Brandon Calloway, CEO/Founder, Generating Income For Tomorrow (KC G.I.F.T.)

As first profiled in The Independent in February of 2024, and according to Brandon, “Due to the discriminatory practices of redlining in the 1920s and 1930s in Kansas City, Troost Avenue has long been seen as the dividing line between Black and white people of Kansas City, and the dividing line between high and low income communities.” By requesting $10 a month from individuals and expanding the reach to corporations and foundations, Kansas City G.I.F.T. – in four years – was able to yield: $1.7 million in grants to 70 different Black-owned businesses, with 135 new jobs created.

Maurice Watson of Credo Philanthropy Advisors summed up what Brandon Calloway has done with his organization in five short years, “Starting from scratch, Brandon has built a sustainable enterprise that fills a critical need for financial and technical support for start-up businesses owned by minority entrepreneurs and located in the Black community to create opportunities for employment and wealth creation that wouldn’t otherwise exist. He is unquestionably an exemplary social entrepreneur.” 

Jon Baum of Baum Family Foundation said, “He represents everything the Rising Star Award stands for. I am fortunate to have a front row seat to Brandon’s brilliance, and I have been on his advisory board since its inception. Brandon and his co-founder are responsible for economic growth and opportunity for Black-owned businesses on the east side of Kansas City.” 

Patrick Nelson, of Red Tail Academy, also said of Brandon, “Under the invaluable mentorship of Brandon Calloway, Red Tail Academy has grown into a recognized pillar of service within the greater Kansas City community. His guidance has been instrumental in shaping our mission and strengthening our commitment to empowering those we serve.”

Fabián Gayosso González, Director of Community Affairs, ReeceNichols

As the Director of Community Affairs for ReeceNichols, Fabián Gayosso González occupies a special civic space that bridges corporate business and community philanthropy. In his role, Fabián is responsible for co-founding the Gold Key Project, which has raised more than $1.2 million for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City through ReeceNichols. Mike Jeffries of RMHC-KC said of Fabián, “The innovative campaign is designed to help serve families with sick children at Ronald McDonald House, while also helping ReeceNichols agents to differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace. Fabián brings his ingenuity and smarts to the project, and he very much brings his heart.”

Besides his professional role, Fabián has also been in the Centurions Leadership Program, he has been an El Centro board member, he has worked with the Mexican Consulate, and he has volunteered with Juneteenth KC. Jorge Soberón-Hernández of Arvest Bank added, “Fabián has also served as a board member for the REACH Healthcare Foundation and a board member for Home Services Foundation for Housing Equity. During the pandemic in 2020, Fabián was part of a group of leaders who created ActivoKC, which helped to digitally inform Latino residents about resources available to them in Spanish.” 

Anna Bazan-Munguia of Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City reflected on Fabián’s character by saying, “As someone who proudly speaks of being an immigrant, he is deeply committed to paying forward the opportunities he’s been fortunate to receive. When he uses his voice to speak up, his words are powerful!”

Dr. Susan Klusmeier, Chief of Staff, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

The Kansas City metro area has been the lucky recipient of the contributions of Dr. Susan Klusmeier. As Laura Palacios of LIAInspiration said of Susan in support of her Rising Star nomination, “She has unwavering dedication to creating lasting, positive change in Kansas City and beyond. Her leadership has impacted the community, as she consistently goes beyond her professional roles to advocate for and support others, especially those from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds.”

Susan’s leadership and accomplishments in the civic sectors are exemplary – she was an advisory board member for the KU Emily Taylor Center for Women and Gender Equity, she has been a board member for KU Endowment, she has been the Vice Provost for Academic Success at The University of Kansas, and she is currently the Chief of Staff at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. But, as Dr. Melissa Peterson of KU’s Hawk Link pointed out, “What is not seen or told is Susan’s work with the Office of Sovereign Partnerships and Indigenous Initiatives, the Office of Native American Initiatives, growing the KU enrollment of Native American students, and working with the Kansas State Education Department and the Kansas Board of Regents. She is truly a changemaker, strategically connecting the dots and taking risks.” 

Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation added that it is the unique ability of Susan to, “… take the time to connect with individuals, listen to their stories, and empower them to improve their own circumstances. She has left an indelible mark on the world around her.”

Joseph Macklin, President, DISTRKCT IS Foundation

Joseph Macklin, or Jo Blaq, as he is referred to professionally, has quite the career history in the music industry, and he has brought those talents to bear in his company, DISTRKCT Multimedia studio, as well as his non profit, DISTRKCT IS Foundation (DISTRKCT IS is a reference to his mother, Ilene Sims). Raised in Wyandotte County, he went to Washington High School, where his initial love was basketball. But his friends encouraged him to pursue music, and he did. Landing a contract with BMG music, and moving to Los Angeles, he ended up in a recording session with Ariana Grande. He went on to help produce her first two albums. He has worked with Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Selena Gomez, and Kendrick Lamar, just to name a few. And, he has been nominated for three Grammy Awards!

Moving back to Kansas City in 2016, Joseph has forged a career by opening his own recording studio where he teaches an audio engineering program, in addition to content creation, videography, and photography to middle school and high school students through his non profit. “We need to give kids in our community music opportunities just like what the kids in Los Angeles have,” he said.

Having nominated Joseph for the Rising Star Award, Jason Banks of JE Dunn said, “Joe has channeled his success into creating the resources that he once lacked, giving young men and women a chance to dream and the tools to make those dreams real. Whether hosting open mic nights, expanding his studio to serve more students, or championing local artists through his record label, Joe exemplifies leadership, innovation, and generosity.”

Kiran Reddy, General Counsel/Data Privacy Officer, Centerbase

“Her exceptional leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her community… are what make Kiran Reddy a true Rising Star,” asserted Kimberly Wilkerson of Haas & Wilkerson Insurance. “She also has strength, passion, and dedication to lifting others up.” CiCi Rojas, Tico Productions, wholeheartedly agrees, “In 2009, Kiran and I and others founded the Heartland Women’s Leadership Council, a non-profit organization designed to serve as a catalyst for women in civic leadership roles. She played instrumental roles in the legal formation, served as a board member, and later as co-chair. In 2015, Kiran joined the Kansas City PBS board of directors and later served as secretary and treasurer.”

Kiran’s leadership role in the community is enhanced by her journey as a single mother, while also honoring her late father. Her dedication to the American Lung Association finds her actively supporting and fundraising for the Fight for Air Climb, and she serves on the American Lung Association executive leadership team. Linda Crider, of the American Lung Association in Kansas and Greater Kansas City said of Kiran, “Her dedication, passion, and selfless contributions make her an exceptional Rising Star candidate – and she is only getting started!” 

Marjorie Adair of Centerbase included that, “Kiran has made meaningful contributions to Campfire USA, Reaching Out From Within, and the Olathe Noon Lions Club, among others. No matter how busy her professional life became, Kiran always made time to give back, embodying the kind of leadership that motivates and inspires others. She has a unique blend of professional excellence, community engagement, and steadfast commitment to advancing women in leadership.”

Stef Seger, Community Development Manager, Midwest Region, Meta

Stef Seger hails from Stafford, Virginia, and she graduated from The Ohio State University. Since moving to Kansas City, she is fully entrenched in its civic, cultural, and philanthropic endeavors. As the Community Development Manager, Midwest Region, at Meta, she brings with her a public policy graduate degree, a certificate in social impact partnerships, and experience working as a government relations professional. 

Active in key areas of fundraising and philanthropy, Stef is or has been involved with the following organizations: Kids Win Missouri, Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City, Harvesters, Operation Breakthrough, Starlight Theatre, Children’s Mercy, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, and many more. Gene Willis of GEHA said, “Stef’s strategic mind rivals that of any think tank leader, which she focuses on bettering any non-profit organization where she serves. She balances a kindness and grit that simply gets things done while also respecting her colleagues, a grace that is not often seen or given.”
Lindsey Rood-Clifford knows Stef through the Centurions leadership development program and Stef’s contributions to Starlight’s fundraising through Starry Night. Lindsey added, “Stephanie’s overall impact on the community could be characterized as humble, steadfast, and born from the true spirit of philanthropy. Her dedication, creativity, and passion make her an excellent candidate for a Rising Star.” 

Brian Schmidt with Kids Win Missouri (where Stef has served multiple terms as board chair) said, “In addition to her community involvement and professional achievements, Stephanie is a person of integrity, and her contributions to the community are immeasurable.”

Hillary B. Winzenried, Community Volunteer

“Hillary Winzenried embodies the qualities of a Rising Star through her leadership, community engagement, and personal commitment to volunteerism,” wrote Megan Bubb of ReeceNichols. Megan added, “She is organized, a hard worker, and makes magic out of everything she touches.” Hillary has served in multiple roles in her volunteer service – and the lion’s share of her time has been devoted to The Jewel Ball and The Belles of The American Royal organization, as well as Horizon Academy. Many times, she has served in two or three executive-appointed positions at the same time for different organizations. 

Natalie Kirk Welch said of Hillary, “I have had the pleasure of working closely with Hillary over the last 10 years, and she is committed to seeing things through and doing the best she can. She leads by example with her hard work and enthusiasm. She is honest and dedicated in everything she does. Her positive spirit is a gift to all who have the opportunity to serve with her.”  Hillary was a co-chairman for Horizon Academy’s Novel Night gala in 2023, and Cindy Wissinger of Horizon Academy shared that, “Hillary’s passion, positive energy, creativeness, attention to detail, and budget-mindedness contributed to Horizon Academy’s auction success. She has traits rooted in hospitality, empathy, and compassion.” Lindsay Perrey added, “She approaches life with an open heart, always ready to help. Her honesty, transparency, and dedication shine in everything she does. In every setting, Hillary leads with grace, reliability, and a deep commitment to others. I am honored to endorse her as a Rising Star.”

Congratulations to the 2025 Class of Rising Stars!

Featured in the February 22, 2025 issue of The Independent