Kansas City business leaders renew diversity pledges at 25th annual luncheon

Henderson Companies received the 2026 Champion of Diversity award from the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday. The honor was presented during the 25th POWER of Diversity Luncheon held at the Muehlebach Marriott Downtown Hotel. The Chamber recognized Henderson Engineers and Henderson Building Solutions for their ongoing inclusion efforts.

Jay Herron, a DEI partner at Henderson Companies, addressed the crowd about the current business climate. He stated that the world feels scary right now, making it more important than ever to maintain corporate initiatives for inclusion. Herron emphasized that companies control their own culture through programming, staff education on bias, and recruitment choices. He challenged the audience to stand strong in their organizations and continue the work regardless of external pressure.

The Central Area Betterment Association also received a Champion of Diversity award as a nonprofit. The organization works to improve economic development and quality of life along the Central Avenue corridor in Kansas City. Edgar Galicia, the executive director, noted that the group is 49 years old and has always worked directly with the community. He described a choice facing the area: either let outside capital rebuild the neighborhood or build it themselves. He urged the audience to support local nonprofits through volunteering, donations, and board service to help the community rebuild from the ground up.

Dr. Kimberly Beatty, board chair-elect of the KC Chamber and chancellor of Metropolitan Community College, provided historical context for the event. She explained that the Minority Business Alliance was formed in 2000 to create mentoring opportunities for entrepreneurs outside established networks. Beatty said this early commitment grew into a community of leaders who understood that when more people have access to opportunity, the entire region becomes stronger. She stated that the group is honoring that history while renewing its commitment for the next 25 years.

The Chamber also presented Ace Awards to three up-and-coming senior managers. Fabián Gayosso, director of community affairs for ReeceNichols Real Estate, received the award for building the company’s Community Affairs function since 2018. Gayosso said leadership is about making oneself available and recognizing potential. He described diversity work as an investment rather than an expense, noting that it is driven by conviction and strategic value rather than obligation.

Jill Hathaway, regional director of the Missouri Small Business Development Center, was also honored. Her team serves more than 1,000 small business owners and offers over 130 training sessions annually. In the past two and a half years, her center has served more than 190 Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish-origin business owners. These businesses generated over $25 million in gross revenue and retained more than 470 jobs. Hathaway highlighted a recent Spanish-language cohort that included 24 attendees representing 35 different businesses from 10 countries.

Trey Meyers, director of marketing and communications for the Missouri Restaurant Association, received the third Ace Award. The 26-year-old professional supports culinary education and student scholarships through the association’s education foundation. Meyers stated that age does not equal experience and that titles do not define leadership ability. He said the industry must provide access to and empower the next generation of leaders to build Kansas City with them, not just for them.

Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, delivered the keynote address. He argued that the story of the Negro Leagues embodies the American spirit because the leagues focused on talent rather than color or gender. Kendrick said the leagues demonstrate that while the country is not yet perfect, the work of inclusion is still ongoing. He described the museum as a place to understand the true power of diversity and respect through the history of courageous athletes.

The event brought together the region’s diverse business community to celebrate leaders in diversity, equity, and inclusion. The 25th annual luncheon marks a quarter-century of the Chamber’s commitment to these efforts. The awards and keynote speeches concluded the formal program of the afternoon gathering.