Woman-led Stories

KC GIFT pitch competition winner smiling on stage, celebrating innovation and teamwork.

Winning chemistry: KC GIFT pitch competition rewards joy on stage, work behind the scenes

Earning a $30,000 grand prize over the weekend closed out a six-week process for LaToya Ebony Sirls and other founders who were pushed to refine not just how they present, but how they build.

Woman smiling at a conference, representing Kauffman-funded entrepreneurial projects.

Kauffman funds 46 more project, research grants; many boosting early entrepreneurship 

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation recently announced its latest tranche grantees, investing in community-centered solutions that dovetail with its strategic focus on college access and completion, workforce and career development, and entrepreneurship.

Woman speaking at startup pitch event in Kansas City, promoting local innovation.

InvestMidwest taps 9 Kansas City startups to pitch as conference returns to KC in April

Returning to InvestMidwest this spring feels like a meaningful way to showcase Romy Carlson’s company, the Enrichly founder said, pointing to the startup summit’s power to platform regional innovation and the entrepreneurs at the forefront.

Wolf21 touts role of women leaders in shaping the KC firm’s next phase of growth

The Kansas City construction firm behind a string of high-profile entertainment and office projects is designing a team where women aren’t confined to symbolic roles within a male-dominated industry, said Kelly Pfannenstiel, emphasizing the need for experienced women in architecture, engineering, and construction to shape strategy and operational foundation. 

Birdies co-owners Alexis Burggrabe and Peregrine Honig, with Honig's puppy, Banana Bread

Birdies moving to expanded Crossroads shop with support from KCMO’s Open Doors!

“It’s been just epically everything that we have been manifesting for five years,” Birdies co-owner Peregrine Honig said of the opportunity at 101 W. 18th St., the former Bizz and Wheezy’s Confections. “The light, the location, the size.”