Six Kansas City-area nonprofit leaders whose work ranges from expanding homeownership and improving education to mentoring young people and helping survivors of domestic violence have been named finalists for the inaugural Kauffman Uncommon Leader Visionary Award.
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation announced the finalists Aug. 13. The award recognizes executive leaders of 501(c)(3) public charities whose work has created lasting impact in the Kansas City region while advancing economic mobility.
The six finalists are Brennan Crawford of Build WyCo; Alana Henry of Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council; Micheal Lawrence of Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City; Tysie McDowell of Crossroads Charter Schools; Kar Woo of Artists Helping the Homeless; and Heidi Wooten of Safehome.
The winner will receive $75,000, with an additional $150,000 going to the winner’s nonprofit organization. The recipient will be announced Sept. 24 during a celebration honoring the finalists.
“These six leaders demonstrate that lasting community change takes many forms,” said Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, president and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation. She said the finalists have strengthened organizations, created new opportunities, built collaborations and challenged systems that can stand in the way of progress.
Meet the Finalists
Brennan Crawford, Build WyCo
Crawford has helped transform Build WyCo into a broad community development organization focused on housing, homeownership and building community wealth. Under his leadership, the organization has built, renovated or repaired more than 800 homes and helped nearly 1,000 families become homeowners. Its work also includes lending, financial counseling and a community land trust.
Alana Henry, Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council
Henry has worked to ensure residents have a voice in shaping the future of their neighborhood. Her work connects food access, housing and community development. She also created the KC Farmers Market Passport, which connects residents with local farmers and fresh food while directing more dollars to growers.
Micheal Lawrence, Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City
During more than three decades with Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City, Lawrence has helped expand the organization’s traditional mentoring model to include career exploration, internships, workforce development and postsecondary planning. The organization has also increased its focus on trauma-informed care, family engagement and youth voice.
Tysie McDowell, Crossroads Charter Schools
McDowell co-founded Crossroads Charter Schools and helped grow it into a three-school public charter network serving more than 1,100 students and families. The schools use Kansas City itself as part of the learning experience, connecting students with libraries, arts organizations, colleges, employers and other community institutions.
Kar Woo, Artists Helping the Homeless
Woo founded Artists Helping the Homeless and developed a model that connects people experiencing homelessness with health care, housing, recovery, employment and other resources. Its respite housing provides residents with temporary stability, transportation, peer support and connections to services while they work toward longer-term goals.
Heidi Wooten, Safehome
Wooten has expanded Safehome’s support for survivors of domestic violence while addressing barriers to long-term safety and independence. Under her leadership, the organization has invested in facility improvements, accessibility, telehealth, housing assistance and long-term financial sustainability.
Finalists were evaluated in six areas based on values associated with Kauffman Foundation founder Ewing Kauffman: community impact, economic mobility and systems change, executive leadership and legacy, equity, collaboration and innovation.
The Visionary Award is the second honor created under the Kauffman Uncommon Leader program. The foundation launched its Impact Award in 2025 to recognize nonprofit leaders working outside the executive suite.
