The Starr Women’s Hall of Fame is dedicated to recognizing extraordinary Kansas City women, preserving the history of their accomplishments and inspiring women everywhere. Mona Lea Perry is one of the outstanding women being honored in the 2019 class of inductees.
An advocate with the American Indian Center in Kansas City, for more than 60 years Perry has lent her voice to furthering civil rights and diversity and inclusion for not only American Indians but all minority and ethnic groups.
“She has also mentored and advised young people of all ages and cultures in need of adult guidance or just an ear to listen, while determining their next steps to navigating the day to day roadmap of life.”
Highly respected in the Kansas City area and throughout Missouri and Kansas for her knowledge of and connections within the American Indian community, Perry assisted American Indian youth and adults with accessing resources to garner employment, housing, medical assistance and education opportunities as part of her work as an employment specialist with the American Indian Center in Kansas City.
Henry E. Lyons, president, NAACP – Olathe, Kansas branch said of Perry, “she has also mentored and advised young people of all ages and cultures in need of adult guidance or just an ear to listen, while determining their next steps to navigating the day to day roadmap of life.”
Additionally, she has volunteered with a myriad of organizations, including the Homeless Service Coalition, Stand for Children and KC Harmony, and received four certificates of service as a member of the Missouri Advisory Council for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. In 2014, she was honored with the Martin Luther King NAACP Hero of Diversity Award for the Olathe, Kansas branch.
Grace Little Eagle, retired registered nurse and pastor of First People Independence Circle, says, “Perry has worked tirelessly with a committee from First People Community of Christ-Independence Circle for the past five years to ensure that there would be Christmas gifts for children in the American Indian community.”
About the Starr Women’s Hall of Fame
The Starr Women’s Hall of Fame is dedicated to recognizing extraordinary Kansas City women and preserving the history of their accomplishments. These women are social reformers, volunteers, philanthropists, civic leaders, activists and educators. They are neighborhood leaders and grassroots organizers, from yesterday and today, both famous and unsung. They are movers and shakers whose tireless commitment to community has made Kansas City a better place to live.
The Hall of Fame honors their legacies by sharing their stories to encourage and inspire women everywhere. A permanent display honoring these women is open to the public on the third floor of the Miller Nichols Library at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
The Hall of Fame is named in honor of Martha Jane Phillips Starr, a legendary activist and philanthropist who blazed a trail for family issues and women’s rights. The Hall of Fame is made possible through the Starr Education Committee, Martha Jane Starr’s family and the Starr Field of Interest Fund through the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation.