Congratulations to the 2025 Urban Hero Award Winners!

By Jared Campbell, Resident Engagement Project Manager at Downtown Council of Kansas City

The Downtown Council is thrilled to announce this year’s class of Urban Hero award winners who are making a significant impact in Downtown Kansas City. These individuals and organizations are dedicated to making connections not only in their communities, but throughout downtown through their roles as nonprofits, developers, retailers, and impact makers.

The winners are:

• Jaynell “KK” Assman – Founder, Care Beyond the Boulevard

• MADE MOBB – Community focused retailer

• Kristin Riott – Executive Director, Bridging the Gap

• Chris Sally – Owner, Iconic Development; community advocate

• Octavio “Chapto” Villalobos – KCPD Officer @ Westside CAN Center

These award winners exemplify the spirit of collaboration and innovation that makes Downtown Kansas City a vibrant and thriving community. Their commitment to creating a better future for all is truly inspiring.  Thank you to all of this year’s nominees and congratulations again to our winners!

Help us celebrate these winners by attending the Urban Hero Award Reception the evening before the Annual Luncheon.  The reception will take place in the lobby of the Grand Ballroom on Thursday, April 10th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.  Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

Better yet, become a sponsor of the Annual Luncheon and enjoy tickets to the Urban Hero Awards Reception as part of the benefit package!  You can find out more information and register at https://www.downtownkc.org/annual-luncheon/