Where Are They Now: Missouri Founder Adam "Steak" Ryan

For 25 years, Kesem has supported children facing a parent’s cancer through free, year-round programs and a lifelong community, led by dedicated college student volunteers. To mark the 25th anniversary, we’re catching up with former campers and student leaders to reflect on how their Kesem experiences continue to shape their lives.

Adam Ryan first got involved with Kesem as a college student at the University of Missouri, where he went on to found the Kesem chapter in 2011. He has remained involved with Kesem in various leadership and advisory roles.

Adam as Karl the catepillar during college.

From the start, Adam was building something from nothing, learning by doing, and figuring it out as he went. “What I remember most is how much fun we had working so hard,” Adam says. “It’s a dream to do something that intersects impact, hard work, and fun.”

Founding a chapter meant recruiting volunteers, raising money, and asking people to believe in something that didn’t yet exist. Looking back, Adam sees how formative those early days were. “I recognized that the culture would be built off the first four or five people and then spread,” he says. “Building a company is no different.”

Adam with Lance Armstrong, speaking at Marketing Land.

That lesson stayed with him. Today, Adam is the Co-Founder and CEO of Workweek, a technology company focused on fostering connection among business leaders.

Much of Adam’s leadership philosophy can be traced back to his time as a student leader. “I was terrified to do so much of what I was doing back then,” he says. “I had no idea how we would pull it off. But you just keep taking little steps. And then one day, you’re doing it.” Over time, that pattern of action-first leadership became instinct.

Kesem has shaped Adam’s life in lasting ways, from strengthening his relationship with his mom, a breast cancer survivor, his dad, a leukemia survivor, to being the thing that initially bonded him to his wife, a fellow Kesem alum.

When asked what he would tell someone considering getting involved with Kesem, Adam doesn’t hesitate. “Best decision of your life.”