Best of CASE District VI Award
 

Institution: University of Missouri - Kansas City

Title of entry: Starr Women’s Hall of Fame Captures Local Women’s History

About this entry: The Starr Women’s Hall of Fame is dedicated to honoring the accomplishments of women—past and present—whose contributions have left a lasting impact on Kansas City and beyond. The induction ceremony recognized the 2023 inductees and is the fifth class inducted. The event featured videos summarizing the historic impact on the Kansas City community of each of the eight inductees. Twenty-six partner organizations who advocate for women and families came together to nominate, select, and celebrate the inductees, both living and posthumous, for their work to better women’s lives. The 2023 induction ceremony featured a special guest, Geena Davis. She was interviewed on stage about the impact her media institute has on the film industry.

The legacies of the inductees are captured in the Starr Women’s Hall of Fame Archive held in the UMKC Miller Nichols Library Special Collections area. It allows researchers to digitally access the papers and materials of the inductees from anywhere. The archive also provides a safe alternative for the inductees to leave items that pertain to their lifetime that help tell their stories of the work.

The induction event moved from UMKC's campus to the Kauffman Center of the Performing Arts in downtown Kansas City. The move brought more attention to the cause and allowed more attendees to participate. The program was on stage, and a reception followed in the Grand Hallway. It allowed for the inductees to greet and mingle with the guests.