2026 Blue KC Gamechanger Honoree Drenda Williams – Month of May
A Refreshing Approach
As summer approaches in Kansas City, we know it’s going to get hot. What’s better than cooling off with a refreshing cold beverage?
That’s the approach Drenda Williams took when deciding on a new way to get her message to the community. As the founder of the Reach Back Foundation, Williams has dedicated her life to creating opportunity, healing and resilience for survivors of domestic violence and trauma.
Her work focuses on whole-person wellness, supporting individuals not only through crisis but also on the path to lasting emotional, mental and community wellbeing. She has touched thousands of lives by offering motivational speaking, educational programs, healing resources and public awareness campaigns that break barriers and inspire positive community growth.
But what about the soft drinks?
“A lot of times with domestic violence awareness, it’s pamphlets or something like that,” she said. “I thought, ‘Let’s come up with some non-traditional ways to get the information out.’
“God told me to continue with my advocacy but to do it in a different manner. What better way than a healthy, all-natural drink? People are going to gravitate toward that. Then, the resources are actually on the label on the can. It has the national hotline number to call or text if you need help. You can easily get the soda and give it to someone and say, ‘Hey, I have a soda for you. Read the label.’ So, it’s inconspicuous.”
Because of the work Williams and the Reach Back Foundation are doing, she is the May recipient of the Blue KC Gamechanger award. Founded in 2024 by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) and the Kansas City Current, the Blue KC Gamechanger program recognizes an individual whose leadership inspires physical, mental, emotional and community wellness by creating healthier, more inclusive environments. This can be done through healthcare, education, sport or advocacy efforts. To nominate the next Blue KC Gamechanger, CLICK HERE.
“It’s such an honor,” she said of receiving the award. “I’m doing what God called me to do. To be recognized for just doing what I’m supposed to do is just an honor.
“The KC Current has made headlines, since we have our own stadium. Being recognized by other successful women is an honor in itself.
“And Blue KC is a health provider. If you’re a victim of domestic violence, you’re going to the hospital. So being supported by the health industry and also a women’s sports team in the community just reaffirms that we’re doing the right thing.”
Williams started her movement with lip gloss and beard products to get people’s attention in the packaging, before adding the soft drinks late last year.
She also has added a youth component. It’s not only to help youth in domestic violence situations, but it’s preventative. She wants to teach young people the right way to deal with conflict, so they can have healthy relationships now and through adulthood.
Many young people who grow up around it feel like it’s an acceptable way to resolve conflict. Williams is determined to change that.
She’s a domestic violence survivor herself, which provided the motivation. She wants others to know that domestic violence doesn’t end your usefulness.
“You can be a victim, you can heal and become a survivor and still accomplish a lot of great things in life,” she said. “I’m an example of that.
“People often suffer in silence. They’re ashamed; they don’t want to tell anybody, so they keep it inside.
“Some people are buying the drinks because they taste good. But when they see what it’s about, they’re even more supportive.”
That’s very refreshing!
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