It's Women's History Month, and here at Visit Kansas City KS, we're gearing up to honor some incredible women who are making waves right here in our community. We're kicking off a unique series of interviews to spotlight these amazing women and hear their stories straight from the source. Think of it as a chance to peek behind the curtain and get to know the faces behind the success.
Each interview is like a window into their world – their passions, struggles, and dreams for the future. We'll cover everything from their career journeys to the causes they're passionate about, and trust us, you won't want to miss a single word.
Whether you're a long-time local or just passing through, we invite you to join us on this journey of empowerment and celebration. These women prove that incredible things happen when we lift each other up.
Krystal R. McFeders
Public Information Officer | Strategic Communications, Unified Government, Wyandotte County & Kansas City, KS
Q: In honor of Women's History Month, could you share a pivotal moment in your career that empowered you as a woman leader?
A: One pivotal moment in my career that empowered me as a woman leader was during my many years of mentoring middle school and high school young ladies for my former non-profit organization, G.I.R.L Inc. This opportunity allowed me to pour into the lives of young ladies and help shape their mindset toward positive choices and big dreams. Being able to see the positive impact my passion, resources and actions had on the young ladies charged me to always use my voice and life to empower young ladies and other women.
Q: How do you celebrate and support the achievements of other women in your community/KCK?
A: I believe that showing up and celebrating women is extremely important! I celebrate and support women in my community by always being available as a positive example. It’s so vital that we as women cheer one another on regardless of how big or small the achievement. At times, we all face challenges and obstacles and have stories that have shaped us into the women we are now. Something as simple as lending a listening ear, giving a smile or compliment, or sharing a connection and resource can go a long way. I stand on the principle that it is my personal duty to always be a champion for women in my circle and community!
Q: As we celebrate Women's Day, could you highlight a woman who has been your mentor or role model in your journey?
A: Highlighting just one woman that has mentored me throughout my journey is extremely difficult. I believe in the village concept. There have been so many women that have directly and indirectly poured their knowledge, empathy, resources, and guidance into my life over the years. I am extremely grateful for the dedication I witnessed from my mother to the many women that have mentored me early in my career to always remain true to myself. I honor and thank the women in my life as well as all women that have paved the way for me to be where I am now personally and professionally.
Principal Chief Judith Manthe
Q: In honor of Women's History Month, could you share a pivotal moment in your career that empowered you as a woman leader?
A: I guess would be when my Indigenous Grandmother Edith Zane Yunghans(Dads side),telling me stories at a very young age, stories of my Heritage, she said :: Never Forget Your 5th Great Grandfather Chief Tarhe, who was a wise leader, He foresaw into the future and knew we needed to assimilate or be destroyed. She also at the age of 10-12 sitting with my cousin Janith English told us both: we would Be the ones to bring life back into the Kansas Nation. Janith was Chief for 25 years and did the research for the website and tell our stories. Janith laid the groundwork for me to move forward. I was involved in 4—H since age 10, and learned how to speak, to run a meeting correctly and how to Get things done. Being a 4-H leader I had to learn everything about that project before I could lead it. I was on the Leavenworth Co Fairboard until recently, until it came time to having to give one up to make the other the Best.
Q: How do you celebrate and support the achievements of other Wyandot women?
A: I was chosen by Dr. Katie Labelle( who wrote about the Wendat " Dispersed But Not Destroyed”) for a panel of Wyandot Women to work her 2nd Book Daughters of Aantensic. Being on that panel has been a wonderful part of my life. The other 7 women on the panel- meet each and every month for a Full Moon Ceremony. And we have a wonderful sisterhood. As Katie selected me : I put in for my passport, and that year went to Toronto for the Repatriation of 1785 Skelton remains of ancestors who were stored in boxes in the Royal Ontario Museum. What an impact on my life!I am involved in Wyandot Language class, as well as beading and,all the zoom or in person classes I can take. TO BE WITH MY. Wyandot Brothers and Sister, no matter the locations is what FILLS MY HEART. To overflowing. Being selected as Chief of the Wyandot Nation of Kansas, is an honor , a humble job - to able able to serve my nation, Being chief is a lot of work and I can only give alll I have futher our Tribe and stories.I am just an ordinary women.
Q: As we celebrate Women's Day, could you highlight a woman who has been your mentor or role model in your journey?
A: Not just one woman, but so many have guided me through life. My Grandmother Edith Zane Yunghans, she knew my interest and love of my people before I did. Even though I never met The Conley Sisters,, Their story has only confirmed STRONG Wyandot Women. Their strength to protect their family graves and graves of their ancestors resonates inside me.I have always had a Get it Done Attitude and do not take intimidation kindly. I Will get it Done! My Great Grandmother Bessie A Stanle( Moms side of the family) wrote a poem 1902 for a contest in the McCalls Magazine In 100 words of less a definition of “Success”. She won the contest, she never placed a copywriter on the Poem as she wanted all to have access to it. Even though she died when I was 6 months old, I live by her poem. My mother encouraged all 8 of her children to memorize this poem.
Success by Bessie Anderson Stanley
He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much; who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who has left the world better than he found it whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem or a rescued soul; who has never lacked appreciation of Earth's beauty or failed to express it; who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had; whose life was an inspiration; whose memory a benediction.
I have always tried to live up to her words and be the best I can Be.
Perla Garcia
Owner, Tarahumaras Mexican Restaurant
Q: In honor of Women's History Month, could you share a pivotal moment in your career that empowered you as a woman leader?
A: A pivotal moment would have to be after the COVID shutdown. After the shutdown order my business was closed for 3-4 months and I was in a place where I didn’t know whether to reopen or not. However, I made the decision to reopen because I knew that not only my family depending on it but also the rest of my team. It was difficult at first but slowly we were able to grow business to what it was before the pandemic.
Q: How do you celebrate and support the achievements of other women in your community/KCK?
A:I believe we are living in a time where social media has a huge impact. The biggest support that I can give to my fellow women entrepreneurs is by sharing their content and giving them exposure. I’m a huge advocate that sharing content whether it’s something for you or not, someone on your page could potentially see it and support that person. I also try to support as many up and coming women businesses by showing up at their events or buying from their business simply because I know first hand how important it is to have the support in your small business.
Q: As we celebrate Women's Day, could you highlight a woman who has been your mentor or role model in your journey?
A: The number one person who has been a mentor in business and role model my whole life would be my mother. She has shown me to work hard towards your dreams and never give up. Especially in business, with her knowledge it has helped me during trying times.
Elee Hampton
Owner, Quarantine Cookie
Q: In honor of Women's History Month, could you share a pivotal moment in your career that 
empowered you as a woman leader?
A: I’ve always aspired to have a leadership role in life. When I worked in NYC, I was the night shift lead pastry cook at the NoMad Hotel. It was such a fun role being able to train the new line cooks who began with the team. Along with working side by side with the sous chefs, I was taught good ways to be a leader. When I chose to leave that job, I received a thoughtful card from the other pastry cooks. It had lots of heartfelt notes thanking me for my mentorship and expressed gratefulness for teaching them a lot of thoughtfulness and technique. I’ve held onto this card ever since! It may be just a card for some, but this gesture solidified the idea of how much being a positive leader can truly effect others in a beneficial way.
Q: How do you celebrate and support the achievements of other women in your community/KCK?
A: Since I own a business, I pride myself in supporting women owned businesses in every way I can. This can include shopping at their stores, contracting their services, or promoting their goods. However, supporting these businesses shouldn’t necessarily be limited to purchasing power but also advertising them to gain a more marketable visibility. I believe that Kansas City is a big enough economy to support the various types of business that are established here. I am so lucky to have met so many strong, hardworking woman that truly inspire me to pursue more in my own business. In my own way, I celebrate these achievements as inspiration in my own pursuant of the next big thing! I enjoy recommending women owned small businesses to my own customers and clients. I also love getting the opportunity to work with other women led shops, markets, and collaborations within our community as this validates all of the effort I put in.
Q: As we celebrate Women's Day, could you highlight a woman who has been your mentor or role model in your journey?
A:It is amazing to admit something like this, but it's truly hard to pick a single woman to highlight. In this case, I choose the first one ever: My mother. She has played a huge role in who I am today. The passion I have for baking stemmed from my childhood memories of her and myself baking in the kitchen. My mom was always pushing me to stay true to my heart and to shoot for my dreams. She continues pushing me towards my goal of opening a bakery in the future.
Cheers to the fantastic women of KCK!
