Semifinalists announced for inaugural Kauffman Uncommon Leader Impact Award

Twelve semifinalists have been named for the inaugural Kauffman Uncommon Leader Impact Award, presented by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

The 12 semifinalists will be narrowed to a top 5 next month in preparation for a Dec. 11 celebration, where the winner will be announced and awarded $50,000 personally and $100,000 for their nonprofit organization. 

The semifinalists are:

• Joel Barrett, Small Business Development Center 
• Theo Bunch, Cornerstones of Care 
• Keva Gorman, Prep-KC 
• Candace Ladd, Heartland Center for Jobs and Freedom, Inc. 
• Dr. Rachel Melson, Swope Health Services 
• Dr. Michael Moncure, Truman Medical Center 
• Anna Munguia, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City 
• Katie Nixon, West Central Community Development Corporation/New Growth 
• Alex Perez, Hispanic Development Fund 
• Kimberly Weaver, Community Health Council of Wyandotte 
• Lily Wilson, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City 
• Brandon Yangmi, Art as Mentorship 

At the end of June, the Foundation asked the local community for nominations to recognize everyday Kansas Citians doing extraordinary things to uplift their neighbors and neighborhoods, highlighting the people who are creating lasting change through bold and compassionate action.

More than 300 nominations arrived. The work, vision, and dedication exemplified through those nominations illustrated a Kansas City of committed communities, promise, and progress.

The response from community members across the Kansas City metro area was tremendous. This award is truly community-driven, designed to exemplify the visionary leadership of our founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman, through innovative, generous, and meaningful work in the community. It’s the collective impact of every person nominated that helps move our neighbors, our communities, and our city forward.

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

The Kauffman Uncommon Leader Impact Award will honor a non-C-suite employee at a 501(c)(3) public charity who drives meaningful impact through their work aligned with the Foundation’s mission to advance economic mobility and who demonstrates significant contributions to the Kansas City region’s well-being, growth, and empowerment.

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