Woman-led Stories
Outside routine: KCK native’s Urban Hikes reveal unseen Kansas City hidden in plain sight
Traditional paths aren’t for Lisa Peña — and her latest business venture (or adventure) is proof, aiming to show Kansas Citians on both sides of the state line an unfiltered version of two cities they might think they already know. “It really perpetuates getting to know your city more,” Peña, founder of Urban Hikes KC, said…
Play ball! Dietician brings protein-packed treats from her kitchen to the big leagues (and she has the World Series ring to prove it)
As simplyFUEL launches on the shelves of local Costco stores this week, the Kansas City-rolled brand of energy balls is offering customers more than a healthy option for snacking. The woman-led company instead symbolizes a commitment to nutrition that helped fuel the Kansas City Royals through a historic World Series run and scored a health…
Kids share burden of a sudden loss, children’s author says; New book explores healing as KC grapples with COVID deaths, violence
More than two decades after 11-year-old Christle Reed’s father died, she still vividly remembers the day of his funeral; what she was wearing; falling asleep on the way to the gravesite; how the cemetery smelled; and understanding that her life had forever changed, she shared. “We overlook kids sometimes. I think a lot of adults…
New CEO deepening PlanIT Impact’s mission to help design a carbon-neutral built environment
A startup veteran and architecture industry expert is now leading day-to-day operations for one of Kansas City’s Top Venture Capital-Backed firms, shaping the company’s expanded footprint under a new presidential administration as its founder shifts to a more focused role. Brett Krug, who began work today as CEO of the building analytics software platform PlanIT…
Black and bookish: Founder hopes to turn pop-up page, eyeing coffee and book shop on KC’s east side
Jahna Riley loves the atmosphere of coffee shops. Connecting with others over coffee and a good book is a personal joy, she said, noting one glaring exception in most shops: inclusivity. “Kansas City has an amazing coffee scene, but it’s not necessarily one where I see my culture reflected in it,” Riley shared. “I want…