As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we honor the women across Kansas City who are driving meaningful change in neighborhoods, showing up for themselves and others, building connections, and using their gifts to strengthen the communities they serve.
As Women’s History Month comes to a close, the Center for Neighborhoods would like to take a moment to recognize and celebrate some of the extraordinary women helping to drive change across Kansas City—using their gifts, skills, and talents to strengthen and uplift residents and neighborhoods throughout the city.
Let’s start this recognition with our very own Dina Newman, Director of the Center for Neighborhoods for the past 10 years, whose deep passion for neighborhoods is felt in the way she leads—with intention, care, and a belief in the power of people. At the heart of this work is Leadership & Governance, and through her leadership, the Center continues to engage, equip, and empower residents to step forward, share their voices, and shape what happens in their own communities. It’s leadership that feels close, accessible, and rooted in trust.
In Planning & Development, that same spirit shows up in the way Triveece Penelton, Community Planning & Engagement Director with Vireo, approaches her work, listening first, building relationships, and ensuring that engagement reflects the vision of the people who live there. Her connection to this work also extends to the Center, where she has served as an advisory member, helping guide and strengthen our efforts. Alongside her, Christina Hoxie, Founder of Hoxie Collective, brings more than 25 years of experience into spaces where design and development honor the identity and story of the neighborhood, not just the project. She has also shared her knowledge in collaboration with the work of the Center, contributing her expertise to support community-centered development efforts.
Through Technology & Communications, we see how access and connection can open doors. Tammy Buckner, Founder & CEO of WeCode KC, is helping create pathways into technology, ensuring that opportunity is within reach and that individuals have the tools to build something for themselves and their future. At the same time, Laura Ziegler, Community Engagement Editor at KCUR, helps bring community stories to light—making sure the voices, experiences, and realities of residents are seen, heard, and valued.
In Health & Safety, the work becomes even more personal. Ruth Ramsey, Founder of Ramsey & Associates and Our Health Matters, is focused on making sure residents have access to the knowledge and resources they need to live healthier lives. Alongside this, Leslie Scott, Founder of Re.Use.Full, is helping communities reimagine sustainability, showing how small, intentional changes can lead to healthier environments and stronger neighborhoods overall.
And through Culture, Creativity & History, we are reminded that our stories matter. Anna Marie Tutera, Executive Director & CEO of the Museum of Kansas City creates spaces where people can see themselves reflected in history, while Dr. Carmaletta Williams, Executive Director of the Black Archives of Mid-America, continues to preserve and uplift the stories that define so much of our shared experience. Their work keeps history alive—not just as something we remember, but as something we carry forward.
Strong communities don’t just happen, they’re built every day by people who care, who show up, and who stay connected to one another. At the Center, we see this work come to life in real and meaningful ways, through conversations on front porches, ideas shared across tables, and neighbors stepping into leadership with courage and purpose. Through the lens of our pillars—Leadership & Governance, Planning & Development, Technology & Communications, Health & Safety, and Culture, Creativity & History—we’re reminded that this work is connected, and that real change happens when people come together, build trust, and move forward in solidarity.
Written by LaMonica Upton, Senior Program Manager for Neighborhood Leadership
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