When Fabián Gayosso González left Mexico City at age 23 for a role with Kansas City’s Mexican Consulate, he likely expected it to be brief. But what he found was a permanent home. He had majored in international relations and was drawn to the ideals of diplomacy and public service. “The Mexican Consulate taught me there is talent, and there is a will for growth, but access to opportunities are not there,” he said. “There is a lack of information, and a lack of access to resources.”
As someone who arrived with the benefits of a diplomatic post — immediate access, stability, and legal standing — Fabián recognizes his path into the United States was not typical. That privilege is partly what drives his sense of duty. He sees it as his responsibility to guide others in the Mexican and Latino community toward the resources, systems, and support they might not otherwise reach. “Kansas City is my home now and it’s just my way to give back,” he said. “When I see the need and I can leverage resources, it’s like, why not?”
His passion for service is also driven by a belief that immigrants, like himself, are stewards of their cultures, values, and contributions. Today, as director of community affairs at ReeceNichols, Fabián is building programs that connect underserved families with resources that make homeownership a possiblity. “I have been privileged to live in the United States, and I feel like I represent my country,” he said. “As immigrants, we are all representing our countries. So I want to show a great image, a good representation of what we offer culturally and professionally.”
At ReeceNichols, Fabián co-founded and implemented the Gold Key Project, a company-wide charitable initiative supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities. The program donates $100 from every real estate transaction made by participating agents. “ReeceNichols helps people find a home, and the Gold Key Project helps people find a home away from home through critical situations,” he said. “It’s a great match.”
The project began in 2020 with the goal of raising $6,000. Just two weeks after launching the pilot, the pandemic hit. With concerns about hitting their goal, the 40 participating agents agreed to extend the program beyond the original timeline. By the end of that first round, they had raised $31,000. Last year, the project reached over $1 million in total raised and donated funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities.
But for Fabián, writing a check isn’t enough. “I always like everything that we do here to have active participation,” he said. “It’s easier to write a check than actually participating.” To define what that participation looks like, he refers to a simple model: “Lead, support, assist,” he said. “It depends on the project, the needs, and on the partnership, but it means being actively involved in the development of a program, a strategy, a resource, a tool — something that will connect the company with the community.”
Beyond housing, Fabián is passionate about educational opportunities — particularly for undocumented students. At ReeceNichols, he spearheaded the Cambio para Cambio campaign. In partnership with the Hispanic Development Fund, the initiative has raised more than $50,000 to support Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students attending college. “I am Mexican, and I have a passion for the Latino community,” he said. “By empowering these Latino scholars to seek a college degree, it’s giving them a path to improving their well-being.”
To Fabián, education is a foundation that leads to long-term stability. “If you have a better education, that means better pay,” he said. “And then you can try to have the American dream.” Representation matters, too. “You can only be it if you can see it,” he said. “So I want to position myself as someone who can empower others to really try to strive for more.”
Fabián’s talent and passion for community engagement doesn’t end with his day job. During the pandemic, he co-founded ActivoKC, a digital initiative that provided timely, accurate COVID-19 information in Spanish to the Latino community. It became a trusted resource for families seeking public health updates, government mandates, and safety protocols.
He also serves on the boards of El Centro, the Home Services Foundation for Housing Equity, and formerly the REACH Healthcare Foundation. In addition, he is an active member of the Centurions leadership program through the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. In each of these roles, Fabián brings his enthusiasm for creative collaborations that spark innovative community-focused solutions. “I am always looking for a win-win,” he said. “It’s just being creative and achieving things that can impact others who maybe didn’t know something was possible.”
Looking ahead, Fabián is clear about the challenges and the potential for systemic change in Kansas City. “Equity must be actively practiced, not just promised,” he said. “It’s not just asking for opportunities or to be given opportunities. It’s having a chance to have access to things.”
His vision includes stronger networks across industries, greater civic engagement from the Latino community, and a shift in how companies view social impact. “Companies still see community impact as an expense and not an investment,” he said. “But you must earn the right to serve a demographic that you want to work with. It doesn’t just come because of brand recognition.”
He also believes in preparing the next generation of leaders. “You don’t see a lot of minorities in leadership positions,” he said. “The only way to see more representation is preparing the next generation, preparing the next person who will replace you.”
Ultimately, for Fabián, service is not about charity but rather about collaboration. “It’s calling people in instead of calling them out,” he said. “It’s inviting people to be part of something.” As a Rising Star, Fabián isn’t just part of something. He is helping to build that something and paving the way for a stronger, more inclusive Kansas City.
Featured in the July 26, 2025 issue of The Independent