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
Cracking egg-flation: How farmers, substitute ingredients help restaurants mitigate price spike
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. Whether ordering an omelet, French toast, chicken n’ biscuits, chilaquiles, corned beef hash…
Soccer tennis comes to KC ahead of World Cup; here’s how a weekend street festival is kicking it across the map
Ryogoku Soccer Academy — with the help of local businesses like MADE MOBB, Café Ollama, and Café Cà Phê — is taking soccer from the pitch to the streets of Kansas City’s historic Northeast, Brad Leonard shared. As the metro gears up for hosting World Cup games in 2026, the neighborhood-based international school and soccer…
KC celebs, sports icons and tech stars stick around; a hall of famer’s interviews reveal why
Sportscaster Frank Boal could’ve just retired; his wife (and Kansas City’s pull) made other plans Former sports broadcaster and Pittsburgh native Frank Boal knows a thing or two about the pull of Kansas City, he shared. The longtime media personality moved here in 1981 for work and never left. Now, Boal and his wife, Sarah…
StartupNWA opens access to Northwest Arkansas ‘VC Immersions’ for Kansas City founders
SPRINGDALE, Arkansas — A program designed to connect entrepreneurs with top-tier venture capitalists — offering access to critical funding, mentorship and the essential relationships needed to secure investor support — is now accepting Kansas City applicants. It’s all about lowering barriers to capital, said Serafina Lalany, executive director of StartupNWA, an initiative of the Northwest…