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Dr. Rachel Melson, Swope Health Services, Kauffman Uncommon Leader Impact Award winner

Dr. Rachel Melson named Kauffman Uncommon Leader Impact awardee

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation announced that Dr. Rachel Melson, Outreach Clinic Director, Swope Health Services, has been named the inaugural Kauffman Uncommon Leader Impact awardee during a celebration event Dec. 11. Melson receives $50,000 individually and $100,000 for Swope Health Services.

Written by Julie Scheidegger
Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace with Dr. Rachel Melson at the Kauffman Uncommon Leader Impact Award ceremony Dec. 11.
Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace and Dr. Rachel Melson.

Dr. Rachel Melson has transformed healthcare access for Kansas City’s most vulnerable residents by leading Swope Health’s expansion from clinic-based care to a pioneering, fully integrated outreach model. Her innovations, including rapid growth of mobile medical services, nationally replicated Hepatitis C treatment programs, and major gains in HIV prevention, have delivered measurable, life-changing outcomes for thousands of unhoused and marginalized patients.

Widely praised for her compassion, equity-centered leadership, and data-driven impact, Dr. Melson is reshaping how communities define accessible care.

Dr. Melson’s work reminds us of what is possible when equity is not just an aspiration but a practiced commitment. Her model of care meets people with dignity, compassion, and excellence exactly where they are. We’re proud to celebrate her service and leadership with this award.

— Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace
President & CEO, Kauffman Foundation

Dr. Melson was chosen from five finalists who demonstrate bold, creative, and inclusive leadership across the Kansas City region. These leaders embody the spirit of Ewing Kauffman’s uncommon leadership through their innovation, courage, and impact in their communities.

Learn more about Melson, the finalists, and the Kauffman Uncommon Leader awards.

Uncommon Leader Impact Award finalists pose with their awards and the president and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation
From left to right: Brandon Yangmi, Kimberly Weaver, Dr. Rachel Melson, Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, Anna Munguia, and Joel Barrett

Finalists:

  • Joel Barrett, Sr. Business Development Consultant, Small Business Development Center at UMKC
  • Dr. Rachel Melson, Outreach Clinic Director, Swope Health Services
  • Anna Munguia, Director of Community Outreach, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City
  • Kimberly Weaver, Program Director, Community Health Council of Wyandotte
  • Brandon Yangmi, Rebel Song Academy Program Director, Art as Mentorship

Media inquiries may be directed to Julie Scheidegger via our media contact form, or by calling 816-932-1180.

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