Kauffman Foundation announces first-ever semifinalists for Uncommon Leader Impact Award
October 23, 2025 | Tommy Felts
A new leadership prize aimed at celebrating changemakers at organizations aligned with the priorities of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is closer to naming its first winner, the influential nonprofit announced Wednesday, revealing 12 semifinalists culled from more than 300 nominations.
“The response from community members across the Kansas City metro area was tremendous,” said Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, president and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation. “This award is truly community-driven, designed to exemplify the visionary leadership of our founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman, through innovative, generous, and meaningful work in the community.”
The Kauffman Uncommon Leader Impact Award is specifically designed to honor a non-C-suite employee at a 501(c)(3) public charity who drives meaningful impact through work that advances the foundation’s priorities to advance economic mobility and who demonstrates significant contributions to the Kansas City region’s well being, growth, and empowerment.
Next, five finalists will be named. Out of those finalists, one awardee will receive $50,000 personally and $100,000 for their organization. The winner is expected to be announced at a celebration Dec. 11 in Kansas City.
Click here to learn more about the Uncommon Leader Impact Award and its 12 semifinalists, which include:
- Joel Barrett, Small Business Development Center
- Theo Bunch, Cornerstones of Care
- Keva Gorman, Prep-KC
- Candace Ladd, Heartland Center for Jobs and Freedom
- Dr. Rachel Melson, Swope Health Services
- Dr. Michael Moncure, Truman Medical Center
- Anna Munguia, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City
- Katie Nixon, West Central Community Development Corporation/New Growth
- Alex Perez, Hispanic Development Fund
- Kimberly Weaver, Community Health Council of Wyandotte
- Lily Wilson, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City
- Brandon Yangmi, Art as Mentorship
In late June, the Kauffman Foundation launched a campaign asking the local community for nominations to recognize everyday Kansas Citians doing extraordinary things to uplift their neighbors and neighborhoods, highlighting the people who are creating lasting change through bold and compassionate action.
The hundreds of nominees submitted reflect widespread commitment to uplifting Kansas City — many pathways uniting for essentially one common cause, Burns-Wallace said.
“It’s the collective impact of every person nominated that helps move our neighbors, our communities, and our city forward,” she said.
Featured Business
2025 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Tech takes active-shooter training beyond paper targets as deadly real-world threats rise
COLUMBIA, Missouri — A startup’s portable target system could transform the way law enforcement agencies train for active-shooter scenarios, said Kris Knutson, a former IT consultant propelled into the govtech market amid a rise in real-world threats. Shot Bot — patented by Knutson in 2019 — provides realistic, adaptable, and comprehensive training experiences, the Missouri…
‘Big Flour’ can’t recreate this stone-milled secret ingredient: the Kansas-grown artisan wheat in your favorite KC bakeries
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. NEW CAMBRIA, Kansas — Artisan flour sourced from a network of Kansas growers not only takes any batch of baking up a notch, said Ben Mantooth; it makes a better…
How a humble DIY upbringing sparked this streetwear designer’s minimalist aesthetic
Flaws are part of nature, says Clark Rooseveltte: Go forth and be creative (not normal) Clark Rooseveltte — already known across Kansas City as the man behind the mic (and the mixtape) — is inviting others into his world of creative living through Clvr World Goods and Supply, a lifestyle brand focused on streetwear and…
Matt Baysinger: Choir Bar revival is just one note in Swell Spark’s chorus of experiences planned for 2025
Developments from within Kansas City-based entertainment group Swell Spark are coming in a round this winter, said Matt Baysinger, starting with the crescendoing return of its Choir Bar group singalong experience after a five-year hiatus. “We want to create places where people can come together, relax, and try something a little different,” said Baysinger, whose…