TRAILBLAZERS: KANSAS CITY WOMEN ESTABLISHED 1899 | KANSAS CITY’S JOURNAL OF SOCIETY | KCINDEPENDENT.COM | MARCH 19, 2022 | $3.00
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ESTABLISHED 1899 | KANSAS CITY’S JOURNAL OF SOCIETY | KCINDEPENDENT.COM Taylor Marie Poole
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r. and Mrs. John Inwood of Milton, Georgia, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Megan Caroline Inwood, to John Isaac Hjalmarson, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Clark Hjalmarson of Leawood, Kansas. The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of Ronni Berman of Red Bank, New Jersey. Megan is a graduate of Centennial High School in Roswell, Georgia. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in business/marketing from the University of Georgia. A member of Sigma Kappa sorority, Megan is employed with Bushnell in Overland Park, Kansas. Her groom-elect is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Peter Gerson, the late Carroll Clark Hjalmarson, and the late Mr. Gordon Ross Hjalmarson. JJ is a graduate of The Pembroke Hill School. He was a member of The Jewel Ball floor committee as well as an escort in 2013. JJ received a bachelor of arts degree in human and organizational development from Vanderbilt University. He is employed with The Gerson Company in Olathe, Kansas. Theirs will be a May 7th wedding at Rocky’s Lake Estate in Woodstock, Georgia.
THE INDEPENDENT (USPS 260-700) is a magazine of distinguished society, chronicling clubs, sports, and the cultural events scene with complete coverage in Kansas City’s preferred buyer’s market. Published bi-weekly except for December 2022 when we publish the second and third Saturdays. Published by The Independent Magazine L.L.C., Kansas City, Missouri, and Periodicals Postage Paid at Kansas City, Missouri. The Publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising material submitted for publication, including photographs. The publisher expressly prohibits the mutilation of this publication and the sale of individual clippings, articles or photographs there from whether or not item is sold in its original form or in combination with any other product, process or article. Unsolicited manuscripts will not be returned. Copyright by The Independent Magazine L.L.C. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. The Independent POSTMASTER: please send address changes to The Independent, 2400 West 75th Street, Suite 120, Prairie Village, KS. 66208.
TRAILBLAZERS: Kansas City Women | kcindependent.com | March 19, 2022 | The Independent | 5
Publisher’s Note “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” – DOLLY PARTON
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hen I first started as publisher of The Independent, I knew that I had just stepped on to a new path. A mainstay of the Kansas City community, I remember reading The Independent as I was growing up and searching for the faces of people I knew. I had no idea that I would one day come to be the publisher of the Magazine and stand in the shoes of the women who came before me. The legacy of women running The Independent began in 1909, when George Creel sold the magazine to Katherine Baxter and Clara E. Kellogg. Although they were unable to vote, they owned and operated a printing company (a fact which routinely blows my mind). The duo started the process of shaping The Independent into what it is today, as they chose to chronicle the lives of the people of Kansas City. Celebrating the centennial of The Independent being female-owned is both awe-inspiring and humbling. As the magazine turns 123 this year, it is incredible to note that it has only been owned by men for 23 of those years. As women continue to face bias around the world, we wanted to celebrate the achievements of Kansas City women along with our own. In this issue, you will find the stories of many (but definitely not all) of the women of Kansas City who advocate for and lift up other women. We also highlight several non-profit organizations that support women and girls in different capacities. It has been a true joy to spotlight the women of Our Town. I want to acknowledge Katherine Baxter, Clara Kellogg, Martha Gaylord, and Laurie Ingram for blazing the trail that I am walking today. I thank them for their achievements, because without them, this issue would not have been possible. I hope to continue the legacy for the women who will come after me.
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The National Congress of Black Women is a civic organization dedicated to the educational, political, economic, and cultural development of African American women and their families. The organization serves as a nonpartisan voice and instrument on issues pertaining to the appointment of African American women at all levels of government. Its activities include training and educating youth on the responsibilities of good citizenship, providing internships at the local, state, and national levels, encouraging voter registration, developing public policy positions at every level of government, engaging in research on critical issues affecting the quality of life for African American women and youth, and much more. The organization was founded in 1984. Sylvya J. Stevenson currently serves as the leader for the Kansas City Chapter.
The Association for Fundraising Professionals, Greater Kansas City Chapter, will hold its Women’s Leadership Panel: Leading with Intention, Equity, and Inclusion on March 30th as a virtual event. The conference will feature Panelists Michelle Wimes, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Roxane Johnson, Operation Breakthrough, Amanda Gatten, KC Pet Project, and Megan McCranie, Starlight Theatre. Co-moderators for the event will be Kelley Carpenter, Cross-Lines Community Outreach, and Melissa Jones, Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City. Guests will enjoy a lively conversation about a broad range of topics regarding leadership, authenticity, and diversity. For more info, visit afpglobal.org.
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Awesome Ambitions was founded in 1997 by Cynthia Newsome and Angela Curry. Both women were passionate about giving back to Our Town and preparing the next generation of women leaders. The organization’s mission is to empower, educate, and equip minority eighth through 12th grade girls in underserved communities to know their value and develop a plan for future success in wellness, education, and careers. Throughout the years, Awesome Ambitions has served thousands of Kansas City girls who participated in the program and have gone on to become successful women serving their families and communities. The organization’s volunteers connect with the girls and provide positive examples of achieving success and overcoming obstacles and challenges. The organization will celebrate 25 years of helping others with its Awesome Ambitions Silver Celebration, which will be held on July 21st. The event kicks off with a VIP reception at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, followed by a program and concert at the Gem Theatre. Oleta Adams, Grammy-nominated R&B singer, will perform at the event. Debby Ballard and Tammy Edwards are serving as the event leaders. Thank you, Awesome Ambitions, for the amazing work you do for our community!
TRAILBLAZERS: Kansas City Women | kcindependent.com | March 19, 2022 | The Independent | 7
T I ZERS: By Heather N. Paxton
Social life isn’t a series of linear progressions. It’s often impossible for even close friends to recall exactly when they met. Maybe they both attended the same cocktail parties dozens of times, but never had a conversation until they were on the train at Jazzoo. The year 2022 marks 100 years of women owning The Independent. This, too, isn’t a linear progression. We’re grateful to George Creel and Arthur Grissom, who gave us our start, and to Bob Ingram, who appeared at a crucial moment, and to Gleed Gaylord, Chip Ingram, and Jake Falcon, for all the support they have provided to their wives. Right now, though, we’re spotlighting Clara E. Kellogg and Katherine Baxter, Martha Nichols Gaylord, Laureen Maher Ingram, and Rachel Lewis Falcon.
CLARA E. KELLOGG AND KATHERINE BAXTER Strauss-Peyton
Clara E. Kellogg
Katherine Baxter
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Katherine Baxter
lara and Katherine met in the early 1900s when both were employed with the Kansas City World newspaper. (If you haven’t heard of it, that’s because it went out of business in 1908.) They were a couple from that time forward, living and working together. Their first joint venture was the St. Joseph Star, a newspaper in St. Joseph, Missouri. After selling the paper, they returned to Our Town and founded the Kellogg-Baxter Printing Company, the first printing firm to be owned by women in Kansas City. In 1909, Clara and Katherine bought The Independent from George Creel, the co-founder. (He later suggested that he had given the magazine to them, but that seems to have been an exaggeration. It’s more likely that because he was eager to move away, he agreed to a price which seemed low in retrospect. What George couldn’t have imagined was that The Independent would outlive him by more than 65 years.) Clara and Katherine had intended to continue George’s tradition of writing about politics and encouraging reform, but, as Clara later told an interviewer, they discovered that their readers were more interested in being entertained. Much of the focus of the 1910s and 1920s was on the theater. By a happy coincidence, The Independent’s contents began including a great number of photos at a time when portrait studios in Kansas City flourished, and many vaudeville actors chose Strauss-Peyton, Hixon-Connelly, and other local photographers to take the pictures they would use for publicity purposes while traveling the country. Wedding photos proliferated, too – and along with the accompanying write-ups, they are still a boon for genealogists, historians, and others who enjoy reading about romantic interludes. Katherine was the editor, and Clara ran the business side of the magazine. The arrangement was harmonious until April 1924, when Katherine died of pneumonia. She was 43 years old, and had been ill for only a week. The next issue of The Independent included both a tribute to Katherine (one would be published every April during the rest of Clara’s tenure) and the name of the new editor. Clara, who was 15 years Katherine’s senior, might have been expected to retire fairly quickly, but that wasn’t her plan. She continued working, even taking on the job as editor in 1927. Clara always credited Katherine for much of the Magazine’s success. While the Depression raged during the 1930s, The Independent, much like the movies, provided a source of escape. People could read about country club doings, swell times at nightspots, and changing styles at fashion shows, even if those activities were beyond their budgets. Clara owned the Magazine until 1939, when she sold it to her longtime assistant, Martha Nichols Gaylord. Clara sold the Kellogg-Baxter Printing Company a few weeks before her death in January 1944. Through the years, she made her home at 1837 Pendleton Avenue, in the house that she and Katherine had shared.
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@The Independent: Kansas City’s Journal of Society
THE WOMEN BEHIND THE INDEPENDENT Strauss-Peyton
Martha Nichols
ESTABLISHED 1899 | KANSAS CITY’S JOURNAL OF SOCIETY | WWW.KCINDEPENDENT.COM | JANUARY 20, 2018 | $3.00
MARTHA NICHOLS GAYLORD
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Strauss-Peyton
artha joined the staff in 1928, after attending Connecticut College. More than 40 years later, in a 1969 interview with the Kansas City Star, she noted that “I have never even used a typewriter.” Apparently, that wasn’t necessary. Martha wed Gleed Gaylord in 1932 and purchased The Independent from Clara in 1939. The magazines from the first half of the 1940s reflected the fact that the lives of readers and their families were very much affected by military activities in Europe and Asia. With the end of World War II, parties returned to the forefront, and from then on, opulence was once again the hallmark of the publication. As jets made foreign travel faster and easier, people submitted more vacation snaps from distant lands. The rise of the suburbs meant more room for entertaining: cocktails on the patio, and, as the baby boom crested, birthday parties and then teenage sleepovers in the rec room. When The Independent celebrated its 60th anniversary in 1959, Martha explained part of its appeal to a Star reporter: “The magazine is written in an intimate conversational style. For example, you don’t simply ‘get married’ in The Independent; you ‘tread the bridal path.’ You don’t ‘take a trip to Hawaii’; you ‘make an aerial safari to the paradise of the Pacific.’” Gleed served as business manager and vice president prior to his death in 1966 at the age of 62. For many years, the Gaylords lived at 420 East 44th Street, which they filled with 18th century French antiques. Martha’s wardrobe featured designs by Christian Dior and Norman Norell, along with hats by Mr. John. After decades at the top of the masthead as Mrs. Gleed Gaylord, (her preference), Martha sold the magazine to Bob Ingram in 1983. She may have been four feet 10 inches tall, but she was a dominant figure in her era.
Martha Hall Nichols Strauss-Peyton
Martha Hall Nichols Martha Nichols Gaylord
TRAILBLAZERS: Kansas City Women | kcindependent.com | March 19, 2022 | The Independent | 9
LAUREEN MAHER INGRAM
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aurie had been assistant publisher prior to purchasing The Independent from her father-in-law, Bob Ingram, in 1996. The Maher family connection to the Magazine began some years before Laurie’s birth: the engagement of her parents, Carolyn Jean Heier and William Edward Maher, graced The Independent’s pages in 1958. Laurie graduated from Bishop Miege High School and attended The University of Kansas. She got to know Chip Ingram while they were working together in a giftware business. The two wed in November 1990. They were already the parents of two daughters when Laurie took on the responsibilities of being publisher, and they would later add a son – and numerous pets – to their household. Laurie often chronicled her home life in her “Publisher’s Note” column: “I realize that, to my children, my childhood was somewhere between the dinosaur era and the David Riffel Photography invention of T.V.” During Laurie’s years, The Independent went from being primarily in black-and-white with an occasional splash of color to including spreads with profusion of hues. The Independent celebrated its 100th anniversary with a gala in 1999. Early in the 21st century, the publication schedule changed to every other Saturday; this led to significantly thicker issues and a much less frazzled staff. Mirroring the readers’ activities, many of the features were focused on philanthropic gatherings, and the stand-alone Charitable Events Calendar was created. Laurie herself has served in a variety of leadership roles for local organizations, notably as the chairman of the Lyric Opera Ball. Throughout the Magazine’s history, the offices had been Downtown. This changed in 2004, with a move from the Argyle Building on 12th Street to 4233 Roanoke Road in Westport. Following the sale of the Magazine in 2017, Laurie embarked on a career in real estate.
RACHEL LEWIS FALCON
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he spring of 2017 was a time of significant – and happy – changes for Rachel. April 1st (no fooling!) marked the first issue of The Independent with her name as publisher. The following month, she wed Jake Falcon. Rachel, the daughter of Kenna Bratcher Lewis and James Lewis III, graduated from The Pembroke Hill School and earned a bachelor of arts degree in classical antiquity from The University of Kansas. A member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, she is a BOTAR, class of 2011. Rachel loves the printed word, and her column, “Rachel’s Reads,” attests to the variety of her interests, including modern literature, mythology, and history. In 2018, she oversaw the project of moving the offices to Kansas. It’s a sign of how the city has grown that 2400 West 75 Street in Prairie Village, a pastoral setting in Clara and Katherine’s time, is now a hub of activity. When the global pandemic caused the sudden shutdown of nearly everything in March 2020, there was no blueprint for how to proceed. Rachel recognized that the main goal, aside from taking steps to ensure everyone’s safety, was to continue publishing. Keeping this in mind, Rachel has worked with The Independent’s staff, advertising clients, and subscribers to find ways to ensure that everyone stays connected.
Bailey Pianalto Photography
KCINDEPENDENT.COM
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T I ZING:
access to basic needs as a way for families to overcome homelessness, stabilize, and reunify. There is no maximum length of stay, and the average family lives in the private apartments for two years. The Family Empowerment Program provides financial, education, career, and wellness support so families can overcome generational poverty and lead healthy lives. The third core program is the Therapeutic Support program, which helps families build resilience through on-site mental health care. Families work with therapists to heal from past trauma, By Nicole Jacobs Silvey stabilize mental health, and improve parenting skills. When talking about the organization’s work, Starla Brennan, executive director, said, methyst Place opened its doors in 2000 and has been bringing families home to heal for more “It is so heartening when we can say ‘yes’ to one more child, mother, or family who need than 21 years. Founded by Sister Berta Sailer, Amethyst Place. Fifty-two families called Amethyst Place home in 2021, including 112 Penny Clodfelter, Oneta Templeton, Alice Kitchen, children. With a safe and furnished apartment, and a supportive community, our families Kimberley Davis, Pat Brown, and Molly O’Neill, the can focus on their recovery, mental health, and aspirations for a more hopeful future.” The impact of Amethyst Place’s work is evident in their key outcomes. In 2020, 90 organization has been a leader in assisting families with overcoming the interconnected cycles of poverty, percent of Amethyst Place moms maintained their recovery (which is double the national average). In addition, 100 percent of substance use, and trauma to achieve children were reunified with their multi-generational impact. Amethyst mothers within her first 60 days of Place supports the community through moving into the private living its mission to inspire transformational accommodations. Finally, 35 of the healing and empower generations mothers are in college, vocational of women and children to achieve training, or obtaining their GEDs. recovery, reunification, and resilience. Cristin, one of the mothers served Each year, Amethyst Place assists by the organization, came to more than 200 women and children Amethyst Place to seek assistance through its on-site services at 28th when she was unable to access and Troost in Kansas City’s urban core. adequate housing to meet the The organization’s core programs Department of Family Services include: Supportive Housing, Family guidelines to reunite with her Empowerment, and Therapeutic Support. children. Determined to save up the The Supportive Housing program income to get the required three provides fully furnished apartments and bedroom house to reclaim custody of her children, Cristin began working at U-Haul and living in Kaylee, Renee Harris, Amethyst Place; Aime, Everly, her van. She later found her way to Baby Kendall, and Mollee Flores, Amethyst Place; Amethyst Place and shared, “It were pictured during walking group, part of the Wellness Empowerment that was recently went very quickly from me being added to the programming. by myself all the time to being surrounded by all these women and children and getting my children back almost immediately after moving into Amethyst Place. There’s so much support here and many resources to access. Coming to Amethyst Place just gave me the support I needed to reach that next step for us to be a family again. This program gives me a Each Amethyst Place apartment comes lot of hope for the future.”
Amethyst Place
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fully furnished thanks to generous supporters. When program graduates move off campus, they can take all of the furnishings with them to make the transition easier.
MORE PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.
T I ZER: Klassie Alcine
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Tom Styrkowicz
lassie Alcine is the chief executive officer of KC Common Good, which works to provide critical resources to reduce the conditions that lead to violence. She recently served as a guest mentor for Madam President Camp, where she is also an advisory board member. The organization offers a one-week camp focused on fostering leadership skills and providing civic education for girls ages 10 to 13. Klassie is a community advisory board member for The Beacon and a selection advisory council member for the GreenLight Fund. In addition, she is the vice president of marketing/communications for the UMKC Alumni Association Governing Board. Other organizations she supports include We Code KC, Prep-KC, and Junior Achievement. Klassie admires the work of Kilee Nickels of Nickel & Suede. For outdoor dining, Klassie chooses Tannin Wine Bar and Kitchen. A.M. outings? You may find her having breakfast at eggtc. on Main Street. Her drink of choice is green tea. Favorite place for selfies? That’s Union Station Kansas City. Klassie said, “I have dedicated my life to being inclusive, mindful of others, using my high emotional intelligence, convening people, and building capacity to better the greater Kansas City community.”
Klassie’s Kansas City Favorites: Happy Hour Spot: Third Street Social Klassie Alcine, Rising Star Class of 2017
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Salad: Bill’s Chicken Salad from Grand Street Cafe Female-owned Business: Cherry Sports Gear
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The Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri
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By Heather N. Paxton
he Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri was established more than a century ago. Since then, the organization has raised more than $18.5 million and provided in excess of 2.5 million volunteer hours to 350 community partners. The current focus is on women’s and children’s issues, centering on self-sustainability, abuse and neglect, and childhood development. “We are the only entity in the entire metro that trains volunteers to go out and serve the community – and we’ve been incredibly good at it,” Kimberlee Ried, 20212022 president, said, adding, “No other organization can offer the type of volunteer training we provide to women.” The League’s endeavors benefit individuals and organizations in ways large and small. In 2021, the League provided 400 comfort kits, which included essential items and personal hygiene products, to organizations such as Newhouse, Rose Brooks Center, and Amethyst Place. One recipient noted that the League’s kit was packaged in a little red bag, which made it look like a gift. She saw that as a token of kindness, one that helped her regain her dignity.
Meghann Aberle, Kimberlee Ried, Kirsten Moore, Danee Greenwald, and Celeste Greenlee at the opening of the 2021 Holiday Mart at Bartle Hall
Celeste Greenlee, the executive director stated, “This year, the League established a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board position and committee to build a stronger membership and bring greater awareness to these issues. Our League members continue in our long-standing tradition of identifying areas of need within our community and collaborating with non-profit organizations to work toward solutions. Our trained volunteers take bold action to make a positive impact in Kansas City.” Anyone who identifies as a woman is encouraged to join the organization, which currently has nearly 500 Active members and more than 700 Sustaining members. In 2021, the League’s Healthy U Family Meals Program provided nutritious food and meal preparation information to 300 families. A total of 68 Zoom presentations assisted 433 women who were interested in learning more about financial independence. In recent years, the organization has sponsored the C3KC collaborative conference, bringing together leaders with the goal to “Spark Change for a Better Kansas City.” In 2022, the League will partner with 17 non profits. MORE PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.
TRAILBLAZERS: Kansas City Women | kcindependent.com | March 19, 2022 | The Independent | 13
T I ZING:
Giving Hope & Help
By Heather N. Paxton
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essica McClellan founded Giving Hope & Help in 2013. It is “a non-profit organization that supports domestic violence survivors, provides essential resources to end period poverty, empowers college bound and non-traditional students, and inspires cancer patients.” Jessica notes that she is following a tradition of service. Her great-grandfather, R.L. McCallop, was the founder of the first Black-owned bus company in Shawnee, Kansas. His focus was on providing transportation for Black students, ensuring that they could attend school and be educated. She said, “My family has come from slavery to school buses to scholarships. It’s impossible for me not to serve. It’s in my DNA. Onward with my life’s mantra: ‘Live to Give.’”
Board Members Stacey Koenig, Renee Sutherland, Kevin McClellan, Jessica McClellan, founder and president; Felissa Johnson, and Jill Hays
ability to bring diverse groups of people together… . When we weren’t certain that period products would be available during the pandemic, Jessica and Giving Hope & Help were there for us.” Giving Hope & Help also sends products to other countries, including Africa, Cambodia, Haiti, Mexico, and the Bahamas. More than 50,000 recipients have benefited. Jessica created the LOVE Bags 4 Cancer initiative to honor the memory of her late niece. At the time it was launched in 2015, the plan was that the bags would be given to hospitalized cancer patients on Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. That was successfully accomplished for several years in partnership with four Kansas City metro area hospitals. Due to the pandemic, a change was made in May 2020: now, nominations are accepted, and the bags are mailed to recipients.
Skye Taylor, scholarship recipient; with Jessica McClellan, founder and president, and Kevin McClellan, board member
Board Members Renee Sutherland, Jill Hays, Kevin McClellan, and Jessica McClellan with Mayor Quinton Lucas, and the Reverend Fran Spearman and Stacey Koenig, both board members
Giving Hope & Help provides period products, underwear, and other essential items to more than 30 domestic violence shelters and other places of refuge in the metropolitan Kansas City area and in Texas. These products enable women to take care of their hygienic needs while maintaining their dignity. On December 11th, the organization donated $31,000 worth of supplies to eight local venues. Courtney Thomas, the chief executive officer of Newhouse Shelter, said, “No matter the season, Jessica always shows up to support [the] community. She has the
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Education is highly valued by Giving Hope & Help. The organization has an annual scholarship initiative, The Education Is Your Passport Scholarship Program. The beneficiaries are high school seniors in underserved areas and non-traditional students who are preparing to attend college. As Kierra Broadnax, a recipient, noted, “I’m so happy to have received this scholarship. It has helped take a bit of the load off regarding paying for college that is just a big stressor for students like me. My family appreciates the support as well, and I’m forever grateful.” Beginning in 2015, Giving Hope & Help has awarded 79 scholarships, including four full-ride scholarships to Metropolitan Community College – Penn Valley. In collaboration with Ryana Parks-Shaw, Kansas City, Missouri, City Council member, Giving Hope & Help donated 2,300 backpacks filled with school supplies as part of Operation Backpack in August 2021. There are many roles for volunteers at the organization, including serving on “Dream Teams,” which support the various initiatives, hosting a party where supplies from Giving Hope & Help are packed by the partygoers into MORE PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND bags for distribution by the organization, hosting ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM. Facebook fundraisers, and more.
@The Independent: Kansas City’s Journal of Society
TRAILBLAZERS: Kansas City Women | kcindependent.com | March 19, 2022 | The Independent | 15
T I ZING:
Girl Scouts of NE Kansas & NW Missouri By Anne Potter Russ
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or some girls, this is where it all starts. Girl Scouts is where they learn leadership skills, confidence, problem solving skills, innovative thinking, and the cultivation of a passion. For some girls, this is an addendum to what they receive at home, but to others, this is the only opportunity they will have to interact with adults who are volunteering to mentor young women so they can go out and blaze a positive trail of their own in the world. The Girl Scouts organization is dedicated to preparing girls for leadership, providing more than 15,000 girls in our region, grades K to 12, with empowering, fun, and impactful leadership experience. The programming focuses on critical areas such as civic engagement, STEAM, entrepreneurship, and outdoor experiences. According to the organization’s Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri’s chief executive officer, Joy Wheeler, “With the support of incredible, dedicated adult volunteers, we are empowering the leaders of tomorrow to take our community to the next level and fill a workforce gap that continues to grow.”
Through the Love of Murals program, Troop 2036 Girl Scouts Gemma, Scarlett, Amelia, Anasten, Laila, Hannah, Lucille, Lola, and Avra learned about art in Kansas City.
The organization reports that girls involved in the program fare better than non-Girl Scouts in the areas of strong sense of self, positive values, challenge-seeking, healthy relationships, and community problem solving. All of these areas contribute to strong leadership outcomes. In the case of strong leadership, Mackenzie Clevenger provides a perfect example. While working towards her Gold Award (the highest acclaim a Girl Scout can achieve), Mackenzie has spent more than 80 hours researching, designing, planning, and building a brand new greenhouse for the members of the Veterans Community Project. This new greenhouse will help veterans on their own journeys as they learn patience, watchfulness, industry, and thrift while understanding the growing process of plants and how it benefits them. Never doubt that one girl can, indeed, make a difference! The Girl Scouts’ organization is always in need of dedicated volunteers and stewards of the program. There are more than 8,000 current volunteers in the region, and more volunteers means more Girl Scouts can be served. Adults provide roles such as troop leaders, program experts, facilitators, financial experts, Cookie Program leaders, and camp leaders. It is always the right time to provide a powerful example of adult mentoring and leadership to young, eager-to-learn girls.
Daisy Scouts Addie, Mary, and Jade took their adventures outdoors.
MORE PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.
T I ZER: Terri Barnes
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Tom Styrkowicz
erri Barnes is the founder and chief executive officer for The Nia Project, which was launched in 2021. She serves as board president for the organization. Its mission is to support projects that build confidence, capacity, and opportunity for Black girls and women. One of its signature events is Black Women Get Fit. Terri is on a planning team to create a variety of health and wellness events, some in partnership with other local organizations. She serves on the event committee for Only One Day A Year at The Coterie. Terri is a supporter of A-Flat Orchestra, KUAW Radio, the National Congress of Black Women, the W.E.B. DuBois Learning Center, KC Melting Pot Theatre, The Black Archives, Uzazi Village, Sisters in Christ, In the Word Ministries, and the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. When the weather is good, Terri heads to Canary for outdoor dining. Her Happy Hour spot is Soiree – and she relishes an Arnold Palmer. Terri recommends Breakfast and Lunch Lovers’. She is also partial to Bill’s Chicken Salad at Grand Street Cafe. Gorgeous K, the designer and beauty consultant, wins praise from Terri. She has recently retired, and is thrilled to spend more time in the community working on issues that she cares about. Terri said, “Kansas City has always proven itself to be an extremely generous philanthropic community, and I feel honored to join the ranks in a more intentional way!”
Terri’s Kansas City Favorites: Female-owned Business: Keitiqued Care Terri Barnes, Rising Star Class of 2016
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Hometown Athlete: Tyrann Mathieu, Kansas City Chiefs Breakfast Spot: King’s Table Soul Food Restaurant
Art Insider The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
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hen Lee Pentecost moved to Kansas City with her husband, Rick, in 1961, she knew nothing about her new hometown. As she was settling in, a welcome-wagon volunteer stopped by with a box of information – including a flier stating that the William Rockhill Nelson Gallery of Art and Mary Atkins Museum of Fine Arts was seeking volunteer docents. “They needed the children’s guides for the Chinese department. So that’s what I did. And life changed forever.” When Lee attended her first docent training in March of 1962, she had no idea that she was embarking on a 60-year journey of learning, sharing, and connecting with visitors from around the world. She had no idea she would become the longest-serving of the Museum’s docents. During the years, she wrote 16 tours about the Museum’s collections, exploring themes such as mythology, frames, and her most popular, The Art of Love. She led the Docent Committee from 1987 to 1989 and was a founding member of the Volunteer Council. She served on the Friends of Art purchase committee that helped acquire Joseph Cornell’s A Pantry Ballet (for Jacques Offenbach). She also researched and wrote a history of the Friends of Art, assisting then-curator Deborah Emont Scott with mounting an exhibition celebrating the Friends’ Docent Lee Pentecost acquisitions. Oh, and some of the object labels in the European gallery? She helped then-curator Roger Ward to rewrite them, too. Although she’s decided that 2022 is the year to hang up her hat, she is still studying the collections and sharing her research with Museum staff. After Julián Zugazagoitia approximately 20,000 volunteer hours already given to the Museum, what’s a few more?
TRAILBLAZERS: Kansas City Women | kcindependent.com | March 19, 2022 | The Independent | 17
T I ZING:
Young Women on the Move
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By Nicole Jacobs Silvey
ary Beth Gentry believes in young women and their unlimited potential. She founded Young Women on the Move (YWOM) in 2005 to help unleash the power of girls to create a more vibrant, healthy and peaceful world. When asked about YWOM’s work, Mary Beth, who also serves as chief executive officer, stated, “Today’s youth are by far our country’s most precious resource. An investment in them now will yield significant returns to all of us. Too many young women in our community are marginalized with few opportunities to reach their full potential. At YWOM, we focus primarily on adolescent girls to help them break through the many barriers to reaching their full potential. When we make sure they have caring adults in their lives, when they discover their strengths, and have opportunities to grow, they will thrive. And so will we.” Young Women on the Move’s focus on adolescent health embraces a holistic approach to health and wellness for young women, ages 11 through 24, who reside in Wyandotte County. YWOM is fully endorsed by the Kansas City, Kansas School District, and the organization collaborates with health, business, and community organizations who support the more than
Tamia Phillips, Asia Upton, Amaris Hernandez, Yulissa Bunuelos, and Rebecca Garza were pictured at a field trip to the Kansas State Capitol.
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@theindependentkc
Aubrei Harris was all smiles at the field trip to Gibbs Farm during Young Women on the Move’s summer camp.
Chef Gary Hild, healthy cooking instructor; with A’Kirah Fields and Yajaira Pacheco
400 young women served. Carol Marinovich said, “Young Women on the Move brings together the community in support of young women. By providing a safe, welcoming environment with hot meals through its Summer Girls Empower Camp, our organization was able to access and serve girls beyond our individual reach.” YWOM’s services include school-based workshops, as well as after-school and summer programs. An intensive leadership development program called Trailblazers prepares girls to model holistic health as peer mentors and become advocates for healthy community change. YWOM has collected data to support the effectiveness of its holistic approach. They have found that 98 percent of participants graduate from high school compared to 79 percent overall for the district. In addition, 75 percent of the participants report increased resiliency and improved self-efficacy. These positive outcomes are consistently seen from the young women who engage in the weekly programs. Volunteers assist YWOM in numerous ways. Community members can volunteer to assist with the weekly after-school or summer programs. Facilitators are trained to mentor and engage youth in life skills workshops and activities. There are also opportunities to serve on the board of directors, assist with co-teaching evidence-based curricula in workshop settings, join special projects for groups or individuals, and offer administrative support in the form of curriculum development, grant writing, marketing, and more. Mistie Vang and Audrey Lopez
MORE PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.
Rachel ’s Reads “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.” - A MELIA E ARHART
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n this toast to trailblazing women, I wanted to recommend memoirs and biographies of women who have changed history in eight different fields. There is a politician, an activist, a scientist, a writer, an artist, a sportswoman, a business woman, and a historical figure. Each of these women may already be known to you, but I loved taking a deeper dive into their backgrounds. Unbought and Unbossed by Shirley Chisholm The first Black congresswoman, Shirley Chisholm blazed a trail for the women who came after her. This is her account of her rise from a young girl in Brooklyn to the first woman to be a candidate for President of the United States. It shows that she wanted to serve the public and her constituents to the best of her ability. Her tenacity and passion truly leap off of the page. I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai Malala has been an activist for female education and her story is well known. Because of this, there is no one who can better tell her story than Malala herself. This book was a wonderful read as she shows us the power of our own voices. The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race by Walter Isaacson The 2020 Nobel Prize winner Jennifer Doudna is a biochemist who pioneered work in gene editing. As she continues her work today, that work might very well shape the future. Walter Isaacson’s book is a fantastic read that brings Jennifer and CRISPR to life. Toni Morrison’s Spiritual Vision: Faith, Folktales, and Feminism in Her Life and Literature by Nadra Nittle Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison was the first woman to jump to mind when thinking about trailblazing writers. Her work centers around Black women and examines the Black American experience. Nadra’s book is part biography and part literary analysis that shows how faith and African folktales impacted Toni’s work. Augusta Savage: The Shape of a Sculptor’s Life by Marilyn Nelson Both a magnificent sculptor in her own right and a teacher whose studio was important to generations of artists, Augusta Savage helped create a place for Black women in the art world. This biography is told through poems and pays lyrical tribute to another artist by bringing Augusta to life. Wonder Girl: The Magnificent Sporting Life of Babe Didrikson Zaharias by Don Van Natta Jr. Widely regarded as one the best athletes of all time, Babe excelled in golf, basketball, baseball, and was a gold medal winner for track and field. Wonder Girl really takes the reader through the evolution of Babe, from spoiled child to amazing athlete. Her life, much like the American Dream, was full of contradictions and triumphs, and left a mark that changed how we view women in sports. Personal History by Katharine Graham It seemed apropos to include Katharine Graham on this list as she was the publisher of The Washington Post from 1963 to 1991, which included its reporting on the Watergate scandal. This memoir is all about Katharine’s history and her thought process for decision-making. It is a fascinating read to gain more insight into her character.
Happy Reading!
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@KCIndependent
Sara Marie Photography
Beautiful: The Life of Hedy Lamarr by Stephen Michael Shearer One of Hollywood’s most beautiful and remarkable stars, Hedy Lamarr’s story is more than it seems at first glance. After giving up her performing career to marry an Austrian munitions manufacturer in what seemed to be a fairy-tale marriage, she eventually fled when her husband befriended Benito Mussolini. Escaping to Hollywood, she led a charmed life until her personal problems cast an overwhelming shadow. However, she was a secret inventor responsible for a communications system that still has security implications today. The illustrated book, Hedy Lamarr’s Double Life by Laurie Hallmark and Katy Wu, is fantastic for young readers.
TRAILBLAZERS: Kansas City Women | kcindependent.com | March 19, 2022 | The Independent | 23
T I ZING:
I AM 4: Thirteens
By Nicole Jacobs Silvey
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esha Tyler founded I AM 4: Thirteens in 2016 to provide empowerment and enrichment programs to young women in the eighth through 12th grades through a variety of workshops. The purpose is to equip the participants with the tools and resources needed to prepare for college and build career readiness skills. The organization accomplishes this through enrichment programs focusing on building confidence, health and wellness skills, college prep, and leadership development. I AM 4: Thirteens strives to encourage young women to live boldly and with purpose.
Sadeen Khalaifeh, K’ymora Murry, Zaniya Rowe, and Santana Spencer
Sade Tyler, Santana Pencer, K’ymora Murray, India Wells-Carter, Zaniya Rowe, Sadeen Khalaifeh, Carina K. Taylor, Kamrin Johnson, Alayna Johnson, and Andrea Carnes
Iesha focuses on the impact of mentors and likens them to superheroes who “come to impact the world one mentee at a time.” She is a lifelong resident of Kansas City and is an active community member. A collegiate athlete, Iesha earned her degree and certificates in communications and organizational leadership from The University of Kansas. She is currently pursuing a master of business administration degree at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. Iesha has worked in higher education for a decade and lends her expertise to the content of the various workshops and programs. In addition, I AM 4: Thirteens also hosts events, such as the Self Made Girl Boss Conference, to help adequately prepare young women for leadership and entrepreneurship. I AM 4:Thirteens has a great impact on the lives of the young women it serves. The outcomes of the program show that participants who meet with a mentor on a regular basis are 38 percent more likely to graduate on time, 55 percent more likely to enroll in college, and 130 percent more likely to assume leadership positions. One of the participants in the program had this to say, “I love I AM 4: Thirteens and the way it has shaped me as a young woman and helped me prepare for my college transition. I’ve been with the program for four years and am looking forward to graduating in May. Most importantly, I have been awarded more than $80,000 in scholarship assistance to help me pay my tuition because of the assistance and preparation of this program.” By supporting young women on their college access journey, the organization helps create a new generation of powerful women leaders who are unafraid to pursue their dreams and reach their highest potential. Volunteers are at the heart of I AM 4: Thirteens’ work, and they have four ways in which to engage: through the programs/workshops, by serving as mentors, supporting annual events, and working alongside the executive board. In addition to volunteering, community members can sponsor a young woman as she prepares to attend college by contributing to scholarship gift packages for high school seniors. MORE PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.
T I ZER: Ruth Brackney
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Tom Styrkowicz
uth Brackney is an attorney and a partner with Lathrop GPM. She is a board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas City. The organization supports girls (Littles) by matching them with a female mentor (Big) to provide them with a role model, friend, and mentor. The goal of BBBS is to help at-risk youth realize their full potential by building lasting and life-changing friendships. “As a board member, I help support the mission of BBBS by recruiting potential Bigs, educating others about the mission of BBBS, and fundraising,” Ruth stated. She is also a supporter of Wayside Waifs. On festive occasions, she enjoys a margarita. Ruth favors Aixois for breakfast. Hi Hat Coffee also gets a nod of approval from her. Ruth stated, “I am a huge advocate for supporting other professional women and women-owned businesses. I actively seek out meeting other professional women to grow my network. I believe that women should encourage, support, and empower one another and celebrate each other’s successes and triumphs. I recently saw a quote that really stuck with me that said, ‘Be the woman who fixes another woman’s crown without telling the world it was crooked.’”
Ruth Brackney, Rising Star Class of 2020
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@theindependentkc
Ruth’s Kansas City Favorites: Female-owned Business: Bamboo Penny’s Happy Hour Spot: Brookside Barrio • Salad: Grilled Salmon & Kale Salad at The Tavern
T I ZING:
Junior League of Wyandotte and Johnson Counties
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By Anne Potter Russ
ounded in 1934 as The Service League of Kansas City, Kansas, the organization later became the Junior League of Kansas City, Kansas, and now is finally known as the Junior League of Wyandotte and Johnson Counties. It is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. This diverse group of women has spent the last 88 years working to improve the quality of life for those living in the Wyandotte and Johnson county areas. This includes the creation of the Wyandotte County Book Mobile (which became West Wyandotte County Library Branch), establishing the Wyandotte House (which became KVC Health Systems), and collaborating to establish both the Ronald McDonald House and Sunflower House. They have also created a food pantry for the Bethel Neighborhood Center, and provided more than 60 years worth of Children’s Theater productions.
Presenting a check to Care Beyond the Boulevard were: (Front row) Sarah Cointment with her son, and Maddie Laughlin (middle row) Lisa Quinlan, Linda Riley, Angie Masloski, Rebekah Baughman, Sandra Olivas-Talavera, Jaynell “KK” Assmann, Mindy Rocha, Kiely Phelan, Allison Barth, Christina Carson, and Sara Willimon (back row) Shandin Duffer, Geralynn Baxter, Jessica Fraser, and Jennifer Siehndel.
Partnering with the Bethel Neighborhood Center has been a very important part of serving the people living in the West Bottoms area of Kansas City, Kansas. With Bethel, JLWJC has provided food pantry assistance and worked with elementary-aged children in after-school programs. Another partnership with Care Beyond the Boulevard has primarily focused on free, compassionate medical care to the homeless and uninsured. They also create snack packs, hygiene care packages, collect blankets, and help with donation management. All of this good work requires volunteers, and as Jessica Fraser, president-elect said, “We provide opportunities for our members to grow and develop into the amazing leaders they are while also introducing them to many worthwhile causes in our area.” The JLWJC has 275 members who have gifted more than $3.2 million to area non profits, and 2.8 million service hours, as well. Interested women who want to help make a difference can assist with a donation, or they can contact Jessica regarding becoming a member. “Your support will ensure that we continue to strengthen our community impact and develop female civic MORE PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND leaders for years to come,” Jessica stated. ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.
TRAILBLAZERS: Kansas City Women | kcindependent.com | March 19, 2022 | The Independent | 25
T I ZING:
InnovateHER KC
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By Heather N. Paxton
nnovateHER KC’s mission is to serve women and individuals from marginalized gender communities in the verticals of entrepreneurship, community advocacy, civic leadership, education, and the arts. The organization offers support through its five pillars: social connection, Debby Ballard, Rachael Qualls, Merrique Jenson, and Deanna Munoz, professional development, championship, mentorship, and resource IHKC Women in Leadership event speakers sharing. The leadership community, which was founded in 2018, currently has more than 5,000 members. “One of the things I love most about the work of InnovateHER is that it’s 100 percent self-actualizing for our members. Together, we have created a safe and supportive environment for our members to connect, receive guidance, share stories, and access resources that can help them achieve their leadership goals,” said Lauren Conaway, the founder and chief Carly Rae Robinson and Thalia Cherry at executive officer. InnovateHER KC InnovateHER @ Plexpod Westport offers monthly meetups, social events, social justice events, and programming. sharing my links, donating to the cause, InnovateHER KC @ Plexpod is a coworking and cheering me on each day as my space available at a low cost to company got closer to its goal. My members. In addition, other resources muralist, bookkeeper, and two booked include sharing stories on social media, venues for my new coffee company all a podcast, and the KC Diverse Speaker came from this network of women,” Directory. said Jackie, now the founder and owner “The work that InnovateHER KC is of Cafe Cà Phê. doing is so vital for women leaders in InnovateHER KC is always interested Kansas City. By connecting diverse in attracting volunteers to share their women and supporting them along expertise, particularly in leading their journey with the right tools, programs, suggesting content, and InnovateHER has the opportunity to helping to plan and promote events. absolutely transform our community Sheila Seck, Katie Alsip, Charlotte Clark, and from the ground up,” said Courtney Samantha Salem at the InnovateHER Awards Launch Party Thomas, board vice chairman. InnovateHER KC can benefit someone at any stage of the entrepreneurial process. Hannah McGraw, a student at Notre Dame de Sion High School, recalled a time when her team, Feeding KC, was stymied in finding an opportunity to support a community effort dealing with food insecurity. InnovateHER connected Feeding KC with Young Family Farm. “We quickly engaged with Young Family Farm’s mission,” Hannah said. “My team was able to aid the farm by conducting marketing strategies for them which allowed their revenues to skyrocket on the following market days.” Jackie Nguyen, formerly an actor in New York, had just moved to Our Town and was immersed in plans to open what she describes as Kansas City’s first Vietnamese coffee shop. InnovateHER KC members helped with the process, notably by supporting Jackie’s Kickstarter campaign, which reached its financial goal a week ahead of schedule, and by providing advice. “I kid you not, women in this group, that I had never met before, were MORE PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.
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Katie Alsip, Olivia Nebels, and Theresa Garza at the IHKC Suite & Greet
@The Independent: Kansas City’s Journal of Society
T I ZING:
Newhouse
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By Anne Potter Russ
magine the phone ringing 21,000 times when the voice on the other end of the line is begging for help in a domestic abuse situation. During the last 50 years in the existence of Newhouse, that is the approximate number of calls they have taken for requested assistance from, primarily, women. While victims of domestic abuse span all genders, historically, females are the most common victims. Newhouse has been providing help and hope for women and children in the Kansas City area for 50 years now. Founded in 1971 by Sharon Garfield and Dortha Mae Olsen, the organization and its environs serve as a safe haven. The mission of Newhouse is to be “the catalyst for survivors of domestic violence to rise through the impacts of trauma by providing an ecosystem of transformative services that lead to safety, self-sufficiency, and whole-person healing.” “Every survivor deserves to have the request for help met. As a community, it is up to us to take action and stand with survivors. Domestic violence never takes a break, and neither does Newhouse,” Courtney Thomas, president and CEO, Dortha Mae Olsen, proudly stated. Courtney and her team co-founder of Newhouse
The first Newhouse shelter, from 1971-1988
estimate that in 2021 alone, more than 8,000 hotline calls were made, and 200 individuals were housed through their emergency shelter, hotel stays, and transitional housing. That equates to more than 21,000 safe bed nights for adults and children. When Jennifer arrived at Newhouse, she was fleeing a marriage filled with violence and trauma. While she appeared quiet, she also had a quiet strength, and Jennifer took part in therapeutic services, saw her case
A drawing by a seven-year-old living in Newhouse
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@KCIndependent
Carly Dexter, Early Learning Center coordinator
manager weekly, and worked to find stable housing and a career. Eight years later, and still living in the same apartment Newhouse helped to secure, Jennifer is working for another social services agency. She is now passionate about building a community partnership with Newhouse to ensure survivors receive the same kind of help that she did. That, in a nutshell, is breaking the cycle. Domestic violence is a multifaceted issue. In order for Newhouse to be able to assist women in survival, it takes strategic collaboration, partnerships, and resources to help in the process of responding, shifting, and shattering the barriers that feed the cycle of domestic violence. Volunteers make a huge difference at Newhouse! They can help the Early Learning Center teachers with activities, organizing, and cleaning, maintain and beautify outdoor spaces, assist with administrative projects, prepare and serve meals, host a fundraiser, and so much more! Oh, and don’t forget the skilled and compassionate people who volunteer to answer the phone, time after time. MORE PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.
PHILANTHROPY MATTERS Natalie Julien, president and chief executive officer, CASA of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties
Natalie Julien is the president and chief executive officer of CASA of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers advocate in court on behalf of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. Natalie earned a bachelor of science degree in social science from California Polytechnic State University and master’s degrees in social work and public administration from the University of Southern California. Her career has included stints with the Thomas House Family Shelter in Garden Grove, California; Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Children’s Way Foster Family Agency, and the Department of Children and Family Services.
Greater Kansas City Chapter
To learn more about becoming a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Kansas City Chapter, please visit afpkc.org.
The Independent is proud to be the exclusive media partner of AFPKC.
TRAILBLAZERS: Kansas City Women | kcindependent.com | March 19, 2022 | The Independent | 29
T I ZING:
Kansas City Women’s Chorus By Heather N. Paxton
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MORE PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM. AndersonArtwork.com
he harmony isn’t just in the voices. As the organization’s mission statement states, “The Kansas City Women’s Chorus is a catalyst for change, pushing ourselves and our audiences beyond what is thought possible. Simply singing is not enough.” KCWC was founded in 1999 by Stephanie Henry. Today, the Chorus includes more than 100 members. Emily Marrin, executive director, stated, “As an arts organization, we have the opportunity to give a platform to and amplify the voices of other non profits in our area. We enrich their mission and events through our outreach performances and giving them tables in our concert lobby and musical collaborations on our stage.” “We know that our everyday actions are a reflection of what we do as a chorus,” said Marjie Siegfried-Stuber, board vice president. She added, “At every board meeting, we address ways we can increase our impact in the Kansas City area – and by extension, the world itself – through our music, our volunteer efforts, and our partnerships. These partnerships aren’t just something that happen; they are an intentional and integral part of what KCWC is as an organization.” Some of the organizations that KCWC has partnered with and/or provided services and support to include the Women’s Equality Coalition, Veronica’s Voice, Gilda’s Club, Amethyst Place, Harvesters, Sheffield Place, in addition to the Kansas City Girls’ Choir and the Kansas City Kansas Community College Chamber Choir. KCWC also partners with and/or provides assistance to organizations that are focused on girls or women, in addition to underserved nursing homes and other groups.
“We can name more than 80 organizations that we support individually or collectively. Pre-COVID-19, we did approximately 12 ‘runouts’ each year, which means we had a representative small ensemble from KCWC that would provide entertainment for organizations throughout Kansas City,” said Marjie Siegfried-Stuber. She added, “We have provided cash to our partners, as well as tangible marketing by highlighting their organizations at every one of our concerts. We distribute their materials, provide free advertisement, and showcase their missions. Over the 23 years of KCWC’s existence, more than 15 organizations have received this heightened visibility, and all 80 have been listed on our website and/or in our printed program.” A highlight from Chorus members a few years ago was partnering with a group of female high school students from at-risk situations. When these young women graduated, Chorus members sent cards and gifts, some of which were the only ones received by the graduates. In exchange, they received thank you notes filled with excitement about graduation and deep appreciation for the acknowledgements they received. Everyone involved could take pride in the work they had done together. KCWC is always in search of committed board members, as well as volunteers to assist in “front of the house” activities at concerts. Singers are always welcome to audition. Alice Kitchen, Women’s Equality of Greater Kansas City, said of their partnership, “It has been wonderful for us and for our members. The music KCWC creates is a tribute to all women. It’s all about women’s rights, women’s choices. KCWC contributes to our community through their music, and we are so grateful, because KCWC’s music lifts our hearts and inspires us.”
Members of the Kansas City Women’s Chorus
T I ZER: Deanna DiSalvo
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Tom Styrkowicz
s senior project manager for H&R Block, Deanna DiSalvo has a full plate, professionally. But that fact has not caused this energetic woman to shy away from other commitments in Kansas City, whether they are civic, philanthropic, or just for fun! Deanna has led the Opes Charitable Foundation both as executive director and Gala coordinator, she is a committee member for the Red Shoe Shindig to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of KC, she serves on the leadership committee for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man & Woman of the Year, and she is in training to run the Boston Marathon in April as a member of the MS Society team! Deanna is a fan of Patrick Mahomes, the Chisaya Mama Salad at The Mixx, Fox and Pearl, Extra Virgin, and Hotel Kansas City. Her side hustle is The Sweet Lemon Project, which she started and is her true creative outlet. According to Deanna, “A few years ago life handed me a few lemons. With encouragement from family and friends, I opened a simple Etsy shop and I used my creative knack as an outlet. I focused energy on new projects, started sharing them with others and found that it made sour times feel a little sweeter. There is something incredibly hopeful about a fresh (squeezed) start!”
Deanna DiSalvo, Rising Star Class of 2021
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@theindependentkc
Deanna’s Kansas City Favorites: Patio/Deck: Canary Bar + Bistro Breakfast Spot: Billie’s Grocery • Female Maker: Floraloom Studio
T I ZERS: K A N S A Dr. Shelley Cooper Diversity Telehealth diversitytelehealth.com
Rachel Ervin Hide Society @Hide_Society
Cynthia L. Fails LaunchCrate Publishing @CLFails
Ann Lewis Marzette Easy As Pie @EasyAsPieKC
Asia Lockett Brown Suga @BrownSugaKC_
Erin-Michelle Luttrell Eclairs de la Lune @Eclairs_de_la_Lune
Jen Mann Throat Punch Media @JenMannAuthor
Kim Randolph INCU incullc.com
LaTasha Roberts James The Veil KC @TheVeilKC
Diana Russ Butter Bakery KC @ButterBakeryKC
Debra Smith Artist @DebraMarleenSmith
Katherine Blauwiekel Anne-Marie Designs @AnneMarieDesignsKC
Teri Castrop Kansas City Caramels @KansasCityCaramels
Shelia Johnson Gangsta Goodies Kitchen @GangstaGoodiesKitchen
Jessica King Fitz Collective @Fitz_KC
Ebony Paul-Harris Brown Suga @BrownSugaKC_
Makeda C. Peterson JuneteenthKC @JuneteenthKCMO
Lauren Pusateri
Mackenzie Becker MackBecks @MackBecks
P.Cluston
T I ZERS : Members Of The 1932 Kans Mrs. Clara Stover • 1206 Main St. Started as a hobby in a Chicago apartment in 1918 the business of Mrs. Stover’s Bungalow Candies, moving westward during its growth, to Denver in 1923, where their bungalow home suggested the present name, to Kansas City in 1925, to Chicago and other cities in 1928, has expanded so that in 1932 we find outlets in seven cities with representation in thirty-eight states.
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@The Independent: Kansas City’s Journal of Society
Martha McLendon • Attorney-at-Law 1031 Scarritt Building Admitted to Bar in Missouri, 1923; entered the law offices of the late Hon. Oliver H. Dean, 1927; Divorce Proctor, 1930; now engaged in the general practice of law. Clubs: Women’s City Club, Director Business and Professional Women’s Club, Women’s Jefferson Democratic Club, League of Women Voters, Kappa Beta Pi, National Legal Sorority, Missouri Bar Association, Director Citizens’ League.
Miss Anne Sarachon Hooley Owner and Director of Sarachon Hooley Schools of Secretarial Training In these days when a secretary must have poise, character, charm, and the utmost efficiency, Miss Hooley finds there is an ever-recurring thrill in her work of building the modern girl to become “Her Highness, the Private Secretary to American Business.”
AS CITY WOMEN Amy Goldman The Brewkery @TheBrewkery
Michaela Hamilton Crochet City KC @CrochetCityKC
Birdie Hansen Effing Candle Co. @EffingCandleCo
Brooklyn Horne Brooklyn Horne Art @BrooklynHorneArt
Nicole Jacobs Silvey Connection Coach KC @ConnectionCoachKC
Lori Jamison Heaven Scent Soy Candles @HvnScentSoyCandles
Yawa Mensah YAWA & CO @YawaAndCo
Amanda Mertel Crayon Letters KC @CrayonLettersKC
KJ Montgomery Author kjauthor.square.site
LeTysha Montgomery Stand Out Style @Stand_Out_Style
Hollie Muther Bloom A Skincare Studio @BloomASkincareStudio
Jackie Nguyen Cafe Cà Phê @CafeCaPhe
Meggan R. Smith MRS Pallet Decor @MRSDecorllc
Michelle Spigarelli Painting Petunias @PaintingPetunias
Ashley Stanfield The Opus 76 Quartet @Opus76Quartet
Livia Viall Crafty Girl Creations @CraftyGirlCreatesKS
Lauren Vieux The Ruffled Sunflower Co. theruffledsunflower.com
K Whitmire Fancy Beauty Naturals @FancyBeautyCBD
as City Women’s Chamber of Commerce Miss Alice J. Lambkin Widely known in the advertising profession, also newspaper and magazine field. Associated with her sister, as partner, in the Lambkin Service Agency, the only advertising company in Kansas City operated by women. Their service includes advertising, merchandising, publicity, and research. Vice President of Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Director of Programs for the past two years.
Miss Mary J. Lambkin Partner, with her sister, in the Lambkin Service Agency. One of the first advertising women to make special study of Mrs. Consumer’s relation to advertising, and “woman-to-woman” appeal. Her experience covers every phase of advertising agency service from check girl to account executive, also advertising manager in retail field. Served two terms as President, Women’s Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Lilian V. McKenzie Shukert Bldg. Member of Kansas City Society of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons. Member American Osteopathic Association. Reprinted from the July 16, 1932 issue of The Independent.
Photo Credit: Strauss Peyton
TRAILBLAZERS: Kansas City Women | kcindependent.com | March 19, 2022 | The Independent | 33
T I ZING:
Madam President Camp By Heather N. Paxton
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adam President Camp was founded by Pam Kelley and Lee Smithson Burd in 2013. Its mission is “To inspire girls to use their voice to become leaders in their communities now and in the future.” During the summer, the organization provides virtual and in-person Campers at Paseo High School opportunities for middle-school girls to use Camp leadership shares our common belief in the their abilities. Interactive learning experiences power of collaboration to create greater impact than provide a grounding in “the foundational skills any of us could do by ourselves. This [past] summer, of leadership: self-confidence, team-building, our young women gained new insights about networking, and civic engagement.” As Mary themselves and how best to use their strengths Messner, the acting executive director, stated, to lead anytime, anywhere. We are grateful to “During camp, there is a tangible moment when have received scholarships to help our young young girls pivot from being aware of the issues women participate in this extraordinary, weeklong or topics that surround them in their community experience.” Girl Scouts who attended a special to recognizing they have a voice. They will be the leadership day in February were able to earn two leaders who make a difference today and in the badges. years to come. Our camps are growing to serve Already, the alumni of Madam President Camp Brinda, Macy, Harmoni, and Lauren, girls across the Kansas City metro area.” campers at St. Teresa’s Academy are benefiting from it. As Sophia DominguezThe organization needs female volunteers. Heithoff, Miss Teen USA 2017, wrote, “I was chosen Camp facilitators receive training and implement to be in one of the first classes of Madam President the curriculum, which has already been Camp. It changed my life and helped me realize prepared. Camp mentors are said to be “the heart what I wanted to do with my adult life.” of camp.” Generally speaking, they are college students or young professionals who can add stories of their experiences to what the campers are learning. Advisory board members are involved with networking, outreach, and curriculum development. In addition, their wisdom is useful in planning the future growth of the organization. Attendance at Madam Jennifer Ingraham, Rita Cortes, and President Camp is not limited to those whose Alissia Canaday, board members families have the means to pay for it – sponsors make that possible. Madam President Camp is partnering with other organizations, including Young Women on the Move and the Girl Scouts. Mary Beth Gentry, founder and chief executive officer of Young Women MORE PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND on the Move, said, “Madam President ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.
T I ZER: Melanie Fenske
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Tom Styrkowicz
elanie Fenske exemplifies what it means to be a community volunteer. Her involvement with Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA) includes serving on the board of directors, and as vice chairman in 2021, and as chairman in 2022. Although sexual assault doesn’t just affect women and girls, they are the majority of the people who benefit from MOCSA’s services. Melanie had been named as the chairman of the 2020 Symphony Ball, which was canceled due to COVID-19. Undaunted, she was the chairman of the 2021 Symphony Ball, which featured the theme “Stardust.” Melanie is slated to be a co-chairman of the 2022 Committee of 100 Luncheon, a benefit for The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. She is a parent volunteer at The Pembroke Hill School. Melanie knows the ins and outs of Our Town’s restaurants. Her favorite breakfast spot is The Farmhouse. Melanie recommends the Smoked Chicken Salad from The Ship. Happy Hour may find her at Swordfish Tom’s or Goat & Rabbit on 39th Street. When the weather permits, Melanie enjoys sitting outside at Cafe Trio. Her favorite athlete? No surprise there, it’s Patrick Mahomes!
Melanie’s Kansas City Favorites: Female-owned Business: Finefolk Melanie Fenske, Rising Star Class of 2015
34 | March 19, 2022 |
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T I ZING:
Women’s Employment Network
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By Nicole Jacobs Silvey
ince 1986, Women’s Employment Network (WEN) has lived out its vision of advancing positive change in the lives of women, their families, and the community, one woman at a time. Founded by Beth K. Smith and Marjorie Powell Allen, the organization is a proud partner of the OneKC for Women alliance and serves as a door to a better life, a future of financial self-sufficiency, and confidence for the women it serves. During the organization’s more than 35 years of impact, the need for its mission persists. Sherry Turner, WEN president, said, “There are things not fixed for women from a gender perspective in the workforce, so WEN will always be relevant to ensure that there’s an empowerment model available for them. The resources WEN provides to women in Kansas City are really about empowering each of them to become the very best that they want to be professionally and personally—giving them the tools to gain and build their confidence for the journey they are on.” It is this dedication to the advancement of women that is the hallmark of WEN’s work. Many organizations have seen an increase in the need for their services during the pandemic, and WEN is no exception. The organization provided services to more than 1,000 women last year with more than half of those served coming from communities of color and 80 percent falling below the federal poverty line.
The late Beth K. Smith and the late Marjorie Powell Allen, WEN co-founders MORE PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.
WEN’s impact is well stated by Kim Jones, board chairman, “Today, WEN provides ALL women in our community the opportunity to overcome obstacles, reach their full potential, and become stronger individuals. Our strategic approach promotes the overall economic wellness of clients, focuses on building pathways to securing livable-wage jobs, provides credit-building tools, and financial education, leading them toward long-term financial stability.” Volunteers can connect directly with WEN clients by serving as a guest presenter or workshop facilitator, sharing an area of expertise with women entrepreneurs, conducting mock interviews, and helping with résumé writing.
The first WEN class from 1986
The women who seek services from WEN credit the organization with providing transformative services that positively impact the trajectory of not only their careers, but their overall wellness. Kimberly, who accessed WEN’s services following a layoff in 2019 said, “I got to WEN and found that it wasn’t ‘more of the same,’ but rather actual support with real people and hope. After feeling adrift and alone for months, WEN was a beacon shining an understanding light on the way back to solid ground and others who were in similar situations to mine.” WEN creates a nurturing community that supports women and their families and provides stability through the development of skills and access to crucial career resources. As a Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Financial Opportunity Center (FOC), WEN provides the bundled services of employment coaching, financial coaching, and income supports.
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@theindependentkc
Audrey Williams, Tonia Bomar, Jennifer Baker, Erin Cole, Kim Barnes, Lynnette Williams, and Sherry Turner, all with Women’s Employment Network
T I ZERS : KC CURRENT W
hen the National Women’s Soccer League announced in December of 2020 that a new franchise of women’s soccer was being awarded to Kansas City, it meant an enormous influx of volunteers and civic-minded players would be getting acquainted with Kansas City area non profits. Owners Angie and Chris Long and Brittany Matthews were clear in their direction: elevate women, athletes, the sport, and the city. The KC Current players have lived up to the directive, and have made their mark helping others.
Funds raised through Challenge Cup Jersey Auction benefited Variety KC, who in turn, used those funds to purchase a new adaptive bike for Variety child, Haylee. KC Current Player AD Franch presented the bike to Haylee.
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KC Current and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City partnered to attend a Girls on the Run practice with students from Kansas City International Academy and participated in their mental and physical health training. Current Player Taylor Leach posed with the students. Taylor said, “I loved working with Girls on the Run. It’s so important for girls to understand how powerful they are, and how to rest and recharge when they need it. These girls are serious athletes, and I hope there are a few future Current players among them!”
@The Independent: Kansas City’s Journal of Society
Jaycie Johnson, KC Current player; helped deliver holiday gifts to the families at Synergy Services. Jaycie said, “I grew up in Kansas City, and this community means so much to me. I love any chance we get to volunteer with the fans and local organizations. This team has really embraced our hometown, and we’re excited to keep it going this season!”
Brinley Hutson lost a leg in 2021, and KC Current team members encouraged her to keep playing sports and invited her to attend training camp and be an honorary captain at a match. Presenting team gear to Brinley Hutson and Kim Hutson was Desiree Scott, KC Current player. Lo’eau LaBonta, KC Current; with a KC Pet Project pal
Following their season, KC Current players donate new and gently used equipment to Lily’s League, an organization run by high school student, Lily Sowle. Items are then given to children in disadvantaged areas of the city. Kristen Hamilton and Elizabeth Ball helped to organize the shoe donation. Elizabeth said, “This community is unmatched when it comes to passion and support. We are so lucky to be able to play for this city and this fan base. Hopefully this year we can bring them the championship they want and deserve!”
KC Current players thanked Saint Luke’s Health Systems’ frontline health workers for their hard work during the pandemic. Pictured are Kristen Hamilton, Dr. Suzanne Arnold, Maddie Nolf, Dr. Anthony Magalski, Kate Del Fava, Dr. Stephanie Lawhorn, Dr. Tracy Stevens, and Katelyn Rowland.
KC Current Player Hailie Mace visited KC Pet Project and went home with a new friend of her own!
MORE PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.
TRAILBLAZERS: Kansas City Women | kcindependent.com | March 19, 2022 | The Independent | 39
AND BEYOND BY PAUL HORSLEY
LADIES, WITH AN ARABESQUE: Local dance companies defy national odds with increased gender parity Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios
Mutrux Photography
Mary Pat Henry
Jennifer Owen
Mona Störling-Enna
Emily Mistretta
T
he common perception that the dance world is controlled chiefly by men might be partly true, but the situation in Kansas City presents a noticeably different landscape. Consider this: Of the dozen works of choreography being performed this spring by the four most prominent local companies, only two are by men. And while this hardly means that dance has achieved gender equity across the land, it speaks well for our own community. (It’s worth noting that the situation in classical ballet, both locally and nationally, is more complex than that in contemporary and modern dance.) In February, Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company presented works by Co-artistic Directors Mary Pat Henry and DeeAnna Hiett, in an innovative collaboration with the all-female Bach Aria Soloists. This April 1st through the 3rd, the Owen/Cox Dance Group presents the world premiere of Founding Artistic Director Jennifer Owen’s Skin, a collaboration with Singer-songwriter-cellist Helen Gillet. On May 13th and 14th, the Störling Dance Theater presents the premiere of Artistic Director Mona Störling-Enna’s Book of Kells. And this year the Kansas City Ballet has, for the first time, populated its New Moves program entirely with works by women choreographers (March 24th to 27th).
Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company was formed in 1991 by Mary Pat Henry and the late Leni Wylliams.
Since founding her company with her husband, Brad Cox, Jennifer Owen has created some 50 works of choreography, large and small.
Störling Dance Theater’s Underground
The Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory
CELEBRATING 80 YEARS Scholarship Luncheon and Silent Auction
A Performance in Perfect Harmony Presented by Scholarship Recipients Wednesday, April 20th • Indian Hills Country Club Call 913-384-5615 for information. 40 | March 19, 2022 |
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Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios
Kenny Johnson
Lila York’s Celts
Emily Mistretta choreographed Looking for Perilune, which was performed at Starlight Theatre in July 2021. Beau Pearson
“I feel optimistic about dance here,” said creating their own versions of Swan Lake, Giselle, or The Mona, who co-founded, with her husband, Sleeping Beauty? “I think there will be reinterpretation of Jeremiah Enna, her Olathe-based company those pieces,” said Devon Carney, Kansas City Ballet’s in 1996. Among Mona’s creations are several artistic director. “They’ll always happen, but maybe not in remarkable works highlighting historical the same way.” women: The Prodigal Daughter is a riff on The number of women creating new classical ballets has the Biblical tale that ponders how that story increased dramatically in the last 20 years, and women are might have played out if the runaway making headway in leadership roles as well. After three had been a girl, and Underground is an centuries of male domination of the field, some of the evocative treatment of the Underground most interesting choreographers today are Lila York, Helen Railroad that has been seen by tens of Pickett, Jennifer Archibald, Twyla Tharp, Crystal Pite, and thousands since its premiere in 2007. Hope Muir, to name a few. Kansas City women are “leading with “We all bring the nuance of our own personal vision and hope and positive leadership,” experience,” said Katlyn Addison, a principal dancer at Jeremiah said, having “started companies out Ballet West who is creating a work for New Moves. “As a of their own inspiration…” dancer, choreographer, and just as a Black woman I will All these groups were built on strong bring something different, and my own experiences in life foundations: Störling Dance is celebrating will show through in the dance.” its 25th anniversary, Wylliams/Henry recently Often it takes but a gentle nudge to get dancers to try marked 30 years, and Owen/Cox marks its their hand at choreographing. “I had been drawn to 15th season this year. “I never thought that choreographing for a while,” said Emily Mistretta, who my being female would be a barrier for me,” joined Kansas City Ballet in 2016. It’s daunting, at first, to Katlyn Addison was promoted to said Jennifer Owen, who had a successful realize it’s up to you “to make it into a piece that makes principal dancer at Ballet West in 2021. career as a ballet dancer (including several sense, translate that to the dancers, and be in charge of years with Kansas City Ballet) before founding the company in 2007 the room,” she said. “All of those things were unknown to me at the beginning.” with her husband, Brad Cox. By now, Emily has created half a dozen works, including Looking for Perilune Jennifer started as a youngster, turning slumber parties with dance produced last summer, and she is represented on this year’s New Moves as well. friends into choreographic work sessions, until one day her father Women are fairly well represented in contemporary companies, but still lag predicted: “You’re going to have your own dance company one day.” in ballet leadership. Currently they form 29 percent of the artistic directors at But she wanted to be a prima ballerina first, and when her company the top 50 American ballet companies, according to statistics from Dance Data finally did become a reality, “the barriers were fundraising and Projects. Yet three out of the seven new artistic directors named for 2022 and resources,” she said, and had little to do with her being a woman. beyond are women, an encouraging 43 percent. She still finds that having her own company “is a wonderful platform Making this year’s New Moves all-female “was a very conscious decision,” with which to create.” Devon said. “Because there aren’t enough opportunities for women to create.” No one knows the differences between the modern and ballet Female choreographers “need to be encouraged, lifted up, and celebrated, so worlds better than Jennifer: namely, the idea that classical ballet with they can see their potential to explore the field even further.” its focus on a patriarchic “canon” of classics by men has been slower For tickets, go to kcballet.org, owencoxdance.org, storlingdance.org, and to achieve gender equity. “The ballerina has very little autonomy, wylliams-henry.org. unless you are very famous,” Jennifer said, adding that in America For the full-length version of this article, go to kcindependent.com and click not only is the main repertory still by men, but that ballet dancers on Arts Corner/Backstage And Beyond. To reach Paul Horsley, performing arts “still get a year-by-year contract: There’s no stability.” editor; send an email to paul@kcindependent.com or find him on Still, those who are thriving in ballet are not ready to declare it Facebook (paul.horsley.501) or Twitter/Instagram (@phorsleycritic). incapable of telling modern stories. What is to stop women from
TRAILBLAZERS: Kansas City Women | kcindependent.com | March 19, 2022 | The Independent | 41
T I ZING:
St. Teresa’s Academy
By Heather N. Paxton
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t. Teresa’s Academy was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1866. Recently, the Academy became the second all-girl school in the nation to receive AdvancED STEM certification. Dr. Siabhan May-Washington, president, said, “My goal is to provide the best highquality education possible to the young women who grace our halls. Every one of our students deserves a chance to reach her full potential. I cannot imagine a better place for young women to develop intellectual curiosity. At the Academy, young women strengthen their core values and become empowered to change the world. They graduate prepared for a successful collegiate experience and ready to take on the challenges that impact our global society.” During the 2021-2022 academic year, the school awarded in excess of $1.5 million in financial aid and scholarships, with more than half of all students receiving some type of aid. The current student body includes more than 600 young women from 77 zip codes. “As an STA alumna and board chairman, I am encouraged by STA’s commitment to the legacy of this great school. The board recently approved STA’s five-year strategic plan, which expands on the Academy’s tradition of excellence and the already impressive work it does in key areas such as academics and student life, Catholic faith, and Sage in the diversity,” said Ann Tierney Prochnow. Makerspace/Engineering Lab
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@theindependentkc
Ava and Lilly in the Chemistry Lab
Students in all grades are involved in philanthropy and service work. In order to graduate, they are required to complete a 90-hour service program during their junior and senior years. “Students are encouraged to experience all the school has to offer and maintain a healthy balance between academics, extracurricular activities, and social life,” said Georgia Winfield, a 2021 graduate, who is now a freshman at the University of Texas, planning to major in finance. As Emily McCann, a member of the Class of 2013, commented, “STA provided me with a strong foundation of faith, community, and confidence that I carried with me throughout college and into my career. I’m extremely grateful for the faculty and staff at STA who are dedicated to the education and advancement of women and girls in the Kansas City area.” MORE PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.
T I ZING:
Sheffield Place
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By Nicole Jacobs Silvey
omeless mothers and their children have received assistance from Sheffield Place since the organization opened its doors in 1989. Founded by Metropolitan Lutheran Ministries and the YMCA, Sheffield Place seeks to empower homeless mothers and their children to heal from their trauma and become self-sufficient. Some of the barriers to wellness the mothers face include mental health and addiction issues, domestic violence abuse, low educational attainment, felony convictions, and a childhood spent in foster care. Families stay at Sheffield Place for an average of three months. During that time, they receive an individualized treatment plan. To begin the healing process, each mother participates in individual therapy sessions with a licensed therapist each week. They also work with a case manager each week who focuses on a plan of action for J. Lew Photography
improving the mother’s physical and mental health and that of her family, assisting with job placement, and securing permanent housing. In addition to individual therapy, mothers also benefit from 20 hours of group therapy and life skills training each week. These groups teach the women basic skills, including meal preparation, managing money, parenting, and employment attainment and retention, as well as vital topics, such as addiction recovery, grief and loss, and more. The 24 private living units serve as the home for the residents of Sheffield Place, with shared facilities including the kitchen and laundry room. While mothers who do not have income are not required to pay rent (they do an extra chore), residents with income pay rent on a sliding scale. In the residences, the women are able to model the skills they learn while receiving guidance from the Sheffield Place team. Jelena, one of the mothers who sought services from the organization, came to Sheffield Place following a stint in federal prison and after losing everything to drug addiction. Prior to coming to Sheffield Place, she had been living on the streets and was separated from her children. During her time staying in the private living unit, Jelena was a model resident and leader in the house. She attended weekly case management and therapy sessions and participated actively in groups. She viewed her required daily chores as a way to express gratitude for the help she received. Today, Jelena is sober and has been employed full-time for several years. She has one child in high school and two others in college. Jelena has a goal of home ownership and has been saving money for a down payment. When asked about her experience with Sheffield Place, Jelena said, “Sitting here in my house with my kids enjoying a cup of coffee after making them a huge breakfast and thinking about how lucky I am. Wishing there were words to express my gratitude for the impact you’ve made on my life.” Jelena is resilient and views her story as one of triumph; punctuated by hope, strength, and victory.
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@The Independent: Kansas City’s Journal of Society
In 2021, during the pandemic, Sheffield Place served 129 families, with 101 families finding shelter at the facility. Twenty-eight families participated in the community-based aftercare program. The success of the program is demonstrated by the fact that 79 percent of mothers who stayed more than 30 days were clean and sober at the time of discharge, and nearly 90 percent of the families in the communitybased aftercare program remained in permanent housing and maintained their income. Board Chairman Susan Escher is dedicated to the mission of the organization and said, “I am always encouraged by the families at Sheffield Place that transform their lives by getting jobs, staying sober, and dealing with their children positively. Each family faces substantial issues, and, with the agency’s help, builds a strong foundation of
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MORE PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.
healing, hope, and self-sufficiency. As a board member, I am happy to serve given the many positive outcomes and generational impacts.” The community has been an essential partner in the organization’s ability to grow and serve more homeless mothers and their children. There are many ways volunteers can support Sheffield Place, which include adopting families during the holidays and providing items from their wish list or donating items for the holiday store. While 505 families called the organization in search of services in 2012, that number hit 887 in 2021. The organization will continue to expand in the years ahead to meet the growing needs of the community.
TRAILBLAZER: N A N C Y WA R D “Being a Kansas City native, I am beyond appreciative of the opportunity the city has provided me to be successful for many years in the real estate industry.” TRAILBLAZERS: Kansas City Women | kcindependent.com | March 19, 2022 | The Independent | 45
T I ZING:
The Sewing Labs
By Nicole Jacobs Silvey
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he Sewing Labs is an inclusive and welcoming community teaching the legacy of sewing for employment, entrepreneurship, and enrichment. The organization supports women and girls by serving as a resource that builds community connections. It teaches the legacy of sewing, a life skill that provides benefits from self-enrichment to self-confidence and can lead to gainful employment, entrepreneurship, and a life filled with emotional and financial dignity. The Sewing Labs helps to equip women with the tools they need for success.
Sewing Salon Training Program Student Markeshia Rone
Sewing Salon Training Program Student Cierrah Harris
The Sewing Labs supports women and girls from various income levels and a broad spectrum of zip codes. The organization also offers a toolkit of resources to support individuals who may be in at-risk situations. The inclusive model engages women and girls from a cross section of the community. The Sewing Labs continues to grow and expand its scope of services while engaging an increasing number of women. In 2020, The Sewing Labs engaged 147 students in virtual and in-person classes for a total of 1,680 hours. The organization mobilizes volunteers to
Instructor Robert Lackie taught Student Jenna Bredfeldt in Basic Sewing.
assist with community service projects, and 267 volunteers spent 32,823 hours on community projects that support the facility and its programs. During the pandemic, The Sewing Labs distributed masks at no charge throughout the Greater Kansas City community. To date, more than 80,000 cloth masks have been sewn by volunteer stitchers. The organization believes in recycling, and more than 11,000 pounds of fabric was diverted from landfills in 2020. In addition, 85 ‘gently loved’ sewing machines were redistributed to participants in the program. Nancy Petersen, board president, is inspired by the work the organization is engaged in and its impact on the women it serves. When asked about the work of The Sewing Labs, Nancy said, “One hundred years ago in Kansas City, thousands of women worked in the garment industry here. Most were employed as sewing machine operators for more than 40 companies. Their skill, talent, and dedication to quality were essential to the success of garment manufacturing here for many decades. The Sewing Labs is dedicated to teaching and sharing the legacy of sewing. As a life skill, a community, a source of inspiration, or potential career, sewing is a path for women and girls to realize independence while living their hopes and dreams.” Lindsey started sewing as a young child and learned she could pursue a career as a stitcher after getting involved in the industrial side of The Sewing Salon training program. Soon after that she began taking entrepreneurial business sessions as a part of the program. Lindsey said, “The Sewing Labs has such a great program and excellent teachers who will help you with every step you need to take.” Lindsey graduated from The Sewing Salon program and has launched her own business, KC Sewing. She continues to come into The Sewing Labs to chat with friends and her teachers. “There is always someone here to help me out and give me the support I need,” Lindsey shared. Volunteers are welcome at The Sewing Labs. They can support a variety of opportunities, including teaching classes, being a teacher’s aide, processing in-kind donations, and supporting the Fabric Grab events, and the Make’n HERstory event. The organization is also growing its advisory council and seeking professionals throughout the community to serve on it. MORE PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.
T I ZER: Jessica James
J Tom Styrkowicz
essica James is project manager – planning and policy with Burns & McDonnell. She is a Daisy Girl Scout leader. Jessica and Marti Hatridge, her co-leader, teach five- and six-year-old girls about confidence, leadership, public speaking, STEM, goal-setting, and other important topics. Jessica is a board member for the Kirk Family YMCA and an advisory board member for Thelma’s Kitchen. She also serves as a development committee member for Kanbe’s Markets. Other organizations she supports include Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City and the Veterans Community Project. Jessica roots for Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs. High on her shopping list are Underdog Wine (for liquid refreshment) and Dolce Bakery (for sweet treats). Monarch Coffee is a popular stop, along with breakfast at Char Bar. Jessica savors Farina’s Italian Chopped Salad. She enjoys sitting outside at Brewery Emperial. Ragazza is her destination for wine, meatballs, and eggplant fries.
Jessica’s Kansas City Favorites: Drink: Eddie V’s Happy Hour Cosmo Female-owned Business: Flexy Fitness • Female Maker: Cydney Ross
Jessica James, Rising Star Class of 2021
46 | March 19, 2022 |
@KCIndependent
Cheers To Volunteers!
Kansas City Women in Technology was created to help grow the number of women in technology careers in Kansas City as well as bring current women in tech together to connect, mentor, collaborate, network, and pursue volunteer opportunities. The organization is working to provide workshops and camps for girls to introduce them to creating through technology and to help them gain the self-confidence to pursue career ideas traditionally targeted to boys. Kansas City Women in Technology is involved with Kansas City school districts, and helps to tailor curriculum to match desired skills that are currently needed in the industry. In addition, it provides mentoring for high school and college students who need support in areas like computer science, robotics, and web development. The organization was founded by Jennifer Wadella, who currently serves as president. She is joined by a team of talented individuals who work hard to forward the mission of Kansas City Women in Technology.
TRAILBLAZER: C AT H Y T I V O L Little Sister Ashly Estevane with Big Sister Katasha Kumar
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atasha Kumar started volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City in 2017. The following year, she became a Big to her Little, Ashly Estevane, who was then in the eighth grade. Katasha has participated in other activities with the organization, including fundraising for the Most Wanted Auction and Summer Fun For Kids’ Sake, recruiting Bigs in Our Town, and leading the B.I.G. Impact Junior Board, but she says that nothing compares to being Ashly’s Big. From watching Ashly’s dance group perform to helping her with college scholarship essays, Katasha has loved it all – and she is excited to report that Ashly will attend Wichita State University in the fall! MORE PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.
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“Always tell the truth and stand behind your product. Never answer a question unless you know the answer to be true.”
I Wonder – if the dynamic duo will ever share the coveted sugar cookie recipe?
T I ZING:
United WE
By Heather N. Paxton
U
nited WE, formerly the Women’s Foundation, was founded in 1991. Karen Herman served as its original chairman. In addition to Karen, the founders included Marjorie Powell Allen, Janice Benjamin, Bunni Copaken, Joan Dillon, Janette Draper, Crystal Hart-Whitmore, Karen Haren, Dorothy Johnson, Janet Brown Moss, Marjorie Sirridge, Beth Smith, and Linda Hood Talbott. The organization’s mission is “to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership.” As Wendy Doyle, the president, noted, “Too many women remain on the sidelines because they face unnecessary obstacles in the workforce or in finding a seat at the civic leadership table. These are solvable challenges. It is critical that we advance systems-level change to strengthen women and families for the economic development of our cities, our states, and our nation.” The organization overcomes systemic barriers to women’s economic development and civic leadership by investing in research, advocacy, and policy solutions. It has conducted 20 research studies. Thanks to its advocacy, 39 policy actions have been taken to remove barriers for women. In addition, United WE has supported more than 170 civic appointments for women. The organization’s work has been based in Kansas and Missouri. It is now operating the Appointments Project in seven states, with the intent of having a nationwide presence. Notable recent achievements include an expanded family leave policy for Jackson County, Missouri, employees and the expansion of its Kansas City
Appointments Project. Wendy stated, “We are most proud of policy reforms that have impacted thousands of women across Kansas and Missouri, such as securing salary history bans on employment applications to advance equal pay efforts, increasing paid family leave policies at city, county, and state levels, and helping more
Wendy Doyle, United WE; with Mark and Kathy Donovan and Dan Cranshaw at the 2021 Champion Breakfast
women become entrepreneurs or stay in the workforce by improving occupational licensing policies.” The organization also provides aid in fighting against sexual harassment. Volunteers are welcomed by United WE. Those who commit to taking three actions per month to advance gender equity in their community can become United WE Ambassadors. Other volunteer projects include assisting with key awareness and fundraising events, such as International Women’s Day, Champion Breakfast, and We Work for Change. “Getting a board or commission appointment can seem intimidating, but by working with United WE and the Appointments Projects, not only did they guide me through the steps, they also remained my constant advocate,” said Angela Crawford, who was appointed to the Kansas City, Missouri Climate Protection steering committee. She added, “It is because of their support and resources that I’m now serving on a mayor-appointed committee for the City of Kansas City.” MORE PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.
Missouri State Senator Barbara Washington, Wendy Doyle, United WE; and Tamara Clark Sykes (out of camera range) Mayor Quinton Lucas
Wendy Doyle, United WE; with Frank White
T I ZER: Bess Wallerstein Huff
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Tom Styrkowicz
ess Wallerstein Huff has a new position as the vice president of marketing and sales for Starlight. She recently served on the Cornerstones of Care elf committee, purchasing and collecting toys for the organization’s Gift Gallery. Bess and her husband, Chris, brightened the lives of two children in foster care through the Sponsor-A-Youth Program, which arranges for them to receive items from their holiday wish lists. She made 44 care packages filled with essential personal hygiene items for the Westside Community Action Network. During the pandemic, Bess and her female business partner started Show Delivered in support of the performing arts community in Kansas City. She serves as the treasurer for the Kansas City Attractions Association. Bess is a committee member for the Johnson County, Kansas, Public Art Commission and a programming committee member for the Charlotte Street Foundation. She favors Succotash for breakfast. Bess is a fan of Bill’s Chicken Salad at Grand Street Cafe. If drinks are offered, her choice would be a vodka gimlet. Bess has high regard for Diana Kander with The Growth League and Jennifer Lapka of Rightfully Sewn. She cheers for “the up and coming youth who is trying sports for the first time.”
Bess’s Kansas City Favorites: Happy Hour Spot: Cafe Trio Bess Wallerstein Huff, Rising Star Class of 2020
50 | March 19, 2022 |
@The Independent: Kansas City’s Journal of Society
Visual Artist: Vania Soto • Patio/Deck: Gram & Dun
ART Scene
By Anne Potter Russ
TRAIL: a path or track made across a wild region, over rough country, or the like, by the passage of people or animals. BLAZER: something that blazes or shines brightly.
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tarting with the theme of this magazine issue, we thought we’d do a little back-to-basics work on the term, Trail Blazer. (It reminds us of some very rough hikes in the mountains of northern New Mexico, but that’s another story!) Making a path over rough country or terrain, by someone who shines brightly certainly describes the women we are profiling in this article. These craftspeople were called to our attention through The African American Artists Collective and ArtsKCgo.com, the online presence of ArtsKC, the organization whose mission is to “unleash the power of the arts.” Consider exploration of these talented individuals as a successful mission in unleashing some real artistic power.
STASI BOBO-LIGON’S work is visceral in its direct application of what’s happening in her world. Painting is a language she’s continuously learning, articulating things of personal importance nonverbally and leaving things open to interpretation by the viewer. Presently, Stasi focuses on oil painting due to how forgiving the material is, allowing her to start in one place and start over at any point in the process. There’s also a strong interest in found objects and giving new meaning to rusted discarded materials. The physical nature of Self-portrait Study in High Chroma once functional materials appeals to her, and she incorporates them into two and three dimensional pieces. Stasi’s influences are Abstract Expressionism, Neo Expressionism, Contemporary, Assemblage, and Outsider Art. Stasi is a member of the African American Artist Collective and The Art House collective of artists.
Designed by Rissa Knighten
CLARISSA (RISSA) KNIGHTEN’S inborn creativity for design and embellishment led her to become an entrepreneur in 2007. Her business, Rissa’s Artistic Design (R.A.D.) is a haven for those who seek something special and unique. As a self-taught artist, she hand-crafts one-of-a-kind original masterpieces that will inspire anyone’s creative side. These designs range from earthy to edgy to elegant, utilizing artistic wire and gemstones. These custom-made pieces can transform any outfit into a creative expression.
Buzz-Blue - Pollinators Series Walking in the Northwood
LAURA RENDLEN’S aesthetic and style for mosaic art is representational. She creates environments that capture the essence of a place. Through vivid color and soft expression, she conveys the intangibles in nature, particularly wind, light, and movement. Laura teaches her style with master workshops in contemporary mosaics nationally and internationally. Laura earned her bachelor of fine arts degree in sculpture from Kansas City Art Institute and has spent 25 years as a scenic painter. MORE ARTWORK CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.
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CATHERINE VESCE received a master of arts degree in printmaking and painting with honors from UMKC, and a master of arts degree in art education from Oberlin College. After 30 years of teaching art at the secondary level, most recently at The Pembroke Hill School, she retired in 2004. She served as art department head at Pembroke Hill, The Barstow School, and Hickman Mills High School. During her years of teaching, she continued producing art and exhibiting regionally in numerous juried and invitational exhibitions. She received national recognition with a fellowship award from the Marie Walsh Sharpe Art Foundation and the National Art Education Association for its highly selective Teacher-Artist Program.
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T I ZING:
Safe In Harm’s Way
By Anne Potter Russ
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aroline Markel Hammond formed Safe In Harm’s Way in 2016 because, “All people deserve to have a big, bold, unapologetic life!” Caroline continued, “Women and girls deserve to walk away from sadness, worry, lies, fear, and pain so that they can find honest love, great people, positive experiences, food which fuels their souls, travel, and fun!” This is not the average non profit helping women and girls. Safe In Harm’s Way is 100 percent online in its quest to help anyone who might be in a toxic relationship. Safe In Harm’s Way is built for the quiet and private moments of peace, to find ideas for community, healing, and safety. Through a hotline and an intense presence on social media, the organization provides solutions and resources at all levels of abuse and works to prevent relationship violence in the future. Safe In Harm’s Way is strategic about how they deliver content: it has to be done in a stealth way. Especially with the isolation involved with COVID-19, the method of reaching people is to create opportunities to find services. Initial content on social media seems inspirational and benign, but in the comments sections, real information can be found for people seeking help in toxic situations. This method dramatically reduces the chance of the perpetrator finding out via a “search” on the computer. If any bit of content is commented on or shared, the lead is followed up by volunteers trained to help abuse victims. These initiatives have resulted in a Abby Gnojewski, founding member of The NextGen Safe In Harm’s Way team
Laura Del Vigna, Eleonora Gallerini, Caroline Markel Hammond, founder; Jennifer Cowden, and Silvia Terreni in Italy
520 percent increase in the use of the platform to seek help. Social workers and police are also part of the team that makes up Safe In Harm’s Way. As a recipient of services, Yvette said of the organization, “It’s an incredible organization led by an amazing, strong, intelligent, determined, compassionate, and passionate woman who fully understands firsthand how difficult it can be to survive, escape, and thrive beyond domestic abuse. Caroline is working tirelessly to ensure other sufferers have every resource possible to escape their abusers and find hope and peace in a future for themselves.” For victims of domestic violence, Caroline wants them to consider these things as they decide to seek help: healthy relationships, thriving in a job, a community which accepts and supports them, resources and information, financial freedom, insight on food and nutrition, and energy healing for all of life’s changes and challenges. No matter what the challenges are, Safe In Harm’s Way is determined and equipped to offer assistance and help to alleviate sadness, isolation, desperation, fear, and pain. Hashtags are a large part of their arsenal against domestic violence and are critical tools in tracking victims of abuse. Caroline and her team have taken bold steps and use bold language and initiatives to make sure that anyone seeking help can find it - quickly and anonymously, whether it is through a hashtag, a comment, or a phone call. Help is never far away. MORE PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.
T I ZER: Kimberly Wilkerson
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Tom Styrkowicz
e think Kimberly Wilkerson is in sync with what’s cool in Kansas City! The agency principal and vice president of Haas & Wilkerson Insurance has a wide variety of preferences and causes in Our Town with which we shall not disagree. On her list of philanthropic endeavors, we can certainly endorse her choices of The American Royal and BOTAR, Women’s Employment Network, Operation Breakthrough, ArtsKC, Make A Wish Foundation, and many, many more. Kimberly is a staunch supporter of Girl Scouts, where she finds the opportunity to mentor her daughter during the annual cookie sale season. They set goals together, launch marketing strategies, and ultimately sell a lot of cookies, so that funds can help girls find amazing adventures and leadership opportunities of their own. She also serves on the board of directors of Kansas City PBS, holding the position of vice chairman, and will become the chairman this fall. And, she is a second vice chairman of membership for the Belinder Elementary School Parent Teacher Association. We also swoon at Kimberly’s choices of where and how to spend some free time (what free time?): Sitting on the deck of Cafe Trio, perusing the beautiful work of Tracey Vaeth of 40 Grit, finding a great read at Rainy Day Books, and enjoying a Happy Hour at Tavern in the Village. Cheers to this third-generation business owner, mom, and ambassador of Kansas City!
Kimberly Wilkerson, Rising Star Class of 2015
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Kimberly’s Kansas City Favorites: Radio Station: 90.9 The Bridge Breakfast Spot: Succotash • Drink: Diet Cherry Limeade from Winstead’s
T I ZING:
Women Leaders in College Sports
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By Heather N. Paxton
he words on the wall (and on Instagram, over and over again) say it all: “Strong Women Lift Each Other Up.” The mural appears on the exterior of the building that houses Women Leaders in College Sports. As Patti Phillips, the chief executive
Amelia Howard, UMKC; Patti Phillips, Women Leaders in College Sports; and Ursula Gurney, UMKC
officer of Women Leaders in College Sports, stated, “Since 1979, our organization has taken an active role in advancing women into positions of influence and powerfully shaping the perception of women as extraordinary leaders. Our national office has been in the Kansas City Crossroads since 2010.” Women Leaders in College Sports is the premier leadership organization that develops, connects, and advances women working in college sports and beyond. It offers a multi-faceted approach. Training
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Brianna Vaughn, Natasha Black, Thalia Cherry, and Kyla Cherry
and mentoring women is fundamental, as is creating networking opportunities. The organization offers Career Connect as a platform to assist with job searches. Spreading the word is crucial – documenting women’s accomplishments through awards and media not only celebrates them, but it also provides inspiration to other people. This is true especially for younger women, who need to be aware of the options they have, and for people in senior positions making hiring decisions, who need to be mindful of their options, as well. Women Leaders in College Sports prioritizes educating, engaging, and challenging industry leaders to make more diverse and equitable hires. The organization currently has 4,300 members. On average, one out of three women who attend a Leadership Institute advances after participation in it. The organization also allocated 179 scholarships in 2021, with 50 percent awarded to women of color. In addition to a national network of women in sports, members are drawn from local universities, including University of Missouri–Kansas City, Rockhurst University, The University of Kansas, the University of Missouri, Baker University, and Kansas State University, among others, as well as from organizations and companies with complementary interests, such as the Kansas City Sports Commission, WIN for KC, and more. “Women Leaders in College Sports is a transformative organization that empowers and elevates women in all aspects of their lives. The expansive network, connections, and professional development opportunities energize women at all levels to not only seek and achieve advancement in the business of sports, but also succeed in leadership roles,” said Ursula Gurney, deputy director of athletics and senior woman administrator at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. She added, “Personally, Women Leaders has assisted in my own advancement to an executive level at UMKC and provided me with the tools to thrive with confidence.”
MORE PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.
@The Independent: Kansas City’s Journal of Society
Lachina Robinson and Ibtihaj Muhammad
T I ZING:
Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy
By Heather N. Paxton
C
hristine Kemper founded the Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy in 2017. The school’s mission “is to develop young women to use their voices, to succeed in college, and to lead impactful, meaningful lives,” in addition to becoming leaders for real change. KC Girls Prep is an affiliate of The Young Women’s Leadership Schools (TYWLN). Begun in 1996, TYWLN is a network that now includes more than 24 schools throughout the nation. All are focused on ensuring college access for female students who, due to economic disadvantages, otherwise might not have the option of furthering their education after high school. “When I hear a scholar say that she feels seen, that she feels heard, and that she feels loved in this space, my spirit feels full,” said Tara Haskins, founding school leader. She added, “At the end of the day, these students are going to be change agents, they are going to transform the world, and that is our ultimate goal.” The school currently has students in fifth, sixth, and seventh grades, with plans to expand MORE PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT KCINDEPENDENT.COM.
to eventually have graduating seniors. KC Girls Prep prioritizes the opportunity to have their students have role models who resemble them. 92 percent of the team are women, and 64 percent of the educators are people of color. Of the seven board members, 86 percent are women and 71 percent are leaders of color. KC Girls Prep is located on the east side of Kansas City, in an area where the median household income is substantially lower than average. The students live in several different zip codes, but during the school’s first year, 82 percent qualified for free and/or reduced lunch. In 2020, with the pandemic raging, the school partnered with a local small business to provide meal kits to families of students. The social work team continues to supply weekend meal kits, hygiene supplies, and clothing. KC Girls Prep also employs a social worker. “I believe education has the power to transform lives. Historically, equitable access has been a challenge for our community, leaving many neighborhoods behind. This school is about social justice, righting historical wrongs, and about changing the narrative about low income, black and brown girls in our community,” said Christine Kemper, founding board chairman. KC Girls Prep welcomes volunteers who are interested in helping in the front office, organizing the clothes closet, assisting educators with administrative duties, or working on an individual basis with students. As Martha Salinas, board member, said, “Now more than ever, it’s critical that we recognize the social and emotional needs of our students, as well as their academic needs. KC Girls Prep recognizes this and seeks to nurture the whole girl through comprehensive programming that addresses learning inside and out of the classroom, embracing both head and heart.”
Kelly O’Brien, fifth grade math teacher; with students
Staying In The Loop
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ariah Jordan is a talent management consultant with Commerce Bank. Her responsibilities include supporting various lines of business with recruiting, training, and employee relations, as well as overseeing local college recruiting initiatives, the High School Impact Mentoring Program, and more. Mariah earned a bachelor of arts degree in mass communication studies and business from the University of Iowa. She is involved in the Junior Achievement Program, where she prepares weekly lessons for fifth and sixth graders to help them understand money management, economics, and mathematics. The Loop KC brings together similar yet unique minds to create genuine friendships and ignite the next generation of business leaders in Kansas City. Members of The Loop KC are required to give back to local non-profit organizations.
I Wonder – is the future female?
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• Calendar OF Events • MARCH
Park University International Center for Music; Stanislav & 19 Friends; A rare opportunity to experience the magnificence of Park University’s award-winning musicians, a grand finale featuring the full orchestra, and the event’s namesake playing the famed Ravel concerto with only his left hand!; Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts; 8 p.m. Contact Lisa Hickok: 8700 Northwest River Park Drive, Parkville, Missouri 64152 or 816-863-0360 or lisa.hickok@park.edu or icm.park.edu. The Regnier Family Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas 26 City; Spark Imagination Event Series: Trivia Night; Join us for the fourth annual event with your team of up to 10 people who will enjoy complimentary drinks, appetizers, and a fast-paced competitive evening; The Regnier Family Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City; 6:30 p.m.; $50. Contact Kali McGee: 433 East Red Bridge Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131 or 816-643-6700 or kmcgee@wonderscope.org or wonderscope.org. First Call Alcohol/Drug Prevention & Recovery; Community 30 Gratitude Luncheon; Celebrating those who work tirelessly to reduce the impact of alcohol, drugs, and addiction by recognizing champions in the field. Contact Sarah Link Ferguson: 9091 State Line Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64114 or 816-361-5900 or sferguson@firstcallkc.org or firstcallkc.org/gratitude.
APRIL Encourage; An Evening With the ‘Rents; A one-of-a-kind, 1areCamp laughter-filled, stand-up comedy event, unique in that the comics all individuals with autism or their loved ones; Folly Theater. Contact Bekah Zitron: 4025 Central, Kansas City, Missouri 64111 or 703-577-3392 or events@campencourage.org or campencourage.org. Mercy Kansas City; 18th Annual Red Hot Night 2to Children’s Gala; Your support of this year’s event will provide hope and answers families, empowering the Children’s Mercy Research Institute to
Cristo Rey Kansas City; Sixteenth Annual Dancing With The Kansas 2whoCity Stars; A Kansas City favorite featuring eight community leaders dance for the students of Cristo Rey. This year’s theme is “And
The Beat Goes On!” Dress in your best 1970’s attire or black-tie optional - your choice; 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 mtallman@cristoreykc.org or dancingwiththekansascitystars.org. Brand Hebrew Academy; Civic Service Award Celebration; 3to Hyman Now marking its 55th year, Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy is excited honor Jenny and John Isenberg at the 48th annual event. The Celebration is HBHA’s only major event raising funds for scholarships and programming; private broadcast. Contact Kerry Cosner: 5801 West 115th Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66211 or 913-327-8156 or kcosner@hbha.edu or hbha.edu. Heart of America Council, BSA; The Patron Luncheon; The online 7business event will feature inspiring stories from Kansas City families and leaders on how Scouting has shaped their lives and careers. Your support will help the Heart of America Council build character for thousands of Scouts across Kansas City; virtual event; 11:30 a.m. Contact Haley Bowman: 10210 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131 or 816-769-8266 or haley.bowman@scouting.org or hoac-bsa.org/patron-luncheon. Hope House; Everyday Hero Luncheon; Join us for a special 7Heroes, recognition luncheon to thank Hope House supporters, our Everyday who selflessly give of themselves to ensure a brighter future for those we serve. The event includes a light lunch, awards program, and keynote speaker; business casual; Hilton President Kansas City; 11 a.m. Contact Stacey Smith: P.O. Box 577, Lee’s Summit, Missouri 64063 or 816-665-4099 or ssmith@hopehouse.net or hopehouse.net. Luke’s Foundation; Books & Boutiques; An afternoon of 7lunchSaint shopping featuring locally owned boutiques followed by a gourmet and inspiring conversation with Sarah Smarsh, author of She Come
diagnose more quickly, treat more precisely, and cure and prevent childhood illnesses. Contact Ali Abplanalp: 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64108 or 816-506-7624 or asabplanalp@cmh.edu or redhotnight.org.
By It Natural: Dolly Parton and the Women Who Lived Her Songs. Proceeds benefit Saint Luke’s South Hospital; Overland Park Convention Center; 10 a.m. Contact Jennifer McBratney: 901 East 104th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64131 or 816-932-5612 or jmcbratney@saint-lukes.org or saintlukesgiving.org.
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Catholic Charities; Celebration of Hope Gala; Enjoy cocktails, 9Brigette dinner, and entertainment; Starlight Theatre; 7 p.m.; $250. Contact Chirpich: 4001 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Suite 250,
The Children’s Place; Party for the Place; Formerly known as the Angels’ Gala, Party for the Place is The Children’s Place’s largest fundraiser of the year. The evening will highlight the important work of The Children’s Place, while guests enjoy food, drink, and lively entertainment; Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. Contact Denton Williams: 6401 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131 or 816-363-1898 or williamsd@childrensplacekc.org or childrensplacekc.org/events.
Kansas City, Missouri 64130 or 816-659-8308 or bchirpich@ccharities.com or catholiccharitiesgala.org.
T I ZER: India Williams
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Tom Styrkowicz
ndia Williams is the director of KIPP Forward at KIPP KC. One of her favorite quotations is from Michelle Obama: “The difference between a broken community and a thriving one is the presence of women who are valued.” India volunteers with I AM 4: Thirteens. She is a member of the board of trustees of the Kansas City Public Library. India takes an active role with the Kansas City Health Equity Learning and Action Network and is a member of the Black Brown Coalition. Other organizations she supports include Sisters’ Circle of Greater Kansas City, Angel Hands Art Foundation, Show Me Shoes Foundation, and the Kansas City Association of Black Journalists. For outdoor dining, India recommends Teocali Mexican Restaurant & Cantina. She is a fan of the KC Chopped Salad at Rye. Her first choice for breakfast is Niecie’s Restaurant, and the District Pour House + Kitchen tops her list for a Happy Hour. In addition, she greatly enjoys Gates Bar-B-Q. India cites Brandé Johnson with M2B Virtual Assistance as a favorite female-owned business.
India’s Kansas City Favorites: Athlete: Muna Lee India Williams, Rising Star Class of 2020
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Female Maker: Lori Jamison, Heaven Scent Soy Candles Drink: Soulcentricitea’s Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Lemonade
City Friends of Alvin Ailey; 2022 Kansas City Friends of University Academy Foundation; Annual Gala; Expect delicious 9AileyKansas Alvin Ailey Annual Benefit Gala; The Ailey spirit will shine as 9 food, fun and tasty drinks, entertainment, and a wonderful II performs an exhilarating and diverse repertory. Dinner and the opportunity to connect with other community members who believe in “best-dance-party-ever” will follow; Folly Theater and Kansas City Marriott Downtown; 6 p.m.; $175. Contact Cathy Jolly: or 816-810-9552 or cathy@kcfaa.org or 1714 East 18th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64108 or kcfaa.org.
supporting UA students and alumni as they work toward their educational and career aspirations; University Academy; 6:30 p.m. Contact Natalie Spar: 8080 Ward Parkway, Suite 201, Kansas City, Missouri 64114 or 816-296-4586 or natalie@uafoundationkc.org or uafoundationkc.org/annual-gala-d2.
Lyric Opera Circle; Una Notte a Roma – Lyric Opera Ball 9guests 2022; The black-tie event will be an extraordinary evening, where Northeast Community Center; Spring Fundraising Event; Save will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, bid on exceptional 10 the date! Join us to support NECC’s Harmony Project KC, which silent auction items, dine on gourmet four-course dinners, be entertained uses music to connect and uplift members of our community. Contact by resident artists and apprentices, and dance to the music of the band, Lost Wax; Loews Kansas City Hotel; 6 p.m.; $300. Contact Gigi Rose: 1725 Holmes Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64108 or 913-221-3992 or gigirose013@gmail.com or kcopera.org. Mizzou Alumni Association - KC Chapter; Tiger Ball 2022; An 9celebration annual event that will reunite local Mizzou alumni for an evening of of our University and to raise funds for the Kansas City Alumni Scholars Program and Tiger Scholarship Fund; The Abbott; 5:30 p.m. Contact Ashley Hutcheson: P.O. Box 32491, Kansas City, Missouri 64171 or 816-352-2903 or mizzoualumnikc@gmail.com or kctigers.com.
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Rockhurst High School; Rockhurst Spectacular 2022; Enjoy a lively themed atmosphere with cocktails, gourmet dinner, raffles, games, and silent and live auctions; Rockhurst High School; 5:30 p.m.; $160. Contact Moira Healy: 9301 State Line Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64114 or 816-363-2039 or mhealy@rockhursths.edu or rockhursths.edu/spectacular22.
TRAILBLAZER: CHRISTIAN BARNES
OurTown
Casi Riegle: 544 Wabash Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64124 or 816-231-7738 or casi@necc-kc.org or necc-kc.org. Jackson County CASA; Light of Hope Breakfast; A national 13 movement to light a symbol of hope for abused and neglected children. Guests will receive information about CASA and the positive impact we are having in the lives of children. The event is open to the public, and a complimentary breakfast is served; Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center; 7 a.m.; free admission. Contact Lara Klover: 2544 Holmes, Kansas City, Missouri 64070 or 816-785-4097 or lklover@jacksoncountycasa-mo.org or jacksoncountycasa-mo.org. Faith Always Wins Foundation; SevenDays 2022; The 13-24 Foundation’s annual experience encouraging increased kindness includes the annual Love Day celebration and Kindness Walk. Contact Ruth Baum Bigus: 8500 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite L26, Merriam, Kansas 66202 or 913-707-7746 or ruth@faithalwayswins.org or givesevendays.org.
by Charlie Podrebarac
“Every relationship matters, and who you surround yourself with matters. Leadership, especially for women, is about helping those around us rise. By doing that, you will rise with them.”
I Wonder – if the Mothers’ Club president will run for a political office after her successful school reign?
A Kansas City tradition since 1899
The Independent can be purchased at all local Barnes & Noble locations, Vinca Jewelry, and The General Store + Co. Scan the QR Code or contact Laura Gabriel at 816.471.2800 to start your subscription.
TRAILBLAZERS: Kansas City Women | kcindependent.com | March 19, 2022 | The Independent | 61
ON THE COVER
The Salvation Army; Civic Lunch; A celebration of service that 14 supports The Salvation Army’s work helping at-risk children, vulnerable adults, and struggling families in the Kansas City area. This event will feature Pro Football Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw; Kansas City Marriott Downtown; noon; $175. Contact Erika Brant: 3637 Broadway, Kansas City, Missouri 64111 or 816-968-0412 or erika.brant@usc.salvationarmy.org or tickets.salvationarmy.us. Wildwood Outdoor Education Center; Take A Wild Guess for 14 Wildwood; Join us for Kansas City’s wildest fundraiser! This fun, fast-paced event includes dinner, Boulevard drinks, camp-inspired games, and prizes; Boulevard Brewing Company. Contact Jane Blakeley: 7095 West 399th Street, LaCygne, Kansas 66040 or 913-738-9067 or jane@wildwoodctr.org or wildwoodctr.org/takeawildguess. Women’s Employment Network; 2022 WEN Annual Luncheon; 14 Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center; 11:30 a.m. Contact Erin Cole: 4328 Madison Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64111 or 816-595-1297 or ecole@kcwen.org or kcwen.org. The Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory; Celebrating 20 Eighty; Celebrating the organization’s 80th year, featuring a three-course lunch, silent auction, and musical performance by Women’s Committee Scholarship recipients; Indian Hills Country Club; 10:30 a.m.; $90. Contact Michele Hamlett-Weith: 913-269-1993 or mchwdc@gmail.com or conservatory.umkc.edu. The Family Conservancy; Brew for Books; Beer and books! Take 21 this opportunity to support Kansas City’s most underserved children while enjoying food, drinks, and entertainment. Contact Felicia Crabtree: 444 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas 66101 or 316-371-2896 or fcrabtree@thefamilyconservancy.org or thefamilyconservancy.org. The Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri; Sip & Support; The 21 newest event for JLKCMO was a simple virtual auction in 2021, but in 2022 we are looking forward to our in-person debut; $35. Contact Celeste Greenlee: 9215 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, Missouri 64114 or 816-444-2112 or cgreenlee@jlkc.org or jlkc.org. Kansas City Repertory Theatre; KCRep Gala 2022; 6 p.m. Contact 21 Keri Noerrlinger: 4825 Troost Avenue, Suite 106, Kansas City, Missouri 64110 or 816-235-6106 or noerrlingerk@kcrep.org or gala.kcrep.org.
T R A I L B L A Z E R S : K AT H Y K O E H L E R A N D H E AT H E R B O R T N I C K “I learned a strong work ethic from watching my mother/partner at a young age forge her own way in a man’s world. We started our business in the early ‘90s and have always held each other accountable. We love being entrepreneurs in Kansas City and giving back to this community.” - Heather Bortnick
UMKC School of Dentistry Dr. Roy J Rinehart Memorial Foundation; 21 Pouring from the Heart; Enjoy an evening of fine food, wine, and company all while supporting the students and patients of the UMKC School of Dentistry. The night wouldn’t be complete without an auction and a few fun antics; The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center; $200. Contact Becky Higgins: 650 East 25th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64108 or 816-235-2022 or higginsre@umkc.edu or midwestdentalconference.org. First Act Theatre Arts; Cocktails & Cabaret; Enjoy a fun, relaxed 23 evening with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, silent and live auctions, and entertainment featuring our talented students as we set the stage for success for our students, families, and organization; Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center; 5:30 p.m.; $100. Contact Ellen Breth: 6800 West 153rd Street, Suite A, Overland Park, Kansas 66223 or 913-530-1821 or eventcoordinator@firstactkc.org or firstactkc.org. Reach Out and Read Kansas City; Race To Read Family 23 Walk; Spring is perfect for physical activity, an inspirational story, and family bonding! Reserve a book by registering online, then head to
E S TA B L I S H E D 1 8 9 9 | K A N S A S C I T Y ’ S J O U R N A L O F S O C I E T Y | K C I N D E P E N D E N T. C O M
Publisher • Rachel Lewis Falcon Associate Publisher • Jenny Owens Hughes Art Director • Lisa M. Shea Editor • Nancy Sachse Web Editor • Annie England Account Executives • Christin Painter, Allie Robson Contributing Writers • Heather N. Paxton, Anne Potter Russ, Nicole Jacobs Silvey Performing Arts Editor • Paul Horsley Cartoonist • Charlie Podrebarac Office Manager • Laura Gabriel Our office is located at: 2400 West 75th Street, Suite 120 Prairie Village, KS 66208 • 816.471.2800 The Independent can be purchased at Vinca Jewelry, The General Store + Co., and at all local Barnes & Noble locations. Subscription Rate: $50.00 • Vol. CXXIII March 19, 2022 No. 6 All editorial photos were submitted by the event’s sponsoring organization, unless otherwise stated.
KCINDEPENDENT.COM 62 | March 19, 2022 |
@The Independent: Kansas City’s Journal of Society
the park anytime during the week. Families will stroll down a story-lined pathway while reading aloud together; The event will be held through May 7th; $35. Contact Jenny Horsley: 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, MS 1051, Kansas City, Kansas 66160 or 913-588-2793 or reachoutandread@kumc.edu or reachoutandread.org. St. Benedict’s Abbey; The Abbot’s Table; An annual benefit 23 dinner supporting the prayer and work of the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey – the monks seek to share their lives through “dinner and a show” with humorous and compelling videos, as well as honoring the service of others; Overland Park Convention Center; 4 p.m.; $200. Contact Mark Reed: 1020 North 2nd Street, Atchison, Kansas 66002 or 913-360-7897 or abbotstable@kansasmonks.org or kansasmonks.org/abbotstable. University of Saint Mary; SpireFest Gala; The 19th annual event 23 will be an inspirational evening to support student scholarships; Olathe Conference Center at Embassy Suites; 6 p.m.; $175. Contact Kylie Adams: 4100 South 4th Street, Leavenworth, Kansas 66048 or 913-758-6219 or kylie.adams@stmary.edu or bidpal.net/spirefest.
The on Society
Liz Black, Caroline Ohmes, Alexa Wren, Hyunsu Kim, Rebecca Burney, Becca Fowler, Ryanne Sass, Natalie Hawkins, Mattie Karr, Molly Williams, Hannah Bogue, Natalie Gibson, and Amber Baudler with Lisa Pena, Urban Hike guide
Loopers: Stronger Together Some of the female members of The Loop KC ventured out recently for an Urban Hike. Here they are, celebrating another day of accomplishments. The mural is located on the headquarters of Women Leaders in College Sports. TRAILBLAZERS: Kansas City Women | kcindependent.com | March 19, 2022 | The Independent | 63