After 28 years shaping Kansas City's civic and educational landscape, the influential leader will step down this summer, marking the end of an era for the foundation.
End of an Era at Kauffman Foundation
Gloria Jackson-Leathers, a pivotal force at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation for nearly three decades, will retire in July 2026. Her departure marks a significant transition for one of Kansas City’s most influential philanthropic organizations. Jackson-Leathers currently serves as Senior Advisor to the President for Community Engagement, a role she assumed in March 2024 as part of a strategic restructuring to deepen the foundation's community connections.
Her career at the foundation has been defined by her role as a community ambassador, building trust and fostering relationships across the metropolitan area. The official announcement from the Kauffman Foundation highlighted her nearly 28 years of service, during which she held various leadership positions, including Director, Senior Director, and Vice President of the Kansas City Civic team.
A Legacy of Impact on Kansas City
Jackson-Leathers' influence is woven into the fabric of modern Kansas City. She was instrumental in launching and nurturing numerous programs that have become cornerstones of the region's educational and creative ecosystems. According to KCUR, her work was crucial in the development of the KC STEM Alliance, an initiative that strengthens science, technology, engineering, and math education for students across the region.
Her portfolio of achievements also includes the creation of Maker Faire KC, a celebrated annual event that brings together inventors, artists, and tech enthusiasts, and the Kansas City Civic Engagement Initiative. These projects reflect her commitment to addressing community needs, from bolstering nonprofit missions to tackling the digital divide and supporting out-of-school programs, as detailed on her foundation profile.
Key Initiatives Championed by Gloria Jackson-Leathers
| Initiative | Description | Impact on Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| KC STEM Alliance | A collaborative network to advance STEM education and workforce development. | Increased access to high-quality STEM learning for thousands of students, creating a pipeline for future tech talent. |
| Maker Faire KC | A large-scale event celebrating invention, creativity, and the DIY spirit. | Became a major cultural and educational event, inspiring innovation and hands-on learning for all ages. |
| Civic Engagement Initiative | A program designed to support and strengthen local nonprofit missions. | Bolstered the capacity of Kansas City's civic sector to address critical community needs effectively. |
What's Next for the Kauffman Foundation
Jackson-Leathers' retirement prompts questions about the future of community engagement leadership at the Kauffman Foundation. Her most recent role as Senior Advisor was created as part of a leadership update in March 2024 to enhance the foundation's strategic focus on economic stability and prosperity through deep community partnerships, as noted in a prior announcement.
The foundation has not yet announced a successor or detailed its transition plan. However, the departure of such a long-tenured and influential figure represents a pivotal moment. The organization will need to find a new leader to steward the critical relationships and community trust that Jackson-Leathers spent decades building, a challenge noted by publications like Ingram's. Her successor will inherit the responsibility of guiding the foundation's civic mission in a rapidly evolving Kansas City.
Q: Who is Gloria Jackson-Leathers?
A: Gloria Jackson-Leathers is the retiring Senior Advisor to the President, Community Engagement, at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. She has been a key leader at the foundation for nearly 28 years, shaping many of Kansas City's most significant civic and educational programs.
Q: What are some major KC initiatives she influenced?
A: She was instrumental in the creation and growth of the KC STEM Alliance, Maker Faire KC, and the Kansas City Civic Engagement Initiative, among other programs focused on education, the digital divide, and nonprofit support.
Q: When is Gloria Jackson-Leathers officially retiring?
A: She is set to retire from the Kauffman Foundation in July 2026.
Q: What is the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation?
A: Based in Kansas City, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that works to support education and entrepreneurship. It is one of the largest private foundations in the United States, with a significant philanthropic impact on the Kansas City region.