Woman-led Stories

Niki Baker

She was prepared for a ‘no’ but Niki Baker’s blind outreach scored her exclusive licensing with her alma mater

Faithful to her colors, Niki Baker’s fondness for Kansas State University is unwavering long after she left its campus behind to pursue an art career and a family, she said. Pouring her maker’s mission out on canvas and painting possibility, Baker is now one of the rare few to hold a piece of her alma…

Derecka Purnell

Two Black, women-owned bookstores open conversation on police abolition; Why this UMKC alumna says it could reduce gun violence in KC

Two of Kansas City’s newest Black-, woman-owned bookshops are teaming up to host Derecka Purnell — human rights lawyer, author and University of Missouri-Kansas City alumna — for a community discussion on police abolition and eliminating harm.  Aya Coffee + Books and BLK + BRWN are presenting “Community Book Chat with Derecka Purnell” 6:30 p.m….

Erin Christensen, KC Tech Council

KC Tech Council elevates apprenticeship leader to COO, concluding succession plan after CEO’s departure

A leading advocate for the region’s tech community announced this week a promotion from within as the KC Tech Council transitions to new leadership after longtime CEO Ryan Weber left the organization this spring. Newly-announced chief operating officer Erin Christensen, who has served as the tech council’s program manager since October 2020 and leads its…

ReStore donations

Bring out your good: Un-Dumpster Day launches Saturday with mission to de-clutter

As residents across Kansas City prep for the final weekend garage sales of the spring, a locally-launched website is offering an easier — and more environmentally sustainable solution: connecting those who have personal items to donate to the people, pets and nonprofits that need them. “What we thought was, ‘Why not make a one-stop drop…

Chris Goode, Ruby Jean's Juicery

Junior Achievement honoring Ruby Jean’s founder with its 2022 KC Innovator Award

A group hoping to inspire the next generation of leaders, thinkers and doers has tapped a young entrepreneur with a healthy appetite for expansion as its next KC Innovator Award winner. Chris Goode, founder of Ruby Jean’s Juicery, is set to be honored with the award Nov. 1 during the Junior Achievement of Kansas City’s…