Minority-Led

Waldo Thai owner serves first chef collaboration for Kemper Museum’s Artist Dinner Series

By Tommy Felts / March 8, 2024

The first in a series of three dinner events at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is set to feature James Beard semifinalist Pam Liberda, head chef and owner of Waldo Thai — creating a one-of-a-kind dining experiences blending together the creative worlds of food and art. “Kemper Museum has always cultivated connections between contemporary artists…

How the Kauffman Foundation is tripling down on its KC-focused strategy with trio of high-profile hires

By Tommy Felts / March 8, 2024

Three new executives are joining the leadership team at one of Kansas City’s most-impactful foundations — a move meant to deepen connections to the city and drive a renewed approach to its mission of economic stability, mobility and prosperity for all.  The trio — two Kansas City natives who became experts in their fields and a…

Tomorrow is today: Internship intros students to a world where they’re already the social changemakers

By Tommy Felts / March 7, 2024

Editor’s note: Startland Education is a sister program of Startland News within the broader nonprofit organization Startland. Angela Gonzalez-Casas emphasized the value of exposure and network building as the Van Horn High School freshman reflected Tuesday on the impact of her just-wrapped Social Change Internship and the opportunity to engage with audiences she’d never before…

New home on Ward Parkway: $4M minority chamber project brings Black, Brown entrepreneurs under one banner

By Tommy Felts / March 5, 2024

A history-making project on Ward Parkway — said to be the first minority-owned property on the storied Kansas City thoroughfare — already is demonstrating the power of unity amid divisive times, said Kim Randolph. Unveiled to the public Saturday, the new Minority Chamber of Commerce Development Center at 9100 Ward Parkway is now home to both…

Founder earns Pipeline’s ‘best pitch,’ says network’s lifelong support is the real award

By Tommy Felts / March 1, 2024

Pipeline judges announced Megan O’Rear had the best pitch Thursday, but the Celerity Enterprises founder was left momentarily speechless when they named her winner of the group’s annual showcase and competition. “It just validates coming back to Kansas City,” said O’Rear, who also serves as the startup’s CEO. “Pipeline wants to help everybody that they…