Woman-led

Sam Yates and Chris Meier, Yup Yup Design Studio; Photo by Ann Millington Photography

Report: UMKC Innovation Center helped create 500 new ventures, boost revenue by $245M in 2020

By Tommy Felts / April 26, 2021

Amid a year of pandemic-prompted chaos in the business community, entrepreneurs forged ahead like rarely before seen, according to the UMKC Innovation Center’s new impact report, which details outcomes of the Kansas City-based resource network’s programming opportunities. “These entrepreneurs and leaders are our clients, our inspiration and our hope,” said Maria Meyers, executive director at…

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Mikita Burton, Yoga on the Vine

Black, curvy and a certified yogi: How Mikita Burton is breaking down barriers with Yoga on the Vine

By Tommy Felts / April 23, 2021

Yoga is meant to be inclusive, said Mikita Burton, even if that sentiment stretches the modern American picture of who practices yoga. “I’m a curvier girl. I’m African American — that’s just not the typical demographic for yoga,” explained Burton, who has been a certified yoga instructor for the past five years. “My hope is…

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Jesse Mendez and Frances Alaniz-Mendez, Birrieria Tlaquepaque y Mas

Pop-up spotlights Latinx + Chicanx makers and culture with plans to expand ahead

By Tommy Felts / April 20, 2021

Aromas of authentic Mexican tacos and quesadillas greeted visitors at the Latinx + Chicanx Vendors, Makers and Artists Pop-Up Event hosted by the Latino Arts Foundation this past Saturday. “It’s been a tremendous day — we’ve been nonstop. But I love getting to meet a lot of different people and share our authentic Mexican food…

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How can edtech startups tell if their products work? LEANLAB partners research tech use in real KC classrooms

By Tommy Felts / April 20, 2021

A rebooted accelerator concept for LEANLAB Education put four edtech companies into Kansas City classrooms this spring — focusing more on helping founders conduct research on their products inside of schools and de-emphasizing previous entrepreneur training aspects of LEANLAB’s programming. “As the first program of its kind in the U.S., this inaugural cohort represents a turning…

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Neelima Parasker, SnapIT Solutions

SnapIT sees 100 percent jump in female tech students; builds on ‘Future of Work’ summit

By Tommy Felts / April 17, 2021

As the job market shifts in a post-pandemic world, an Overland Park company reports virtual training options and changes in coastal employer mindsets have opened access for women in tech like never before. “COVID created a situation where working from home has become a long-term solution, leading to more opportunities for the Midwest [talent overall],”…

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