Afton Harper Named One of Missouri Foundation for Health’s “Leaders to Watch”

We have an exciting reason to celebrate! Afton Harper, Assistant Director of Advocacy and Accessibility at empower: abilities, has been named one of six statewide “Leaders to Watch” through Missouri Foundation for Health’s 2026 Spark Prize recognition.

The honor includes a $50,000 award to Afton and recognizes her promise as a leader helping improve health and well-being in Missouri.

At empower: abilities, removing barriers means creating opportunities for people with disabilities and older adults to live independently and participate fully in their communities. Afton’s commitment to accessibility and advocacy reflects that mission, and we are proud to see her leadership recognized at the state level.

Missouri Foundation for Health created the Spark Prize in 2025 to invest in people addressing challenges that affect health and developing ideas that help communities thrive. The recognition looks toward the future, supporting individuals with the vision and potential to make a lasting difference.

In 2026, the Foundation selected six Spark Prize recipients to receive $200,000 each and recognized an additional six “Leaders to Watch,” including Afton, with $50,000 each.

Please join us in congratulating Afton on this well-deserved recognition. We are grateful for the dedication she brings to our organization and excited to see the impact she will continue to make!

Learn more about the Spark Prize and meet the 2026 honorees.

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