Woman-led Stories

Aishah Augusta-Parham, SEPOW

Yelp for DEI: New tech gives public a tool to share discrimination concerns in real-time, empowers companies to monitor, improve

Aishah Augusta-Parham’s tech platform has a goal rooted in impact: help business owners become more mindful of diversity, equity, inclusion efforts in their day-to-day operations — better ensuring their customers do business with companies and brands that embody shared values.  “We are the Yelp of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Augusta-Parham said, detailing the mission behind…

Anne Lewis Marzette, Easy as Pie; headshot photo by @pilsonphotocoop

Dough-re-mi: Choir teacher’s pop-up pie hustle bakes her second verse from scratch

On any given weekday, Ann Lewis Marzette can be found in the classroom, teaching and training students in the Kearney Middle School choir.  But when the clock strikes 3 p.m., she trades sheet music and scales for mixing bowls and measuring cups, embracing a side hustle that has her singing dough-re-mi — while customers serenade…

Raven Book Store ownership group, front row: Nikita Imafidon, Mary Wahlmeier Bracciano, Jack Hawthorn, Danny Caine; back row: Kelly Barth, Hannah Reidell, Chris Luxem, Sarah Young.; photo by Adam Smith

A radical new chapter: Why Danny Caine gave up 49 percent of his business to form an employee ownership collective

Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which leads a collaborative, nationwide effort to identify and remove large and small barriers to new business creation. LAWRENCE…

Jannae Gammage and Tammy Buckner, TechquityBase

KC’s top emerging business just exited; How a deal forged in the stands at Arrowhead rewrites the code on Black women in tech

No stereotypes here, Tammy Buckner said, announcing a merger between Techquity Digital and a rising Kansas City-born startup that’s expected to elevate Black tech in the region — and the women in its ranks.  “[There’s an idea that] ‘Black women can’t work together.’ … I think this proves that we can,” Buckner, founder and CEO of…

Baby back ribs from Marina 27

Taste 200 restaurants in 10 days? Why your stomach (and hungry neighbors) will thank you

Curious Kansas City diners can step away from their kitchens for the next 10 days, teased Carlos Mortera, as chefs at 200 restaurants across the city plate their latest trending tastes during the metro’s most-anticipated culinary showcase. “It’s a big deal in Kansas City. Many of the restaurants feature items they don’t usually have on the…