Jackie Nguyen

Ditch the highlight reel and gatekeepers: Founders share blueprint to building value, together

Entrepreneurship is lonely, but it doesn’t have to be isolating, said Mark Launiu, opening a three-day summit rich in practical wisdom and firsthand storytelling from founders who’ve created businesses — and struggled through the times that suck — in Kansas City. “This is about building something that lasts and building it with people who understand…

Hella Good lunar launch party celebrates KC’s rising Asian culture, bringing ancestors to the night market

Béty Lê Shackelford hopes Hella Good Deeds — the nonprofit sister organization of the popular Vietnamese coffee shop Cafe Cà Phê — makes members of Kansas City’s Asian community feel held and hugged, she said. “Hella Good Deeds is here; we love you; and we’re really open to collaboration,” explained the founder and executive director…

Identity festival returns, bringing Asian-owned business, culture from the shadows to the pitch

A celebration of often-overlooked heritage and culture is scoring its biggest match yet: a showcase this weekend at CPKC Stadium — where intentional diversity and inclusivity have a home field advantage, said Jackie Nguyen. “It’s our first time partnering with such a big venue,” said Nguyen, founder of the annual AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian,…

Empowered belonging: KC Chamber celebrates inclusive workforce efforts with diversity honors

Diversity is a strength; equity is the objective; and inclusion is the path that unites individuals together, said Amy Lee Sewell. The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce awarded Lockton Companies its 2023 Champion of Diversity award at the annual POWER of Diversity Breakfast. The event brings together the region’s diverse business community to celebrate…

Cafe Cà Phê returns to the West Bottoms with second location for KC’s popular Vietnamese coffee shop

A Cafe Cà Phê satellite location inside 12th Street Post in the West Bottoms is the perfect step for continuing the mission of Kansas City’s only Vietnamese coffee shop, shared founder Jackie Nguyen. Just shy of the one year anniversary of its Columbus Park space, Cafe Cà Phê celebrated the grand opening of its new…