E arning the spotlight Thursday as the Kauffman Foundation’s first Uncommon Leader award winner, Dr. Rachel Melson paused to enjoy a moment of hope in a year filled with urgent need, she said.
Launched to honor Kansas City community members who are creating lasting change through bold and compassionate action, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s Uncommon Leader Impact honor awarded Melson $50,000 personally and $100,000 for Swope Health Services in recognition of her efforts to expand healthcare access for Kansas City’s most vulnerable residents.
Dr. Rachel Melson shares a moment of joy with Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace after being named the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s first Uncommon Leader award winner; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
“It means more than I can express because the work we are being recognized for tonight is not abstract, and it is not theoretical. It is human. It is important. And it is happening every day in our city,” said Melson, outreach clinic director for Swope Health, during a reveal event for the award Thursday at the Zhou B Art Center…