The 17th Annual Dialogue & Friendship Dinner and Award Ceremony brought together civic leaders, educators, clergy, students, nonprofit organizations, and community members for an evening dedicated to strengthening relationships across cultures and faith traditions.
Hosted by the Dialogue Institute of Kansas City and the Kansas City Raindrop Foundation, the annual event highlighted the importance of respectful dialogue in an increasingly divided society. The 2023 theme, “Dialogue and the Shape of Belief in a Fractured World,” invited participants to reflect on how religious traditions, cultural identities, and shared human values can become sources of understanding rather than division.
The evening featured a keynote presentation by internationally recognized scholar Dr. Ori Z. Soltes, followed by the annual awards ceremony honoring individuals and organizations whose work has strengthened interfaith understanding, community service, and civic engagement throughout the Kansas City region.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Ori Z. Soltes
(Professional Headshot)
Biography
Dr. Ori Z. Soltes is a distinguished scholar, historian, theologian, author, and educator whose work spans art history, religious studies, philosophy, and Jewish, Christian, and Islamic civilizations. He serves as a professor in the Center for Jewish Civilization at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Soltes has taught thousands of students and delivered lectures around the world on comparative religion, sacred art, ethics, and the relationship between faith and culture. His scholarship examines how religious traditions shape civilizations while encouraging dialogue across differences.
An accomplished author, Dr. Soltes has written numerous books and articles exploring religion, history, literature, and the arts. His interdisciplinary approach has made him a respected voice on interfaith understanding, cultural heritage, and the role of belief in contemporary society.
Keynote Presentation
Dialogue and the Shape of Belief in a Fractured World
Dr. Soltes explored how beliefs shape both individual identity and collective society. Rather than viewing religious and cultural differences as barriers, he encouraged participants to see them as opportunities for deeper understanding and mutual learning.
Presentation Highlights
Understanding how beliefs influence culture and society
Appreciating the common ethical values shared across religious traditions
Engaging in respectful dialogue amid disagreement
Building trust through education and personal relationships
Encouraging curiosity instead of fear toward those who are different
Recognizing dialogue as a pathway to peace and cooperation
The keynote emphasized that meaningful dialogue does not require agreement on every issue. Instead, it begins with listening, respect, and a genuine desire to understand one another.
2023 Award Recipients
The Dialogue & Friendship Dinner recognizes individuals whose leadership, service, and commitment to education have strengthened the Kansas City community while advancing the values of dialogue, friendship, and mutual understanding.
Community Service Award
Kevin Dilmore
Kevin Dilmore is an accomplished communications professional, author, and community leader who serves with the Hallmark Foundation. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations, promoting civic engagement, and strengthening community partnerships throughout the Kansas City region.
Through his work with Hallmark and numerous community initiatives, Dilmore has championed education, volunteerism, and cultural understanding. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to building stronger, more connected communities through service and collaboration.
Lia McIntosh
Lia McIntosh is a respected community advocate whose work focuses on empowering individuals and strengthening neighborhoods through education, volunteerism, and civic engagement.
Recognized for her collaborative leadership and dedication to serving diverse communities, McIntosh has contributed to initiatives that foster inclusion, encourage community partnerships, and promote opportunities for meaningful dialogue across cultural and social boundaries.
Friendship Award
Rev. Cheryl Bell
Rev. Cheryl Bell is a faith leader and community advocate known for her commitment to interfaith cooperation, reconciliation, and public service. Throughout her ministry, she has worked to build bridges among diverse religious communities while promoting compassion, justice, and mutual respect.
Her leadership has inspired collaborative efforts that encourage dialogue, strengthen relationships, and create opportunities for people of different faiths and backgrounds to work together in service to the community.
Education Award
Dr. Earl Phalen
Dr. Earl Phalen is a nationally recognized educator, entrepreneur, and advocate for educational equity. As the founder of several innovative educational initiatives, including the Phalen Leadership Academies, he has dedicated his career to expanding access to high-quality education for underserved students and communities.
An influential voice in educational leadership, Dr. Phalen has developed schools and programs that emphasize academic excellence, character development, and community engagement. His work has positively impacted thousands of students and families across the United States, making him a fitting recipient of the Dialogue Institute’s Education Award.
Celebrating Leadership Through Dialogue
The 2023 award recipients exemplify the mission of the Dialogue & Friendship Dinner by demonstrating that lasting change is achieved through service, education, and meaningful relationships. Their contributions continue to inspire individuals and organizations to build bridges across cultures, faiths, and communities while fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society.
