By Saul Davis As a minority and someone who is passionate about uplifting and celebrating the
contributions of underrepresented communities, it's always inspiring to recognize
individuals who are breaking barriers and making waves in the tech and business world.
Kansas City, my hometown and a city known for its rich cultural heritage and growing
innovation landscape, has produced some remarkable figures who are reshaping the
narrative in technology and entrepreneurship. Let's take a moment to highlight a few
Kansas City natives whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry and
continue to inspire future generations of leaders from minority communities.
Rodney Sampson – Innovator, Investor, and Tech Ecosystem Builder
One name that resonates loudly in the world of tech and business is Rodney Sampson.
A Kansas City native, Rodney has not only made significant strides as an entrepreneur
and investor, but he’s also a fierce advocate for economic equity and inclusion within
the tech space. As the founder of Opportunity Hub (OHUB), a leading platform for
inclusive innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment, Sampson’s mission has been to
build the ecosystems necessary for minority founders and professionals to thrive in
technology-driven industries.
Through OHUB, Rodney has been instrumental in advancing programs and
partnerships that provide resources, mentorship, and capital to Black and minority
entrepreneurs. His work has opened doors for underrepresented communities, giving
them a seat at the table in spaces that have historically been difficult to access. He
exemplifies what it means to use one’s platform to bring others along and ensure the
wealth of opportunities in tech is accessible to all.
Mary Long – A Leader in Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a critical industry, and Mary Long, a Kansas City native and African
American woman, is at the forefront of keeping digital spaces secure. As a senior
executive in one of the largest cybersecurity firms in the country, Mary has built a career
around protecting organizations from data breaches, cyber threats, and security
vulnerabilities.
What sets Mary apart is not only her technical expertise but also her commitment to
diversity within the cybersecurity field. She has actively mentored young women of
color, encouraging them to pursue careers in tech and security, where the
representation of minority professionals is still lacking. Her work in advocating for
greater diversity in the tech workforce continues to have a ripple effect, as more women
and minorities are entering cybersecurity roles thanks to her guidance and leadership.
Alvin Brooks – A Legacy of Business and Social Change
Though Alvin Brooks is widely recognized for his incredible work in civil rights and social
justice, his impact on the business world—particularly in community-building
efforts—deserves to be highlighted as well. As a former Kansas City councilman,
Brooks has dedicated his life to public service and creating economic opportunities for
underserved communities.
While not a "techie" in the traditional sense, Alvin Brooks’ work has laid the foundation
for inclusive economic development that supports minority-owned businesses and
encourages entrepreneurship in Kansas City’s urban core. His advocacy for education,
employment, and entrepreneurship has left a lasting impact, demonstrating how policy
and social leadership intersect with business to create lasting change.
4. Lenora Payne – Entrepreneur and Telecom Trailblazer
Lenora Payne, a powerhouse in telecommunications and technology, stands out as one
of the most successful African American women in Kansas City’s business community.
As the CEO and founder of Technology Group Solutions (TGS), a leading IT and
telecom company, Payne has navigated the complex world of tech and emerged as a
leader in providing solutions that power businesses across the nation.
Her journey to success has been filled with challenges, but her perseverance and
business acumen have solidified her as a role model for aspiring minority
entrepreneurs. Under her leadership, TGS has grown into a multimillion-dollar
enterprise, demonstrating that women of color can and do succeed at the highest levels
of tech entrepreneurship.
Kevin Cohee – Chairman & CEO of OneUnited Bank
When it comes to Black-owned financial institutions, Kevin Cohee is a name that stands
tall. Originally from Kansas City, Cohee has made a profound impact on the banking
world as the Chairman and CEO of OneUnited Bank, the largest Black-owned bank in
the United States. His leadership has been instrumental in transforming the bank into a
critical player in the fight for economic empowerment and financial literacy within the
Black community.
Kevin Cohee’s mission extends far beyond profit. OneUnited is known for advocating
financial literacy, generational wealth-building, and addressing the racial wealth gap.
Cohee’s efforts in the digital transformation of OneUnited—emphasizing mobile banking
and fintech solutions—are creating access for underserved communities. Under his
leadership, OneUnited is not only a financial institution but a tool for social change. His
work is a testament to how tech and finance can be used to create real, lasting impact
in minority communities.
Why These Stories Matter
For minority readers, these stories of success from Kansas City natives in tech and
business are more than just inspirational—they're vital examples of what’s possible. In
an industry that continues to struggle with diversity, seeing people from your community
excel reinforces the message that our contributions are not only needed but
transformative.
As we work to carve out spaces for ourselves in technology, it’s important to remember
the paths laid out by those who came before us and to continue pushing for progress.
Whether it’s through launching businesses, mentoring the next generation, or
advocating for policy changes that promote inclusion, we all have a role to play in
shaping the future of tech.
Looking Forward
Kansas City may not always be the first city that comes to mind when people think
about tech hubs, but the contributions of these trailblazers prove that innovation can
thrive anywhere. From startup founders to cybersecurity experts, the city has birthed a
new generation of leaders who are challenging the status quo and building a more
inclusive industry.
Let these stories serve as motivation for those of us looking to make our mark in tech
and business. Whether you're coding your first app, leading a team, or launching a new
venture, know that your journey has the potential to inspire others and change the
landscape for future generations.
Together, we can ensure that the tech world not only reflects the diversity of our
communities but is also enriched by it.
Let’s keep building, Kansas City!
By celebrating the accomplishments of Kansas City’s minority tech and business
leaders, we not only acknowledge their groundbreaking work but also inspire the next
generation of innovators from our communities. Keep watching, because more great
things are on the horizon.As a minority and someone who is passionate about uplifting and celebrating the
contributions of underrepresented communities, it's always inspiring to recognize
individuals who are breaking barriers and making waves in the tech and business world.
Kansas City, my hometown and a city known for its rich cultural heritage and growing
innovation landscape, has produced some remarkable figures who are reshaping the
narrative in technology and entrepreneurship. Let's take a moment to highlight a few
Kansas City natives whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry and
continue to inspire future generations of leaders from minority communities.
Rodney Sampson – Innovator, Investor, and Tech Ecosystem Builder
One name that resonates loudly in the world of tech and business is Rodney Sampson.
A Kansas City native, Rodney has not only made significant strides as an entrepreneur
and investor, but he’s also a fierce advocate for economic equity and inclusion within
the tech space. As the founder of Opportunity Hub (OHUB), a leading platform for
inclusive innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment, Sampson’s mission has been to
build the ecosystems necessary for minority founders and professionals to thrive in
technology-driven industries.
Through OHUB, Rodney has been instrumental in advancing programs and
partnerships that provide resources, mentorship, and capital to Black and minority
entrepreneurs. His work has opened doors for underrepresented communities, giving
them a seat at the table in spaces that have historically been difficult to access. He
exemplifies what it means to use one’s platform to bring others along and ensure the
wealth of opportunities in tech is accessible to all.
Mary Long – A Leader in Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a critical industry, and Mary Long, a Kansas City native and African
American woman, is at the forefront of keeping digital spaces secure. As a senior
executive in one of the largest cybersecurity firms in the country, Mary has built a career
around protecting organizations from data breaches, cyber threats, and security
vulnerabilities.
What sets Mary apart is not only her technical expertise but also her commitment to
diversity within the cybersecurity field. She has actively mentored young women of
color, encouraging them to pursue careers in tech and security, where the
representation of minority professionals is still lacking. Her work in advocating for
greater diversity in the tech workforce continues to have a ripple effect, as more women
and minorities are entering cybersecurity roles thanks to her guidance and leadership.
Alvin Brooks – A Legacy of Business and Social Change
Though Alvin Brooks is widely recognized for his incredible work in civil rights and social
justice, his impact on the business world—particularly in community-building
efforts—deserves to be highlighted as well. As a former Kansas City councilman,
Brooks has dedicated his life to public service and creating economic opportunities for
underserved communities.
While not a "techie" in the traditional sense, Alvin Brooks’ work has laid the foundation
for inclusive economic development that supports minority-owned businesses and
encourages entrepreneurship in Kansas City’s urban core. His advocacy for education,
employment, and entrepreneurship has left a lasting impact, demonstrating how policy
and social leadership intersect with business to create lasting change.
4. Lenora Payne – Entrepreneur and Telecom Trailblazer
Lenora Payne, a powerhouse in telecommunications and technology, stands out as one
of the most successful African American women in Kansas City’s business community.
As the CEO and founder of Technology Group Solutions (TGS), a leading IT and
telecom company, Payne has navigated the complex world of tech and emerged as a
leader in providing solutions that power businesses across the nation.
Her journey to success has been filled with challenges, but her perseverance and
business acumen have solidified her as a role model for aspiring minority
entrepreneurs. Under her leadership, TGS has grown into a multimillion-dollar
enterprise, demonstrating that women of color can and do succeed at the highest levels
of tech entrepreneurship.
Kevin Cohee – Chairman & CEO of OneUnited Bank
When it comes to Black-owned financial institutions, Kevin Cohee is a name that stands
tall. Originally from Kansas City, Cohee has made a profound impact on the banking
world as the Chairman and CEO of OneUnited Bank, the largest Black-owned bank in
the United States. His leadership has been instrumental in transforming the bank into a
critical player in the fight for economic empowerment and financial literacy within the
Black community.
Kevin Cohee’s mission extends far beyond profit. OneUnited is known for advocating
financial literacy, generational wealth-building, and addressing the racial wealth gap.
Cohee’s efforts in the digital transformation of OneUnited—emphasizing mobile banking
and fintech solutions—are creating access for underserved communities. Under his
leadership, OneUnited is not only a financial institution but a tool for social change. His
work is a testament to how tech and finance can be used to create real, lasting impact
in minority communities.
Why These Stories Matter
For minority readers, these stories of success from Kansas City natives in tech and
business are more than just inspirational—they're vital examples of what’s possible. In
an industry that continues to struggle with diversity, seeing people from your community
excel reinforces the message that our contributions are not only needed but
transformative.
As we work to carve out spaces for ourselves in technology, it’s important to remember
the paths laid out by those who came before us and to continue pushing for progress.
Whether it’s through launching businesses, mentoring the next generation, or
advocating for policy changes that promote inclusion, we all have a role to play in
shaping the future of tech.
Looking Forward
Kansas City may not always be the first city that comes to mind when people think
about tech hubs, but the contributions of these trailblazers prove that innovation can
thrive anywhere. From startup founders to cybersecurity experts, the city has birthed a
new generation of leaders who are challenging the status quo and building a more
inclusive industry.
Let these stories serve as motivation for those of us looking to make our mark in tech
and business. Whether you're coding your first app, leading a team, or launching a new
venture, know that your journey has the potential to inspire others and change the
landscape for future generations.
Together, we can ensure that the tech world not only reflects the diversity of our
communities but is also enriched by it.
Let’s keep building, Kansas City!
By celebrating the accomplishments of Kansas City’s minority tech and business
leaders, we not only acknowledge their groundbreaking work but also inspire the next
generation of innovators from our communities. Keep watching, because more great
things are on the horizon.
