Channa Steinmetz
Recent Articles by Channa Steinmetz
Pop-up shop for Black-owned essentials plans its final 2020 stops; only the beginning, founder says
Editor’s note: This article is underwritten by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News. Kansas City’s lack of a centralized shopping hub for products from Black-owned businesses frustrated Brian Roberts, he said, prompting the entrepreneur to launch…
Newly-elected state school board rep Melanie Haas talks innovation (for more than just JoCo students)
Editor’s note: This article is underwritten by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News. With a professional background in technology, Melanie Haas witnessed her industry empowering women to fill leadership roles, she said. So when it came…
How Stick Figure Bully’s simple lines and shapes rewrite one woman’s childhood trauma as a cautionary tale
Editor’s note: This article is underwritten by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News. A creative spirit, Damika Clay recalled a white sweatshirt on which she loved to write and draw designs. The same item she proudly…
Budding family business: Serial cannabis entrepreneur pioneers microwave drying tech with his father
In Michael Wilson’s childhood, he recalled, the founder of multiple cannabis-related startups got into fights at school — then suspended — resulting in numerous car rides with his father as the elder Wilson ventured on sales trips. “From age 7 or 8, I had an education on how to do business, interact with people and…
UMKC’s top student entrepreneur has a not-so-secret play: Startups are a team sport
Editor’s note: This article is underwritten by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News. From crafting custom-made bracelets in elementary school to prepping the launch for the world’s first interactive dog crate, Jonaie Johnson said she’s wanted…
No more band-aid solutions or pats on the back: How one firm connects companies, people with disabilities
Editor’s note: This article is underwritten by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News. What might seem like an obvious truth to some employers — that people with disabilities need extra help, becoming a drag on productivity…
‘Our kids aren’t lost,’ KC educator says, urging innovative strategies amid virtual learning concerns
With heightened worries across the nation about the potential for virtual or remote learning to cause a “lost generation” among young students, Jon Hile urged Kansas City parents and the education community to shift their focus to the growing resilience and innovation already being seen across the metro. “People raise several very valid and important…
The Combine hopes to cultivate KC unity with pizza and cocktails on Troost
Editor’s note: This article is underwritten by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News. Pizzeria restaurateur Alan Kneeland’s connection to Troost slices both ways. “I actually grew up on 75th and Troost, so it’s pretty dope to…
4,000 vacant jobs won’t fill themselves, says KC Tech Council, launching apprenticeship program for tech talent
A recurring theme in Kansas City’s tech circles: not enough skilled workers to fit the open job opportunities, said Ryan Weber. “That shouldn’t surprise people because it’s not a Kansas City problem — it’s a national problem,” said Weber, president and CEO of the KC Tech Council. Click here to learn more about the KC…
New in KC: Quarantine with family leads Techmate founder to open office in Kansas City
Editor’s note: New in KC is an ongoing profile series that highlights newly relocated members of the Kansas City startup community, their reasons for a change of scenery, and what they’ve found so far in KC. Click here to read more New in KC profiles. Growing up in Nebraska, Nicole Beals felt like she needed…