FROM THE KC CHAMBER’S PRESIDENT AND CEO
Each year, one of the most impactful opportunities for our region’s leaders is the KC Chamber’s Leadership Exchange trip. It’s a time to step away from our daily routines, learn from another city’s successes and challenges, and bring home fresh ideas that strengthen Greater Kansas City.
From September 15–17, we are in Columbus, Ohio — a city that, like ours, is experiencing transformative growth and preparing to seize opportunities on the global stage. Columbus is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest, fueled by innovation, talent development, and bold public-private partnerships. From its thriving startup scene to major corporate investments like Intel’s new semiconductor campus, Columbus offers powerful examples of how alignment and collaboration can shape a region’s future.
Our delegation of Kansas City business, civic, and community leaders is exploring topics ranging from workforce and education to downtown revitalization, transportation, and inclusive growth. We are seeing how Columbus invests in its arts and cultural assets to drive vitality, and how neighborhoods are being reimagined to create opportunity for more residents. At every turn, we ask ourselves: how can Kansas City apply these lessons as we prepare for FIFA World Cup 26™ and the decades of growth ahead?
I am grateful to all who are part of this year’s trip and to our Columbus hosts for their candor and hospitality. Together, we carry this momentum forward, working across sectors and state lines to ensure the Kansas City region’s bright future.
ATHENA AWARDS RECEPTION
The ATHENA Awards are a global tradition, honoring more than 8,200 leaders across the world since their inception. Locally, the KC Chamber has proudly presented these awards since 2001, recognizing those who exemplify the spirit of Athena—the Greek goddess known for strength, wisdom, and enlightenment.
Join us for the 2025 ATHENA Awards Reception on Tuesday, September 30, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Grand Hall at Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO) as we celebrate this year’s honorees:
- Christine Kemper, Founder of Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy, recipient of the ATHENA Leadership Award for her professional excellence, dedication to advancing women, and service to the community.
- DePrice Taylor, Executive Director of Community Relations for the KC Current, recipient of the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award for her early-career achievements and her commitment to building pathways for women in sports and business.
These leaders are living proof that Greater Kansas City’s future is bright, bold, and inclusive. Their impact reaches beyond individual accomplishments—they open doors, amplify voices, and create opportunities for the next generation. Learn more and register to join us for this celebration of leadership excellence. And a special thank you to KPMG, our Women’s Leadership Presenting Sponsor.
NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING: ALTCAP & LEAD TO READ
Join us Friday, October 3, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. for Neighborhood Networking with AltCap and Lead to Read KC at Park 39 Offices (300 E. 39th St). AltCap serves as an ally to underserved entrepreneurs, providing flexible capital and local investment where traditional lenders fall short. Lead to Read KC is tackling the literacy crisis head-on, connecting students with mentors and resources to ensure every child has the support they need to succeed. Don’t miss this opportunity to build new connections, hear inspiring stories, and enjoy coffee and conversation with fellow Chamber members. Register today!
Special thanks to our 2025 Networking Sponsors: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Delta Dental, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Southwest Airlines, and UMB Bank.
STRENGTHENING RESILIENCE WORKSHOP
Microaggressions—whether intentional or not—can undermine trust, collaboration, and belonging in the workplace. The KC Chamber invites you to an interactive workshop on Tuesday, October 7, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. in the KC Chamber Board Room (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO). This session will equip participants with strategies to recognize, respond to, and prevent microaggressions, while building stronger, more inclusive teams. Through real-world scenarios and actionable tools, you’ll walk away better prepared to foster resilience and create a workplace where everyone feels valued. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, CommunityAmerica Credit Union. Learn more and register today!
CENTURIONS INFORMATION SESSION
Are you an emerging leader in Greater Kansas City who wants to make a difference? The Centurions Leadership Program is hosting an Information Session on Thursday, October 30, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at Behavioral Health Allies (4400 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, KCMO). This session will help prepare you to complete an application by the January 15, 2026 deadline.
This two-year Chamber program is built to deepen civic engagement, expand community awareness, and prepare a representative cross-section of professionals to shape the region’s future. Whether you’re curious about what Centurions entails or ready to take the first step toward leadership, this session will give you a chance to meet Chamber staff, program alumni, and others interested in making an impact in Greater KC. Register today!