The University of Missouri-Kansas City inducted seven women at this year’s Starr Women’s Hall of Fame event at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
The bi-annual celebration kicked off with event chair Michelle Wimes (B.A. ’88), senior vice president and chief equity and inclusion officer at Children’s Mercy, discussing the history and significance of the UMKC Starr Women’s Hall of Fame and why it is important to preserve and tell their stories.
“It is hard to believe, but this academic year represents a milestone anniversary for the Starr Women’s Hall of Fame, which we launched in 2014 and inducted our first class of celebrated leaders in 2015,” Wimes said. “To date, 45 women have been inducted, and their stories permanently enshrined in the Starr archives. It is this combination of recognition that sets the Starr Women’s Hall of Fame apart from other entities that recognize and celebrate the achievements of women leaders.”
UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal introduced the first four inductees and shared his excitement for the Starr Women’s Hall of Fame and the future of the program.
“At UMKC, we are proud to partner with so many of you to steward this incredible institution, ensuring the stories of the women we honor continue to inspire future generations,” Agrawal said.
Curt Crespino, vice chancellor of External Relations and Constituent Engagement, shared how amazing and how far this program has come along.
“As originally envisioned, the Starr Women's Hall of Fame also includes its archive, which is located in the UMKC Miller Nichols Library,” Crespino said. “The addition of the archive affords the hall of fame the opportunity to become a living, breathing testimony to the life’s work of our amazing inductees.”
A Class of 2023 inductee, Karen Daniel (M.S. ’81), was honorary chair this year. As the first independent African American woman to be a Major League Baseball owner since her addition to the Kansas City Royals ownership group in 2020, she shared what these women meant to the Kansas City area.
“Not only are Starr Women's Hall of Fame inductees serving as role models for these young women, I am heartened they are eagerly accepting that the torch will pass to them to not only sustain the archives, but to live their lives in such a way as to be future inductees.” Daniel said.
All seven inductees were awarded medals on stage; those who were inducted posthumously were represented by family or friends.
Wimes closed out the ceremony and shared this year's event raised more than $334,000 for the Starr Women's Hall of Fame archive.
“Karen and I are both proud alumnae of UMKC and I have been a volunteer leader at the university for many years, almost too many to count,” Wimes shared. “Whenever asked about volunteering at UMKC, I always say do it! My heartfelt thanks to the UMKC team for all you do to make memorable events like today’s possible for our community. Through your efforts and work, you bring the university and the community together in ways that are truly meaningful and impactful.”
2025 Starr Women’s Hall of Fame Inductees
The Starr Women's Hall of Fame, held every two years at UMKC, honors remarkable women from Kansas City and preserves the legacy of their achievements. These honorees include social reformers, volunteers, philanthropists, civic leaders and educators. All these individuals’ dedication and efforts have positively impacted the Kansas City community. This year’s inductees are:
