Women’s Foundation Appointments Project - Olathe Promotes First Appointee in Kansas
Virginia Nielsen - Olathe Human Relations Commission
Olathe, Ks – Today, Women’s Foundation and Mayor Michael Copeland announced a new partnership between the City of Olathe and Women’s Foundation Appointments Project. Olathe will be the first city in Kansas to partner with the Appointments Project to see more women appointed to boards and commissions. The Olathe Appointments Project was launched with the appointment of Virginia Nielsen to the Olathe Human Relations Commission.
“We’re pleased to announce the City of Olathe as the newest expansion city in the Appointments Project -- the first in Kansas,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women’s Foundation. “We appreciate Mayor Copeland’s leadership in empowering more women to serve on local boards and commissions in Olathe, and look forward to working together to close the gender leadership gap.”
“I want to thank the Women’s Foundation for launching the Appointments Project with us in Olathe. We look forward to continuing our partnership to enrich Olathe boards and commissions with diverse, quality candidates,” said Mayor Michael Copeland. “Virginia Nielsen will be a great addition to the Human Relations Commission—her experience in behavioral health makes her a great candidate for this position.”
Virginia is an organizational development consultant with a background in behavioral health, higher education, and quality management. She worked in private practice mental health, then as Vice President of Quality, Compliance, and EHR Administration for KidsTLC in Olathe, before joining Kansas City-based management consulting firm, TeamTech, last year.
“Thank you to Mayor Copeland and City Council Members for the opportunity to serve on the Olathe Human Relations Commission.” said Virginia Nielsen. “I’m so honored to serve my community in this capacity, and am grateful to the Appointments Project for their valuable help in achieving this outcome. Women’s Foundation offered navigational guidance and support throughout the process - and a sense of solidarity with other professional women finding success in board service.”
Women’s Foundation Appointments Project serves as a talent bank, advisor, and advocate for women seeking opportunities to lead in Kansas and Missouri and works to attract diverse applicants for appointed positions on boards and commissions. Women’s Foundation guides women through the process of applying for these positions.
Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using philanthropy, research and policy solutions to make meaningful change. More information about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org.
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