FROM THE KC CHAMBER’S PRESIDENT AND CEO
For 25 years, the KC Chamber’s POWER of Diversity initiative has celebrated the people and organizations working to create workplaces and a region where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, succeed, and belong.
That mission remains essential to Greater Kansas City’s future. Organizations that welcome different perspectives and experiences are better positioned to innovate, solve problems, attract talent, and compete. But progress does not happen simply because we value it. It requires leaders who open doors, challenge barriers, and turn their commitments into meaningful action.
As we prepare to celebrate the 25th anniversary of POWER of Diversity this fall, we are asking for your help in identifying those leaders.
Nominations open today for the ACE Awards, which recognize outstanding mid- to senior-level professionals who are advancing welcoming and belonging within their workplaces and communities. Whether they are expanding opportunity, strengthening organizational culture, mentoring emerging leaders, or building connections across differences, these individuals are helping move our region forward. ACE Award nominations are due Monday, August 10. Nominees will then have until Monday, August 31, to complete their applications.
Applications will be opening soon for the Champion of Diversity Award, honoring both a business and a nonprofit organization that demonstrates an impactful commitment to welcoming and belonging through its workplace practices, supplier partnerships, employee engagement, and community involvement. Champion applications are due Monday, August 31.
Over the past quarter-century, POWER of Diversity has done more than recognize achievement. It has elevated examples of courageous leadership, encouraged organizations to learn from one another, and reinforced the business and community value of creating places where people feel seen, respected, and empowered.
As we mark this milestone, I invite you to help us write the next chapter. Nominate an ACE Award candidate, submit a Champion of Diversity application, and join us this fall on October 28 as we celebrate 25 years of progress and recommit ourselves to the work still ahead.
STATE OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Public safety is fundamental to a strong economy, a thriving workforce, and vibrant communities. That’s why the KC Chamber is proud to support the Kansas City Public Safety Coalition and its efforts to foster collaboration among public safety agencies, businesses, elected officials, and community leaders across the region.
Registration is now open for the 2026 State of Public Safety, taking place Thursday, August 20, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. This virtual program will feature leaders from law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and other public safety organizations as they discuss the issues impacting our region, highlight innovative partnerships, and share how collaboration is helping build a safer, stronger Greater Kansas City.
Whether you’re a business leader, nonprofit partner, neighborhood advocate, or engaged resident, you’ll gain valuable insight into the strategies, challenges, and successes shaping public safety across the metropolitan area. Learn more and reserve your spot by registering today.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CENTURIONS THIS FALL
The KC Chamber’s Centurions Leadership Program has been developing Greater Kansas City’s emerging leaders for 50 years, preparing professionals to better understand the issues shaping our region while building lifelong relationships with peers across business, government, education, and the nonprofit community. If you’re ready to grow as a leader while making a meaningful difference in Kansas City’s future, now is the perfect time to explore whether Centurions is right for you.
Throughout the fall, prospective applicants are invited to attend a series of Centurions Information Sessions and networking events designed to introduce the program, answer questions about the application process, and provide opportunities to connect with active Centurions and alumni. Whether you attend an information session to learn more about the two-year leadership experience or join a recruiting social to hear firsthand from current participants, you’ll gain valuable insight into why Centurions has remained the region’s premier leadership development program since 1976.
Information sessions and recruiting events will be held throughout August, September, and October, giving interested professionals multiple opportunities to find the event that best fits their schedule. View the full schedule, learn more about the program, and register for an upcoming session by visiting the Centurions Events Calendar. Additional information about the Centurions Leadership Program, including application details and program information, is available on the KC Chamber’s Centurions webpage.
2026 ATHENA AWARDS RECEPTION
Mark your calendar for the 2026 ATHENA Awards Reception on Tuesday, September 29, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Grand Hall at Union Station Kansas City (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO). The annual event honors individuals whose leadership, professional excellence, community service, and commitment to advancing women have made a lasting impact across the Kansas City region.
The ATHENA Awards recognize both established and emerging leaders through the ATHENA Leadership Award and the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award. Inspired by the Greek goddess Athena, the awards celebrate strength, wisdom, courage, and a dedication to helping others achieve professional success and leadership growth.
Honorees for the 2026 awards will be announced in the weeks ahead, but now is the time to reserve the date and plan to join us for one of the Chamber’s most inspiring celebrations of leadership and service. The reception begins with networking, followed by the awards program and additional time to connect with business and community leaders from across the region. Register today!
LEGISLATIVE AGENDA LUNCHEON
Public policy plays a vital role in creating a strong business climate and a thriving regional economy. The annual Missouri State Affairs/Kansas State Affairs Joint Legislative Agenda Luncheon brings together business leaders and members of the KC Chamber’s state affairs committees to identify and discuss the policy priorities that will guide our advocacy efforts during the 2027 legislative sessions in both Jefferson City and Topeka.
Whether you’re a longtime advocate or interested in becoming more engaged in the legislative process, this luncheon offers an opportunity to help shape the Chamber’s public policy agenda while connecting with fellow business and civic leaders from across the region. The event will be held on Friday, October 30, from 12:00 to 1:15 p.m., in the KC Chamber Board Room inside Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO). General registration is $30, with complimentary admission for Public Policy Council investors using their member promo code. Learn more and register today!