Woman-led Stories
A tree older than the US is dying in KC’s Northeast; here’s how an entrepreneur honored its energy, Indigenous roots
Trees are among humans’ most sacred relatives, said Alex Villalobos-McAnderson, a Shawnee-based energy medicine practitioner who noted that connections to the earth run deep even amid the turbulence of modern life and political uncertainty. The 250-year-old oak tree in Kansas City’s historic Northeast — set to be cut down in January because of fungal root…
‘You never know who’s watching’: Small Business Superstars celebrate being seen
Athena Printing opened its doors with a mission to give artists a local place to produce work without giving up control of the process. Just months later, the fine art printing studio is already making an impression — finding itself among hundreds of Kansas City businesses recognized as Small Business Superstars. Such affirmation of the…
Pitch competition winner says funds will help scale impact for neurodiverse children, their parents
Ivory Duncan teared up thinking about all the neurodiverse young people and their parents that she can champion now that she’s won $6,000 in the most recent pitch competition from The Porter House KC. The founder of Embracing Neuro-Diversity — a former educator and assistant principal — is building bridges between homes and schools to…
NXTUS launches pilot competition for startups in Northwest Arkansas, fueled by $500K Walton grant
WICHITA — A Kansas-built innovation program is hitting the road — applying its successful model to Northwest Arkansas in a bid to expand growth opportunities for more early-stage companies and make the region a proving ground for technology that boosts health and economic vitality. Wichita-based NXTUS this week announced HealthCatalyst NWA, a pilot initiative that aims…
Kauffman’s first ‘Uncommon Leader’ seeks dignity, empathy and humanity in care for KC’s most vulnerable
Earning the spotlight Thursday as the Kauffman Foundation’s first Uncommon Leader award winner, Dr. Rachel Melson paused to enjoy a moment of hope in a year filled with urgent need, she said. Launched to honor Kansas City community members who are creating lasting change through bold and compassionate action, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s Uncommon…