Minority-Led Stories
Athena Award winners: Be more than the star player; add women to the roster, spotlight
The 2026 honors recognized two high-profile women: Angie Long, founder of Palmer Square Capital Management and co-founder and owner of the Kansas City Current (recipient the 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award); and Elaina Paige, CEO and founder of The Next Paige Talent Agency (winner of the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award).
I was wrong about sports: Why KC’s ‘escape velocity’ keeps pointing back to 18th and Vine
Sports, music, and barbecue are not three separate Kansas City brands, writes urbanist and entrepreneur Kemet Coleman. “They are one story, and it starts at 18th and Vine,” the Vine Street Brewing co-founder explained.
Celebrated nonprofit leader moving from CEO to social impact role; here’s what’s behind the transition at Reconciliation Services
A year after being honored as one of the region’s top entrepreneurs for his work to bring transformational social change to Kansas City, Father Justin Mathews is departing his leadership role at Reconciliation Services, but the community advocate won’t be going far.
Cotton candy catering: Kiffany Bosserman refined her taste for business (and the value of her time)
After nearly a decade in business, Cottontale KC is still spinning sugar into a confection for success, shared founder Kiffany Bosserman — pivoting her business to say “yes” less and reprioritize the balance of family and life and profitability.
Innovative leader wins Kauffman’s $75K prize: KC is stronger when it rallies together, school founder says
Accepting the first-ever Kauffman Uncommon Leader Visionary Award, Tysie McDowell pointed to the team who helped her build Crossroads Charter Schools — and challenged those gathered in celebration of her Thursday to create legacies of their own.