2026 Hall of Fame Awards

Zach Schultz has provided steady, principled leadership to KCSL during some of the organization’s most pivotal moments. He joined the KCSL Board of Directors in 2016 and quickly emerged as a trusted leader focused on long-term stability and mission alignment.

As board chair, Zach guided KCSL through a CEO transition and later helped lead the organization during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. His thoughtful decision-making and calm leadership helped protect staff while ensuring children and families across Kansas continued to receive critical support.

Even after completing his board service, Zach remained deeply engaged, first as a trustee and later as chair of the KCSL Foundation Board of Trustees. In that role, he has championed innovative funding strategies and strengthened the Foundation’s ability to support KCSL’s work well into the future.

Rick Bloomer’s service to KCSL spans decades and reflects a deep commitment to strengthening Kansas communities. His involvement began in 1993 through the Kansas Child Abuse Prevention Council, where he served as president during its merger with KCSL.

Rick continued his leadership as a member of the KCSL Board of Directors and later as a Foundation Trustee, offering strategic and financial guidance during critical periods of growth. His expertise helped shape foundation investment strategies and expand connections with donors and community leaders.

Through his advocacy, institutional knowledge and willingness to connect KCSL with partners and supporters, Rick has helped build a stronger foundation for the organization’s work, leaving a lasting impact on its mission and future.

Sally Huber’s service reflects the heart of volunteerism, showing up, listening and helping when families need it most. She began volunteering for KCSL in the early 1990s and has remained a dependable presence for decades. Sally has been a helpful resource to many Kansas parents and caregivers offering parenting support, guidance and referrals to local services through KCSL’s 1-800-CHILDREN. Year after year, Sally commits hundreds of on-call hours to ensure coverage during evenings, holidays and times when staff are supporting families in the community. Since 2012, she has responded to more than 270 calls, providing the patience and reassurance parents need during difficult moments.

Sally’s impact is measured not just in hours given, but in families supported during moments of uncertainty. Her compassion, reliability and quiet leadership embody the legacy of Glenna VanMetre and the enduring value of volunteer service.

Vicky Roper has dedicated her professional life to strengthening protective factors for children and advancing prevention efforts across Kansas. For more than 23 years, she has served as director of Prevent Child Abuse Kansas at KCSL, bringing more than four decades of experience in prevention and health promotion. Her leadership has shaped statewide and national conversations around Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the importance of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs). Vicky plays key roles in multiple coalitions and initiatives that bring research, policy and practice together to improve outcomes for children and families.

Through published research, national testimony and federal collaboration, Vicky’s work has influenced systems far beyond Kansas. She has served on the Kansas CDC Essentials for Childhood Implementation and Leadership teams, testified before the National Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse Fatalities and shared innovative prevention strategies with federal leaders. Her steadfast belief in prevention and her ability to bring partners together around that vision has left a lasting mark on KCSL and the field as a whole.

Emprise Bank has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to strengthening Kansas communities through meaningful investment and hands-on involvement. A consistent supporter of KCSL, Emprise Bank became involved through Red Stocking Breakfast events and has remained an engaged partner ever since.

Emprise pairs its financial support with visible community involvement. Employees regularly volunteer with nonprofits across the state, including KCSL. The bank promotes Child Abuse Prevention Month each April with pinwheel gardens and community awareness efforts that promote safe, healthy childhoods. By aligning its giving with civic engagement, financial literacy, health and human services, Emprise Bank exemplifies how corporate leadership can support families and help children thrive across Kansas.

Sheldon and Kassandra Allen’s journey exemplifies perseverance, growth and the importance of sustained support. Through their participation in KCSL services, they committed to becoming the best parents they could be not only for their youngest child, but for their entire family.

After overcoming substance use challenges and working through treatment together, Sheldon and Kassandra welcomed their daughter, Korra, and embraced sobriety and stability. With dedication and support of KCSL, both parents completed treatment, secured stable employment and created a safe, nurturing home environment. They learned about early childhood development and how to strengthen their parenting skills. Together, they built a safe and supportive home for their daughter, Korra, while continuing to work toward reconnection with their older children.

Today, Sheldon and Kassandra actively engage in their community, serve on a KCSL Parent Advisory Board and participate in family-centered activities that support other parents. Their story reflects resilience, accountability and lasting change. They are a powerful example of what’s possible when families are supported every step of the way.

For more than 25 years, Cornelia has worked to strengthen early childhood systems through collaborative leadership, strategic vision and an unwavering belief in the importance of early learning. As executive director of TOP Early Learning Centers, she has championed quality, equity and access for children and families across Kansas.

Cornelia’s influence extends far beyond her organization. A respected voice in early childhood policy, she has served in numerous statewide leadership roles, including co-chair of the Governor’s Early Childhood Transition Task Force. Through that work, she helped guide complex conversations that led to the creation of the Kansas Office of Early Childhood, a transformational step toward streamlining services, improving coordination and strengthening outcomes statewide.

Even as the transition continues, Cornelia remains actively engaged, lending her experience and insight to ensure the success of Kansas’ evolving early childhood system. Her leadership has shaped policy, strengthened partnerships and improved access to high-quality care and education for thousands of children during the most critical years of development.

Cornelia Stevens’ legacy is defined not by a single accomplishment, but by decades of influence that will continue to benefit Kansas children and families for generations to come.