Free Virtual Webinar on November 10 Invites Wichita Women to Learn About Leadership Opportunities
As announced in a press briefing today with the Office of Mayor Whipple, the City of Wichita and United WE have a collaborative partnership to increase the number of women on local boards and commissions through the Appointments Project®. Started in 2014, United WE’s Appointments Project® has successfully placed more than 160 women on boards and commissions, with women of color representing 34% of applicants.
“I’ve seen first-hand the need to increase gender parity and better drive representation across civic leadership to ensure that we’re drawing on the talents and diversity of all our residents,” Mayor Whipple said. “Our partnership with United WE and its Appointments Project® is strengthening our city by increasing the number of women, including women of color, who are at the decision-making table of their communities.”
United WE’s Appointments Project® serves as a talent bank, advisor and advocate for women seeking opportunities to lead their communities and works to attract diverse applicants for appointed positions on boards and commissions. The award-winning approach guides women through the process of applying for these positions and suggests applicants for appointment.
“Our research showed us that women don’t become civically engaged because they aren’t being asked. As a result, we created the Appointments Project® so local boards and commissions could reflect the communities they serve,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President & CEO. “With the help of partners like Mayor Whipple, we are addressing the gender disparities in local leadership and able to make real changes in our communities.”
Based on a growing number of success stories, the pipeline of women leaders is growing rapidly across the country. The Appointments Project® fills a critical need in creating a pathway to work with elected officials and better community representation that leads to better lives for all.
A public training event is planned for November 10, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. CST with local community partners Wichita Urban Professionals, The Hive, Greater Wichita Partnership and YLPWichita. Interested residents can sign up at https://united-we.org/events/2021/11/10/appointments-project-wichita-overview.
“We encourage and invite everyone to learn more and join us in unlocking women’s potential for civic leadership,” Mayor Whipple said.