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Five finalists named for the Uncommon Leader Impact Award

A portrait of Ewing Marion Kauffman

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation has announced five finalists for the Uncommon Leader Impact Award, celebrating individuals who demonstrate bold, creative, and inclusive leadership across the Kansas City region. Selected from a distinguished group of twelve semifinalists, these leaders embody the spirit of Ewing Kauffman’s uncommon leadership through their innovation, courage, and impact in their communities.

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. We are honored to celebrate the finalists, their work, and their impact in Kansas City.

— Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace
President and CEO, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
Joel Barrett

Joel Barrett

Sr. Business Development Consultant, Small Business Development Center at UMKC

Grounded in data and driven by empathy, Joel Barrett’s work turns entrepreneurship into a mechanism for equity and empowerment, embodying the enduring community impact envisioned by Mr. Kauffman.

Read Joel Barrett’s bio
Dr. Rachel Melson

Dr. Rachel Melson

Outreach Clinic Director, Swope Health Services

Through courage, collaboration, and visionary leadership, Dr. Rachel Melson has built a healthcare model that restores dignity, saves lives, and empowers economic mobility – embodying the enduring spirit of Mr. Kauffman’s mission to create lasting community impact.

Read Dr. Rachel Melson’s bio
Anna Munguia

Anna Munguia

Director of Community Outreach, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City

Through measurable outcomes, cultural leadership, and community-driven innovation, Anna Munguia has redefined mentorship as a pathway to equity and opportunity. Her leadership embodies the spirit of the Impact Award – transforming connection into empowerment and empowerment into lasting change for Kansas City’s next generation.

Read Anna Munguia’s bio
Kimberly Weaver

Kimberly Weaver

Program Director, Community Health Council of Wyandotte

Kimberly Weaver’s work demonstrates that true impact happens when people are trusted, included, and inspired to lead. Her story reflects Mr. Kauffman’s belief in the power of community-driven change – one that is innovative, inclusive, and deeply rooted in equity. 

Read Kimberly Weaver’s bio
Brandon Yangmi

Brandon Yangmi

Rebel Song Academy Program Director, Art as Mentorship

Through measurable results, creativity, and empathy, Brandon Yangmi has redefined what community impact looks like for Kansas City’s youth. His leadership transforms music into a vehicle for healing, belonging, and opportunity – embodying the spirit of the Impact Award by turning personal experience into community transformation and building sustainable systems of hope for the next generation.

Read Brandon Yangmi’s bio
The 12 Kauffman Uncommon Leader Impact Award semifinalists
The 12 semifinalists were celebrated at a luncheon earlier this month with Mayor Quinton Lucas and Kauffman Foundation President and CEO Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace.

About the Uncommon Leader Impact Award

The Uncommon Leader Impact Award 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 economic mobility, exemplify the core values of our founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman, and demonstrate significant contributions to the Kansas City region.

One awardee will receive $50,000 individually and $100,000 for their organization. Four finalists will receive $5,000 individually and $10,000 for their organization. The awardee will be announced Dec. 11.

Learn more about the award and semifinalists >

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