Kauffman narrows Uncommon Leader contenders to five finalists from community orgs
November 12, 2025 | Startland News Staff
Kansas City leaders advancing toward the Kauffman Foundation’s high-profile impact award all demonstrate bold, creative, and inclusive leadership, said Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, announcing five finalists for the inaugural honor.
“Each of these leaders reminds us that one person can make a difference, and that compassion and dedication can change the lives of the people we serve,” said Burns-Wallace, president and CEO of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. “We’re honored to celebrate the finalists, their work, and their impact in Kansas City.”
Curation of the Uncommon Leader Impact Award finalists began in June when the Kauffman Foundation asked the community for nominations to recognize everyday Kansas Citians doing extraordinary things to uplift their neighbors and neighborhoods. Three hundred nominations highlighted the people who are creating lasting change through bold and compassionate action, organizers said.
One winning finalist will receive $50,000, personally, and $100,000 for their nonprofit.
The Kauffman Foundation revealed a list of 12 semifinalists in November.
The Uncommon Leader Impact Award specifically recognizes non-C-suite employees at 501(c)(3) public charities who drive meaningful impact through their work aligned with the Kauffman Foundation’s mission to advance equitable economic mobility. Those who advance in the process exemplify the core values of the organization’s founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman, and demonstrate significant contributions to the Kansas City region, organizers said previously.
Finalists for the honor — set to be announced Dec. 11 at an Kauffman Uncommon Leader Impact Award celebration event — include:
- Joel Barrett, senior business development consultant, Small Business Development Center at UMKC
- Dr. Rachel Melson, outreach clinic director, Swope Health Services
- Anna Munguia, director of community outreach, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City
- Kimberly Weaver, program director, Community Health Council of Wyandotte
- Brandon Yangmi, program director, Rebel Song Academy, Art as Mentorship
Click here to learn more about the finalists, as well as previously announced semifinalists.
Featured Business
2025 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Kauffman Foundation becomes key supporter of Startland News
I never thought I’d be here. Comfortable with a keyboard, coffee and notepad, I’ve always thought of myself solely as a journalist. After years writing about entrepreneurs, I never imaged that one day the strategies and struggles they shared would help me make sense of leading a new venture. Indeed, entrepreneurship is often glamorized. I’ll…
Kauffman Foundation announces winner of 1 in a Million contest
Kansas City’s reign atop the national 1 in a Million contest has ended. The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation announced Wednesday that Anchoraged-based Pandere Shoes won the contest, beating out one local finalist and winning $25,000 in the process. The Grooming Project was the sole Kansas City firm left in the competition, which challenges 1 Million…
Lawrence drone tech firm navigates obstacle course to win national contest
A Lawrence-based firm that designs sensors and flight controllers to help drones fly more safely recently snagged an international award for its tech. Founded in 2015, Aerotenna won first prize at the Unmanned Traffic Management Preliminary Drone Sense & Avoid technology competition, earning it $12,000 and valuable exposure to industry experts. Aerotenna CEO Dr. Zongbo…
Events Preview: GEW Innovation Exchange
There are a boatload of entrepreneurial events hosted in Kansas City on a weekly basis. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, supporter, or curious Kansas Citian, we recommend these upcoming events for you. Join us in celebrating the remainder of Global Entrepreneurship Week and check out these events. WEEKLY EVENT PREVIEW The Capital Series: So You…