Ivory Duncan teared up thinking about all the neurodiverse young people and their parents that she can champion now that she’s won $6,000 in the most recent pitch competition from The Porter House KC.
Ivory Duncan, founder of Embracing Neuro-Diversity, pitches her company during The Porter House KC’s pitch competition for its Cohort 7 members; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News
The founder of Embracing Neuro-Diversity — a former educator and assistant principal — is building bridges between homes and schools to support the adults in neurodiverse children’s lives by equipping them with knowledge, tools, and resources.
Duncan was inspired to start her company after her own son’s autism diagnosis, she shared with the crowd gathered Friday at the Kansas City Library’s Plaza location — a culminating event for The Porter House KC’s 15-week business development program.
“Embracing Neuro-Diversity is a company rooted in love, driven by strategy, and committed to shifting the way adults see neurodiverse children,” she explained. “We don’t have a shortage of love. We have a shortage of language, we have a shortage of tools, and we have a shortage of systems that truly honor neurodiverse children.”
Miranda Schultz, director of operations for The Porter House KC, embraces Ivory Duncan, founder of Embracing Neuro-Diversity, after her pitch competition win; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News
“Parents feel isolated, educators feel overwhelmed and far too often,” Duncan added. “Children are misled, mislabeled and misunderstood.This is why Embracing Neuro-Diversity exists. We aren’t here to fix kids. We are here to fix the framework.”
Dan Smith, co-founder of The Porter House KC, speaks during the Cohort 7 pitch competition; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News
The pitch competition showcased local entrepreneurs and businesses from Cohort 7 of the program. In partnership with JPMorganChase, the event awarded $10,000 to standout founders, helping them take their ventures to the next level.
“Pitch Night is more than an event,” said Dan Smith, co-founder of The Porter House KC. “It’s a celebration of people taking intentional steps toward their dreams. It’s a reminder that entrepreneurship doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in community, and it’s proof that when we invest in the underestimated founder, the entire ecosystem gets stronger.”
“It was great building community, being inspired by my classmates, and meeting people in the community who have done this work,” Duncan added of the program. “It’s been incredible.”
Miriam Gray, founder of Whoally Oats, pitches her company during The Porter House KC’s pitch competition for its Cohort 7 members; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News
Second-place winner Miriam Gray — founder of Whoally Oats — received $3,000 to continue to pursue her dream of a quick-service drive-through that specializes in oatmeal bowls, bars, and smoothies.
“I’m really excited that my kids got to see what I’ve been working on for the last 15 weeks,” she said after her winning pitch. “I feel really good about the business itself and just the potential that it has.”
Gray said she plans to use the money to continue to pursue partnerships with local gyms that don’t already feature offerings like on-site smoothies.
“They’re really excited to have our bowls come in to offer to their patrons,” she added.
Buford Logan, founder of Gnocchi Dokey KC, accepts the fan favorite award during The Porter House KC’s pitch competition for its Cohort 7 members; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News
The fan favorite award — chosen by Friday night’s audience — was awarded to Buford Logan, founder of Gnocchi Dokey KC. He received $1,000 for his company, which offers private dining, catering, and hands-on culinary education for adults and youth across the Kansas City metro area.
“We believe food brings people together, and we make that experience fun, hands-on, and unforgettable,” he said. “Our mission is to blend culinary creativity, community, and connection by providing accessible, high-quality food and cooking experiences for individual, teams. and private groups.”
The Porter House KC’s Cohort 7 members: Megan Vargas, Flight Club KC; Miriam Gray, Whoally Oats; Ivory Duncan, Embracing Neuro-Diversity; Buford Logan, Gnocchi Dokey KC; Brooklyn Brown, BYND Garments Streetwear; and Richard Brown, BKE Transportation; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
Additional Kansas City entrepreneurs who competed at Friday’s Pitch Night included:
BKE Transportation, Richard Brown — Offers private rides, ride-share services, and vehicle rentals, emphasizing upfront pricing and personalized experiences.
BYND Garments Streetwear, Brooklyn Brown — A clothing brand here to ignite trends and also provide exclusive luxury garments to young adults who wish to express themselves and their individuality through unique creative pieces.
Flight Club KC, Megan Vargas — A mobile bar service that offers three different experiences created to take stress off the host and bring the party to you.
