The Independent - Trailblazers: Kansas City Women

Mr. and Mrs. Steven Kent Howard of Prairie Village, Kansas, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Jennifer Lynn Howard, to Eric Carl Savio, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Louis Savio of St. Louis, Missouri. The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of Mrs. Richard Charles Jensen, Jr. of Prairie Village and the late Mr. Jensen, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Paul Leroy Howard. Jenny is a graduate of Shawnee Mission East High School. She was a Jewel Ball debutante in 2010. Jenny earned a bachelor of arts degree in communication from the University of Missouri. A member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, Jenny careers with Virtus Insurance in Leawood, Kansas. Her groom-elect is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Angelo Savio and Mr. Deane Munro of Omaha, Nebraska, and the late Mrs. Munro. Eric is a graduate of De Smet Jesuit High School in St. Louis. He earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration with an emphasis in finance and banking from the University of Missouri. Eric received a master of business administration degree from Rockhurst University. A member of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity, he is employed with U.S. Bank in Kansas City, Missouri. Theirs will be an August 19th wedding at Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village.

In The Spotlight

Janet Long is serving as the honorary chair for Stems: A Garden Soirée, a benefit for the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park. The 16th annual event will be held on June 24th at the Overland Park Arboretum. The Foundation partners with the City of Overland Park to grow Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, public art, and the Arboretum. Janet is a longtime supporter of the Arboretum and the arts’ projects. She has served on the Foundation’s board of directors, the Friends of Overland Park Arts advisory board, and the Growing to Inspire capital campaign cabinet to build the new visitor center at the Arboretum. Guests of the event will be the first to experience the new gardens and event spaces surrounding the 22,000 square foot facility named LongHouse, which will open to the public later this summer.

Andrew Rossi

The UMKC Starr Women’s Hall of Fame will induct its fifth class honoring eight influential women in Our Town who have made important contributions in their fields of work. The event will take place at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts on March 21st. This year’s inductees, Margaret J. May, Barbara Pendleton, Anita B. Gorman, Claire McCaskill, Karen L. Daniel, Lea Hopkins, Freda Mendez Smith, and Alice Kitchen, will be honored for their extraordinary commitment to making Kansas City a better place to live. Alicia Starr and Michelle Wimes are serving as co-chairmen of the 2023 induction ceremony. To learn more, visit umkc.edu.

Missys’ Boutique began in 2010 through Bra Couture KC in partnership with The University of Kansas Cancer Center to help uninsured and underinsured cancer patients and survivors in our area restore their dignity, build their self-confidence, and reclaim their self-image. Located in the Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Care Pavilion, the Boutique provides an array of services and products including wigs, turbans, post mastectomy garments, lymphedema sleeves, and so much more. Licensed professionals assist with selecting products and private fittings. The Boutique is named in memory of Melissa Malter Newell and Ann Wilcox O’Neill, both of whom were known as Missy, who lost their lives to breast cancer in their early 30s. Judy Newell, Missy Newell’s mother-in-law, manages the Boutique, and Linda Wilcox, Missy O’Neill’s mother, is a volunteer. For more info, contact Vanessa Goldsberry at 913-574-0753.

The IndependentKansas City’s Oldest Magazine

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Amethyst Place began more than two decades ago with a mission of empowering women and children experiencing homelessness and separation to achieve recovery, reunification, and resilience to transform their lives and heal from trauma. The organization provides comprehensive, family-centered care through on-site programs, safe housing and basic needs, educational and vocational supports, recovery, wellness and financial counseling, and therapy and care management for as long as needed to help families heal and ultimately thrive. The program has helped break the generational cycles of poverty, substance abuse, and trauma, and it helps to empower women to improve their lives and the lives of their children. Visit amethystplace.org to learn more.

I Wonder –if you know the gardener who didn’t understand the term “cubic yards” – and ended up having enough mulch delivered for the whole neighborhood?

Serving Kansas City with fine kitchenware for over 50 years!

Art Insider |

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

When Joel Sternfeld switched to color photography in the mid-1970s, after years of shooting black and white film, he thought it would end his career. Most photographers avoided color: materials were expensive, and processing was time consuming. Color imagery also smacked of advertising, which further deterred serious photographers. After he published his first major body of work in 1987, however, he was heralded as one of the most important photographers of his generation. American Prospects, a group of 55 color photographs, highlighted the utopian ideals and dystopian realities Joel Sternfeld perceived as he traveled across The United States between 1978 and 1986. Collectively, the pictures spoke to the precarious, at times humorous, relationship between humans and the natural world. His astute use of color structured his compositions with just enough abstraction to remove them from the realm of everyday observation to that of artistic perception. In McLean, Virginia, one of the most well-known photographs from this body of work, a firefighter browses a display of pumpkins at a roadside stand as a raging house fire burns behind him. Although this photograph records a real-life event, its title purposefully omits any further context, allowing us to draw our own conclusions about this darkly amusing scene. In reality, Joel Sternfeld photographed a fire-training exercise, which might clarify the firefighter’s seeming lack of urgency. In 2022, we received a rare portfolio of 18 dye transfer prints from Joel Sternfeld’s American Prospects. McClean, Virginia will be on view in our photography galleries in an installation of recent acquisitions from May 27th to September 14th.

April M. Watson, Ph.D., Senior Curator, Photography

Joel Sternfeld, American, born 1944, McLean, Virginia, December 4, 1978, Dye transfer print, (printed 2005), Gift of Peggy and William Lyons, 2022.25.7

Raise

You
r Paddles

The Lyric Opera Circle’s Lyric Opera Ball will feature many coveted auction items and raffle prizes. The event will be held on April 1st (no fooling!) at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. Karla and Dr. Ivan Batlle are serving as the honorary chairmen, with Juliette Singer and Edie Downing as the co-chairmen. The auction co-chairmen are Peggy Beal and Karen Yungmeyer. More at kcindependent.com.

Raffle prize: Bottle of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti La Tâche 1996

Purses for the auction and the raffle

Amina Hood custom couture hat

Diamond Tennis Bracelet from Diamonds Direct

Lismore pattern Waterford crystal

Wine and Spirits auction items

“Pointe” by Genevieve Hamel

KU basketball autographed by Bill Self

Bo Jackson “Game Changer” print by Aaron Norris with Royals baseball cap autographed by Bobby Witt, Jr.

Diamond Medieval Dangle Earrings from VanBrock

Raffle prize: Diamond Necklace from Helzberg Diamonds

Patrick Mahomes “Wild Card” print by Aaron Norris

T I ZER: Anastasia Vorotnaya

@AnastasiaVorotnaya

Anastasia Vorotnaya is a student at Park University’s International Center for Music. Beginning at the age of seven, the acclaimed pianist has compiled an impressive roster of first place finishes in competitions. Musical Life Magazine has hailed her as “A Prodigy of the 21st Century.” Anastasia won the Gold Medal at the Third Vienna Piano Competition in 2021. In 2022 she received first prize at the Vienna New Year’s Concert International Music Competition. Prior to arriving in Our Town, she studied at the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory in Russia, the Escuela Superior de Musica Reina Sofia in Spain, and the International Piano Academy in Italy. More at kcindependent.com.

Michal Novak

Lunchtime Learning

Jodi Kantor will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2023 Community Luncheon, hosted by the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA). Jodi is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter and bestselling author who co-wrote She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement. The event will be held on May 5th at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. Ann and Josh Rowland are serving as the honorary chairs. Denise and William Marshall and Leah and Arlan Vomhof are the community support committee co-chairs. The Luncheon will mark MOCSA’s 48th year of service to the Greater Kansas City community.

Martin Schoeller

Jodi Kantor, keynote speaker

T I ZER: Kim Riley

Kim Riley knows from experience how difficult it is for parents of students with autism or developmental disabilities to make arrangements for them after they graduate from high school. In 2019, she founded The Transition Academy as a way of supporting the families facing mountains of paperwork and no clear plan. The organization’s mission is to make economic inclusion a reality for youth with disabilities, especially young people of color who have historically been failed by systems. “I want The Transition Academy to offer families hope,” Kim said. She noted that when students are aware of their skills and talents and have career paths, they are more likely to gain economic independence. Kim added, “We’re also teaching families to look for unique opportunities.” These include entrepreneurship. The Transition Academy provides guidance on employment, education, health, and government benefits. The organization is looking for partners, particularly employers who are able to offer opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, and short-term and/or long-term employment. The first KC DiversAbility College and Career Fair was held in 2022. The Transition Academy is now collaborating with two partners, Sherwood Autism Center and Down Syndrome Innovations, on the 2023 KC DiversAbility College and Career Fair, which will be held on April 6th at Metropolitan Community College–Penn Valley. More at kcindependent.com.

Since 1991, when Sheffield Place first opened its doors, the organization has assisted more than 1,600 families in transitioning from homelessness to self-sufficiency. It has remained committed to serving families with mental health struggles, addiction, domestic violence backgrounds, low educational attainment, felony convictions, and many other barriers to success. Upon entering the program, families are given assistance through its Trauma Informed Care (TIC) program which provides intensive mental health and addiction recovery services delivered by licensed professionals. After families stabilize, they transition to housing in the community with ongoing therapy and case management. The programming at Sheffield Place has received many honors and accolades, including being selected as one of 20 organizations nationwide to participate in a learning community sponsored by The National Child Traumatic Stress Network to implement integrated treatment of complex trauma, being named a best practice in homeless services by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Region VII, receiving the Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Award from Support KC, and much more.

The National Association of Women Business Owners Kansas City Chapter (NAWBO KC) supports women entrepreneurs in Our Town with educational programming, access to peer support groups, professional mentoring, exclusive savings from their partners, national opportunities, and more. The organization is part of the NAWBO, which was founded in 1975 and has impacted more than 10 million women-owned businesses in The United States. Ashley Mahoney, Mandy Shoemaker, Kelly Byrnes, Shea Stevens, Robyn Stevens, Stephanie Willis, Kim Specker, Stella Crewse, Dana Hetrick, and Karen Reimer serve as board members for the organization. Visit nawbokc.org for more information.

Daryn Washington and Krystal Perry volunteered at the 2022 KC DiversAbility College and Career Fair.

Kim Riley, founder; with her son, Kendall Kim Riley, founder

Leaders And Mentors

Madam President Camp recently held its Girl Empowerment Event. Senator Barbara Washington, Dawn Rattan, and Rogeana Patterson-King served as panelists, sharing stories of perseverance. Campers discussed girlhood as they are experiencing it. For all, there were messages of hope relating to finding personal strength, dealing with failure, and staying true to goals and values. More at kcindependent.com.

Kansas City Young Matrons’ history dates back to when it was first organized in 1917, under the name of Kansas City Athenaeum Young Matrons, with the idea of establishing a group for young women for the purpose of developing their charitable, social, and educational interests. They became Kansas City Young Matrons in 1920 and have since benefited the community in immeasurable ways. The organization currently has more than 300 women members who give their time and talents to numerous organizations, including City Union Mission, Sheffield Place, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Boys Hope Girls Hope, and so many more. The organization also hosts a biennial event, The Magic Ball, which raises funds for a worthy philanthropic project. Members are true to the same creed today, which was in place in 1917: “To Our Club – Loyalty; To The Community – Service.” To learn more about becoming a member of KCYM, visit kcym.com.

Harriman-Jewell Series will present An Evening with Renée Elise Goldsberry, Broadway Star in Concert, on April 16th at Folly Theater. Renée Elise Goldsberry’s impressive career boasts nearly 25 years of film, television, and stage experience, with roles in Hamilton, Rent, The Lion King, and more. Audiences will enjoy an evening listening to old favorites, including Broadway standards and show tunes. For tickets, visit hjseries.org.

Panelist Rogeana Patterson-King, Mary Messner, Robyn Morgan, Joanna Beckner, and Dawn Rattan, panelist

Dawn Rattan, Senator Barbara Washington, and Rogeana Patterson-King, panelists

Senator Barbara Washington, panelist; with a Madam President Camper

T I ZER:

Life contains moments in which we are forced to steady our balance, draw a breath, and take a flying leap. Or as we say in ballet, a grand jeté. By her mid-twenties, Amaya Rodriguez had established a solid career as principal dancer of the National Ballet of Cuba, where she was the company’s top ballerina and among the last generation of dancers to study with legendary Founding Director Alicia Alonso.

For her part, Amaya had treasured every moment she was able to spend with the celebrated dancer/choreographer, who died in 2019 at the age of 98. She had embarked on extensive tours of Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Australia with the company, had won medals at home and abroad, and had danced all the major classical roles: from Giselle to Cinderella, Coppélia to Dulcinea, Medora (Le Corsaire) to Aurora (The Sleeping Beauty), from Sugar Plum Fairy to Odette/Odile (Swan Lake).

But the ballerina with the limpid lines and celebrated pirouettes yearned for new challenges, and she possessed the one quality necessary to make enormous life changes: mettle. She also had the gumption to summon it when necessary.

“Cuban National Ballet has been completely, 100 percent focused on classical ballet,” said Amaya, who came here in 2016 to join the Kansas City Ballet. “When I decided to leave Cuba, I was 27 years old, and I saw that I was never going to be able to do neoclassical or contemporary ballets.”

Amaya Rodriguez

By Paul Horsley

Throughout her life as a dancer, which began at age nine, Amaya had watched touring companies present the full range of choreography being performed today, so she knew what was out there. She also knew that in Cuba she would never have the option of dancing these works.

“This was a step in my life when I had to push myself to do something different,” she said. (Meanwhile it appears that renewal is afoot at the National Ballet: Last year the new director, Viengsay Valdés, said she was hoping to modernize.)

In 2015, Amaya and her husband, fellow Dancer Enrique Fuente, were both offered contracts to dance with Ballet de Monterrey in Mexico and were thus able to leave Cuba legally: to perform for a public that has, during the years, grown enamored with the powerful dancers from “Alicia’s island.”

But not long after moving to Mexico, they realized that The United States should be their next step. After the couple spent a few months in Florida, where Enrique’s mother has a home, Kansas City Ballet Artistic Director Devon Carney offered Amaya a contract for 2016-2017. Since then, she has become a charismatic addition to the company.

Leaving Cuba was wistful for the couple, and for a number of reasons: not least of which was Alicia herself, a sort of heroine in her own right. Even as an octogenarian and virtually blind, “she was with us in the studio every day,” Amaya said. “Even on rainy days, hot days, she was always there.”

Performances by Student Scholarship Recipients

Wednesday, April 19th • Indian Hills Country Club

Amaya Rodriguez

Amaya Rodriguez and Liang Fu danced Sugar Plum Fairy and Her Cavalier in the 2016 production of Devon Carney’s The Nutcracker.

Amaya Rodriguez danced the Rose in the Flowers variation, in the Kansas City Ballet’s 2017 production of The Nutcracker.

With an assistant by her side calling out what she couldn’t discern with her own ears, Alicia would give corrections with astounding accuracy. “Every time she clapped, you knew you did something wrong,” Amaya said. “She wasn’t able to see us… but she would know. It was some kind of magic. If she heard that my steps were off, she would be clapping her hands saying, stay with the music!”

Amaya’s first seasons in Kansas City represented quite a transition. “In America, you have to be able to do everything. I had to learn how to move my body differently, because if I decided to stay here, I had to adapt myself for a new life. … But I pushed myself day by day, and it has gone very well.”

During seven seasons, Amaya has danced in everything from Val Caniparoli’s The Lottery to Septime Weber’s The Wizard of Oz, from Balanchine’s Diamonds to Michael Pink’s Dracula: in addition to a number of classical roles, most notably that of Odette/Odile.

Amanda is happy to have mastered the classical idiom. She feels honored to have achieved this with a legendary dancer and proud to be able to bring this unique legacy to the world.

At the same time, she is happy to free herself of its strictures, and to use her classical skills toward building something fresh. “If you know ballet, you can do anything else,” she said, “with a coach’s help, a director’s help, a choreographer’s help.” Initially, she struggled to break out of the classical mold, “and now here I am, doing every single piece, every single kind of choreography that comes to us.”

She quickly began to feel a sense of family at Kansas City Ballet, and in our community: comfortable enough that she and her husband began building a family (two kids so far), even as she continues to dance when possible. “In Kansas City, I have found my home: My place to make a family and enjoy my life and career. I feel great in this city, and in this Company: like I have found a place to live in peace.”

More at kcindependent.com.

Amaya Rodriguez danced in Peter Pan in the Kansas City Ballet’s 2018 production of the story ballet.

Amaya Rodriguez danced the dual role of the Beggar and the Fairy Godmother, in the opening of Devon Carney’s new Cinderella, last month at Kansas City Ballet.

One of Amaya Rodriguez’ first experiences dancing with Kansas City Ballet was in Val Caniparoli’s The Lottery, based on the story by Shirley Jackson.

Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios

T I ZING: Purses With Power

PursesWithPower.org

Unice Harris, founder and president

Unice Harris founded Purses With Power in 2018. Unice, who has a master’s degree in business administration, recognized that women who have hospitalized children would appreciate gifts that included self-care and inspirational items. The organization provides gift baskets and gift boxes, in addition to purses. The contents may feature such smile-generators as bubble bath, candles, books, and crossword puzzles. “We will support, uplift, and inspire women one power-purse filled gift basket at a time,” said Unice, who also serves as the president. The organization recently gave away its 1,000th purse. Volunteers are needed to help with stuffing, labeling, and inventory, among other projects. More at kcindependent.com.

L u nc heon FUN

Lisa

will be the honorees at Life Unlimited’s Hats Off to Mothers. The event will be held on May 11th at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. The festivities will include a luncheon, a raffle, and a reception. Rachael Sabates is serving as the luncheon chair. Proceeds will help support people with developmental disabilities.

Block, Stephanie Freeman, Sandra Lawrence, Laura Perin, Anita Robb, Lynda Robertson, CiCi Rojas, Nancy Sachse, and Penny Still

Lisa Block

Stephanie Freeman

Sandra Lawrence

Laura Perin

Adam Vogler

Lynda Robertson

Anita Robb

CiCi Rojas

Nancy Sachse

Penny Still

Photo Credit: Strauss Peyton

PHILANTHROPY MATTERS

The history of The Sewing Labs dates back to the mid-2000s when Kelly Wilson and Lonnie Vanderslice created the soft furnishing manufacturing company, Weave Gotcha Covered!, to provide employment opportunities for economically challenged women through the power of the sewing machine. They were later joined by their longtime friend, Linnca Stevens, who had a passion for fostering the love of textiles and keeping heirloom arts alive. The three women combined their dedication to teaching the legacy of sewing for employment, entrepreneurship, and enrichment, to create The Sewing Labs in 2016. Lonnie moved from The Sewing Labs to create another sewing-based company, Sacred Stitches, which she ran for 25 years before she passed away. Kelly continues to lead Weave Gotcha Covered!, which remains a key sponsor of The Sewing Labs. Linnca serves as the operations manager for The Sewing Labs. In 2019, Eileen Bobowski was hired as the organization’s new executive director. Eileen brought her life-long enthusiasm for sewing to the organization, in addition to a wealth of experience in leadership and non-profit fundraising.

Lauren Clifton-Thompson is the philanthropy and communications manager for Amethyst Place. As she stated, “My career is rewarding because I witness lives being transformed through the compassion and generosity of our community.” Lauren earned both a bachelor’s degree in business marketing and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix. She received a graduate certificate in nonprofit leadership from Park University. Lauren serves on the membership committee of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Kansas City Chapter. Lauren and her husband, Charon Thompson, are the parents of three children, plus one dog. They enjoy traveling and cheering on the Chiefs. More at kcindependent.com.

To learn more about becoming a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Kansas City Chapter, please visit afpkc.org.

Greater Kansas City Chapter

The Independent is proud to be the exclusive media partner of AFPKC.

Giving Hope & Help supports domestic violence survivors, provides essential resources to end period poverty, empowers college-bound and non-traditional students, and inspires cancer patients. The organization provides those who benefit from its programs with the opportunity to pursue happiness, health, wealth, and education in an effort to improve their lives. Its reach extends beyond Our Town, with year round collections and annual drives for sanitary napkins, tampons, and children’s and women’s packaged underwear, which have been sent around the globe. Visit givinghopeandhelp.org for more info.

Charon Thompson and Lauren Clifton-Thompson with their children, Caleb, Bryson, and Dylan

Rachel’s Reads

- V IRGINIA W OOLF

Many of the traditional and textbook historical narratives center male experiences and hide the contributions of women. Throughout the different aspects of human history, whether politics, science, literature, art, or sport, that tendency removes a huge portion of the knowledge and experiences of the population. Powerful women in history have been erased and forgotten to suit the narratives of those who came after or to bolster a certain point of view. To celebrate Women’s History Month, I have created a list of books that celebrate lesser known women throughout history.

Sensational: The Hidden History of America’s “Girl Stunt Reporters” by Kim

Todd

This sensational history is about the “girl stunt reporters” employed by newspapers in the 1880s and 1890s. They investigated many controversial subjects, and their work often led to important conversations and sometimes real change. However, they were often looked down upon by their contemporaries and then future reporters.

Vanguard: How Black Women Broke Barriers, Won the Vote, and Insisted on Equality for All by

Martha S. Jones

Not all barriers for Black women to vote were broken with the 19th Amendment. This book details the remarkable history of the many Black women, some well-known and some not well-known, in their fight for equality, justice, and political rights.

The Amazons: Lives and Legends of Warrior Women

Across the Ancient World by Adrienne Mayor Sifting fact from fiction, Adrienne looks at archaeological discoveries, art, traditions, and myth to discover the real warrior women of the Eurasian steppes.

The Secret History of the Mongol Queens: How the Daughters of Genghis Khan Rescued His Empire by Jack

Weatherford

The daughters of Genghis Khan were the rulers of his large empire. They turned their father’s conquests into the international empire remembered today by fostering trade, education, religion, and an economy throughout their territories. However, censors cut their contributions out of the written history of the time and erased their names. This work attempts to piece together that removed part of history.

Taste Makers: Seven Immigrant Women Who Revolutionized Food in America by Mayukh Sen Stretching from World War II to the present, this book focuses on seven immigrant women, each from a different country, who played important roles in introducing their cuisine to America. It weaves together stories of food, immigrations, and gender, to ask questions about why we remember some of the women today while others have largely been forgotten.

Broad Band: The Untold Story of the Women Who Made the Internet by Claire L. Evans

Although we may think of Silicon Valley as being male dominated today, women actually played a large role in the making of the Internet. From women like Ada Lovelace and Grace Hopper, to Elizabeth “Jake” Feinler and Stacy Horn, this history covers the women who played a role in different aspects of the Internet’s development and gives many overlooked women their recognition.

Sky Train: Tibetan Women on the Edge of History by Canyon Sam

The heart of this book is the stories of Tibetan women’s courage, strength, and resourcefulness since the Chinese occupation in 1950. With the introduction of a controversial new rail line, Canyon Sam narrates her 2007 journey to Tibet to ride the new “Sky Train” and engages with modern history from the perspective of Tibetan women.

Happy Reading!

Sara Marie Photography

“For most of history, Anonymous was a woman.”

Dinner, Dance, And Romance

Doctors Susan and Charles Porter were the honorary chairmen for Heart of America Shakespeare Festival’s Romantic Revels. The February 11th event was held at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza. Linda Word was honored with the Founder’s Award. Partygoers enjoyed cocktails, a gourmet dinner, a silent auction, and dancing. For a special treat, HASF actors and board members recreated scenes from The Tempest – including a bit of magic! Kelly and Joe Privitera hosted the Patrons’ Party at their beautiful Briarcliff home. The Festival will produce its 31st season in Southmoreland Park this summer. More at kcindependent.com.

Drs. Susan and Charles Porter, honorary chairmen

Board Member Barbar and Paul Gutierr

Phil and Becky Smith with Ron and Eileen Grebowicz

Jim and Diana Cusser Susan Susz and Michael Fields

Carol and Fred Logan Tricia Scott and Edward

Bill Yé, board member; Miranda Yé, and Sarah Yé

ra Bloch rez

Jeff Anthony, Susann Ogg, and Good Will

Brad and Lindsey Heinz with Megan and Gabe Egli

Dianne and United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver II with Dr. Susan Porter, honorary chairman

d Milbank

Rehan Nana, Taimoor Nana, and Zahid Nana

Chris and Kathryn Bannister, Meghan and Andrew Schulte, Janney and Josh Polsinelli, and Courtney Gonzalez

R. Crosby Kemper III and Deborah Sandler Kemper

Dr. Scott and Bernadette Ashcraft, board members

Troy and Anna Porter

I

Tandra Stacer has a long history of involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City. Not only is she a board member, but she is a Big. Tandra and her Little, Gabby, were matched a decade ago. They are often seen around town at events, such as sports games and school activities.

Tandra and Gabby received the Big and Little Sister of the Year Award for 2022. More at kcindependent.com.

When it comes to supporting Family Health Care, members of the State Line Service League go all out! Through the years, they have offered valuable assistance at events such as Tacos & Beer on the Boulevard and Champagne & Chocolate. More at kcindependent.com.

TI ZERS :

Little Sister Gabby with Big Sister Tandra Stacer, board member Katherine Bailes, Linda Davis, Judith Joss, Jan Montague, and Marcia Charney, State Line Service League members

The Junior League Elects – Left to right, Mrs. Manvel H. Davis, treasurer; Mrs. Wendel H. Baker, first vice-president; Mrs. Charles W. Arnold, president; Mrs. John C. Baker, second vice-president; Mrs. Frederick Page Barnes, corresponding secretary; and Mrs. Milo Fowler Hamilton, recording secretary

Reprinted from the April 16, 1938 issue of The Independent.

Tonia Bomar Director of Employment and Client Services Women's Employment Network KCWEN.org @WomensEmploymentNetwork

Dr. Elise Marie DiCarlo Executive Director Talk 2 Me - A Program of Hope Talk-2Me.com @EliseMarie88

Ebony Reed Chief Strategy Officer The Marshall Project TheMarshallProject.org @MarshallProj Lecturer Yale School of Management @EbonyInKC

Keyonna Renea Rise Well KeyonnaRenea.com @KeyonnaRenea Copper Key Studios CopperKeyStudios.com @CopperKeyStudios

Kiona Sinks Community Engagement + Marketing Negro Leagues Baseball Museum NLBM.com @KionaSinks

Steven Green

S CITY WOMEN

Veronica J. Ford Deputy Program Manager Kansas City National Security Campus (Managed by Honeywell FM&T) @VFord_

Noor Haideri 1st Place Winner, Breakthrough Junior Challenge Junior, Blue Valley High School BreakthroughJuniorChallenge.org Her project video: youtu.be/t-BXAynN-0c

Leona Luckey and Edith Williams personify long-term dedication. They have volunteered at Lakemary Center for 20 years and 23 years, respectively. Every weekday morning they devote three hours to spending quality time with the residents. The activities they lead include exercising, discussing current events, and creating craft projects. Leona and Edith are both Foster Grandparents, serving in a program for seniors who choose to volunteer in the community. More at kcindependent.com.

Vice President and General Manager  Harrah’s Kansas City Casino and Hotel Caesars.com @HarrahsKC

Vice President, Head of Human Resources Country Club Bank CountryClubBank.com @CountryClubBank

70 Years Ago

Skyler Boschen, who is known as Sky, recently was honored as the Volunteer of the Year at MOCSA. Sky excels as a hospital advocate for survivors. When MOCSA requires extra help, she is quick to become involved. Sky began volunteering at the organization after being a client. More at kcindependent.com.

66 Years Ago

In a whimsical grape arbor setting, studded with straw cages amassed with gay blooms, Swanson’s “Spring Song” of Young Set Fashions was opened on a blue bird’s lilting note. Spring itself, in pale blue organdy, small Kathryn Spangler, daughter of the William C. Spanglers, coaxed the magic notes from a hand-carved Swiss bird whistle that came over last summer on a boat from Europe. A pretty tableau of pastel party clothes, worn by a group of Youngset models, includes, l. to r., Margaret Carkener, Judy Crawley, Jean McCray, Anne Holmes, and Linda Bills. Kathryn Spangler, seated.

Donnelly Garment Company. This was the first in a series of summer-long outdoor fashion events planned by the store.

Reprinted from the May 9, 1953 issue of The Independent.

Reprinted from the May 4,

issue of The Independent.

Leona Luckey and Edith Williams

Sky Boschen with Elizabeth Smart, author and speaker

1957

A brisk, crisp April 27th was the kick-off day on Emery, Bird’s porch. The wide, cool portico, edged in miniature evergreens, was the scene of a continuous showing from noon ’til four of 28 Nelly Don summer costumes from the

Tyner-Murphy

Tammy Nguyen QuestBridge Scholarship Recipient Senior, St. Teresa’s Academy StTeresasAcademy.org @STA_Stars

Julie Sola Senior

Toni Walsh Executive

India Wells-Carter Owner Fresh Factory KC FreshFactoryKC.com @FreshFactoryKC

TI

ZING: Mother’s Refuge

Mother’s Refuge was founded in 1987. The organization’s clients, who reside onsite, are young women who were previously homeless and are either pregnant or have very young children. Medical care is provided. Residents are required to pursue educational opportunities and are encouraged to accept counseling. A five-step program is devoted to lessons in parenting, infant care, money management, mental and physical health, and community awareness. In addition, there is an after-care program, which offers emotional support and items for infants and households to former residents. Angel McDonald, Mother’s Refuge, said, “This is a very exciting time at Mother’s Refuge as we expand our services to provide transitional living apartments that will help young moms take that next step into independence and learn how to be self-sufficient while in a safe environment. This will allow them the time needed to break cycles of poverty, abuse, and addiction.” Volunteers are welcomed. Their roles may include babysitting, assisting with events, gardening, and working on a range of projects. In addition, the organization accepts both donations and financial gifts. More at kcindependent.com.

Shanita McAfee-Bryant is doing great work in Our Town! She is the founder and executive director of The Prospect Urban Eatery, part of The Prospect KC, a culinary social enterprise that supports individuals of disenfranchised communities with nutritional education, kitchen culinary training, and culinary entrepreneurship support. Some of the organization’s goals are to reduce food insecurity, increase food literacy, provide nutrient-dense meals, and establish sustainable social enterprise businesses that benefit the entire community. Shanita trained at The Culinary Institute at JCCC.

T I ZING: Awesome Ambitions

Cynthia Newsome, founder, and Angela Curry, co-founder, created Awesome Ambitions in 1997; Cynthia now serves as the organization’s president. Awesome Ambitions participants are Black and Brown girls in the eighth through the 12th grades. The organization has four pillars: social justice and the law, college and career readiness, entrepreneurship, and health and wellness. Participants are encouraged to aim high and make plans that will help them succeed. Women who are business professionals volunteer to serve as mentors. There are two divisions of the organization. The mentoring program, which partners with girls in local schools, meets on various Fridays during school. There are two meetings per month of the Saturday Awesome Ambitions group. “It is pure joy to watch our Awesome Ambitions girls experience those light-bulb moments when they understand how history plays a part in their lives now and in the future; or when they learn about a career they never knew existed; or meet a businesswoman who inspires them,” said Cynthia. More than 3,000 girls have participated in Awesome Ambitions since its inception. The organization celebrated its 25th anniversary in July 2022 with a gala at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and Gem Theater. Volunteers are needed in a broad range of categories, including programming, event planning, fundraising, promotions, technical support, scholarship and career connections, and alumni relations. Awesome Ambitions especially welcomes members who have participated in the program to reconnect and share their insights with current and future participants. More at kcindependent.com.

Te’ara Caruthers learned how to sew and make reusable feminine hygiene products to donate to girls in a rural community in Kenya.

Joanna Alber, Sydney Vasquez, Destiny Wilson, Riyan Jones, and Kayla Davis participated in a lip sync competition.

ART Scene

By Anne Potter Russ

Never underestimate the power of a hungry, talented, artistic woman on a mission. What strikes us as we learn more about these mavericks, is the sheer length of each of these women’s lives. We think there must be some real health benefits to pursuing the arts on one’s own terms… . (Author’s note: Many thanks to Evelyn Craft Belger for her profound and gleeful assistance in researching for this article. She is indeed a maverick in her own time, to be sure.) More at kcindependent.com.

Ethlyne Jackson Seligman 1907-1993

Ethlyne was the acting director of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art from 1942-1945. Sandwiched in her tenure between Paul Gardner (1933-1953) and Laurence Sickman (1953-1977), she actually started her career as Paul Gardner’s secretary (having also served as curator of the decorative arts section). When Paul was commissioned as a Major in the United States Army in November of 1942, Ethlyne took over the acting director job. As Paul returned in December of 1945, Ethlyne moved to New York City after marrying an art dealer.

Ethlyne Jackson, acting director of the William Rockhill Nelson Gallery of Art, observes her third anniversary this Saturday as the Gallery’s chief executive in the military absence of Paul Gardner, director. The December exhibition, “Portrait of America,” consisting of 150 paintings by contemporary American artists will open on the evening of November 30.

Reprinted from the November 24, 1945 issue of The Independent.

Lindsay Hughes Cooper 1908-1997

While Ethlyne Jackson was working for Paul Gardner, Lindsay Hughes (to become Cooper in 1946) was working for then-curator of Oriental Art at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Laurence Sickman. Lindsay had practically stalked Paul Gardner for years seeking employment - even before the Museum opened. As Ethlyne ascended into Paul’s position, Lindsay also ascended into Laurence’s post as he was drafted into the army. Lindsay also moved to New York, but returned to Kansas City and resumed her position as assistant to the director, Laurence Sickman. They worked together again for five years.

Ruth Chaney 1908-1973

Ruth created serigraphs for the Work Progress Administration (also known as the Work Projects Administration). In printmaking, she created Subway Art, a commissioned project that would stand up to the harsh conditions in the underground. Born in Kansas City, but careering in New York, Ruth is known for her lithographs and woodcuts depicting everyday life in the city. She earned a MacDowell Fellowship in 1942 and studied at the Adams Studio, where several notable Fellows have worked in rural New Hampshire. Ruth’s works are currently on display at the Smithsonian Museum and Museum of Modern Art.

The Writer by Ruth Chaney (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)

Lindsay Major’s book about her namesake, Lindsay Hughes Cooper: A Portrait

Cloteele Raspberry 1910-1994

Having moved from Texas to Kansas City as a young girl, Cloteele attended Wendell Phillips Elementary School and graduated from Lincoln High School, where she was known for her sewing prowess. In 1955, Cloteele earned an associate’s degree from Isabelle Boldin’s School of Fashion Design. She was a member of the National Association of Fashion and Accessory Designers (NAFAD). Cloteele taught classes in Kansas City’s famed garment district, was a long-standing member of Kansas City’s Urban League Guild, and left an indelible mark on the up-and-coming women’s fashion industry.

Margaret Craver 1907-2010

Studying under the tutelage of Baron Erik Fleming, the court silversmith to the King of Sweden, was how Margaret used her post-University of Kansas time, as she was traveling in Europe. She went on to establish the department of jewelry and metalsmithing at the Wichita Arts Association in 1935. She then organized metalsmithing workshops in veterans’ hospitals to teach veterans the therapeutic motions in creating silver pieces. Margaret is largely credited for revitalizing silversmithing in the post-war United States.

Edna Marie Dunn 1893-1983

Also a giant of the local fashion world, Edna was sketching her own designs for clothes by the age of six. The Westport High School graduate also received a degree from the Chicago Academy of Art. After returning to Kansas City with her arts degree, Edna opened a studio, and eventually became the fashion illustrator for The Kansas City Star, working with Fashion Editor Nell Snead. She also taught clothing illustration and garment construction from her home studio for 33 years.

Ruth Harris Bohan 1891-1981

This illustrious printmaker and painter studied art at the Kansas City Art Institute (then the Fine Arts Institute of Kansas City), taught art at The Barstow School, and had The Ruth Bohan Teaching Fellowship named for her at The University of Kansas School of Medicine. (Her husband was a doctor at the school, and she illustrated Logan Clendening’s book Romance of Medicine: Behind the Doctor in 1943.) Ruth was a noted influence on her niece, Artist Margot Peet.

Ruth Harris Bohan’s Jack Dempsey Championship Fight (Spencer Museum of Art)

Cloteele Raspberry

Margaret Craver

T I ZING: The Nia Projec t

Terri E. Barnes founded The Nia Project Kansas City in 2020. The organization works to support projects that enable Black women and girls to build confidence and increase their opportunities for success. Black Women Get Fit (BWGF) is the signature program. Participants meet with experts in a variety of fields. In addition to physical fitness classes, there is instruction in topics that include stress reduction, goal-setting, relationship building, finances, and more. Businesses owned by Black women are involved in the progress, giving them exposure in the community. The Nia Project Kansas City is involved with other groups, such as the National Congress of Black Women-Kansas City Chapter, Sisters In Christ, I Matter Experience, Uzazi Village, and the Village Kansas City. This year, the organization will be working with I AM 4:Thirteens. “We are living in incredibly fantastic times, in an incredible world with limitless potential,” noted Terri E. Barnes, founder, adding, “however, too many of us are trailing behind with respect to full employment, housing, education, and having and experiencing a certain level of agency.” The Nia Project Kansas City seeks to change that. Volunteers are needed to assist with events, administrative support, social media, and curriculum development, among other aspects. More at kcindependent.com.

HappyBottoms is doing wonderful work in Our Town in its efforts to serve the thousands and thousands of children experiencing diaper need. The organization partners with area hospitals to distribute diapers through its Bundles of Joy program. Qualifying mothers and newborns receive a one-time distribution of 75 diapers, along with information about its monthly agency program, which allows families to continue to receive diapers through any enrolling agency. This early access to diapers offered through the Bundles of Joy program can mean earlier access to other critical services the family might need.

Founded in 1999, Kansas City Women’s Chorus is a regional women’s chorus focused on singing and performing, community service, advocating for social justice, and embracing diversity. It serves Our Town by providing volunteer service to a variety of organizations, including Amethyst Place, Harvesters, Sheffield Place, underserved nursing homes, and more. This season it is partnering with the Women’s Equality Coalition and the League of Women Voters in Kansas City/Jackson-Clay-Platte Counties. The group has expanded from a 25-member chorus to a more than 100-member non-profit organization since its founding. Its members represent a wide range of ages, professions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and religious backgrounds. Hilary Morton serves as the artistic director, and Emily Marrin is the executive director. For more info, visit kcwomenschorus.org.

T I ZER: Kathleen Johansen

Kathleen Johansen, Rising Star Class of 2019, has taken her own special blend of achievement and enthusiasm on the road! She is now living in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, and she is the vice president, director of marketing for Ascension St. Vincent’s. Kathleen previously served as a board member for Reach Out and Read Kansas City and for local chapters of the American Cancer Society and the American Red Cross. She is also a supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City. Her favorite volunteer experience while in Our Town was working with clients at Rose Brooks Center. More at kcindependent.com.

Kathleen’s Kansas City Favorites: Drink: The D Cup at Gram & Dun

Happy Hour Spot: Martin City Brewery • Salad: Rustic Beet Salad at The MIXX

Tom Styrkowicz

Eileen Epps Hamilton, Dr. Shayla Sullivant, Terri E. Barnes, founder; Lynette Jones, Amaya Wilson, and Cassandra Coffee at a Mental Health for Youth planning session of the Contending For Children Initiative

Robin Jones, Robin Anderson, and Terri E. Barnes, founder; at Black Women Get Fit –Back 2 School Rally for Moms

TI ZING:

National Congress of Black Women–Kansas City Chapter

NCBWKansasCity.org

Sylvya Stevenson founded the National Congress of Black Women–Kansas City Chapter in 2013; it is an affiliate of the National Congress of Black Women, which was founded by the late Representative Shirley Chisholm, who was the first Black woman to be elected to The United States Congress. The organization offers affordable memberships for Black women and girls ages 13 and older, provides year-round voter registration, partners with other groups to do outreach to voters and potential voters, and makes scholarships available to high school seniors, college students, and adults. Two signature events are held each year: the Annual Women and Girls Torch Carriers Conference and the Annual Scholarship and Awards Black Tie Gala. The Conference is a community event featuring opportunities to hear from community leaders and to learn about a variety of topics including education and career training. The Black Tie Gala is a celebration of the organization’s anniversary – 2023 marks 10 years – and is its primary fundraising event. As Sylvya Stevenson noted, “Membership exposes women and girls to community engagement activities and creates a sisterhood.” Volunteers are encouraged to become Friends of NCBW by signing up as corporate sponsors or individual sponsors.

More at kcindependent.com.

(Seated) Erika Taylor, Janae Swanson, and RaeShaun Williams (standing) Sylvya Stevenson, founder, chief executive officer, and president; Celeste Chaney-Tucker, vice president; Layla Swanson, youth member; Pastor Alice Piggee-Wallack, The True Light Family Resource Center; Brenda Baker, historian; Kathryn Bell, treasurer; Shekita Robinson, health and wellness committee chair; and Shannon Wooten

Youth Members Riyan Jones, St. Teresa’s Academy; and Chinecherem Ihenacho, University of Missouri–Kansas City

T I ZER: Cindy McClain

By Jessica James Palatable

Pursuits

Located in Independence, Missouri, the historic Independence Square has experienced an evolution during the last 25 years. A once burgeoning town square, made famous by President Harry S. Truman, it became blighted over time with vacant buildings well into the late 1990s. Today, “the Square” as it is affectionally called, is flourishing with locally owned restaurants, retail shops, businesses, and entertainment venues. Much of this revitalization can be attributed to Cindy and Ken McClain.

The couple bought their first boarded-up building on the square in 1998 and quickly found themselves in the restaurant business. More specifically, Cindy “suddenly became the managing partner.”

Since then, the McClains have opened nine restaurants. Ranging from upscale casual dining, to neighborhood pizza, a local coffee shop, an old school soda fountain, and more, the McClains have brought life back to the Square. Cindy McClain is the powerhouse behind it all—an artist, a mother of six, grandmother to eight, a civil servant, and president of McClain Restaurant Group.

I recently sat down with Cindy to talk about how her business (and family) has expanded during the last 25 years, and what it is like to see their dream of revitalizing the Square become a reality.

Neither you nor Ken are from Kansas City, what drew you to the area? I grew up in Boulder, Colorado. I attended the University of Northern Colorado, and graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in graphic arts. Ken McClain and I met in Michigan and were married in 1982. Independence was where both of our grandparents lived and our church is headquartered here. As we considered where to live and raise a family, midway between our home states with family in the area felt right. We raised six children here and have eight grandchildren.

Talk about the importance of the Independence Square to your family and why you chose to locate your businesses there. This is a special place. It is steeped in history and deserves to reflect the stories of the past and at the same time, provides a beautiful, walkable place for our kids to raise their kids. It all starts with a city’s Downtown. The Downtown needs to be whole and healthy. When it is, the rest of the City thrives.

What was the catalyst for becoming a restaurant owner/operator? Ken. His desire was to revitalize the historic Independence Square. We bought the biggest boarded up building on the Square and decided that restaurants are destination businesses and that’s what the Square needed. In 1998, we opened Ophelia’s. I had no intention of working in the restaurant, but as the owner of the business, I suddenly became the managing partner.

How many restaurants do you own and operate today? We have nine food concepts: Ophelia’s Restaurant & Inn, Main Street Coffee House, Court House Exchange, Cafe Verona, Diamond Bowl and Billiards, Square Pizza, UpDog, El Pico, and Clinton’s Soda Fountain. We also have six other businesses: BHN Home décor, Wild About Harry, a men’s gift store, Studio on Main, a pilates and yoga studio, Pharaoh Theater, a four-auditorium movie theatre, Gilbert & Whitney Co., a corner grocery and kitchen wares store, and Polly’s Pop, a soda bottling company.

What is your involvement in the day-to-day operations? As president of McClain Restaurant Group, I oversee all the businesses. I am the “go to” for our managers and chefs when any issues arise, from staffing, to building maintenance, to equipment issues. Together, the managers at each location and I work on menus, promotions, hiring, merchandise, customer and team development, training, and any other concerns.

Pineapple Cream Float at Clinton’s Soda Fountain

Limoncello martini, eggplant parmesan poppers, and house made gnocchi at Café Verona

What was it like running multiple restaurants and raising six kids? When we started Ophelia’s, our youngest was four years old and our oldest was in high school. It was really, really hard. I was robbed of my time with them, and them with me. I had to be very creative about how I spent time with them. Waiting in the car with them for the bus was “our time,” driving them to school, trying to still be the car pick up for basketball practices, trying to make every game or at least parts of them with my catalogs in tow for the retail and restaurant magazines to pour through. I utilized the restaurants for dinner – I was the first door dasher! I had an incredible village of friends who helped with transportation and kept my kids safe.

I look back, and I do not know how we made it through. I learned that work/life balance for moms is very hard. We have to allow ourselves grace, because it is not possible to do it all. If we are exhausted and spread too thin trying to make every school event and be the best PTA/classroom mom in the entire world, we are not our best at work or with our family.

Speaking of family, how has your family (and family dinners) grown during the years? With six kids and their partners and eight grandchildren, our family dinners are basically, in restaurant language, a “16-20 top,” depending on who is coming. We have become habitual about Friday nights at either Ophelia’s or Café Verona. We are definitely the very active, noisy, big table. I love it!

You are also an artist. How has this played into your aesthetic for each of your restaurants? I was able to do all our signage for the most part, and our logos. Anything that needed to be designed I did— menus, advertisements, billboards… anything and everything in the beginning. I eventually hired a full-time artist to work with me because I was staying up until two and four in the morning trying to do the design work.

What are your go-to favorite dishes/menu items from your restaurants? I am a fairly healthy eater, so I tend to go for salads and our lighter entrees at our restaurants. But, I do love our steaks and brussels sprouts at Ophelia’s; at Café Verona our Bisteca Salad and Mushroom Lover’s Pasta for a splurge; Square Pizza has a cauliflower pizza crust I love with Canadian bacon and jalapeño’s; at Court House Exchange, I enjoy the Southwest Salad and any of the burgers; at El Pico, definitely the Burrito Bowl plus guac!

Do you have a guiding principle you look to when opening a new business on the Square? Our goal was, and still is, to create a destination for people seeking a walkable dining and shopping community. Sometimes it’s been the building that gave us a clue as to what the concept should be.

Anything else you would like to share? I read a book right after we opened Ophelia’s, when I found myself working 80 hour weeks and in a position where I had no idea what I was doing. It was called Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers. It is my mantra every day. I have gained more in my life, as an individual, in my profession, as a mom, and as a woman, by pushing myself to be uncomfortable. To feel the fear and do it anyway. The growth is unbeatable.

Cindy and Ken live in Independence, Missouri. Cindy oversees their 15 businesses on the Independence Square and serves on a number of boards and commissions including: the Independence Tourism Board, City of Independence Planning Commission, Mayors Council for the Arts Commission, Member of Rotary, Independence Square Association Board, ISA Design Committee Chair, Independence Chamber of Commerce, and the Centerpoint Medical Center Board. More at kcindependent.com.

Café Verona: Modern Italiangreat for large groups cafeveronarestaurant.com

Clinton’s Soda Fountain: Ice cream and soda shop serving floats, ice cream cones, and sundaes clintonssodafountain.com

Courthouse Exchange: An historic bar and grill with a great outdoor patio, cold beer, and burgers courthouseexchange.com

Diamond Bowl & Billiards: Serving nachos, pretzels, fried cheese, and more, with a full bar and bowling and billiards diamond-bowl.com

El Pico: Serving Mexican food and $6 margaritas all day on Saturdays! el-pico.com

Main Street Coffee: Neighborhood coffee shop serving coffee and espresso drinks main-streetcoffeehouse.com

Ophelia’s: Upscale, casual dining with a full bar and live music on the weekends opheliasrestaurant.com

Square Pizza: Freshly prepared pizza, wings, and salads squarepizzasquared.com

Up Dog: A gourmet hot dog shop eatupdog.com

McClain Restaurant Group’s Food Concepts

Espresso martini and crème brûlée at Ophelia’s Restaurant & Inn House margaritas and beef taco plate at El Pico

T I ZING: Society of Women Engineers

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) was founded in 1950. The Kansas City chapter, which was created in 1982, currently has more than 150 members. The organization’s focus is on STEM Outreach for girls in the metropolitan area and on networking events for women in STEM fields. Events include Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day (IGED) for high school students and IGED Jr. for middle school students. A full school day is devoted to having students meet women who are pursuing professional STEM careers, learn about opportunities, engage in hands-on activities, hear a keynote speaker, attend a discipline and industry fair, and either watch or participate in a student-led panel discussion. IGED and IGED Jr. are annual events, generally reaching about 300 high school students and 150 middle school students. SWE-KC hosts a signature professional development conference, in addition to numerous outreach and networking events. Volunteers are needed to serve as members of event planning committees, as judges for math and science competitions, and to assist with college preparatory workshops for high school students and career preparatory activities for college students. More at kcindependent.com.

ITZER: Nicole Jacobs Silvey

Nicole Jacobs Silvey, Rising Star Class of 2018, is the president and founder of Connection Coach KC. She has been involved professionally with Girls on the Run, and she has volunteered with United WE. Both organizations specifically support women and girls in Our Town. Nicole has numerous board affiliations. She currently serves as Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) board chair, St. Peter’s School board vice president, and a Coterie Theatre board member. Nicole is active in initiatives for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). She is a member of the KC Rising DEIB committee and The Children’s Place DE&I committee. Nicole serves on the community engagement council of Kansas City Ballet. She is one of the Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri’s C3KC advisors and ambassadors. Nicole is a member of the executive women’s leadership council for the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. Other organizations she supports include LIFT KC and Newhouse. More at kcindependent.com.

Nicole’s Kansas City Favorites: Drink: Berries & Bubbles at Ocean Prime

Female-owned Business: The Sugared Shamrock • Female Kansas City Maker: Sierra Winter Jewelry

Outside Adventure: Urban Hikes: A favorite woman-owned business and way to celebrate our city – learning history while taking in the sights.

Tom Styrkowicz

2022 IGED Planning Committee Members: (Seated) Angie Ladwig, Kaitlyn Mores, Kristin Murray, Alyss Puhr, and Katie Lin (standing) Vanessa Petersen, Holly Vidmosko, Lily Polednik, Ashley Hawkins, Alyssa Zimmerman, Katie Bushong, and Ragan Gum

SWE-KC members at Chicken N Pickle: Jane Knoche, Ragan Gum, Nishi Kelkar, Megan Wiskur, Kate Gordon, Mandy Kelley, Gwen Belt, Suzy Corria, Andrea Moll, Abby Kerber, and Stacy Friling

Who Believed in You? Help Us Pass It Forward!

T I ZER: Carolyn Watson

AND BEYOND

Like many top orchestra and opera conductors, Carolyn Watson began her career on “the other side of the baton.” Having excelled as a young violinist in her native Australia, she studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and spent several years as an orchestral violinist, in her homeland and later in Europe. Returning to Australia, she found herself increasingly involved with conducting, chiefly with youth orchestras at first, and she discovered that she had a knack for it. “I was still very active as a violinist at that time, and conducting was just a hobby. But I really enjoyed working with young musicians.”

What originally started as an effort to “improve my skills and learn a little bit more about music” became a new artistic challenge. Carolyn would later pursue a master’s degree and earn a Ph.D. in conducting from the University of Sydney, where she was a student of Hungarian Conductor Imre Palló. Yet even then, she said, “I had no intention of pursing conducting professionally,” adding with a laugh: “I guess I didn’t want to ‘break up’ with the violin.”

Carolyn is currently principal guest conductor of the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra, a frequent guest with the Lyric Opera and Kansas City Ballet, and music director of the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra in Indiana.

Just as important, she also holds one of the most prestigious academic posts in the nation: as director of orchestras at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she is part of a new generation of women striving to shift a traditionally male-dominated profession toward a new paradigm. And much work remains to be done.

She has won a series of international prizes, including the Sir Charles Mackerras Conducting Prize, multiple prizes at the Emmerich Kálmán International Operetta Conducting Competition, a Churchill Fellowship, and the Brian Stacey Award for emerging Australian conductors. She studied with David Zinman and others as a Fellow of the American Academy of Conducting in Aspen, where she began to believe there might be a career for her in America.

Carolyn came to The United States in 2013, initially to assume the post as Director of the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra. She now leads a busy career guest-conducting throughout The United States, Europe, and Australia. Among her notable achievements was participating in Interaktion featuring musicians of the Berlin Philharmonic, a residency at the Israeli National Opera, and assisting the late Sir Charles Mackerras on his final two productions at Covent Garden and Glyndebourne.

In 2016 and 2017, Carolyn participated in Dallas Opera’s Hart Institute for Women Conductors, during which she led Dallas Opera in two public performances. It was there that she began to look back on her career and notice how few women she had seen along the way. “I had an epiphany moment when I realized I had been the only woman in my conducting class in Sydney, and in Aspen

BY PAUL HORSLEY

Karen Almond

The 2017 participants of the Hart Institute for Women Conductors included Lina Gonzalez-Granados, Alba Bomfim, Monika Wolinska, Karin Hendrickson, Mélisse Brunet, and Carolyn Watson.

Carolyn Watson

Carolyn Watson

there were only two of us, and in the Kálmán Competition in Budapest I was the only woman. And I thought, ‘Oh my goodness, how did I not see this before?’ ”

The Dallas program was important in advancing Carolyn’s career, as it has been for a number of up-and-coming women. “The experience and the conducting and the teaching and the training and the mentoring are all absolutely first-rate,” she said. Just as important is the program’s devotion to “showing how the business of conducting actually works, … how to navigate the profession and how to forge connections with the right people.”

As in many professions, “there’s a lot of ‘gatekeeping’ in classical music generally, and in conducting in particular. People are fortunately now recognizing that this has presented barriers to those who were not male and white in the past. And as a result of this conversation, I feel there is a greater awareness to re-evaluate established practices, and to perhaps do things differently going forward.”

While it is true that conservatories and music schools have a larger percentage of women studying conducting than even 10 years ago, this increase has been slow to affect hiring practices. Among the top 50 American orchestras, only four have women at the helm, according to the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians. And among the top-tier orchestras, only one is led by a woman: the Atlanta Symphony, where Nathalie Stutzmann became music director this season.

There are signs of progress: Just in the past five years or so, several orchestras have hired women and/or BIPOC musicians, though largely for assistant or associate conductor positions. It is too early to say that equity in top-tier posts will be achieved any time soon: Careers in conducting “take notoriously long to develop,” Carolyn said. “It will likely take many more years before the people entering the profession now will get the opportunity to succeed at the elite level.”

Happily, Kansas Citians are able to experience Carolyn on the podium on a frequent basis. In December, she led several performances of the Kansas City Ballet’s The Nutcracker, and this season she has led two of the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra’s concerts. At the Lyric Opera she has conducted High Fidelity Opera, Penelope, and …When There Are Nine…, and this April 15th and 16th, she leads the Lyric’s production of Listen, Wilhelmina!

Conducting and teaching continue to be sources of great personal satisfaction. “I like working with people, that’s why I got into conducting. It’s a massive challenge, of course, but conducting is always a privilege and an honor. … It’s fundamentally a ‘service’ role and a collaboration: You’re always part of something bigger than yourself, so it’s always humbling, as well as a great deal of responsibility. I guess I like being a facilitator, and helping ‘connect the dots’ as it were.”

For tickets to the Lyric Opera, visit kcopera.org. For Chamber Orchestra tickets, see kcchamberorchestra.org, and for more on Carolyn, visit carolyn-watson.com.

To reach Paul Horsley, performing arts editor, send an email to paul@kcindependent.com or find him on Facebook (paul.horsley.501) or Twitter/Instagram (@phorsleycritic). More at kcindependent.com.

Carolyn Watson conducted the Lyric Opera’s 2020 production of … When There Are Nine…, which featured Thomas Drew, Kelly Birch, Robert H. Riordan, Kelli Van Meter, Joseph Leppek, Morgan Balfour, and Eboni Fondren.

Brian Paulette

TI ZING: R

Girls on the Run Serving Greater Kansas City

GOTRKC.org

ebecca Sommers founded Girls on the Run Serving Greater Kansas City in 2007. Running is a key component, but it’s far from the only one. The organization’s programs, tailored for students in the third to the eighth grades, are designed to strengthen girls’ social, emotional, physical, and behavioral skills. Participants learn life skills, such as managing emotions, resolving conflict, helping others, and making intentional decisions. “We need to invest in our young girls when they are bombarded with external challenges,” Gina Lichte, Girls on the Run, said, adding, “At Girls on the Run, our volunteer mentors are helping to reinforce healthy behaviors.” The organization is in need of coaches and event volunteers. Those looking for something different may want to become SoleMates, training for physical challenges and also doing fundraising. Girls on the Run welcomes groups and organizations to be involved, either in one-day volunteer opportunities or by financially supporting a team for a season. More at kcindependent.com.

Johnson County Young Matrons (JCYM) has been doing impactful work for the community since its founding in 1961. The all-volunteer, women’s philanthropic organization has more than 250 members who give generously of their time to numerous organizations, including KidsTLC, Evergreen Community of Johnson County, Friends of Shawnee Indian Mission, Growing Futures Early Education Center, Johnson County Christmas Bureau, and Safehome. Fundraising is another hallmark of the organization’s philanthropic spirit. Since its founding, JCYM has given more than $3 million in financial contributions and scholarships. To learn more about becoming a member, visit jcym.net.

Carla and Alana

Craft-making at Camp GOTR

Girls on the Run practice

T I ZING: Central Exchange

The Central Exchange was founded in 1980 by Marjorie Powell Allen and Beth Smith. The 160 founding members included Kay Barnes, Anita Butler, Joan Dillon, Adele Hall, Mamie Hughes, Dorothy Johnson, Linda Moore, Terry Satterlee, Linda Hood Talbott, and Judith Whittaker. Toni Watson was the organization’s first executive director. Ann Hackett is the current leader and is also employed with the Bloch School of Management at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. As she noted of the Central Exchange, “We are focused on helping each of our members and business partners meet their needs and reach their full potential through development, connection, and inspiration.” The organization provides professional and personal advancement through high quality programming and engagement. The Central Exchange has partnered with the Lean In Network Kansas City to offer Lean In Circles, which are safe spaces where women can share their struggles, get advice, and network. The idea is based on Sheryl Sandburg’s book Lean In, which illustrates the importance of women connecting with other women in order to share experiences and offer support. The organization also offers a year-long program in which participants learn leadership development from Denise Mills and Robin Sterneck. Since 2014, the Central Exchange has presented the STEMMy Awards to recognize the achievements of women in those fields. More at kcindependent.com.

2022 STEMMy Award Honorees: Amanda Pierce, Karen Marie Dietze, Tiffany Coleman, Zdenka Guadarrama, Sharita Lurks, Fiona Nowling, Becca Brader, representing Catalent Pharma Solutions; Pooja Shah, Kellie Bartley, Anita Ranhotra, Pamela Tran, and Frances Yang

TI

ZERS: Stellar Students

Alena Gillespie

lena Gillespie, a student at Bishop Miege High School, was recently honored by the Kansas Scholastic Press Association as the 2023 Kansas Student Journalist of the Year. She is the web editor-in-chief of The Miegian. “Her talent and thoughtfulness have truly impressed me, while her efficiency and leadership skills help our staff [members] feel that they can turn to her for anything they need, even when she is under intense pressure to meet a deadline,” said Sarah McCambridge, Bishop Miege’s advisor for student publications, adding, “I know the strong bond students feel on the newspaper staff this year exists because of her focus.” Future plans?

Alena will be among the competitors vying to be named National Student Journalist of the Year by the Journalism Education Association at a convention next month. More at kcindependent.com.

Tayten DeGarmo

Tayten DeGarmo has been taking classes at the Kansas City Ballet School for nine years. She is currently in high school, and she plans to study biology and ballet in college. Tayten enjoys both classical and contemporary ballet. She has appeared in Kansas City Ballet productions, such as The Nutcracker, Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, and Giselle, and in Kansas City Youth Ballet productions, including Don Quixote and Coppelia. Her summer schedule features stints at Indiana University’s Ballet Summer Intensive and the Sacramento Ballet’s Summer Intensive. More at kcindependent.com.

St. Teresa’s Academy Students

Lexi Kurt

BAishop Miege Senior Lexi Kurt has been named as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. About 1.5 million students enter the program each year, and recognition is based on students’ PSAT/NMSQT scores. Of the 1.5 million students who apply, only about 15,000 students are named as finalists. The final Merit Scholarship Designees will be determined based on the student’s activities and leadership, recommendations, and an essay written by each finalist. As a student at Bishop Miege, Lexi has played all four years on the soccer and basketball teams, serving as Captain for both her senior year. Lexi is the National Honor Society vice president and is a member of the School’s Herd Council. She has plans to attend The University of Tulsa in the fall. In her spare time, she loves to hang out with her friends, babysit, and travel to the lake with family. More at kcindependent.com.

More at kcindependent.com.

Students recently created and installed an apiary with hives full of bees. It is a working farm and a business: the first batch of honey sold out in just a day.

Kathy Lambert launched Dress for Success Midwest in St. Louis, and expanded it to the Kansas City area after seeing the meaningful impact that the organization provided to the community. Dress for Success Kansas City opened in 2011. It has served more than 2,000 women with the goal of providing long-lasting solutions to enable women to break the cycle of poverty. It provides clients with professional attire and accessories, in addition to offering employment retention programs and ongoing support to help women succeed in the workforce. The organization helps furnish women with a confidence that they can carry forward into their work and personal lives. Kathy formerly served as chief executive officer, and Brandi Jahnke, Carla Williams-Evans, and Jackie Woods now run the organization.

Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios

Iris H., a sophomore at St. Teresa’s Academy, worked with a Gordon Parks Elementary School student on a robotics project.

Tamalee Baker

T I ZER: Jennifer Matney

Jennifer Matney, Rising Star Class of 2016, is the board chair of the Women United Cabinet for the United Way of Greater Kansas City and the board president for the School of Economics. She is a member of the ambassador board of Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City. Jennifer serves on the board of Acting Out Against Cancer and recently completed a stint as a board member with Teach For America. In addition, she supports the Women’s Employment Network, Cerner Charitable Foundation, Union Station Kansas City, and Missouri Pit Bull Rescue. More at kcindependent.com.

Jennifer’s Kansas City Favorites:

Deck/Patio: Tin Roof • Breakfast Spot: Billie’s Grocery

Female-owned Business: Shop Local KC • Neighborhood: Hyde Park

Beth K. Smith and Marjorie Powell Allen founded the Women’s Employment Network (WEN) in 1986 to help women in Kansas City reach their fullest potential beyond unemployment, underemployment, and cyclical poverty by assisting in the development of personal strengths, understanding and realizing attainable goals, guiding through the debt reduction process, and helping build healthy credit and personal finance skills. Thousands of women have since benefited from WEN’s program, services, and community referrals. WEN is currently run by an amazing group of women, including Sherry Turner, Lynnette Williams, Erin Cole, Tonia Bomar, Latoya Woods, Amber Solomon, Audrey Williams, and Merve Buehler. The WEN Annual Luncheon is set for April 12th at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. The event, a benefit for Women’s Employment Network, celebrates the organization’s efforts to help women in Kansas City towards their goal of financial independence. Renee Gartelos and Kim Jones are serving as the co-chairs. For more info, visit kcwen.org.

Kansas City native Iesha Tyler founded I AM 4:Thirteens in 2016 to advocate for first-generation college students and to raise awareness about college and career preparation. The organization provides empowerment and enrichment programs and mentors for girls in eighth through 12th grades, which focus on confidence building, health and wellness, college prep, and leadership development. Participants can attend workshops on public speaking, science, technology, engineering, and math careers, cooking and nutrition, entrepreneurship, and more. Visit iam4thirteens.org to learn more.

The IndependentKansas City’s Oldest Magazine

Tom Styrkowicz

Calendar OF Events •

MARCH

18

American Jazz Museum; Believe In: Women in Jazz; In 2023, we are celebrating Women in Jazz Month. The event includes a cocktail reception, auction, and a headline performance by the all-female national supergroup, Artemis; American Jazz Museum; 6 p.m.; $150. Contact Rashida Phillips: 1616 East 18th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64108 or 816-474-8463 or americanjazzmuseum.org or rphillips@kcjazz.org.

31 Kansas City Repertory Theatre; KCRep Gala 2023; Plan to join Event Chairs Drs. Jessica and Benjamin Stone for this fun and celebratory night. Contact MaryLee Guthrie: 4825 Troost Avenue, Suite 104, Kansas City, Missouri 64110 or 816-235-6107 or kcrep.org/gala or guthrieml@kcrep.org.

APRIL

The Bacchus Foundation; The 2023 Bacchus Ball; Join us for an evening that will truly be written in the stars. Food, drinks, auction, and several yet-to-be-revealed activities as we celebrate Kansas City and raise funds for Bacchus’ 2023 beneficiary, Della Lamb; Union Station Kansas City. Contact Lexie Clark: P.O. Box 7264, Kansas City, Missouri 64113 or 970-310-1144 or bacchuskc.org or lexie@bacchus.org.

18

21 Starr Women’s Hall of Fame; Starr Women’s Hall of Fame Induction Event; 2023 Class induction program with a guest speaker;  Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts; 4 p.m. Contact Amy Samaripa: 5115 Oak Street, Suite 300B, Kansas City, Missouri 64112 or 816-235-2452 or umkc.edu/starrhalloffame or umkcstarrhof@umkc.edu.

23 Children’s Miracle Network at KU Medical Center; 2023 Miracles Begin With You;  Celebrating Dr. Steve Lauer and Dennis Curtin’s contributions to exceptional pediatric care in our community; Carriage Club; 6 p.m.; $250. Contact Lexie Clark: 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, MS 4004, Kansas City, Kansas 66160 or 913-588-9100 or  lexclark@kumc.edu or cmnkc.org.

23 Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri; C3KC 2023; An awardwinning collaborative fundraising event convening stakeholders from the corporate, civic, and community sectors to inspire, educate, and spark change for a better Kansas City. C3KC is recognized as a thought-leader in facilitating conversations impacting the three sectors; Union Station Kansas City; 8 a.m. Contact Celeste Greenlee: 9215 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, Missouri 64114 or 816-444-2112 or jlkc.org/c3kc or cgreenlee@jlkc.org.

25 Cristo Rey Kansas City; Seventeenth Annual Dancing With The Kansas City Stars; A Kansas City favorite! Eight community leaders dance for the benefit of the students of Cristo Rey. This year’s theme is “Red Carpet Extravaganza!” Glam it up and get ready to walk the red carpet; Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center; 6 p.m.; $250. Contact Meghan Tallman: 211 West Linwood Boulevard, Kansas City,  Missouri 64111 or 816-595-2826 or dancingwiththekansascitystars.org or mtallman@cristoreykc.org.

25 Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey; 2023 Benefit Gala Featuring the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; This year’s Gala performance features the internationally acclaimed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for the first time in six years. A dinner celebration at Loews Kansas City Hotel and the best dance party will follow; Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts; 5:30 p.m.; $250. Contact Cathy Jolly: 1714 East 18th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64108 or 816-810-9552 or kcfaa.org/gala or events@kcfaa.org.

25 Lakemary; A Blueprint for Hope; A unique spin on traditional galas, this event promises a fun-filled evening with entertainment and a casual atmosphere. Wear your favorite jeans, boots, and bowties and party for a good cause; Sheraton Overland Park Hotel. Contact Skyler Stevens: 100 Lakemary Drive, Paola, Kansas 66071 or 913-543-3429 or lakemary.org/events/lakemary-gala or skyler.stevens@lakemary.org.

1 The Children’s Place; Party for The Place;  With a delicious dinner, mission-filled program, and exciting auction, this highly anticipated event is culminated by an after-party with music and dancing;  Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. Contact Sara Boatwright-Bland: 6401 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131 or 816-363-1898 or childrensplacekc.org/events or boatwrights@ childrensplacekc.org.

1 Kansas City Jazz Orchestra; Club Twenty Gala; KCJO7, a septet formed by members of our Big Band, and Lindsey Hailes, recording artist and star of the  Hadestown Broadway tour, will entertain guests. The night will have decadence and abundance as guests peruse the silent and live auctions and dine on fine food and specialty drinks; Johnnie’s Jazz Bar & Grille - Power & Light District; 7 p.m. Contact Nina Cherry: 300 East 39th Street, Suite LL1H, Kansas City, Missouri 64111 or 816-225-4949 or kcjo.org or nina@kcjo.org.

1 KC Healthy Kids; Eat Local & Organic Expo; Shop, connect, and learn with local food advocates and KC Food Circle farmers. An annual event held in the spring to kick off farmers’ market season and to promote local and organic farmers, ranchers, and artisans who are vital to our region’s local food system; Johnson County Community College;  9 a.m. Contact Lacy Peterson: 650 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City,  Kansas 66101 or 816-523-5353 or eatlocalexpokc.com or lstephens@ kchealthykids.org.

1 Lyric Opera Circle; The Lyric Opera Ball; “Celebrating the Music of Stephen Sondheim,” one of the most important figures in 21st century musical theater, this black-tie event will be an extraordinary evening where guests will enjoy opulent food, cocktails, and games as we “Send in the Clowns”; Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center; 6 p.m. Contact Juliette Singer: 1725 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64108 or 913-730-8977 or kcopera.org or julsinger@hotmail.com.

5-16 SevenDays; SevenDays 2023; The annual experience includes the Kindness Kickoff Breakfast and the Kindness Walk. Contact Ruth Baum Bigus: 8500 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite L26, Merriam, Kansas 66202 or 913-707-7746 or sevendays.org or ruth@sevendays.org.

12 Women’s Employment Network; WEN Annual Luncheon; A compelling and inspiring annual event; business casual; Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center; 11:30 a.m.; $125. Contact Erin Cole: 4328 Madison Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64111 or 816-595-1297 or kcwen.org/luncheon or ecole@kcwen.org.

14 Mental Health America of the Heartland; Beyond The Blues; Join us for a fun-filled evening with dinner, dancing, and silent and live auctions as we celebrate 25 years of serving the community; The Venue in Leawood. Contact Gina McCord: 739 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas 66101 or 913-222-5935 or mhah.org or gmccord@mhah.org.

15 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City; Kids Night Out 2023; Enjoy dinner, silent and live auctions, and an interactive program featuring a performance by Dan + Shay: Overland Park Convention Center; 5 p.m.; $500. Contact Julie Kaul: 4001 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Suite 102, Kansas City, Missouri 64130 or 816-462-0131 or kidsnightoutkc.com or jkaul@helpkckids.org.

15 Kansas City Ballet, BARRE KC; Black & White Soirée; Dance the night away with friends and enjoy drinks, appetizers, and performances by the Ballet’s Second Company. Proceeds help fund the R.O.A.D. Scholarship Program; 7:30 p.m. Contact Melanie Clark: 500 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64108 or 816-931-2232 or barresoiree.org or barre@kcballet.org.

15 Rockhurst High School; Rockhurst Spectacular; Enjoy a lively-themed atmosphere with cocktails, a gourmet dinner, raffle games, and silent and live auctions; Rockhurst High School; 5:30 p.m.; $175. Contact Moira Healy: 9301 State Line Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64114 or  816-363-2039 or rockhursths.edu/spectacular or mhealy@rockhursths.edu

15 University Academy Foundation; Annual Gala; A night of drinks, delicious food, dancing, and fun! This is a casual, festive way to connect with community members who support the school; University Academy; 6:30 p.m. Contact Natalie Spar: 8080 Ward Parkway Plaza, Kansas City, Missouri 64114 or 816-269-4586 or uafoundationkc.org/ annual-gala-d2 or natalie@uafoundationkc.org.

20Truman Library Institute; Wild About Harry; Private meet-andgreet opportunities, a lively cocktail reception, dinner, a keynote speaker, and the presentation of the 2023 Harry S. Truman Legacy of Leadership Award to Admiral Michelle Howard; Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown; 6:15 p.m.; $200. Contact Kim Rausch: 5151 Troost Avenue, Suite 300, Kansas City,  Missouri 64110 or 816-400-1214 or trumanlibraryinstitute.org/wild or kim.rausch@trumanlibraryinstitute.org.

20 Welcome House; 10th Annual Breakfast; Kansas City comes together for this inspirational morning featuring a national-caliber keynote speaker. Whether a part of the recovery community or not - it’s a memorable event for all guests. A VIP meet-and-greet follows the breakfast; Overland Park Convention Center; 7:30 a.m. Contact Grant  Golson: 1414 East 27th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64108 or  816-472-0760 or welcomehousekc.org or grantgolson@welcomehousekc.org.

21 FIRE Foundation; 25th Annual “Play with FIRE” Golf Tournament; A great day of golf and a round of fabulous fundraising; Swope Memorial Golf Course; 8 a.m. Contact Susan Williams: 20 West 9th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64105 or 816-810-1199 or firefoundation.org or susan@firefoundation.org.

19

Women’s Committee - UMKC Conservatory; Scholarship Luncheon; Featuring a three-course lunch, silent auction, and musical performance by scholarship recipients. The auction includes jewelry, home accessories, artwork, and gift certificates to restaurants and events; Indian Hills Country Club; 10:30 a.m.; $100. Contact Michele Hamlett-Weith: 4949 Cherry Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64110 or 913-269-1993 or conservatory.umkc.edu/get-involved/constituent-groups or mchwdc@gmail.com.

20 The Family Conservancy; 2023 Brew for Books; A laid-back benefit featuring Boulevard Beer, Waldo Pizza, and music; Boulevard Brewing Company; 6 p.m. Contact Jocelyn Mourning: 444 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas 66101 or 913-742-4144 or thefamilyconservancy.org or jmourning@thefamilyconservancy.org.

20 Health Partnership Clinic; Opening Doors Luncheon Celebration; The fifth annual event will feature lunch, a video presentation, awards, and a patient testimonial; Embassy Suites Hotel - Olathe Conference Center; 11:30 a.m.; $100. Contact Heather McKinney: 405 South Clairborne Road, Suite 2, Olathe, Kansas 66062 or 913-276-7012 or hpcks.org or hmckinney@hpcks.org.

20 Jackson County CASA; Light of Hope Breakfast; The awardwinning Breakfast will celebrate Jackson County CASA’s 40th anniversary. Guests will learn about the great work our organization does, and we will recognize a volunteer and business that support our work at a high level; Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center; 7 a.m.; free admission. Contact Lara Klover: 2544 Holmes, Kansas City, Missouri 64108 or 816-785-4097 or jacksoncountycasa-mo.org or lklover@jacksoncountycasa-mo.org.

20 Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri; Sip & Support; A fun happy hour featuring a silent auction and fabulous raffle items; The Martin; 6 p.m. Contact Celeste Greenlee: 9215 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, Missouri 64114 or 816-444-2112 or jlkc.org/events/sip-support or cgreenlee@jlkc.org.

OurTown

21 Phoenix Family; 2023 (Un)Gala;  (un)matched, (un)forgettable, (un)stoppable; Phoenix Family’s (UN)Gala returns; Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. Contact Laurel Groh: 3908 Washington Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111 or 816-612-8841 or give.phoenixfamily.org/ event/un-gala-2023/e419357 or lgroh@phoenixfamily.org.

21 St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School; Auction; The annual school auction for parents, alumni families, and community supporters will feature music, drinks, dinner, and plenty of fun during the live auction;  6 p.m. Contact Janice Perez: 4041 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111 or 816-268-6541 or speds.org/auction or jperez@speds.org.

22 Mizzou Alumni Association - Kansas City Chapter; Tiger Ball 2023; An annual, formal event that will reunite local alumni for an evening of celebration of our University; The Grand Hall at Power & Light; 5:30 p.m.; $150. Contact Kelly Hicks Gerding: 3030 Summit Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64081 or 816-269-8189 or kctigers.com or kellygerding5@gmail.com.

22 The Regnier Family Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City; Trivia Night; Teams of up to 10 people will enjoy complimentary drinks, appetizers, and a fast-paced, competitive evening at this fifth annual event; The Regnier Family Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City; 6:30 p.m.; $60. Contact Roxane Hill: 433 Red Bridge Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131 or 816-643-6700 or wonderscope.org or rhill@wonderscope.org.

by Charlie Podrebarac

I Wonder –if it’s too soon to make jokes about the birthday dinner fiasco?

Publisher • Rachel Lewis Falcon

Associate Publisher • Jenny Owens Hughes

Art Director • Lisa M. Shea

Editor • Nancy Sachse

Historian and Principal Writer

Heather N. Paxton

Web Editor • Annie England

Performing Arts Editor • Paul Horsley

Account Executive • Christin Painter

Office Manager • Laura Gabriel

Cartoonist • Charlie Podrebarac

Feature Writers

Jessica James, Anne Potter Russ, Nicole Jacobs Silvey

Our office is located at: 2400 West 75th Street, Suite 120 Prairie Village, KS 66208 • 816.471.2800

The Independent can be purchased at the Oak Park Mall, Town Center Plaza, and Country Club Plaza Barnes & Noble locations.

22 University of Saint Mary; SpireFest Gala; Go back to the Roaring ‘20s for an inspirational evening featuring a cocktail hour, dinner, drinks, and silent and live auctions; InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza; 6 p.m.; $200. Contact Kylie Adams: 4100 South 4th Street, Leavenworth, Kansas 66048 or 913-758-6219 or one.bidpal.net/spirefest/ welcome or kylie.adams@stmary.edu.

22 YMCA of Greater Kansas City; YMCA Challenge Your Fashion; YMCA Challenger athletes and buddies will walk the runway with current and former players from local teams. The event features dinner, silent and live auctions, and music from Dolewite and benefits the Y’s Challenger sports program and accessible sports complex for young people with disabilities; Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown; 6 p.m.; $175. Contact Jessica Earnshaw: 3100 Broadway, Suite 1020, Kansas City, Missouri 64111 or  816-561-9622 or kansascityymca.org/challengeyourfashion or jessicaearnshaw@ kansascityymca.org.

27-29 High Aspirations; NFL Draft Watch Party; The NFL Draft will be held a short distance away from our Mentoring Campus, and we look forward to supporters joining the young men of High Aspirations to watch all of the Draft action; The Mentoring Center; Contact Henry Wash: 803 East 27th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64109 or 816-305-3334 or highaspirationskc.org or admin@highaspirationskc.org.

28 United WE; Champion Breakfast; Join Honorary Chairs Kathy and Mark Donovan for an exclusive event during The NFL Draft week. The event will feature Dasha Smith and Sam Rapport, both with the NFL, Kimmi Chex, NFL Network, and other special guests; Arrowhead Stadium North Club; 8 a.m. Contact Robyn Kollar: 2100 Central Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64108 or 816-988-2000 or united-we.org or  agd@united-we.org.

29 Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph; Celebration of Hope Gala; Our signature event, this annual black-tie-optional gala celebrates hope for our neighbors as they find a pathway out of poverty. An evening of cocktails, dinner, entertainment, and hope; The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art; 6 p.m. Contact Susan Walker: 4001 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Suite 250, Kansas City,  Missouri 64130 or 816-659-8218 or catholiccharitiesgala.org or swalker@ccharities.com.

MAY

4 American Lung Association; LUNG FORCE Gala; Bringing together the Kansas and Greater Kansas City communities and its lung health champions to celebrate advancements in lung health and to raise additional funding and hope for the year to come. The event includes live and silent auctions, a program, and the Legacy Award recognition; Arrowhead Stadium; 5:30 p.m.; $150. Contact Tammy Rock: 8400 West 110th Street, Suite 130, Overland Park, Kansas 66210 or 913-353-9166 or one.bidpal.net/lungforcegala2023/welcome or tammy.rock@lung.org.

4-5 The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art; ShuttleCork 2023; Tenth year celebrating fine wine, art, and food. Enjoy Winemaker Dinners in private homes Thursday night, then join the Grand Tasting on Friday, featuring fine wine and food samples from vintners and Kansas City chefs. The Tasting will be followed by a lively auction of luxury items and an after party; The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art;  5:30 p.m.; $1,500. Contact Emily Sanger: 4525 Oak Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111 or 816-751-1360 or nelson-atkins.org/shuttlecork or  esanger@nelson-atkins.org.

5 KVC Health Systems; 2023 KVC Gala;  An upscale party at one of Kansas City’s most beautiful venues, the Gala features gourmet food and drink, musical entertainment, and fun surprises throughout the night; The Abbott; 7 p.m.; $150. Contact Celia Fritz-Watson: 21350 West 153rd Street, Olathe, Kansas 66061 or 913-322-4942 or kvc.org/gala or cfritz@kvc.org.

5 Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA); Community Luncheon; The Luncheon brings more than 1,200 guests together to support MOCSA and the many children and families we serve; Kansas City Marriott Downtown; 11:30 a.m. Contact Sandra  Williams: 3100 Broadway, Suite 400, Kansas City, Missouri 64111 or  816-285-1341 or mocsa.org/luncheon or swilliams@mocsa.org.

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:

The on Society

We can’t celebrate Women’s History Month without a nod to women of the future. You go, girls!

Ivy Baskerville, Grey James, Quinn Thedinger, and Gwen Earl