Leadership
Resilience
Purpose
The Overcomers Fireside Chat & Award Series
Hosted quarterly by Kim Riley, CEO of The Transition Academy, this new fireside conversation series brings together Kansas City’s civic, business, and philanthropic leaders for an honest look at the moments that shaped them. The setbacks, the doubt, the decisions made in the hardest seasons. All of these moments matter in shaping leadership values and vision.
Each event closes with the presentation of the Overcomers Award, honoring a leader for character and perseverance in service of others.
It’s a series built on the same values The Transition Academy instills in the young people we serve every day: resilience, self-awareness, and the courage to keep going.
INAUGURAL BREAKFAST
October 7, 2026 · 9:00–11:00 AM
Grand Street Cafe · Plaza East Room
Featuring a conversation with
David Warm
Retiring CEO of the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), as our inaugural Overcomers Award recipient.
How the Overcomers Series Works
Each quarterly event is designed as an intimate, story-driven morning focused on connection rather than speeches.
The Fireside Chat: Kim Riley moderates an unscripted, candid conversation with a featured Kansas City leader, diving past their resume to explore their defining trials, pivotal turnarounds, and lessons learned through adversity.
The Overcomers Award: Following the conversation, we present the leader with the Overcomers Award recognizing their personal character, resilience, and commitment to service.
The inaugural Overcomers Series is more than a single event.
It is the launch of a new Kansas City leadership tradition.
Every Year One sponsor will forever be recognized as a Founding Partner of the Overcomers Series. Your investment helps:
✔ Expand career opportunities for youth with disabilities
✔ Build Kansas City’s workforce of the future
✔ Convene leaders across business, education, government, and philanthropy
✔ Inspire the next generation of resilient leaders
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship Benefits
Contact
Together, we can celebrate the leaders who have overcome extraordinary challenges while creating opportunities for the next generation.
Contact Cherice Richmond for invoice or visit our website to become a Founding Partner!
Transparency
Transparency and accountability are central to how The Transition Academy operates. We are proud to hold the 2026 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, the highest level of recognition for nonprofit transparency, reflecting our commitment to the youth, families, and funders who make our mission possible.
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