A side hustle to help autistic adults in the workplace wins young founder Student Entrepreneur of the Year honors.

Yesrace Kertz is redefining what workplace inclusion can look like. Sensory synchronizationan AI-powered platform designed to support neurodivergent employees. His work on the innovative project earned him the title of UMKC Student Entrepreneur of the Year on Thursday.

“Sensory sync is an enterprise-grade DEI and wellness platform sold to companies. It uses AI to identify an employee’s sensory sensitivities in the work environment,” Kurtz explained on stage. of UMKC Henry W. Bloch School of Management Annual Entrepreneur of the Year Awards on the Kopkin Stage H&R Block Global headquarters in downtown Kansas City.

Inspired by her brother’s struggle with sensory overload in the workplace, Kertz, a junior at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, set out to develop a solution that addresses a common but often overlooked challenge. Do it.

“Imagine this: You’re in your dream job, but the bright lights, noise, and constant pressure every day wears you out,” he explained during his recent pitch. UMKC’s Side Hustle Challenge, “This is the reality of many autistic adults.”

Its SensorySync platform provides daily check-ins via an AI chatbot that helps employees identify sensory stimuli and suggests self-regulation strategies. The platform also collects anonymous data, giving employers insight into workplace stressors without compromising privacy.

“Sensory Sync looks for patterns so companies can learn what’s causing stress without knowing someone’s personal details,” Kertz said, noting this information helps organizations create a more supportive, productive environment. Increases capacity and retention.

Grace Kertz, Sensory Sync, right, poses with Jeff Hornsby, executive director of the Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and chair of UMKC’s Department of Global Entrepreneurship and Innovation, after being named UMKC’s Student of the Year; Photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Winning the Student Entrepreneur of the Year award was a milestone in Kurtz’s entrepreneurial journey, which he initially approached with reluctance, he said.

“I admired the creativity and problem-solving of other student projects, but I worried that entrepreneurship would distract from my marketing education,” Kurtz said. “I quickly realized that they enhanced each other.”

His journey began. UMKC’s Enactus Program, where he led a project to donate excess food to shelters. She later founded Attuned Wellness, a campus organization that supports the physical, mental and social health of students. He said that these experiences laid the foundation for sensory harmony.

Kertz plans to continue developing Sensory Sync while studying abroad in Germany. Mannheim University.

“The combination of analytical and creative thinking that I employ in entrepreneurship has been central to my career,” she said, thanking her mentors and support system.

Natasha Herdman, founder and CEO of Pawsperity, speaks after being named the winner of UMKC’s Marion and John Kramer Award for Social Entrepreneurship. Photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Marion and John Kramer Award for Social Entrepreneurship

Natasha Herdman, Founder and CEO insanity, Awarded the Marion and John Kramer Award for Social Entrepreneurship, in recognition of her innovative efforts to break the cycle of poverty through dog parenting education.

Moving to Kansas City as a stay-at-home mom, Herdman began volunteering with the local homeless community, where she witnessed the systemic barriers that keep people trapped in poverty. A conversation with her mother, a dog breeder struggling to find help, sparked the idea for Pawsperity.

“I knew they needed a career — high demand, high wages, criminal friendly, and able to learn in less than a year,” Herdman said. “I chose fostering because fosters make $40,000 to $100,000 a year and meet all the qualifications for a struggling single mom.”

Since launching in 2016 as The Grooming Project — later rebranded as Pawsperity — the nonprofit has trained more than 156 graduates with a 96 percent job placement rate. In 2022, Pawsperity expanded with a 16,000-square-foot facility offering grooming training and housing for students and their families.

Herdman plans to scale Pawsperity nationally, building a licensing model for other nonprofits and expanding its impact.

McCownGordon founders Brett Gordon and Pat McCown speak after being honored as UMKC’s Kansas City Entrepreneurs of the Year and
Baloch Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame Inductees; Photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

KC Entrepreneur of the Year and Entrepreneur Hall of Fame inductees

Pat McCown and Brett Gordon, co-founders of McCown Gordon Constructionwas named Kansas City Entrepreneur of the Year and was inducted into the UMKC Entrepreneur Hall of Fame for his profound impact on the Kansas City area.

Since founding their company in 1999, McCown and Gordon have focused on three core values: integrity, relationships and performance. These principles have guided his firm to complete more than 250 regional projects, including iconic projects such as Children’s Mercy Research Institute And Garmin Headquarters. The company is currently constructing UMKC’s new Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building.

Reflecting on receiving the prestigious award, McCown expressed deep gratitude.

“Let me just start by saying how grateful we are and how honored we are to be standing here today,” he said. “What an incredible honor.”

He drew inspiration from famed entrepreneur and philanthropist Henry Bloch, for whom the business school at UMKC is named, as well as the H&R Block world headquarters that hosted Thursday’s event.

“When I think of Henry Bloch, he was a quintessential entrepreneur. He not only built an amazing company, but impacted the entire community. His leadership, philanthropy, and passion for education continue to inspire Greater Kansas today. reverberates throughout the city.

Ramin Cherraft, Pat McCown and Brett Gordon pose with McCown Gordon, UMKC’s Kansas City Entrepreneurs of the Year Awards; Photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

McCownGordon founder Brett Gordon speaks after being honored with UMKC’s Kansas City Entrepreneurs of the Year and
Baloch Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame Inductees; Photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

A pivotal moment for McCownGordon came in 2018, when the company transitioned to 100 percent employee ownership, the co-founders said.

“Brett and I are deeply grateful that you chose McCownGordon to invest your time, energy and efforts,” McCown told his team. “This recognition goes to all of you as well.”

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