EMPORIA- Three Kansas business leaders were inducted into the Kansas Business Hall of Fame [KBHF] during it 2024 Induction Ceremony Thursday.
The ceremony, hosted on Emporia State University’s campus, celebrated historical inductee Mary McCann, as well as contemporary inductees Gene and Yolanda Camarena. The event also recognized the four 2024 KBHF student essay contest winners.
Mary McCann, 2024 Historical Inductee
The Kansas Business Hall of Fame recognized Mary McCann as its 2024 historical inductee. McCann was the first female certified public accountant in Kansas. Throughout her career, she held leadership positions for multiple organizations, including serving as national president of the American Woman’s Society of CPAs, and co-founding a local chapter of the organization in 1951.
McCann was born in Iola, KS, in 1920 and attended the University of Kansas School of Business, where she was a member of the top of her class in 1941. She passed away in 2011, and one of her nephews accepted her award .
“Mary is leaving behind a legacy of leadership and service in the Kansas City area… She continues to be a role model for those who believe that doors of opportunity that look seemingly closed can be kicked open if one has the courage,” said James Leiker, Chairman of the KBHF Board of Directors.
Gene and Yolanda Camarena, 2024 Contemporary Inductees
Gene and Yolanda Camarena were recognized as contemporary KBHF inductees for advocating for equity in education and social justice. Gene graduated with a degree in accounting and business administration from the University of Kansas before receiving his masters in business administration from Harvard University.
Mr. Camarena serves as president and CEO of La Raza Pizza Inc., which is one of the top 150 largest Hispanic-owned businesses in the country. Mr. Camarena also has holdings in multiple other businesses, including Pizza Hut, the Marriott Hotel, and other banking and real estate developments.
Mrs. Camarena has a background in higher education administration while specializing in enrollment management, student success, student services, and education community centers. Yolanda graduated from Wichita State University with a bachelor’s degree in education, followed by a master’s in public administration from Harvard University.
“We had a decision to make, we could’ve stayed back east, or on any of the coasts, but we made a conscious decision to come back to Kansas and its welcoming nature, the hard work, and the perseverance of the people of Kansas,” said Gene Camarena.
Mr. Camarena shared his hopes for the state of Kansas.
“We’re in the process now of winding down our business careers, which is good because it provides us more time to work on community efforts, which is really our passion, and our focus has been building education, providing educational opportunities, and providing small business development advice for underserved communities,” Camarena said.. “We’re hopeful that people around the state can continue to focus on those that need our help the most, to provide support, confidence, mentorship, and most importantly, hope that there is a bright future here in the state of Kansas.”
Kansas Business Hall of Fame Student Essay Contest Awards
Four high school students in Kansas were awarded a $500 scholarship for the 7th annual KBHF student essay contest, where students pick from the previous inductees and write an essay.
This year’s contest had 66 entries from 14 high schools around Kansas.
The 2024 winners include:
- Addilyn Bruns, freshman, Home School, Topeka (Arthur Capper)
- Aubryn Garriott, senior, Olpe High School (Bill Kurtis)
- Lucy Krebsbach, freshman, Home School, Meriden (Charles Walker)
- Benjamin Soyka, senior, Leavenworth High School (warren Bechtel)
“I want to put others before myself and let them know that they matter. He (Arthur Capper) strove -as every good Kansasn should- to reach for the stars, to reach for what might seem to be impossible, even through difficulty. May we strive to do the same,” Bruns wrote.
Beth Ginter, KBHF Media and Outreach Coordinator for the Kansas Business Hall of Fame said the purpose of the essay contest is to connect students with inspirational business leaders.
“One of our goals of the Kansas Business Hall of Fame is to provide role models to inspire dreams and guide careers,” said Ginter.
