Support Bernie's Legacy in Educational Equity

Bernastein (Bernie) Caffee Winston had a lifelong commitment to education and equity. Rooted in her own experience as a student in FAME, Inc., one of the first nonprofits dedicated to science, technology, engineering, and math organizations, she committed to continue advocating and nurturing the interests of systemically disinvested students interested in STEM.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and raised in Newark, Delaware, Bernie’s community grew across the country. Moving around the country with her husband Richard Winston and their daughter Lauren, Bernie gave her time, energy, and care to each community where they resided.

Bernie successfully established two education programs in Wichita, KS as a part of her graduate research at Newman University in 2012. Upon moving to Kansas City, she continued her work in education in both the Kansas City Public School District and Shawnee Mission School District where she was adored as a mentor and confidant by friends, family, teachers, and students.

Before a diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 2023, Bernie founded the non-profit Achievement First KC Foundation with plans to provide resources and nurture the confidence of students to pursue higher education and STEM-related fields of study.

Due to the nature of ALS, a currently incurable and progressive neurodegenerative disease, she discontinued this pursuit and shared her light with community members through service and joy with organizations such as the Links of Greater Kansas City and Operation Breakthrough.

Ever since Richard Winston joined the board of Operation Breakthrough in 2021, Bernie Winston could be found at annual fundraising events and had planned to have Achievement First KC collaborate with Operation Breakthrough in areas of mutual interest.

In honor of Bernie Winston’s memory, donations to Operation Breakthrough will continue her legacy and unwavering commitment to educational equity for children in Kansas City and beyond.