Kansas City Gets A Little Bit Fabulous

I had never been to Kansas City in my life, and now I’ve been there two times in as many weeks. I spent the past week there for the National Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards, and was pleasantly surprised to learn that KC is much more than bulls and BBQ.

A of all, the National Youth Awards trip is one of my favorites of the year. The Hispanic Heritage Foundation honors eight outstanding students and one teacher who are leaders in the classroom and community, and every year, they just get more and more amazing – a journalism student from New York who documented the struggles of migrant workers, a star swimmer who developed a curriculum on Darfur that will be taught around the country this fall, and a teacher, the product of segregated public schools, whose own legacy will be one of diversity and inclusion.

Esther Rege Berg, Roberto Callejas, Scott Heidegger, and me – good friends sharing good times and good drinks in KC

B of all, it’s like a family reunion, with our PR team, the Foundation staff and sponsors, our production crew and photographer, and our celebrity spokespeople all in one place. The good times are many, and this year was no exception. With Wilmer Valderrama in the house, anything goes. He is not only a talented actor, producer, and businessman, he is also a great friend and incredibly sweet, genuine, and generous. As the Official Spokesperson of the Youth Awards and last year’s Inspira Award recipient, Wil passed the torch this year to Adam Rodriguez of CSI Miami. I can’t say enough about Adam’s humility and graciousness. He is a fantastic role model for young people and someone with whom I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work.

Adam Rodriguez and Wilmer Valderrama with the 2008 National Hispanic Heritage Youth Award recipients.

We may have brought a little bit fabulosity to KC, but the city also gave a little back. The Power and Light District is a super fun neighborhood with restaurants, bars, clubs, condos, and a great outdoor music venue. Oh, and KC is the “City of Fountains.” Who knew?? I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, and with new friends and new business relationships on the horizon, and much unexplored territory (Daddy’s, anyone?) remaining, Capitol B looks forward to going back.