8 Essential Destinations in Kansas City and the Visionary Women Behind Them

A new era is unfolding in Kansas City’s dynamic landscape, with women leading the charge. At the upcoming Kansas City Current stadium, set to be the home of the local National Women’s Soccer League team, the first of 11,500 seats are ready for installation. The city is alive with energy, fueled by women leaders who bring creativity, determination, and an indomitable spirit to the forefront.

The soon-to-be sports venue in downtown Kansas City represents more than just a place to enjoy soccer; it symbolizes women’s empowerment and resilience. Each area of the city showcases the influence of innovative women who have turned their passions into unforgettable experiences. Here are the inspiring stories of eight extraordinary women from Kansas City and a glimpse into the unique spaces they have crafted, from vibrant cafes to cultural treasures.

1. The collegiate athlete creating the world’s leading women’s soccer team

A remarkable trailblazer and advocate for gender equality, Kansas City’s own Angie Long has been instrumental in establishing the Kansas City Current as a cofounder and co-owner. She continues to champion women’s involvement in sports and beyond—the new stadium is said to be the first specifically designed for a women’s professional sports team.

Long has thrived in various sports, including soccer and rugby. She earned All-American honors at Princeton University and served as captain for two National Championship Teams. After earning her degree in economics, she continued to break new ground in credit asset management, becoming JPMorgan Chase’s Managing Director by age 29, and later taking on the role of Chief Investment Officer at Palmer Square Capital Management, where she oversees investment strategies.

2. The first-generation immigrant who launched Kansas City’s inaugural (and only) Vietnamese coffee shop

Café Cà Phê began as a pop-up, transitioned into a mobile coffee trailer, and has now blossomed into a vibrant brick-and-mortar café that combines infectious energy with a mix of vintage and contemporary design in the Columbus Park neighborhood. Originally from San Diego, owner Jackie Nguyen is a first-generation daughter of a Vietnamese refugee.

After earning her BFA in Musical Theatre from California State University, Fullerton, she relocated to New York City to pursue an acting career that included roles on Broadway. However, after eight years as a barista and an eye-opening trip to Vietnam, Nguyen felt a deep connection to coffee, prompting her to change paths and establish Café Cà Phê upon moving to Kansas City.

3. The Latinx entrepreneur infusing the city with a café that has heart

Café Corazón is a Latinx coffeehouse that specializes in yerba mate and traditional Latinx coffee beverages like horchata and dulce de leche lattes, located in the Crossroads Arts District and Westport. However, it’s more than just a coffee shop. Co-owner Miel Castagna-Herrera has created a welcoming space that prioritizes sustainability and inclusivity, where people from various backgrounds can enjoy artisanal drinks and engage in meaningful conversations.

The café also embodies the rich heritage of its owners. Castagna-Herrera’s father, Alberto José Castagna, a talented artist and avid yerba mate lover, emigrated from Buenos Aires to the U.S. at the age of 16. Additionally, co-owner Curtis Herrera draws inspiration from his grandparents, Felipa and Aniseto Herrera, who immigrated from Mexico in the 1930s to work on the railroads and farms of Western Kansas.

4. The professional chef who created a culinary social enterprise

In 2019, Kansas City native Shanita McAfee-Bryant founded The Prospect KC, a nonprofit organization addressing systemic issues stemming from food apartheid, including food insecurity, unemployment, and housing instability. The initiative provides comprehensive workforce development that includes case management, skills training, financial literacy, nutrition education, childcare, and job training to empower members of the Eastside community.

Additionally, The Prospect KC revitalized a former public works building in the 18th & Vine Jazz District, transforming it into The Spot, a dynamic center featuring a 12,000-square-foot culinary area, café, and grocery store. Here, students can enroll in a 16-week culinary training program, gaining skills in food preparation, safety, and business entrepreneurship.

McAfee-Bryant’s culinary journey began in her teenage years with formal training at Johnson County Community College, leading to restaurant ownership, numerous awards, and a victory on The Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen. Currently, the chef-turned-entrepreneur holds positions on boards such as Harvesters, the Greater KC Food Policy Coalition, and Lazarus Ministries KC.

5. The hospitality expert shaping some of Kansas City’s finest bars

Focused on creating exceptional cocktails, Swordfish Tom’s is a cozy bar located in the Crossroads Arts District that immerses guests in the charm of the Prohibition era. Its intimate setting and cash-only policy evoke the spirit of the classic speakeasy, situated in an underground former boiler room. The bar, along with Chartreuse Saloon, is the vision of Jill Cockson, a renowned bartender in Kansas City. She’s also a TEDx speaker and a partner at Drastic Measures, a Shawnee bar that recently received a James Beard Award nomination for Outstanding Bar.

With over 20 years of bartending experience, Cockson's skills shine through in her unique cocktail menu, which features spirits she carefully selects based on quality and ethical business practices. If you share your spirit or ingredient preferences, she’ll gladly craft a custom off-menu drink just for you.

6. The musician dedicated to keeping the jazz scene vibrant

As a highly sought-after vocalist, prominent bandleader, and host of the radio show 12th Street Jump, Eboni Fondren embodies the essence of Kansas City jazz and the city's rich musical legacy. Originally from Chicago, Fondren emerged as a talented singer and actress, drawing inspiration from a lineage of accomplished artists and influences from classic R&B, vintage soul, and modern jazz. After obtaining a dual degree in Business Communications and Broadcast Management, she moved to Kansas City, where she has made her mark in the local jazz scene. Her musical projects include Eboni and the Ivories, along with collaborations with renowned musicians and the Lost Wax Band. Fondren's performances blend jazz standards with touches of R&B, enchanting audiences with her captivating stage presence.

7. The local leader revitalizing the Kansas City Museum

Embracing interactive exhibits and community engagement, the Kansas City Museum has evolved into a vibrant storyteller that reflects the diverse tapestry of Kansas City’s history and modern identity. Executive director Anna Marie Tutera, a second-generation Italian and Croatian from Kansas City, is spearheading the revitalization of this institution, which honors and showcases the city’s heritage, culture, and spirit through its collections, exhibitions, and programs.

Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Northwestern University and a Master of Arts in Museum Studies from John F. Kennedy University, where she focused on incorporating hip-hop into youth education through museum programs. With over 25 years of experience in nonprofits and at institutions like the Chicago Children’s Museum and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Tutera and her family returned to her hometown in 2012 to promote the city's arts and culture.

8. The artisan dedicated to making handmade goods more accessible

In 2011, a group of Kansas City Etsy sellers decided to create their own craft fair after noticing that similar events were being held in larger cities. This initiative led to the formation of The Strawberry Swing, one of the world's premier indie craft fairs. A key part of Kansas City’s artisanal scene, these events celebrate limitless creativity while encouraging entrepreneurship and community through a network of markets and monthly pop-ups at beloved local venues.

Katie Mabry van Dieren, the visionary behind Strawberry Swing, also champions local artisans through Shop Local KC. With three retail locations (Crown Center, Brookside, and Leawood, Kansas) and an online marketplace, this initiative features over 300 local artisans, showcasing products that are entirely sourced from Kansas City while promoting entrepreneurship and community engagement.