Ann Walter, who is a realtor with Re/Max Infinity, has always made it her goal to donate $25,000 to local, deserving non profits. Last year, she was at a conference, and two of her friends shared about giving circles that they had started in their respective communities. “I knew this idea would be the perfect […]

Dolly Wood, 2017 Class of Rising Stars, is an adjunct professor for the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Metropolitan Community College. She was a committee member for Champagne & Chocolate in 2018. Event proceeds supported Southwest Boulevard Family Health Care. Dolly also is a sustainer in the Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri, and was […]

Bradford Hart is a member of the Centurions Fall Class of 2019 and is co-chairman of the community leadership committee. He is the senior program officer and safety net co-lead at Health Forward Foundation. Bradford volunteers at Briarwood Elementary School, the Johnson County Drug and Alcohol Commission, and the Kansas City Substance Abuse Treatment Capacity […]

Jennifer Savner Levinson is a suicide attempt survivor who works diligently everyday to maintain a healthy quality of life. There is not a day that is not a struggle for her. It is because of her personal experiences that she is passionate about trying to help others, especially young people and their families, who have […]

In earlier years, David Powell was a Wildwood camper. He wants other young people in Our Town to have the experiences he enjoyed. David joined the board of Wildwood Outdoor Education Center in 2013. Since then, David has served as board treasurer, secretary, and president. He has provided financial savvy during a time of growth […]

Lauren Palmer is a member of Centurions Fall Class of 2019. She serves on the legacy committee and has been co-chairman of a Task Force on law and justice. Lauren is employed as the director of local government services for the Mid-America Regional Council. She serves on the advisory cabinet of Women United, which is […]

This month, Meagan Dowell  is opening her own business, On the Ball, an upscale daycare and boarding center for dogs in The Shops at Prairie Village. This is a big change for Meagan, who is a certified public accountant. Even with a daunting work schedule, the Rising Star, Class of 2017, has always found time […]

Stephanie Meyer grew up in Wichita, Kansas. From there, she went to Kansas State University, where she earned a dual bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations. Stephanie received her master’s degree in public administration from The University of Kansas. She is employed with DLR Group as an education funding specialist and also is in […]

Marilyn J. and Kenneth V. Hager met on a blind date. The person who set them up was a good judge of character – they’ve been married for 43 years now. They are serving as the honorary chairmen of the Lyric Opera Circle’s Lyric Opera Ball – For the Love of Opera.  The Hagers are […]

Klassie Alcine is a member of the Rising Stars, Class of 2017. She is the director of corporate and community partnerships at The Central Exchange. Klassie is busier than ever helping to make Kansas City a better place to live. She volunteers with American Public Square (APS) to address violence in Kansas City. Klassie served […]

Stems: A Garden Soirée will be held on June 22nd at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Bo and Bill Stueck are the honorary chairmen for the 12th annual event, which is hosted by The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park. More than 2,000 guests will enjoy cocktails, delicious fare, and music in […]

Mark Nuss recently became a director at Summit Equity Group. A 2006 graduate of The University of Kansas School of Business, Mark earned a master’s degree in business administration from the UMKC Bloch School of Business in 2012. Mark is a member of the Centurions Spring Class of 2020. He serves on the social committee […]

André L. Davis Corporate Engagement/Business Development Executive, Built Interior Construction André has been a leader in the community, specifically empowering youth regarding diversity, education, and opportunity. He leverages his corporate network access, his influence, platform, and his voice, to get more people involved in community work he’s chosen to impact. André has been a board member of […]

Linda Flake is a dedicated volunteer at Community LINC. She leads a team of volunteers who prepare apartments for incoming families who are facing homelessness. The new residents will find groceries and other items for their use, all donated by the volunteers. Thank you, Linda, for sharing your time and talents with Community LINC. Linda […]

Shannon and Dr. Patrick Lillis were the chairmen of the Catholic Education Foundation’s Gaudeamus event for two years in a row. The hardworking couple recruited volunteers and committee members, coordinated all of the details of the events and hosted dozens of planning sessions in their home. Under Shannon and Patrick’s leadership, the 2017 event raised […]

For several years, members of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity at The University of Kansas and Missouri Western State University have been dedicated volunteers for the ALS Association Mid-America Chapter. Their work goes beyond raising funds and awareness for the organization – although that’s important, too. They also can be counted on to assist with […]

Through his childhood and early adult life, Ryan Gray was constantly a man on the move. He estimates that he has moved around the country 20 times. Education? Northwest Missouri State for his bachelor’s degree, the University of Florida for his master’s degree and additional study in marketing and economics at Zuyd University in the […]

If you’re looking for gifts for your furry friends, look no further than items made by members of Inclusion Connections, a non profit that provides social, educational and employment opportunities for young people with developmental disabilities. One of the organization’s programs is PawsAbilities, a job skills training and placement program for individuals with disabilities in […]

Ryan Shriver is a producer in the commercial insurance division at Haas and Wilkerson Insurance and has more than 13 years of experience in the industry. In addition to his day-to-day sales responsibilities, Ryan’s clients represent non-profit, human services and professional organizations, and he focuses on providing risk management to them. He enjoys serving on […]

Caroline Heckman is a valued volunteer with Girls on the Run – and she is making sure the next generation will be involved. Her daughter, Jocelyn Heckman, is on the Union Chapel Elementary School team that Caroline coaches. Caroline ensures that girls at the school, and throughout the Kansas City area, have the opportunity to […]

Morgan Franklin is the senior business development officer and manager of marketing and communications at the Economic Development Corporation Kansas City. A native of Blue Springs, Missouri, Morgan is a graduate of the University of Missouri. She is a member of Centurions Spring Class of 2020. Morgan enjoys volunteering with Uplift, Giving the Basics and […]