Robert Sagastume is an impact officer – college access and completion for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, where he manages a diverse grant portfolio which as a shared goal of fostering financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity for under-resourced communities in the Kansas City region. Prior to joining the Kauffman Foundation, Sagastume was a […]

Julie Samuel-Lamberd is an operations analyst for 1 Million Cups and Kauffman FastTrac at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, where she plays a crucial role in supporting the daily operations of both programs, ensuring seamless processes across onboarding, event management, technology support, and customer service. Prior to joining the Kauffman Foundation, Samuel-Lamberd was a global […]

Gaelynn Patton is a coaching and resource coordinator for Real World Initiatives, where she oversees and supports the team of contracted coaches in the successful delivery of the ProX summer internship program. As part of her expertise in Talent Management, Patton has worked with companies to help them attract and hire top talent from a wide […]

Mindy Milner is an operations coordinator for Real World Initiatives, where she plays a key role in supporting the day-to-day operations and administrative functions of the ProX summer internship program. Prior to joining the Kauffman Foundation, Milner served as assistant director of residence life at Rockhurst University. Milner earned her Bachelor of Arts in communication […]

Michael Carmona is an impact officer – entrepreneurship for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, where he manages a diverse grant portfolio which has a shared goal of fostering financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity for under-resourced communities in the Kansas City region. Prior to joining the Kauffman Foundation, Carmona was a community relations and […]

Meaghan Higgins is a director of operations for Real World Initiatives, where she works to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the ProX program, a key initiative of Real World Initiatives, which includes overseeing key program administrative functions, resource management, program execution, and reporting. Prior to joining the Kauffman Foundation, Higgins was executive director […]

The Kauffman Foundation Internship Program engages post-secondary students in a paid summer internship experience with meaningful project work and professional development from June 2 to July 25, 2025. These opportunities are open to all students who reside in Kansas or Missouri, have completed high school, and are currently pursuing credentials, certificates, undergraduate, and/or graduate programs. […]

Revisit the progress and pace of this momentous year as the Foundation updated strategic priorities, launched a refreshed grantmaking philosophy, and renewed its commitment to Kansas City.

Hammond’s work focuses on the seamless integration of technology to enhance the Foundation’s efforts to increase access and opportunities for communities locally and nationwide.

Joyce Abbott, educator, veteran, and inspiration behind hit TV series, “Abbott Elementary” addresses educators of color in Kansas City.