As the leader of an organization like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, you can imagine I encounter many who demonstrate a natural ability to lead. So, it is always an honor when I get to help celebrate those in our community who are exceptional leaders, especially when they are forging a trail for others and opening doors of opportunity for future leaders. When thinking about the ATHENA award winners, I am continually impressed by the qualities each possess – intelligence, prudence, a sense of justice and innate wisdom. Each recipient is the earthly personification of excellence that the award’s mythical namesake embodies. 

Please join me in celebrating the women leaders who have rightfully earned recognition as the 2024 ATHENA honorees: Qiana Thomason, President and CEO, Health Forward Foundation, is the ATHENA recipient; and Kamera Meaney, Director of Advocacy and Government Relations, University Health, is the ATHENA Young Professional. These two women are the epitome of professional excellence and servant leadership who also bolster other women as they develop their own leadership skills.

Both will receive their awards at the ATHENA Awards Reception on Wednesday, October 16, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Starlight Theatre’s Jeannette and Jerome Cohen Community Stage House (4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, MO). The program begins promptly at 5 p.m., followed by an hour of networking. You can find additional details and register to attend by clicking here. I invite you to attend and celebrate our two indomitable, award-winning women leaders who are mentoring others to follow in their footsteps and helping shape future leaders of the Kansas City region.


DOING BUSINESS GLOBALLY

The World Trade Center Kansas City invites you to come learn about updates, opportunities, and ways to engage markets where the State of Missouri has a presence on Thursday, September 12, from 1 to 4 p.m., in the KC Chamber Board Room (30 W. Pershing Rd., next door to Pierponts). Attendees will have the option of registering for one-on-one meetings with the Directors for a more in-depth discussion on market entry and engagement. (Note: While we encourage all companies from across the KC metro to attend, please note that one-on-one meetings are only available to companies headquartered in Missouri.) The international markets that will be represented include Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, India, Japan, South Korea, Europe, United Kingdom and Ireland, United Arab Emirates and the Middle East. Register today!


HEALTHY KC WORKPLACE WELLNESS OFFICE HOURS

The Healthy KC Workplace action team created a health and wellness certification program that recognizes area organizations for innovation and excellence in promoting a culture of health in the workplace. Applications are now being accepted for organizations interested in seeking Healthy KC Workplace Wellness Certification. You can find the application by clicking here. The submission deadline is Monday, September 30.

If you have questions about the Workplace Wellness Certification, make plans to drop in any time on September 17 between 10 a.m. to noon to ask your questions about the certification. Our Workplace Wellness Team Members are here to answer and help you complete your certification. Register for the zoom link.


ACCESSING UNTAPPED TALENT: AN EMPLOYER FORUM

Mark your calendar for Thursday, September 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and plan to attend the Accessing Untapped Talent employer forum on second chance hiring at the Regional Police Academy (6855 N.E. Pleasant Valley Rd., KCMO). This one-day event will teach you how your team can get the best return on your investment when interacting with untapped parts of the talent pool in our region. Your participation includes:

  • Learning about business benefits and government incentives for fair and second chance hiring.
  • Connecting with agency partners to find hard-to-reach applicants.
  • Getting up to speed on regulatory factors facing our metro area.
  • The chance to win two FREE tickets from Southwest Airlines.
  • Enjoying a catered lunch from Second Chance graduate Chef Jah of Emperor’s Delights.


Learn more and register today!


NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING: KANSAS CITY ART INSTITUTE

Find creative inspiration for a morning of networking as Neighborhood Networking, the KC Chamber’s premier business networking event, makes a stop at the Kansas City Art Institute (Vanderslice Hall, 4415 Warwick Blvd., KCMO) on Friday, September 20, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. KCAI is a college of art and design offering 13 studio majors and a liberal arts curriculum, providing a challenging curriculum and immersive studio experience for students. Neighborhood Networking is free for Chamber members and $15 for non-members, so register now!

Thank you to our generous sponsors for their support: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Delta Dental, Southwest Airlines, UMB, and Unbound.