Two Groups Choose Scholarship Winner

Kansas City Bear Mafia members Jonathan DeRaps and Brandon Wilcox presented Leslie Ponce-Diaz with her scholarship. Photo: Samantha Ruggles.

This year’s recipient of the Future Leaders scholarship, offered by the Kansas City Center for Inclusion (KCCI) and the Kansas City Bear Mafia, is Leslie Ponce-Diaz. This is the second year in a row that the two organizations have offered the honor. The $500 scholarship is designed to support the recipient’s further education.

Ponce-Diaz, a member of the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art’s Teen Arts Council, often passed by KCCI on her way home. Curious about the center, she decided to search for it online.

“When I found out on the website that there was an opening for a scholarship, I decided to apply, because I believe that KCCI is everything I stand for and believe in,” said Ponce-Diaz. “… We are all equal and different in our own way and we all deserve acceptance in society!”

Samantha Ruggles, KCCI’s interim executive director, said, “The selection process this year was rather intense. We have several great applications, and it was hard to make the decision. However, we all agreed Leslie had the best application and essay.”

Ponce-Diaz will be attending the Rhode Island School of Design for her undergraduate degree. She plans to study both sculpture and graphic design programs there.

“I am the child of an undocumented and first-generation household,” said Ponce-Diaz. “I have tried to give back to my community by volunteering with several programs, including the Central Avenue Betterment Association (CABA). CABA program director Edgar Galicia helps students understand the importance of local organizations in Kansas City Central Avenue. With his mentorship, I was able to help organizations and myself understand how the Latino community in Central Avenue can increase their businesses and continue embracing their culture in Kansas.”

Ponce-Diaz’s volunteer work has also included Open Spaces and Teens in Transition.

In her free time, she creates social and political commentary art that gives minorities a voice in society. You can see her artwork at: leslieponcediaz.wixsite.com/ponceart

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