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
Startup Crawl returns June 14; here’s where you’ll discover dozens of innovators shaping a new KC
Sneakers and sunscreen are recommended as Startup Crawl makes its way back to the Kansas City Power & Light District this summer. The annual gathering of startups will return the evening of June 14 to three locations across the entertainment district, Startland News announced this week. Organizers expect to reveal the band lineups for two…
This talent agent built her KC roster by focusing on athletes’ off-the-field lives; now recent Chiefs’ trades are taking her to new markets
Knowing the whole athlete — not just who they are on the field — is a key strategy within the Gold Griff Athlete Agency playbook, shared Amanda Carlo. Carlo launched her own talent management agency and brand builder in 2022 after more than a decade of experience in marketing and professional sports, including five years…
Tesseract Ventures developing SWARM drone technology for US Special Operations Forces
A just-announced contract with the U.S. military will fund the development of an Overland Park company’s next-generation warfare drone, said founder and robotics technologist John Boucard. The SWARM (Special Warfighter Assistive Robotic Machine) is set to revolutionize military operations by offering a new, much-needed capability: a highly versatile nano drone equipped with smart payload and…
One last push: Doula bootcamp founder wins PHKC’s $10K pitch after setting due date for success
James Hogue gave himself a deadline: score a big win for his fledgling nonprofit by May 1 or pursue another career. On April 30, he earned the validation he needed — winning The Porter House KC’s Pitch Night and a $10,000 cash prize. “Today’s the day right before May, and so the opportunity for us…