In Kansas City’s philanthropic circles, one vibrant and beloved personality stands out as a Rising Star – Anna Bazan-Munguia. As the youngest of 27 grandchildren, Anna’s journey to local prominence is intertwined with her family’s rich history and a deep sense of community spirit. 

Anna’s grandfather, a skilled tailor who once worked for President Harry S. Truman, played a pivotal role in shaping the course of her family’s future. He uprooted them from Mexico to Kansas City, where the principles of hard work and dedication became rooted in their upbringing. Growing up in Tyler, Texas, Anna always knew her path would eventually lead to Kansas City.

In her formative years, Anna saw her family extend a helping hand to others, whether it was covering immigration lawyer fees or purchasing textbooks for college students. However, at just 11 years old, her life abruptly changed when her father passed away. He was a prominent and respected entrepreneur whose career was enriched by the mentorship of an exceptional individual — a circumstance that Anna believes had a profound impact on her own life’s trajectory. She credits her father’s achievements to a combination of his mentor’s guidance and his own dedicated efforts.

After his passing, a scholarship was established in Tyler in her father’s memory. Meanwhile, Anna’s older brother, sister, and mother continued to run the family business. This support allowed Anna to focus on her education, which led to her embarking on a study-abroad adventure in Europe and earning a degree from Texas A&M University. Upon graduating, Anna felt compelled to give back. Later, she began a journey as a mentor with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City organization. “I was a volunteer of their mission for nearly 10 years and was involved in many capacities,” Anna said. “As of September 2021, I became an employee of theirs. My personal support for their mission eventually became my profession, and it has been a joy!” 

Anna said her involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City has opened doors in her career, providing her with meaningful friendships and invaluable connections. She has also connected with her heritage in Kansas City. “I feel more Latina in Kansas City than I ever did in Tyler,” she said. 

Today, Anna proudly identifies as Latina and bilingual. Her life in Kansas City has given her a sense of belonging she never experienced in Tyler, where she was often recognized solely as her father’s daughter or her sister’s sister. In Kansas City, she has forged her own identity. “Kansas City has supported, challenged, and empowered me,” she said. “I may not have the business my father started, but Kansas City allows me to be Anna. It gives me a voice and I try to be the best advocate I can be for the Latino community.”

Upon moving to our City of Fountains with little more than her clothes and some savings, Anna was determined to make her new life work. More than a decade later, she is thriving. Her early involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City and the guidance of her mentor, Carlos Gomez, played a pivotal role in her journey of personal and professional growth. “I first met Anna when she was involved with the Young Latino Professionals – a program with the Chamber’s Sister Organization,” Carlos said. “I witnessed her professional growth as she got involved with other non profits such as Mattie Rhodes, The Hispanic Chamber Latina Leadership Summit, and as a board member of El Centro helping immigrants who have no voice to navigate in our society. Anna is always willing to help others and is passionate about helping the community – especially when it comes to youth.” 

When it comes to minorities having a voice, Anna recognizes the underrepresentation of Latinos in media coverage. She is deeply committed to international relations, empowering Latina women to have a voice, and promoting the arts as a vehicle for diversity and inclusivity. In addition, Anna actively serves as the membership chair for the International Relations Council, is the board development chair for the Folly Theater, and sits on the board of El Centro. “There are so many of us who do phenomenal things, doing work with passion, not needing recognition,” she said.

Although Anna may not seek acknowledgment, her contributions to the community have certainly earned the attention of others. “Anna works tirelessly within the Hispanic Community in Kansas City and is so inclusive in her approach and vision,” said Karenbeth G. Zacharias, director of the Lawrence D. Starr Center for Peace and Justice. 

To that end, the Folly Theater’s commitment to diverse programming and creating an inclusive space aligns perfectly with Anna’s vision for the community. She firmly believes that exposing children from all backgrounds to the arts can inspire the artists of tomorrow. In addition, El Centro, with its mission to provide resources to the Latino community, resonates deeply with Anna. She is also a strong advocate for the International Relations Council, as her mother always emphasized the importance of exposing her children to diversity and the world beyond material possessions. In Anna’s words, “Get out of your box, go somewhere different, and you’ll find common ground with others.”

Mentors of the past and present have undoubtedly shaped Anna’s trajectory. As a result, she encourages others to seek their own mentors, emphasizing that it takes a village to achieve greatness. Anna’s village includes mentors, her husband, and her family, all of whom have supported her journey. She acknowledges their role in allowing her to be her authentic self – especially her husband, who stands by her as she attends countless evening events and early-morning commitments.

Without a doubt, Anna’s dedication to philanthropy, advocacy, and mentorship exemplifies the spirit of a true Rising Star. To conclude in the words of Carlos Gomez, “Anna leads with her heart and inspires all those around her to become better leaders. Kansas City is a better place with Anna here!”

Featured in the September 30, 2023 issue of The Independent.
By Monica V. Reynolds
Photo Credit: Tom Styrkowicz