Mayra Aguirre, president of the Hall Family Foundation, will give the UMKC Commencement address on Dec. 15.

Aguirre has led the organization, which aims to enhance the quality of human life in the Greater Kansas City Area, since 2020.

The appointment was a natural fit for Aguirre, who is passionate about serving her community. As the daughter of immigrants growing up in Emporia, Kansas, she watched as her parents worked in manual labor roles to provide for their family. She was the first member of her family to graduate from college, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Emporia State University. She went on to achieve her Juris Doctorate from he University of Kansas School of Law.

Her immigrant and working-class experience instilled a deep and lasting commitment to uplifting under resourced communities, and today Aguirre is known as a dedicated Kansas City leader with a long history of serving the community.

Prior to becoming president of the Hall Family Foundation, Aguirre worked for the Mid-America Regional Council Metropolitan Council on Early Learning, and at the Hispanic Development Fund, where she continues to serve on the board and as an advocate and mentor for children, youth and young professionals. She also serves on the boards of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Development Fund and KC2026 World Cup.

In her role as president of the Hall Family Foundation, Aguirre has worked with the board to join with community partners across the region to support initiatives that facilitate positive impact in the Kansas City community and align with the initial vision of the organization’s founders, Joyce and Elizabeth Hall.

That collaboration includes UMKC with the Hall Family Foundation providing $15 million for the construction of the Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building, which will provide enhanced technology and facilities for students, opportunities for multidisciplinary learning and research and upgraded clinic facilities for the community.