Zik Nwanganga

Our run of top young leaders in KC continues today as we turn the spotlight to a rising star in KC, Zik Nwanganga.

Talk about an inspiring person; Zik came over from Nigeria in 2016 to attend the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a focus on Civil Engineering. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, he had to drop out in the spring of 2018, but he did not give up. He worked hard and raised funds to get back into UMKC, and as he returned, he turned his focus to getting a business degree.

While attending UMKC in 2019, he launched FiredUp KC, initially focusing on inspiring young people through faith. One of his classes would bring local leaders and entrepreneurs to tell their stories. At that time, he had the idea to shift the focus of FiredUp KC to interviewing professionals.

While he dealt with ups and downs through the early years of his show, he continued to push forward. Even as the pandemic hit, he did not give up and scored his best interview to date, Mayor Quinton Lucas, in early 2020.

He accomplished one of his life’s goals in the winter of 2021 and graduated from UMKC.

Now graduated, it was time to turn his focus solely to FiredUp KC.

If you are unfamiliar with the show, they provide up-and-coming entrepreneurs and leaders in the community with a platform to share stories of their success (or even failure) that has led them to where they are today. The show also focuses on current events, often bringing local politicians and change-makers to the table to discuss happenings in the political climate. The show has aired over 90 episodes and had over 100 guests.

They will also focus on more in-person events here in 2022, launching their first event in February of this year. It was an incredible night with a top-notch panel discussing leadership, grit, and approaching business relationships correctly.

Zik’s grit, passion, and hard work will allow him to reach all goals he sets for himself. He is building something special, and I know he will continue to be a force here in KC.

Website: firedupstudios.org