TOPEKA (KSNT) – A non-profit organization in Topeka is celebrating a major milestone this year, and Tuesday was just the kickoff.
Junior Achievement of Kansas officially announced its 2027 Topeka Business Hall of Fame laureates on Sept. 15. Officials said the four inductees are trailblazers throughout the community, inspiring the next generation with skills, knowledge, financial literacy and workforce readiness.
“They started their own businesses, made these huge accomplishments, and ultimately all while doing that, giving back to the community, ” said Sarah Dunekack, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Kansas.
Three of the four Laureates for the 2027 class, Carlos Cortez, Kurt Kuta and Jon Haas, were in attendance to be recognized for their achievements.
One honoree was a respected leader and pioneer in the Capital City. Maggie Warren died back in July this year, not long after she learned her honor.
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“This year, in memory of Maggie, we are still honoring her and her legacy and the work that she did to not only impact Topeka, but women in general, and really was a trailblazer herself in opening doors,” Dunekack said.
As for the other three individuals, this recognition was something they say they never considered.
“I’m humbled by it,” Kurt Kuta, president and CEO of Core First Bank and Trust. “I look at the people that have been honored before, and I know all the good things they’ve done for their company, their people and the community. And to be amongst that group is very satisfying.”
“I never imagined to be on the stage or being approached by them,” said Carlos Cortez, owner of Cortez Transportation Company. “It means a lot. It means that someone that, you know that came from a family of 13 can be someone or be an entrepreneur if they dream big enough.”
“I think the biggest thing about this achievement is the ability to influence young people, to start their own businesses, to be inspired and not give up hope and to really see the opportunity that it’s not that hard to do that,” said Jon Haas, Founder & President of HME Inc. “You just have to really put your mind to it, work hard and dream big.”
Junior Achievement will celebrate its 25th anniversary and these community leaders at its annual hall of fame celebration in April.
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