13th Annual STEMMys | Awards Ceremony + Gala Luncheon
From groundbreaking research to technological advancements, women in STEMM are transforming industries, solving critical challenges, and making a lasting impact on our world. The STEMMy Awards were created to honor and celebrate the achievements of those driving progress in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine right here in Kansas City. These leaders are not only shaping the future of their fields but also inspiring the next generation of innovators.
Award categories include Enterprising Innovator, Corporate HERO, Groundbreaking Leadership, Rising Trendsetter, WiSTEMM Educator, Student Achiever, and WiSTEMM Champion. The winners of these awards make changes for a better today and brighter tomorrow. Their influence on a global and local level makes a difference, not just for our community, but around the world and for the next generation of STEMM leaders.
Please help us raise awareness of the innovation, leadership, and success women bring to STEMM by becoming a sponsor or purchasing tickets to the 13th Annual STEMMy Awards Ceremony + Gala Luncheon on October 29, 2026, and help us recognize the outstanding 2026 STEMMy Award Honorees!
Learn more about all the 13th Annual STEMMy Awards Celebrations
and Sponsorship Opportunities at CXSTEMMys.com
MEET THE 2026 HONORARY CO-CHAIRS
RACHEL HACK MERLO
Head of Government and Community Affairs
GFiber
2024 Corporate HERO
Honorary Co-Chair
Rachel Hack Merlo leads local government affairs strategy for GFiber across the United States and serves as Head of Government and Community Affairs for the company’s Central Region. Based in Kansas City, she works with municipal leaders, community organizations, and internal teams to expand GFiber’s presence and strengthen its role as an active, committed community partner.
Throughout her career, Rachel has focused on creating meaningful community impact through digital inclusion, STEM, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. She develops local strategies, guides public affairs and communications efforts, and brings local insight and political expertise to initiatives across GFiber markets. She is also passionate about mentoring colleagues and helping others grow as leaders.
A lifelong Kansas Citian, Rachel serves on the boards of the Kansas City Ballet and the University of Missouri-Kansas City Board of Trustees. Her recent honors include the Kansas City Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence, the 2024 Digital Literacy Advocacy Award from Revolución Educativa, and recognition among the Top 50 Women Leaders of Missouri. Through her professional leadership and community service, Rachel continues to help build stronger, more connected communities.
DR. LESLIE A. MICHAUD
Board-Certified Physician, Regenerative Medicine Specialist, and Founder
Motus Biologics and Sports Medicine
Honorary Co-Chair
Dr. Leslie A. Michaud is a board-certified Primary Care Sports Medicine physician, regenerative medicine specialist, and founder of Motus Biologics and Sports Medicine in Overland Park, Kansas. She is recognized for her expertise in orthobiologics, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and minimally invasive procedures that help patients recover from injury, relieve pain, and return to active, healthy lives.
After completing her Family Medicine residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and a Primary Care Sports Medicine fellowship at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas, Dr. Michaud founded Motus with a vision of delivering innovative, evidence-based orthopedic care centered on each patient's goals. Her practice specializes in advanced ultrasound-guided procedures, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP), bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), Tenex®, Sonex® ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel and trigger finger release, and other regenerative therapies.
A respected educator and speaker, Dr. Michaud has presented nationally and regionally on regenerative and sports medicine and musculoskeletal ultrasound. Through clinical innovation, physician education, and compassionate patient care, she continues to help shape the future of regenerative musculoskeletal medicine.
Date and Time
Thursday Oct 29, 2026
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CDT
11:00 AM - Doors Open
11:30 AM - Welcome + Lunch is Served
12:00 PM - Keynote Presentation
12:20 PM - Awards Ceremony
1:00 PM - Event Ends
Location
In-Person At:
Fiorella's Event Space
9000 W 137th Street
Overland Park, KS 66221
Fees/Admission
Individual Tickets to the Awards Luncheon on October 29:
• Non-Members: $125
• CX Members: $100
Sponsorship Levels:
• Copper Sponsor: $1,500
• Bronze Sponsor: $3,500
• Silver Sponsor: $5,500
• Gold Sponsor: $10,000
• Platinum Sponsor: $15,000
(CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR SPONSORSHIP)
No Refunds on Tickets and Sponsorships. Program Vouchers and Guest Passes cannot be used for this event.
Website
Contact Information
Kerry Gentry Hartnett, Signature Event Manager
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