Theme: UninhibiTED

Society as a whole has a tendency to view ingenuity as an inherent gift. It is hard to look at the mavericks and trailblazers of the world and not immediately attribute their success to natural ability. It is only when we try and create our own solutions to societal problems that we realize that having the courage to step out of our comfort zone far outweighs general intelligence. Moving forward as a society requires us as individuals to question what holds us back. Do we find ourselves resting on the laurels of past visionaries? Do we view difficulties as hindrances rather than opportunities to grow? Simply put, there are those among us who are immobilized at the sight of their inhibitions, and there are those who choose to turn them into their greatest strengths. These individuals not only embody dedication to their craft, but also truly manifest the idea of overcoming barriers and adversity in the pursuit of their passions. In an age where inspiration lies all around us, our greatest enemy is often our own reluctance to do what needs to be done. These innovators have challenged established norms by constantly pushing forward, and in doing so have externalized what it means to live truly uninhibited.

National WWI Museum and Memorial
2 Memorial Dr
Kansas City, Missouri, 64108
United States

Christopher Kennedy

COO of Heritage Biologics

Christopher W. Kennedy is an award-winning healthcare entrepreneur focused on improving health outcomes for rare disease patient populations. He serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Heritage Biologics specialty and home infusion pharmacy. His effort in developing the first formal Pharmacy Patient Experience (RXPX) program has resulted in Heritage Biologics becoming the first pharmacy member of both The Beryl Institute and the Association for Patient Experience (AfPE). Most recently, Christopher was presented the 2018 American Telemedicine Association President's Award for Innovation for his efforts in developing HemoMD. This telemedicine solution delivers the first Virtual Integrated Practice Unit (VIPU) approach to managing patients with rare conditions. He has spent the last 18 years in leadership roles within the Specialty Pharmacy, Biotechnology, and Medical Device sectors. “No one holds healthcare more accountable than patients themselves.” – Christopher W. Kennedy

Gillian Helm

Executive Director of Literacy KC

Gillian Helm has led Literacy KC's tremendous growth through strategy and client-centered design over the last six years, including a overhaul resulting in a 650% increase in client numbers served. Under Helm’s leadership, Literacy KC’s fundraising strategy has resulted in a 300% increase in annual budget, from $300,000 to $1.2 million over six years. She engaged in extensive research in Latin America on non-governmental resources available to women in poverty as a graduate student at the University of Kansas. Helm joined the Literacy KC team in September 2011 as a member of the Programs team, climbing the ranks to become Literacy KC’s Executive Director in October 2015, and continues to dedicate her time and talent to the improvement of services, the diversification of programming, and to meeting the 21st century, multi-dimensional literacy related needs of Kansas City’s adults and families through research-based, data-driven curriculum.

Jennifer Villwock

Otolaryngologist + Assistant Professor

Dr. Jennifer A. Villwock is an Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery in the Division of Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery at the University of Kansas Medical Center. She is a 2011 graduate of the Michigan State College of Human Medicine and completed postgraduate training at the State University of New York - Upstate in Syracuse, New York. Dr. Villwock completed a fellowship in Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery at the University of Kansas Medical Center. In addition to taking care of patients, Dr. Villwock is passionate about wellness and mental health. Her scientific paper on impostor syndrome and burnout in medical students has been downloaded over 2400 times. She believes that sharing our stories, successes, and struggles is critical to connecting to each other and deriving meaning from our experiences. Dr. Villwock speaks on these topics at national conferences and National Institute of Health training programs.

Kar Woo

Founder + Executive Director of Artists Helping the Homeless

Woo turned 19 alone on the plane to the United States with dreams of an education and successful career. In 2010, Kar Woo put the business he built over nearly 30 years on hiatus to create the BE THE CHANGE Project, a homeless hospital diversion program that filled a gap in the local safety net with transportation. Although unaware of it at the time, Woo’s life prepared him for tackling the challenge of reducing the need and cost of care for Kansas City’s homeless. He first encountered the homeless when he moved his store near the Plaza. His homeless friends suggested Saint Luke’s Hospital invite him to a meeting on the soaring demand of the homeless on local emergency services. “I can save the community $1,000,000,” he told a friend after the meeting. Today, his BE THE CHANGE Program is a true collaboration offering a wide menu of services to over 2,500 people from all segments of the local homeless population and saving local emergency services millions annually.

Matthew Baysinger

CEO of Swell Spark

Matt Baysinger is the founder and CEO of Swell Spark, which exists to help people have fun with their friends, family and coworkers. Swell Spark oversees brands like Breakout KC, Blade & Timber, Choir Bar, and Epic Aloha. He believes life is only as wonderful as the people we surround ourselves with, and he’s made it his mission to create places where it is easy to gather people for shared experiences. Matt has been named one of Kansas City’s NextGen Leaders, as well as one of The Business Journals Influencers: Rising Stars, which spotlights 100 people in business nationwide who are having an impact relatively early in their careers on their companies and their communities. Matt and his wife Emily have been married for ten years, and have three amazing children who redefine the meaning of joy on a daily basis.

Rosilyn Temple

Founder of KC Mothers in Charge

Rosilyn Temple became an activist for nonviolence in Kansas City after she found her 26-year-old son Antonio “Pee Wee” Thompson murdered in his apartment in 2011. Through her grief, she knew that there would have to be a place in this world where she could stand in the gap for her child. Over the past five years, Rosilyn has visited approximately 400 homicide scenes. Rosilyn has educated and inspired thousands of Kansas Citians through numerous media interviews and speaking engagements at churches, schools, and prisons. She has touched the lives of hundreds of at-risk students and youth and thousands of inmates and ex-offenders. She serves on the Kansas City Mayor’s Anti-Violence Task Force and received the 2015 KC Division FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award. Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker says that "Rosilyn is a great partner in this community. I am grateful for her and KC Mothers in Charge. I have confidence in her ability to give comfort and aid.”

Shreya Majagi

Medical Student

Shreya is a first generation Indian-American who grew up in Rogers, Arkansas. She is currently a second year student in the UMKC six year BA/MD program. Shreya has spoken on C SPAN and at the United States Senate Youth Program. She is involved with several organizations at UMKC including: Doctor’s For America, Help a Life Organization, Kansas City Dance Marathon and more. She is passionate about health care, politics, and people. Shreya believes that diversity is one of our society’s greatest tools and hopes to help create an environment where diversity of people and thoughts are revered!