Defying the Odds: Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace's Inspiring Path to Purpose-Driven Leadership and Service

True leadership begins with service, grows through community, and creates opportunities that last for generations. Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace shares how her family's legacy of compassion, the wisdom of her grandmother, and her Kansas City roots shaped her journey from public service to leading the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. She reflects the importance of showing up for others, leading with intention, and remembering that meaningful impact is built through relationships, not titles. 

Throughout the conversation, Dr. DeAngela explores how mentorship, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and collaboration can transform communities and expand opportunity for future generations. She also offers a powerful reminder that rest is an essential part of leadership, allowing us to serve others with greater purpose, clarity, and compassion. Her story is an inspiring call to invest in people, strengthen community, and create a legacy that empowers others to thrive. 

Key Takeaways:  

• The strongest leaders are those who show up consistently, invest in others, and lead with compassion. 

• Strong relationships, collaboration, and shared purpose are the foundation for building thriving communities.  

• Protecting your time and energy allows you to serve others with greater clarity, purpose, and impact. 

• Sharing knowledge, opening doors, connecting people, and amplifying others can transform lives just as powerfully as funding. 

• Creating access to education, entrepreneurship, and economic mobility helps individuals, families, and communities build a stronger future together. 

 
We couldn’t highlight incredible stories like this without the support of our sponsor, CommunityAmerica Credit Union. Thank you for helping us promote connection, well-being, and stronger communities. If you’re looking for trusted financial wellbeing resources, we invite you to connect with their team and take the next step toward greater financial confidence. 

About Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace: 

Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace is president and chief executive officer of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a private, nonpartisan foundation that provides access to opportunities that help people achieve financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity – regardless of race, gender, or geography.  
 
Working across the public service, academic, and philanthropic sectors, Dr. Burns-Wallace carries a career commitment to enriching and strengthening equitable economic mobility. With Ewing Kauffman’s vision serving as the centerpiece for the Kauffman Foundation, Dr. Burns-Wallace guided a comprehensive community engagement process to solidify the Foundation’s enduring bond with Kansas City and renew its focus on college access and completion, workforce and career development, and entrepreneurship.  

Prior to joining the Kauffman Foundation, Dr. Burns-Wallace was the secretary of administration and the chief information technology officer for the State of Kansas under Governor Laura Kelly. She was the first African American to hold either cabinet seat in the state’s history.  

Dr. Burns-Wallace’s career in higher education includes serving as vice provost at the University of Kansas, assistant vice provost at the University of Missouri, and assistant dean at Stanford University. She began her career as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State, serving tours in China, South Africa, and in Washington D.C.  

Service is a cornerstone of Dr. Burns-Wallace’s journey. She was elected to the Stanford University Board of Trustees in 2020, and she has held board roles in numerous local, regional, and national organizations including the College Board and Heart of Missouri United Way. She was recently elected as a life member to the prestigious Council on Foreign Relations.  

While her career has taken Dr. Burns-Wallace around the world, she has never been far from the neighborhoods of Kansas City where she was raised and drew inspiration for leading a life of service. Her most important title is mom to her son, Xavier. 

Connect with Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace at: 

https://www.kauffman.org/  

https://www.facebook.com/kauffmanfdn/ 

https://www.instagram.com/kauffmanfdn/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/kauffman-foundation/ 

https://www.youtube.com/user/KauffmanFoundation 

Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at: 
https://smallchangesbigshifts.com 

[e-mail] 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts 

https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts 

https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco 

https://www.youtube.com/@smallchangesbigshiftsco   

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