National Leaders in Business, Media, and Sports Convene at United WE’s 35th Anniversary Champions for Change Event

Brittany Mahomes honored with inaugural Champion for Change Award

KANSAS CITY, MO – National leaders in business, media, and sports gathered at United WE’s 35th Anniversary Champions for Change event for a powerful conversation about advancing women’s economic participation. The national nonprofit honored Brittany Mahomes, entrepreneur, investor, and co-owner of the Kansas City Current, as the inaugural recipient of the Champion for Change Award. 

“I am proud to accept this honor, but more importantly, I’m proud to stand with an organization that understands that investing in women isn’t just a ‘good thing to do’ – it’s the smartest play on the board,” said Mahomes to a crowd of over 1,000 people gathered at Kansas City’s CPKC Stadium, the first stadium in the world purpose-build for a women’s professional team. “We are here to build real equity and create spaces where women don't just have a seat at the table, but own the building the table sits in.” 

Mahomes was honored for the lasting economic and cultural impact she has made in Kansas City and beyond through her leadership, entrepreneurship, and investment in women’s professional sports. An entrepreneur, investor, athlete, mother of three, and co-owner of the Kansas City Current, Brittany has helped elevate women’s sports as both a cultural force and a growing economic engine — including through investment in CPKC Stadium, the first stadium in the world purpose-built for a women’s professional team. 

In remarks reflecting on United WE’s 35 years of advancing women’s economic and civic leadership, United WE President & CEO Wendy Doyle issued a powerful call for civility: “In the end, civility isn’t a value we talk about. It’s the infrastructure that allows us to build everything that lasts.”

The event, presented by Bank of America, also featured a panel of national leaders, moderated by Maneet Ahuja, Founder and Editor-at-Large, ICONOCLAST, Forbes Media, and a virtual program streamed across the country and emceed by NFL Network Host and On-Air Talent Kimmi Chex. 

“It’s often said that men are promoted based on potential, but women are promoted based on results,” said Ahuja. “But we have to put women in a position where they are given the opportunity to achieve those results. 

“Women aren’t broken – it’s fixing the system,” said panelist Shelley Zalis, Founder & CEO, The Female Quotient. “Investing in women isn’t a women’s issue, it’s actually a growth strategy… We don’t have an ambition gap - we have an access gap.” 

“What we need to do is create workplaces that work for everybody, regardless of gender,” said panelist Robert L. Cohen, Chairman & CEO, IMA Financial Group; Controlling Owner, Denver Summit FC. “If we break down the barriers, the facts speak for themselves… We know if we invest in women in the same way we invest in men, we’ll get the same results.” 

“Bank of America is proud to return as the presenting sponsor for Champions for Change during such a milestone year for United WE,” said Matt Linski, President, Bank of America Kansas City. “Investing in women’s economic mobility is a business imperative that strengthens our entire regional economy. We are thrilled to support this dialogue at a venue that represents the pinnacle of investment in women’s leadership.”

“We are so honored to host United WE at CPKC Stadium,” said Angie & Chris Long, Co-Owners, Kansas City Current. “As the first stadium built specifically for a women’s professional sports team, we represent the tangible results of what happens when you invest in women.”

Cathi and David Brain, longtime supporters of United WE and active leaders in Kansas City’s civic and philanthropic community, served as Honorary Chairs. Event leadership included co-chairs Chancellor Mauli Agrawal, University of Missouri-Kansas City; Susan Schaefer, Kansas City General Construction Group Market Leader, JE Dunn; Clay Smith, Kansas City Market President, IMA Financial Group; and Beth Wade, CEO, VML KC. 

Video of the event is available at: https://www.youtube.com/live/vW4DYBLHwWw?si=LrMiUGwfcHeamPND