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
How Disney pixie dust inspired this Geppetto to bring an iconic Star Wars character to life
A six-month celebration at Union Station that marks 100 years of Disney magic — including the forces behind more recently added brands like the Star Wars franchise — is a moving experience, noted Garner Holt. “People just love it. I’ve had kids come up and burst into tears,” said Holt, the puppetry mastermind pulling the…
Lawmaker lauds historic significance of minority chambers’ Ward Parkway collaboration, address
Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Kansas City PBS/Flatland, a member of the Kansas City Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, The Kansas City Beacon, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story. The tony address is not lost on anyone. Ward Parkway, symbolic of Kansas…
The village is real; it’s me; it’s you: Family of support at the heart of successful women entrepreneurs
Wendy Doyle’s mother — herself an entrepreneur — instilled in her daughter a belief that women have a responsibility to boost their sisters in the world of business, the United WE leader said. “I watched her support other women owned businesses, women in need, and encourage women to run for elected office and even help…
Love story TV: Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce inspire Chiefs-themed Hallmark Christmas movie
Editor’s note: The following story was published by KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR member station, and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for KCUR’s email newsletter. Savannah Hawley-Bates contributed to this story. Kansas City’s homegrown relationship between Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and superstar Taylor Swift…