FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Susan Moss President

[email protected]

KANSAS CITY, MO (December 6, 2022) – The Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri (JLKCMO), is pleased to announce Michael L. Weaver, MD, Clinical Professor Emeritus, UMKC School of Medicine, as the 2023 recipient of the Branton/Hall Community Collaborator Award. Dr. Weaver is recognized for his commitment and leadership in evolving health care equity and clinical diversity in Kansas City and beyond. JLKCMO will present this award to Dr. Weaver at the 6th annual C3KC Conference on March 23, 2023, at Kansas City’s Union Station. Named in honor of two beloved JLKCMO members, Shawsie Branton and Adele Hall, the Branton/Hall Community Collaborator Award is presented annually to an individual who has made a positive difference in Kansas City through their civic, community, and corporate engagement and promotion of social good. Both together and separately, Branton and Hall collaborated across several sectors to make permanent social change, serving on more than 50 nonprofit boards and civic commissions. Dr. Weaver recently retired after serving over 40 years at St. Luke’s Hospital as an Emergency Medicine physician. At Saint Luke’s Hospital/System, he was also Medical Director in several roles: Level I Trauma Emergency Services Department, Life Flight Air Ambulance, Clinical Forensic Program, (caring for victims of elderly/child abuse, sexual assault, interpersonal violence and trauma), and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. He has become one of the nation’s most recognized leaders and advocates in representing the most vulnerable, providing counsel to public officials during his tenure as Chair of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Missouri’s Emergency Medical Services and as a consultant on the critical issues of sexual assault treatment and prevention for the White House, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Justice. “I’ve always told people, ‘It’s hard to be it, if you can’t see it,’ and it’s been my life’s work to ensure opportunities for those who may not always see a path forward by leading through example,” said Dr. Weaver. “To be recognized in the same sentence as Adele and Shawsie is quite awe inspiring, and I will continue to follow in their footsteps to make Kansas City a more equitable place to call home.” Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri • 9215 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64114-3307 • (816) 444-2112 • jlkc.org Providing equity in care wasn’t Dr. Weaver’s only trademark during his career at St. Luke’s; it has also been central to his volunteer activities in the community, which include: • Establishing the nonprofit 501c3 Mission Vision Project KC to provide mentoring and opportunities for minority students in the field of healthcare. • Serving as a Founding Member and volunteer physician for KC Friends of Alvin Ailey, helping grow the organization, and providing pro bono healthcare for company-in-residence dancers. “In an era where less than five percent of our nation’s doctors are African American, Dr. Weaver’s work is not only timely and relevant, but absolutely necessary to the success of future generations,” said Susan Moss, JLKCMO President. “His ability to bring corporate, civic, and community stakeholders together to shed light on and spark change for equality in healthcare is remarkable, and we are so incredibly honored to have him represent the work of Shawsie and Adele with the Branton/Hall Community Collaborator Award.”

ABOUT THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

The Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri (JLKCMO), is a 501(c)(3) organization of women whose Mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. We accomplish our Mission by: • Providing a motivating and supportive environment that stimulates members. • Increasing our impact in the Kansas City community by effectively coordinating our resources with community needs. • Maintaining financial stability through our endowed funds and fundraising events. • Providing comprehensive training opportunities to develop volunteers to better serve the community. ABOUT C3KC • The 6th Annual C3KC conference will be held at Union Station on March 23, 2023. • The conference, organized in its entirety by Junior League volunteers, aims to connect leaders in the civic, corporate, and community sectors and features breakout sessions covering a variety of topics with the intent of Sparking Change for a better Kansas City. For more information and to purchase tickets or sponsorships, visit jlkc.org/c3kc.