Women’s Foundation Statement Regarding Sexual Harassment at the Kansas Capitol

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Women’s Foundation released the following statement today regarding reports of sexual harassment of interns and female staffers working at the Kansas Capitol:

“Sexual harassment is unacceptable – and the leaders in the Kansas legislature must take further steps to address these issues and ensure a safe environment for interns.  As long as sexual harassment exists and is enabled in the Kansas State Capitol or anywhere else, that presents a barrier for women to advance professionally and to lead in the future. Instead of accepting sexual harassment as part of the culture in our state capitols, legislators should vehemently condemn sexual harassment and be advocates for victims.

As a response to similar issues in Missouri, Women’s Foundation partnered with Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV), and Partners In Prevention, to create the Intern Resource Network to help Missouri’s interns understand how to best prevent and report sexual harassment. We stand ready to work with Kansas legislators and Capitol staff to ensure a safe and equitable working environment for all employees and interns.”

— Wendy Doyle, Women's Foundation President & CEO

Learn more about the Intern Resource Portal here.

The 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.

New Research Details Solutions to Empower Women Entrepreneurs

Occupational licensing reforms are especially important in rural areas where startup activity is declining

Kansas City, Mo -- Marking Women’s Small Business Month, Women’s Foundation today released new research and outlined solutions to lower occupational licensing barriers that restrict entry into certain professions and make it harder for women to start their own businesses.  

The findings were announced at a virtual press conference with the Institute of Public Policy University of Missouri’s Truman School of Public Affairs and the Professional Beauty Association.

The research found that, of 139 professions licensed in Missouri and its neighboring states, 41 percent of the professions were licensed by only one state. Women’s Foundation encouraged policymakers to let people keep their professional licenses when they move across state lines, lower the requirements to enter certain fields, and waive licensing fees for low-income individuals. 

“Occupational licensing requirements can create real barriers for women, whether they’re moving to another state, entering a new profession, or coming back from maternity leave,” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President and CEO. “Policy solutions like waiving fees and accepting licenses obtained in other states can empower women economically and break down the barriers that keep them from getting ahead. Women’s Foundation will continue to work for change and push for solutions that will help close the gender pay gap and empower women to achieve their dreams.” 

Women’s Foundation research has found that the number of jobs requiring a license has expanded exponentially, and that the training requirements are often irrelevant or out-of-date. In 1950, only about 1 in 20 jobs required a license. Today, more than 1 in 4 Americans need a license to legally perform their work, and women are more likely to work in professions that require a license. 

The organization said that reforming these requirements is especially important in rural areas, where entrepreneurship and startup activity is declining.  In 1977, more than two out of every ten U.S. startups were in rural areas. Today, according to the Kauffman Foundation,  this number is just over one in every ten. 

Women’s Foundation commissioned the research from the Institute of Public Policy  with support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation as part of the organization’s continued work to promote equity and opportunity for women of all ages and develop policy solutions to make meaningful change.

“While regulation of the industry protects public health and safety, there should never be a restriction on someone’s ability to earn a living,” said Bridget Sharpe, Government Affairs and Industry Relations Manager at the Professional Beauty Association. “Sensible reforms like streamlining standards and increasing license mobility can boost career opportunities while also maintaining the high standards that protect and serve the public.” 

Women’s Foundation has shared its findings with the Governor’s Task Force on Boards and Commissions, which is expected to submit its recommendations to Gov. Eric Greitens’ at the end of this month.

The briefs, which supplement the 2016 report on Occupational Licensing and Women Entrepreneurs in Missouri, outline a number of potential solutions for policymakers to consider. For example:

• Exploring licensing alternatives like certification, registration, and mandatory bonding, all of which are less than the requirements of full licensure;
• Conducting a thorough cost-benefit analysis through sunrise or sunset statutes to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of occupational licensing requirements and determine the feasibility of less-burdensome alternatives;
• Expanding reciprocity through national or regional compacts; 
• Waiving licensing fees for low-income job seekers; 
• Improving data collection to identify issues and trends and to find efficiencies and improve systems. 

Marking Women's Small Business Month, Women's Foundation released new research and outlined solutions to lower occupational licensing barriers that restrict entry into certain professions and make it harder for women to start their own businesses.

Women’s Foundation's 25th Anniversary Celebration Brought Big Names, Big News

Ambassador Samantha Power Rallied & Inspired the Crowd of 1,300+ 

Mayor Sly James Announced 50th Appointee to the Appointment Project

Missouri First Lady Sheena Greitens Announced the Governor's Commitment to Appoint 25 more Women to Statewide Boards in 25 Days

KANSAS CITY, MO – On Tuesday afternoon, Women's Foundation celebrated 25 years at its We Work For Change annual event, attracting more than 1,300 people from across the political spectrum with the common goal of improving the lives of women of all ages in Missouri and Kansas.  Central to this year's event was promoting women's civic engagement and promoting more women into positions of public leadership.

Keynoting the annual event was former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power who spoke about the importance of women's civic engagement at all levels.  

“For all of the bad news out there, women in 2017 are a major bright spot -- we are stepping up more than ever,” said Power. 

Missouri's First Lady Sheena Greitens and Kansas City Mayor Sly James were also featured speakers who had special announcements related to women in leadership.   

Mayor James announced Allison Pericich as the 50th appointment of the Women’s Foundation Appointments Project™.  Pericich will serve on the Kansas City Historic Preservation Commission. 

Mayor James also shared that women's representation on Kansas City boards and commissions has increased from approximately 33% to 42% since the Appointments Project™ launched three years ago.

First Lady Greitens announced that Governor Eric Greitens has committed to appoint 25 more women to Missouri state boards and commissions in 25 days, in honor of Women's Foundation's 25th anniversary.

Women's Foundation President & CEO Wendy Doyle reinforced the importance of the Appointments Project™ during her remarks. 

“The Appointments Project™ is at the heart of Women's Foundation,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women’s Foundation. “Perhaps more than any other work or project we do, the Appointments Project™ is getting results -- moving the needle towards more women representation on public boards and commissions where decisions are made.” 

The Appointments Project™ is an initiative that aims to increase the number of women serving on local and statewide boards and commissions in Kansas and Missouri.  After only three years, the Appointments Project™ has had more than 700 applicants and successfully placed 50 women on boards and commissions in Missouri and Kansas. The Appointments Project™ is statewide in Missouri and Kansas and in Kansas City, Springfield, St. Louis, St. Louis County and Jackson County, Missouri as well as Olathe and Topeka, Kansas.

Women's Foundation's annual event was co-chaired by Christy and Bill Gautreaux and Yvette and UMKC Chancellor Emeritus Leo Morton. Proceeds from the event will sustain the work of the non-profit Foundation and advance its efforts to promote equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy and policy solutions to make meaningful change.  

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Former UN Ambassador Samantha Power made time to take photos with Women's Foundation's Girls Leadership members after her keynote address.

Women’s Foundation Statement on Newly-Released Data on the Gender Pay Gap

Kansas City, Mo. -- Women’s Foundation released the following statement today regarding newly-released data showing the national gender pay gap decreasing by the largest amount since 2007.

The data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey shows that while the female-to-male earnings ratio climbed to a record 80.5 percent, some of the increase was due to stagnating wages among men rather than increasing wages among women. African American and Hispanic women continue to face significant disparities, and black women even saw their wages decline.

“We’re very pleased to see progress being made to close the gender pay gap, but there is clearly more work to be done,” said Women’s Foundation President and CEO Wendy Doyle. “This data should motivate policymakers to work even harder to empower women economically and ensure these gains are shared by all women, regardless of skin color or zip code. Women’s Foundation will continue to work for change and push for policy solutions that will accelerate this progress and end the pay gap once and for all.”

Women’s Foundation has been actively pushing for research-informed policy solutions to close the pay gap in Kansas and Missouri, including issuing Pay Equity Best Practices Guidelines as a tool for employers and advocating for occupational licensing reforms to reduce the barriers faced by women trying to enter more flexible, higher-paying careers.

The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women and girls, using philanthropy, research and policy solutions to make meaningful change.  More information about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org. 

Statement from Women's Foundation Regarding White House Decision on EEO-1 Pay Data Collection

Kansas City, MO -- Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of Women's Foundation issued the following statement: 

““At Women’s Foundation, we believe in using research and data to identify real problems and develop meaningful policy solutions. That’s why we are disappointed that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is stopping the pay data collection aspects of the EEO-1 form that sought to reduce the gender pay gap.  Data collection is a necessary tool to increase transparency and inform policy solutions to close the pay gap.

When it comes to the gender pay gap, working women have waited long enough.  We will continue to work for change to end the gender pay gap for women and their families through both market-based approaches like our Pay Equity Best Practice Guidelines and practical policy solutions.” ”

Women earn an average of only 77 cents in Kansas and 78 cents in Missouri for every dollar men make for the same work, according to Women's Foundation research.  Both states fall behind the national gender pay gap of 80 cents.  Women are not expected to achieve gender pay equity until 2059. Read more about the Women's Foundation Pay Equity Best Practice Guidelines here.

The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy and policy solutions to make meaningful change.  More information about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org.

New Website Aims to End Sexual Harassment Toward College Interns

Intern Resource Network will serve as information hub for interns and employers

Kansas City, Mo --  As students return to college campuses around the state to start their school semesters, the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV), Partners In Prevention, and Women’s Foundation are providing a new online tool to keep interns safe.  Today, in a virtual press conference, the groups announced the launch of the Intern Resource Network website. 

The Intern Resource Network addresses the reality that the workplace can be a very different environment than a college campus, leaving interns vulnerable to an imbalance of power and resulting actions of sexual harassment. Both male and female students confirmed that, although colleges offer a variety of prevention programs and support services on campus, they needed to be able to know about and gain access to additional support services and resources from programs in the larger community. The Intern Resource Network website can be used as a starting place to learn about best practices on sexual harassment in the workplace. 

“As one of our 2016 grant recipients, we are proud to support MCADSV and the Intern Resource Network, which will empower countless young women to learn their rights, prepare for internships, and identify sexual assault,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of Women’s Foundation. “Women's Foundation is dedicated to removing barriers for women so they can achieve their full economic and leadership potential. As long as sexual harassment exists and is enabled, that presents a barrier for women to advance professionally and to lead in the future.”

“We wanted to ensure that students, advisors and site supervisors had the most comprehensive resource available,” said Matthew Huffman, Prevention Director at MCADSV. “Our goal is to equip students with the information to know the full extent of their rights under Title IX, while also encouraging employers to create workplaces that are safe and equitable.” 

“We are proud to partner with the Missouri Against Domestic and Sexual Violence to create the Intern Resource Network.” said Joan Masters, Senior Coordinator of Partners in Prevention. “We hope this tool will educate students and employers across the state and create safe, healthy work environments for everyone.”

“When I was an intern in Jefferson City, sexual harassment was a serious issue, and it’s clear it’s a problem that persists, often with devastating consequences for too many young women. " said  U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill. "So I’m really proud to support this new resource that’ll help give interns navigating the workplace for the very first time a place to turn to get reliable, confidential information and the tools to help combat this crime."

This resource will be a tool for young women and men to learn their rights as student interns, preparing for their internships, and identifying harassment within them. It is also a guide for students participating in apprenticeships or vocational programs. This tool goes even further by helping students find campus resources and advisors if they identify sexual harassment within their internships. 

"As Speaker of the House, I have made it a priority to improve the work environment in the Missouri Capitol so that interns, staff, and members can have a workplace where they are treated with respect and free from harassment,” said Speaker of the House Todd Richardson. “The Intern Resource Network will be useful in ensuring a healthy and safe work environment both in the Capitol and in workplaces throughout the state.  I appreciate the leadership of Women's Foundation, MCADSV and Partners in Prevention in addressing these issues head-on and developing practical solutions." 

MCADSV believes domestic and sexual violence will only end through education, alliance, research and public policy. The Coalition has published research regarding domestic and sexual violence and has used that research to create prevention guidelines and legislative advocacy to end abuse. Since the Coalition began its work, more than 100 domestic and sexual violence programs have formed across Missouri.

“Internships play an important role in the private sector for both the intern and the organizations hosting these programs,” said Brandi Riggs, 2017 SHRM-KC President and HR Director for McCownGordon Construction. “Employers have a responsibility to ensure that interns receive the same respect and fair treatment that other employees receive.  This includes understanding the company’s Code of Conduct and anti-harassment policies and how to respond to and report incidents which violates such policies. The Intern Resource Project will play an important role.”

This website was created by the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV) and Partners in Prevention.  MCADSV received its initial funding to develop the Intern Resource Project through a personal donation by Missouri’s U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, who publicly spoke of being sexually harassed in the Missouri Capitol as a student intern and subsequently as an elected legislator. The Women’s Foundation then advanced the project with additional funding through a grant.
 

As students return to college campuses around the state to start their school semesters, the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV), Partners In Prevention, and Women's Foundation are providing a new online tool to keep interns safe.

Ahead of World Entrepreneurs’ Day, Women’s Foundation Applauds Growing Consensus On Occupational Licensing Reforms

KANSAS CITY -- Ahead of World Entrepreneurs’ Day on Monday, August 21, Women’s Foundation commended the growing consensus at the state and federal levels on the need to break down occupational licensing barriers that can make it harder for women to start their own businesses and pursue more flexible, rewarding careers.

“Entrepreneurship is a springboard for women seeking financial independence and economic empowerment, but some occupational licensing requirements can get in the way,” said Women’s Foundation President and CEO Wendy Doyle. “We are heartened by the growing bipartisan consensus on the need to remove unnecessary occupational licensing barriers that hold women back from starting and growing their businesses. Now we need to translate this awareness into sound public policy.”

In research conducted in partnership with the University of Missouri Truman School of Public Policy, Women’s Foundation found that occupational licensing, while intended to protect the safety and well-being of the public, can create unnecessary barriers for women entrepreneurs by restricting entry and re-entry into professions, reducing employment, and creating economic inequity. 

Women’s Foundation research showed women are more likely to be affected by these professional licensing requirements. It also identified a number of potential policy solutions.  These included expanding mentoring opportunities, requiring a cost-benefit analysis before any new occupational licensing board or commission is created or expanded, and periodic reviews to determine the efficacy of each occupational licensing board.

The U.S. Secretary of Labor, Alexander Acosta, recently spoke about the need to rein in excessive licensing barriers that fail to serve their intended purpose, noting that “in 1950, only about 1 in 20 jobs required a license.  Today, more than 1 in 4 Americans need a license to legally perform their work.”

In Missouri, legislation that would help assess the performance of occupational licensing requirements through cost-benefit analysis was introduced in the legislature earlier this year with bipartisan support. Gov. Eric Greitens has also created a Boards and Commissions Task Force, recognizing that some boards and commissions may unreasonably regulate Missourians by improperly limiting access to professions through occupational licensing regulations. The Task Force will submit recommendations to the governor in October.

You can also read our post on Wendy's Huffington Post blog.

About World Entrepreneurs’ Day
The purpose of the World Entrepreneurs’ Day is to create awareness for entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership throughout the world. WED is the perfect day to celebrate the people who start a business alone. WED is the day of founders, managers, producers, contractors, industrialists, innovators, administrators, designers and producers. AIBA, the Alliance of International Business Associations, invites everyone to organize happenings around the world to promote WED. World Entrepreneurs’ Day is a great opportunity to push philanthropic, social and ethical business practices via conferences, awards and initiatives.  For more information: http://www.worldentrepreneursday.org/ 

About Women’s Foundation
The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy and policy solutions to make meaningful change. More information about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org.

Tickets On Sale for Women’s Foundation 25th Anniversary Annual Event

TWO KANSAS CITY POWER COUPLES CHAIR THE EVENT

Kansas City, Mo. --  Tickets for the Women’s Foundation 25th Anniversary Annual Event are on sale today and can be purchased online. 

Set for October 3rd at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the Annual Event will feature former UN Ambassador Samantha Power as the keynote speaker. The youngest-ever U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Power will share her unique and global perspective on the importance of women's civic engagement at every level. 

This year’s event co-chairs are Yvette and Leo Morton, and Christy and Bill Gautreaux. 

“For our 25th anniversary we wanted co-chairs who share our passion for supporting and empowering women,” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President and CEO. “We are honored to have the Mortons and Gautreauxs serve as event co-chairs. Their long and impressive records of community service reflect our values.” 

Leo E. Morton has served as Chancellor to the University of Missouri- Kansas City since 2008 and will retire in October. Morton formerly worked at Aquila Inc. as senior vice president and chief administrative officer. He will return to the business world as Chief Operations Officer of DeBruce Companies. Demonstrating his commitment to community service, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Urban Neighborhood Initiative,Truman Medical Centers, Kansas City No Violence Alliance (KCNoVA), and the National Association of Corporate Directors.

Patron Committee Co-Chairs Jenny Haile and Dana Abraham with Honorary Event Co-Chairs Yvette and Leo Morton. Not pictured Honorary Co-Chairs Bill and Christy Gautreaux.

Yvette Morton is a nationally recognized visual artist who specializes in paint, textile and fabric designs. She has created a quilt for the late Luther Vandross and has been featured locally in the Crossroads Arts District. Like her husband, she is active in the community. Yvette is a Women’s Employment Network General Board member, founder of the Johnson County King Holiday Committee, Inc., former member of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City Board of Governors, and an organizer for the Annual Women of Color Networking Soul Food Dinner.

Bill Gautreaux is a Business Partner at MPL Holdings LLC. He was previously the Chief Marketing Officer and President at Crestwood Equity Partners LP.  Christy Gautreaux has had a successful sales and marketing career. Together they are active board members for a variety of nonprofit and charitable organizations, including the William Jewell College, Pembroke Hill School, Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship UMKC, Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, The Kansas City Police Foundation, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, MOCSA, and the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City.

Women's Foundation also announced its Annual Event Patron Committee Co-Chairs: Dana Abraham, President of Personal Banking at UMB Bank and Jenny Haile, Founder and CEO of Tri-Ten Consulting.

Proceeds from the annual event sustain the work of the Foundation to advance the mission in its efforts to promote equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy an policy solutions to make meaningful change.

Women's Foundation is an exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to the Women's Foundation are deductible. The non-deductible portion of your payment is $50.00 per attendee, which is the fair market value of goods and services provided in exchange for a standard ticket or standard sponsorships.Table sponsorships are still available.

The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy and policy solutions to make meaningful change.  More information about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org.

Women's Foundation Statement on Missouri Special Elections

GROWING WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP

KANSAS CITY, MO –Today, Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women's Foundation, released a statement in response to Missouri's recent special elections:

“Women’s Foundation was pleased to see two women win both legislative special elections on Tuesday in Missouri. Despite making up about 51% of the population, women are still underrepresented in elected office in Missouri and will now make up only 23% of the General Assembly. We were glad to see that women were three out of four candidates, and that two more women will join the ranks of women holding public office in Jefferson City. Congratulations Senator-elect Sandy Crawford and Representative-elect Sara Walsh. We look forward to working with you.”

Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy and policy solutions to make meaningful change.  More information about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org.

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Women's Foundation Statement on State Auditor Nicole Galloway's Findings on Missouri's Boards and Commissions

OPPORTUNITY EXISTS TO EMPOWER MORE WOMEN TO LEAD AND SUCCEED ECONOMICALLY

KANSAS CITY, MO -- Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women's Foundation, issued the following statement in response to Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway's audit report released Monday that stated that approximately 1,130 board positions (70%) were waiting to be filled by the governor, either due to a vacancy or because of an expired term, at the end of the previous administration. According to the Auditor, there are about 220 boards with 1,600 governor-appointed positions in Missouri.

““Missouri has a golden opportunity to empower more women to lead and succeed economically.  State Auditor Nicole Galloway’s audit highlighting the large number of board and commission vacancies in Missouri presents an opportunity to advance two things Women’s Foundation has been working towards: 1) appointing more women to public leadership positions, and 2) reducing unnecessary licensing barriers that hold women back.   We look forward to working with Governor Eric Greitens, Lt. Gov Mike Parsons and other Missouri officials to help more women lead, which is imperative for good governance, and achieve economic independence.””

The State Auditor report covered the end of the last Governor's term through the transition to the new Governor.   In addition to reporting on the vacancies, it stated that in some cases "boards continue to exist after years of inactivity due to a perceived lack of interest or need."

For the past several years, Women's Foundation has worked with elected officials in Missouri and Kansas to increase the number of women on public boards and commissions through its Appointments Project.  Women’s Foundation's Appointments Project serves as a talent bank, advisor, and advocate for women seeking opportunities to lead 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.

More than 40 women have been appointed to boards and commissions in Missouri and Kansas as a result of the Appointments Project since its launch in the spring of 2014.  The Appointments Project is currently active in helping recruit and train more women to serve on boards and commissions for the States of Missouri and Kansas, St. Louis County, and the Cities of St. Louis, Springfield, and Kansas City, MO, and Topeka and Olathe, KS and is continuing to expand.

In addition, Women's Foundation has been working with researchers and public policy makers on the issue of occupational licensing.   In research conducted in partnership with the University of Missouri Truman School of Public Policy, Women’s Foundation identified a number of potential policy solutions for reforming occupational licensing including requiring a cost-benefit analysis before any new licensing requirement is created and periodic reviews to determine if they are still necessary. Policy changes could be made by proposed legislation and changes in state law, as well as administrative rule changes and board policies.

The report also suggested providing mentoring to women entrepreneurs and placing more women on Missouri’s boards and commissions with support from programs like Women’s Foundation’s Appointments Project.

Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy and policy solutions to make meaningful change.  More information about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org.