Life Behind the Scenes at TEDxKC

Two girls sit down in front of a TEDxKC sign indoors.

It was more than three decades ago that Richard Saul Wurman, an American architect and graphic designer, envisioned a conference that explored the convergence of technology, entertainment and design. Debuting in 1984, the first TED Conference was a financial flop. Yet the concept eventually took off and has exploded into a global nonprofit organization with…

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Early learning leader for US Department of Education to speak in KC

Photo of Dr. Libby Doggett

Dr. Libby Doggett’s understanding of the importance of early childhood education began while volunteering in a Head Start classroom as an undergraduate at the University of Texas. As the U.S. Department of Education’s lead person on early learning, Doggett spends a lot of her time working to help business and policy leaders at every level…

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Educator Profile: Hannah Lofthus, Kauffman School CEO

Photo of student and Kauffman school Principal Hannah Lofthus talking at desk in classroom.

Growing up, Hannah Lofthus changed schools every year depending on if she was living with her mother or father, who both are educators. “I’ve went everywhere from the city district school to suburban schools to rural schools,” said Lofthus, who, for the past three years, has served as the principal at the Ewing Marion Kauffman School…

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Profile: Mike English, executive director of Turn the Page KC

Picture of Mike English sitting at conference table with papers sprawled in front of him

It’s been nearly two years since Kansas City, Mo., Mayor Sly James launched Turn the Page KC, a community initiative to get students reading on grade level by third grade. Today the initiative announced its first dedicated staff member, Mike English. English accepted the position as the initiative’s first executive director this month. “Between (The…

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Get Behind The Ring: A Clash at the Kauffman Foundation

Get In The Ring Entrepreneurs Enter The Ring

Kyle Geary | Kansas City, MO – If you stopped by the Kauffman Foundation Monday evening, you may have thought you were about to witness a championship boxing match – and you would be, at least partially, correct. There was a “clash” at the Kauffman Foundation, but instead of punches being thrown, pitches were. The…

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