that brought Lindsey Hall off the bench
Her apparel brand’s timeless style echoes Ralph Lauren’s aesthetic, with a KC twist Kansas City’s fashion scene has gained a new player in Well Played KC, a lifestyle brand blending classic Americana style with local pride. Founded by Lindsey Hall, the business is gaining momentum with versatile, throwback-that-doesn’t-feel-dated apparel that resonates with on-the-go Kansas Citians. …
This top maker got his start with a social push; but the real influencers behind the Craft E brand: his wife and family
Enrique Hernandez, the creative force behind Craft E. Embroidery, proved that dedication and creativity can transform a hobby into a thriving business — earning him the title of Made in KC’s top maker for 2024. “It hasn’t really settled in yet,” Hernandez said about winning the award in mid-December. “But it feels good.” ICYMI: Made…
Go BTS of a new KC-filmed reality TV series with the entrepreneurs who matched competitors with their style
ULAH founders get second chance to put their business (and Kansas City) on the national stage One of Kansas City’s best-known fashion duos — married entrepreneurs Joey Mendez and Buck Wimberly — recently stepped back into the fast-paced world of reality TV as stylists for a new series featuring another KC personality who commands screen…
KC hat maker’s sales soar after national news spotlight, capping year with validation: Made-in-the-USA still sells
Santa came early for Sandlot Goods — in the form of an ABC World News producer, said Garret Prather. On Dec. 13, Kansas City’s only local hat manufacturer was featured on the “Made In America Christmas” segment on ABC World News Tonight with David Muir. “Forty-five workers, 10 new hires, and 115,00 hats this year,…