Service is part of Kansas City’s story, and Hillary Winzenried’s name is one of the threads that keeps it alive. Following in the footsteps of her mother, Marie McMorris, and grandmother, June, Hillary has carried forward a family legacy of civic engagement. It continues to shape her life and the lives of those around her. For more than two decades, she has devoted her time and talents to the city’s philanthropic community. Since joining BOTAR in 2002, she has held numerous leadership roles within the organization. She has also served as co-chairman of the rehearsal committee for The Jewel Ball, volunteered annually with the American Royal’s School Tours program, and supported Horizon Academy’s A Novel Night auction as decorations co-chairman.
In addition, she has spent countless hours helping teachers and students at Horizon Academy, St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School, and Trailwood Elementary. These are only the highlights. Hillary thinks about how her 11-year-old daughter might one day continue the family’s tradition of service. After all, service and community connections run deep among the women in her family. She learned the meaning of community and service as a child, sitting around her mother’s kitchen table. She made an early impression on Hillary by volunteering at school and through community organizations such as BOTAR. One of Hillary’s fondest memories is of her mother contributing to the Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri’s Above and Beyond Parsley cookbook. “There would always be a group of ladies at our house,” she said. “She had the dessert section, so we would get to try the desserts.” This was Hillary’s introduction to Kansas City’s civic culture. “I also remember people being at our house before the BOTAR Ball and seeing them in dresses,” she said. “I remember going to the rodeo and the barbecue, and those were always things that I couldn’t wait to do when I was a ‘big kid’.” When she was in the seventh grade, Hillary wrote a paper on outstanding Kansas City citizens. It was about her maternal grandmother, June, who helped establish the Johnson County Library. “I think my mom grew up seeing her mom serve and give back in different ways in the community,” Hillary said. “She was inspired by that and wanted to take it further.” In 1999, Marie became president of BOTAR. It was the organization’s 50th anniversary year. “I remember they did a beautiful fashion show that year to celebrate the 50th anniversary, and I remember seeing my mom speak,” Hillary said. “I loved seeing her as a leader. I was just in awe and so proud of that.”
Those early experiences shaped Hillary’s path. In 2024, she served as vice president of BOTAR Activities during the organization’s 75th anniversary. It was the same role her mother once held. The timing felt serendipitous. “She was president of BOTAR Activities in 1979, which is the year I was born,” Hillary said. “We have a picture of me as a baby wearing a onesie that said, BOTAR Baby.” It’s no wonder Hillary grew up to be a faithful BOTAR member with roles that span committee, chairman, and board positions. Natalie Kirk Welch, a BOTAR past president said, “She is always willing to help, even with tasks that don’t fall under her.” Hillary’s dedication also extends into her career in commercial interior design, where she has mentored and supported emerging designers. “To guide and mentor new grads, new hires, and summer interns — and see them through and be confident — has been the most rewarding part of my career.” The care and encouragement she extends to others is evident. “Hillary has a nurturing soul that extends to everyone around her,” Natalie said. “You can’t help but smile when she walks into a room with her big personality. She is truly one of a kind, and if you are fortunate to know her, you can’t help but love her.” Within her roles, Hillary leads with care. She has intentionally developed a leadership style guided by inclusion and empathy. Early in her volunteer career, she paid close attention to how seasoned leaders inspired and motivated others. Over time, she adapted those qualities into her own signature style of leadership.
Hillary’s spirit of inclusion is one reason fellow volunteers speak so highly of her. At Horizon Academy’s A Novel Night auction, Stacey McClincy, who served as decorations co-chairman for the event, praised her approach, “Her positive energy and ability to make everyone feel valued contributed so much to the evening’s success.” Stacey described Hillary as, “exceedingly prepared, selfless, and accessible,” noting her genuine interest in helping others succeed. “She is a remarkable woman who consistently makes those around her feel valued and special, and has the ability to elevate others beyond their potential.” In their work together, Stacey also observed Hillary’s continuous focus on learning and self-improvement. It’s fitting then that, in addition to her long-term civic work, Hillary’s volunteer life often centers on education and community connection. Currently, she is a room mom at Trailwood Elementary, where she coordinates class parties, helps organize teacher appreciation efforts, and ensures that every parent can participate in some way. “We also do fun things for the teacher, and things to hopefully make her life easier, like bring her lunch each month,” she said. From classrooms to civic boards, Hillary finds community in being part of something larger than herself. To those who know her — friends, colleagues, and volunteers across Kansas City — Hillary’s humility is what makes her a Rising Star. “She continually goes above and beyond. She is honest and dedicated in everything she does, and her positive spirit is a gift to all who have the opportunity to volunteer with her,” added Natalie.
Featured in the November 29, 2025 issue of The Independent
By: Monica V. Reynolds
Photo Credit: Tom Styrkowicz
