Changemakers
Tireless ‘Ms. Jessie’ Cultivates Next Generation of Neighborhood Leaders
Jessie Jefferson is developing a new generation of neighborhood leaders as a consultant and community organizer for a host of neighborhoods.
Ferguson, Missouri, Experience Inspires Marketer to be ‘Incubator’ for Creatives
Daniel Gilmore plans to start a nonprofit marketing agency, Chosen Creative Concepts, to link people of color with a network of resources and opportunities.
Hearing-Impaired Nonprofit Founder Aims to Remove Blinders from Corporate America
Snubs experienced by people with disabilities inspired Jim Atwater to establish Aptly, which provides employment assistance for underserved people.
Former Inmate Serves as ‘Voice on the Outside’ for Women Prisoners
Mary Taylor’s life took unexpected turns on the path that would lead her to be founder of the nonprofit 3 Quarters of the Way Done.
KCK Sports, Education Nonprofit Embodies Passion of its Co-Founder
Adrion Roberson has stopped coaching youth football after more than three decades. But even after leaving the sidelines, he remains driven to transform the lives of his players and their parents.
KC Educator Loves Serving Immigrant Families
Changemaker Ryan Rumpf leads Kansas City Public Schools’ Global Academy, which serves immigrant and refugee children.
Near Murder, Gun Death Drive Work of KCMO Youth Mentor
Changemaker Reynard Zweifel directs programming for the Kansas City performing arts group HYPE — Helping Youth Prepare for Excellence.
Faith Leader Turns Grief Into Services for Suffering Families
Changemaker Bishop Frank Douglas Jr. lost his son – Cameron – when he was shot and killed at the age of 23. In response, he formed a nonprofit to support families who have lost loved ones to violence.
Former West Side Youth ‘Taking Care of Business’ for Kids Like Him
Manuel Medina has formed TCB Crew, through a partnership with Guadalupe Centers, as a scholarship program for first-generation Latino college students.
A Dream Come True: Candance Wesson Helps Women Succeed After Prison
Changemaker Candance Wesson is the founder of The HelpKC, which helps women succeed after prison.