Kansas City, October 7, 2025
News Summary
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) will recognize outstanding innovators in various fields at its Entrepreneur of the Year program. This year’s honorees include a businessman with a billion-dollar investment firm and Father Justin Mathews for his social entrepreneurship efforts. The event emphasizes UMKC’s commitment to enhancing Kansas City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem while celebrating significant contributions in finance, social initiatives, and scientific advancements.
Kansas City
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) is set to honor a diverse group of innovators at its 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year program on December 3, 2025. The event, taking place at H&R Block Headquarters, is a tribute to the significant contributions made by various entrepreneurs in fields ranging from finance to social entrepreneurship and scientific research.
Highlights of the Awards Ceremony
This year’s honorees include a businessman who has established an investment advisory company valued at over $200 billion, showcasing remarkable achievements in finance. In the realm of social entrepreneurship, Father Justin Mathews, the CEO of Reconciliation Services and founder of Thelma’s Kitchen, is recognized for his impactful work addressing economic and racial disparities within the Kansas City community.
Mathews has also been awarded the Marion and John Kreamer Award for Social Entrepreneurship due to his commitment to social initiatives. Additionally, a scientist will be acknowledged for significant advancements that played a crucial role in unlocking the human genome, marking a milestone in scientific exploration.
UMKC’s Commitment to Entrepreneurship
As part of UMKC’s 39th Annual Entrepreneur of the Year awards, this ceremony emphasizes the university’s determination to enhance Kansas City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Dean of the Bloch School, Brian Klaas, underlined the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurship, which involves not only challenging existing norms but also striving to create better communities.
Father Justin Mathews’ Contributions
Father Justin Mathews has dedicated over three decades to tackling issues related to economic and racial inequalities in Kansas City. His projects, most notably Thelma’s Kitchen, focus on offering food and fostering community connections in lower-income regions, particularly along the historically segregated Troost Avenue. Mathews advocates for social entrepreneurship, highlighting its critical role in fostering social and economic reconciliation in the community.
In addition to his work with Thelma’s Kitchen, he co-founded the Social Venture Studio, an accelerator program designed to support social entrepreneurs in Kansas City, thereby further reinforcing his commitment to community upliftment.
Significance of the Honorees
The honorees of the 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year awards embody a unique blend of innovation, combining grassroots community-building efforts with breakthroughs in finance and science. Their achievements collectively symbolize not only individual success but also collaborative efforts aimed at improving the entrepreneurial landscape of Kansas City.
Conclusion
The upcoming awards ceremony represents a significant occasion to acknowledge individuals who have made remarkable contributions to their fields and communities. As Kansas City embraces these trailblazing entrepreneurs, UMKC continues to foster an environment dedicated to entrepreneurship and innovation.
FAQ
When will the 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year awards ceremony take place?
The awards ceremony is scheduled for December 3, 2025.
Where will the ceremony be held?
The awards ceremony will be held at H&R Block Headquarters.
Who are this year’s honorees?
This year’s honorees include a businessman who developed a $200 billion-plus investment advisory company, Father Justin Mathews for social entrepreneurship, and a scientist recognized for advancements that helped unlock the human genome.
What award did Father Justin Mathews receive?
Father Justin Mathews received the Marion and John Kreamer Award for Social Entrepreneurship.
What is the purpose of the UMKC Entrepreneur of the Year program?
The program showcases the university’s dedication to enhancing Kansas City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and celebrates significant contributions from various fields.
What initiatives has Father Justin Mathews been involved in?
Mathews has been active for over 30 years in addressing economic and racial disparities in Kansas City and has projects like Thelma’s Kitchen, providing food and community connections.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Awards Ceremony Date | December 3, 2025 |
| Location | H&R Block Headquarters |
| Notable Honorees | Businessman, Father Justin Mathews, Scientist |
| Special Awards | Marion and John Kreamer Award for Social Entrepreneurship |
| Focus Areas | Finance, Social Entrepreneurship, Scientific Advancements |
| UMKC’s Commitment | Enhancing Kansas City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem |
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Additional Resources
- Startland News: UMKC Entrepreneur of the Year
- EY: Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 Heartland Award Finalists
- Startland News: UMKC Entrepreneur of the Year – Populous
- PR Newswire: Michael Rea Named Kansas City Entrepreneur of the Year 2019
- Wikipedia: Entrepreneurship
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
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