October 2025
The InnovateHER Awards Gala
Experience an unforgettable evening of inspiration as we elevate women+ leaders who are enacting bold change.
The InnovateHER Awards Gala
Experience an unforgettable evening of inspiration as we elevate women+ leaders who are enacting bold change.
Though we host an array of events throughout the year—like pitch competitions, educational workshops, and networking meetups—the InnovateHER Awards Gala is a our flagship celebration. It serves as an opportunity for the community to toast their accomplishments, spark new collaborations, and support the mission of InnovateHER KC.
This highly anticipated event unites women+ leaders from diverse industries and backgrounds to honor their achievements and amplify their impact. Attendees can look forward to a stylish evening full of celebration—from a lively cocktail hour to dinner, dancing, and thought-provoking guest speakers who will share their unique stories of leadership and resilience. Throughout the night, we spotlight women who are driving radical, positive change while fostering new connections and celebrating each other’s successes. All proceeds directly fund InnovateHER KC programs and initiatives dedicated to empowering women leaders.
Your attendance ensures that IHKC is able to continue paving the way for emerging change-makers, driving innovation, and championing the success of women across all sectors. Join us this October in celebrating the remarkable power of women+ leaders as we raise a toast to progress, community, and unstoppable ambition—together. We look forward to welcoming you at the InnovateHER Awards Gala!
Tickets will be available for purchase July 2025.
2024 Award Recipients
Advocate of the Year: Genesis Mercado-Arias, the Ella Initiative & Jewish Vocational Service of Kansas City
Civic Leader of the Year: Theresa Garza, MPA, CEcD, Alderwoman, City of Raytown, Missouri / Spire
Creative of the Year: Keyonna Renea, Copper Key Studio
Educator of the Year: Dr. Fabiola Riobe, Kansas City Kansas Community College
Entrepreneur of the Year: Thalia Cherry, Cherry Co.
Rising Star: Kripa Gauba, GirlsLead Co.
Lifetime Achievement: Katherine Holland, KC2026
Your attendance ensures that IHKC is able to continue paving the way for emerging change-makers, driving innovation, and championing the success of women across all sectors. Join us this October in celebrating the remarkable power of women+ leaders as we raise a toast to progress, community, and unstoppable ambition—together. We look forward to welcoming you at the InnovateHER Awards Gala!
Tickets will be available for purchase July 2025.
2024 Award Recipients
Advocate of the Year: Genesis Mercado-Arias, the Ella Initiative & Jewish Vocational Service of Kansas City
Civic Leader of the Year: Theresa Garza, MPA, CEcD, Alderwoman, City of Raytown, Missouri / Spire
Creative of the Year: Keyonna Renea, Copper Key Studio
Educator of the Year: Dr. Fabiola Riobe, Kansas City Kansas Community College
Entrepreneur of the Year: Thalia Cherry, Cherry Co.
Rising Star: Kripa Gauba, GirlsLead Co.
Lifetime Achievement: Katherine Holland, KC2026