Director of Engagement – Education, Public Affairs

Susan Chambers was previously executive vice president and chief human resources officer at Walmart, where she was recognized as one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Business” by Fortune Magazine five years in a row. In her role at Walmart, she reported directly to the CEO and was responsible for managing, attracting, and retaining […]

Esther George is the retired president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. George was appointed president in 2011 after serving nearly 30 years at the Kansas City Fed, most recently as chief operating officer. As president of the Kansas City Fed, George directs Federal Reserve activities in a seven-state […]

Eight readers share their risk-filled journeys, including business startups, a spontaneous COO resignation, and a single-mom pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

The legacy of the American risk-taker is born out of exploration, oppression, democracy, and the promise of the American Dream. We can conjure the images of American risk-takers from the rebels of the American Revolution, to Harriet Tubman and Harvey Milk, Sally Ride to Sergey Brin. As a startup nation founded on the risk of […]

The Risk Optimistic explores the value of risk, the opportunity of risk, and the belief that taking a chance is worth it.

The founder of Girls Who Code on how programming can teach girls to be brave and take risks.

Mr. Kauffman challenged his associates – at Marion Laboratories and at his Foundation – to take calculated risks. But what is risk for a privileged foundation? For us, it is an imperative.

The Uncommon Leader Impact Award 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. Everything we do is grounded in the generosity and love for Kansas City that Mr. Kauffman infused into the heart of our mission […]

In 2017, the Kauffman Foundation awarded grants to five nonprofit organizations to form the backbone of the Entrepreneurs’ Policy Network. As the cohort continues to expand and involve other organizations that support entrepreneurs, it has formed into a community of practice that provides training, support, and peer-learning for entrepreneurship advocates. To select the grant recipients, […]