Thrive: The Road to 40 Spotlight Dianne Cleaver President and CEO of Urban Neighborhood Initiative (UNI)

LISC Greater Kansas City’s annual community development celebration, Thrive, has been a tremendous success over the past four years. Each year, we have paid tribute to deserving individuals, organizations, and businesses that have made our community a more inclusive, resilient, and thriving place to live, work, do business, and raise families.

Dianne Cleaver, who is widely recognized as a civic leader, neighborhood champion, and community activist, will retire at the end of this year. She has spent more than 30 years working to address inequities in our community. During her distinguished career, Dianne has brought a holistic approach to improving human services, health, educational and cultural diversity outcomes for residents and neighborhoods in Kansas City’s central core. Through dedicated community engagement, empowering residents, and a legacy of servant leadership, Dianne has helped to transform Kansas City into a more vibrant and equitable community. Thank you, Dianne, for your years of service to our region.

As we look forward to the many ways you will further advance our community development efforts post-retirement, know that you have built a strong foundation for those who follow.