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
Artist Vi Tran to KC-based innovators: Wipe ‘local’ label from your vocabulary
Some roots are best left behind, but not forgotten, said multi-faceted Kansas City artist Vi Tran. Others are worth holding close. Speaking at Startland’s recent Innovation Exchange, the actor, playwright, musician and owner of The Buffalo Room decried the idea that innovators who choose to stay in places like Kansas City are any less worthy…
The not-so-secret Sauce behind KC hip hop entrepreneur’s success: Authenticity
Royce “Sauce” Handy wears his influences and inspiration like pins on the outside of his well-worn jean jacket. The KCK-born hip hop entrepreneur embraces his identity: A collector of Goosebumps books. A student of history. A fan of 1990s family sitcoms. And he’s unapologetically black. His lips twist into a smile and his eyes brighten…
Startup Hustle podcast duo pledging $50K in Full Scale tech resources at Pure Pitch Rally
Early stage businesses need more than cash — they need the tools to grow, said the hosts of the KC-based Startup Hustle podcast. “Good ideas in startups move faster when they’re supported by successful business people in the community,” said podcast co-host Matt DeCoursey, announcing the plan late Wednesday to award $50,000 in tech resources,…
ProjectUK introducing specialty accelerator’s latest cohort Oct. 10 at Travois
Project United Knowledge is the only Kansas City accelerator that truly fosters collaboration between entrepreneurs and those in the industry establishment, said Quest Moffat. “It’s the biggest and most dramatic reason that we’re different from other accelerators in the Midwest region,” said Moffat, ProjectUK founder. “Co-building is where the corporation and the people that run…