Initiative to Appoint More Women to Local Boards Now Accepting Applications in Wichita

Women in Wichita encouraged to apply for positions on local boards and commissions through the Appointments Project™

WICHITA, KS – A regional initiative to appoint more women to civic boards and commissions is now up and running in Wichita, and women interested in serving the public are encouraged to apply. The Appointments Project™, an initiative of the Women’s Foundation, is designed to increase the number of women serving on civic boards and commissions and recently expanded to Wichita with the support of Mayor Jeff Longwell.

Prospective appointees can learn more and express their interest in serving at: www.womens-foundation.org.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Appointments Project to Wichita and encourage all women interested in serving their communities to visit our website and fill out an application,” said Women’s Foundation President and CEO Wendy Doyle. “Having more women at the decision-making table will improve public policy and help local boards and commissions be more responsive and reflective of the communities they serve.”

“As a vibrant and growing city, Wichita is a great place to get involved in public service,” said Wichita Mayor Jeff Longwell. “I’ve made it a priority to make sure city government reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, and we’re proud to be teaming up with the Women’s Foundation to appoint more women to our city boards and commissions through the Appointments Project.”

Started in 2014, the Appointments Project is getting results with over 800 applicants with a total of 82 women appointed to Kansas and Missouri boards and commissions. In Kansas City, where the program was piloted, it has helped increase the percentage of women on city boards and commissions from 33-percent to 42-percent in just three years. Recently, Missouri Governor Eric Greitens acknowledged the importance of the Appointments Project and delivered on his commitment to appoint 30 women to statewide board and commission seats in 25 days in honor of Women’s Foundation’s 25th anniversary.

Support from the Kansas Health Foundation helped make the expansion possible to promote civic health.

In addition to Wichita, Women’s Foundation has existing partnerships with the City of Olathe, Kansas; the City of Topeka, Kansas, the State of Missouri; the State of Kansas; and other jurisdictions to address the lack of women on boards and commissions.

Learn more about the Appointments Project at http://www.womens-foundation.org/a-p/.

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’s Appointments Project™ Expands Across Kansas with New Initiative

Women’s Foundation teams up with  League of Kansas Municipalities, Kansas State University and the Kansas Health Foundation to appoint more women to city, county, and state boards and commissions

Wichita, KS -- Today the Women’s Foundation, League of Kansas Municipalities, Kansas State University Extension and the Kansas Health Foundation announced a new partnership focused on expanding the Appointments Project™, an initiative designed to increase the number of women serving on civic boards and commissions. 

The League of Kansas Municipalities and its participating member cities, including Wichita, will work with the Women’s Foundation to encourage and promote board and commission vacancies be filled with diverse and underrepresented members of their communities.

“We’re excited to work with the League of Kansas Municipalities and Kansas State University Extension to increase the number of women and women of color who are at the decision-making table of their communities. Many of our city, county, and state boards and commissions do not reflect the communities they serve,” ” said Women’s Foundation President & CEO Wendy Doyle. “More than a nicety, including women in the process strengthens communities and is a best practice for good governance.” 

Started in 2014, the Appointments Project is getting results with over 800 applicants with a total of 82 women appointed to Kansas and Missouri boards and commissions. In Kansas City, where the program was piloted, it has helped increase the percentage of women on city boards and commissions from 33-percent to 42-percent in just three years. Recently, Missouri Governor Eric Greitens acknowledged the importance of the Appointments Project and delivered on his commitment to appoint 30 women to statewide board and commission seats in 25 days in honor of Women’s Foundation’s 25th anniversary.

“The League works everyday to strengthen the cities of Kansas and our partnership with the Women’s Foundation and their Appointments Project not only makes our communities stronger, but it addresses the critical issue of diversity in the civic arena,” said League of Kansas Municipalities Executive Director Erik Sartorius. 

Kansas State University Extension will offer civic leadership trainings to appointees and public officials.

“We’re thrilled to be a supporter of this statewide partnership,” said Tara Markley, county extension director for Johnson County K-State Research and Extension. “We understand the need to have leaders who reflect the diversity of our communities. Our trainings will give local leaders the tools to better serve the state of Kansas. ”

Support from the Kansas Health Foundation helped make the expansion possible to promote civic health. 

“Diversity and inclusion are two hallmarks of democracy,” said Steve Coen, President and CEO of the Kansas Health Foundation. “Ensuring representation of all genders, races, ethnicities and backgrounds is vital for new ideas, fresh perspectives and respectable governance now and in the future.”

The partnership with League of Kansas Municipalities and Kansas State University Extension is one of several Appointments Project expansion efforts. The Women’s Foundation has existing partnerships with the City of Olathe, Kansas; the City of Topeka, Kansas, the State of Missouri; the State of Kansas; and other jurisdictions to address the lack of women on boards and commissions. Learn more about the Appointments Project at http://www.womens-foundation.org/a-p/. 

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.

Established by municipal officials in 1910, the League of Kansas Municipalities is a voluntary, nonpartisan organization of over 500 Kansas cities. The League works for its member cities through advocacy, legal advice, education and other services.  Follow the League of Kansas Municipalities on Facebook or Twitter.

The national Cooperative Extension Service was created in 1914 to assure that research-based knowledge developed by the country’s land-grant universities got delivered to the people at the county level. Along with research and teaching, K-State Research and Extension “extends” its resources through non-formal, non-credit educational programs delivered by university faculty called agents that reside in all 105 counties in Kansas.
 

New Rankings Highlight the Need to Reduce Occupational Licensing Barriers in Missouri

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Women’s Foundation today issued the following statement regarding a new report showing that Missouri’s occupational licensing laws for lower-income occupations are the 22nd most burdensome in the nation. 

“Starting a new career or business is hard enough without the added headache of wading through unnecessary and expensive occupational licensing regulations,” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President and CEO. “This new report reinforces what our research has already shown about how occupational licensing burdens can restrict economic opportunity and worsen inequality. We will continue working with policymakers on sensible solutions that will reduce these barriers and make it easier for women to start their own businesses and pursue more flexible careers.”

— Wendy Doyle, Women's Foundation President & CEO

Women’s Foundation has been working with policymakers to reform occupational licensing regulations, which its research has shown can be a barrier for women trying to enter new professions or pursue more flexible careers.

The organization, which works to promote equity and opportunity for women of all ages, has outlined a number of potential solutions, such as waiving licensing fees for low-income job seekers and making it easier to transfer licenses across state lines, to ease occupational licensing burdens. 
 

Mayor Sly James Honored with He’s for Change Internship by Women’s Foundation

The internship was created to honor Mayor James’ partnership with Women’s Foundation

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Women’s Foundation is creating a new internship in honor of Mayor Sly James and his work to empower women and increase the number of women serving on Kansas City’s public boards and commissions.  

The Mayor James – He’s for Change Internship, announced by the Women’s Foundation tonight at an event honoring Mayor James, will provide opportunities for interns to gain hands-on experience in nonprofit operations with a focus on promoting leadership and philanthropic education for women of all ages.  

Mayor James has been an avid supporter of Women’s Foundation initiatives, collaborating with the Women’s Foundation on the Appointments Project™ and When Work Works programs that  continue to make Kansas City, Missouri a better place for women and their families.  

“Mayor James has helped raise the bar for the entire region by championing women’s empowerment and promoting women in leadership roles.” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President and CEO. “As a tribute to his efforts, the Mayor James – He’s for Change Internship will provide greater opportunities for young people in the region to gain hands-on experience and cultivate the next generation of Kansas City leaders.”

The event featured a brief Q&A session between Mayor Sly James and Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President and CEO. The dialogue addressed the importance of public-private partnerships and highlighted the progress of the Women’s Foundation’s partnership with the James’ Administration.

Last month, Mayor James announced at the Women’s Foundation 25th Anniversary celebration that through their partnership on the Appointments Project™, he has increased female representation on Kansas City, Missouri’s boards and commissions from 33% in 2014 to 42% in 2017. 

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.
 

Four Reasons to be Optimistic About Gender Equity

Reading recent headlines, one could be forgiven for concluding that the march towards gender equity had slowed or even stalled.

Hundreds of women have come forward with allegations of sexual harassment by male bosses and coworkers who preyed on them with near impunity.

Women are a majority of the population, but make up only 20 percent of corporate board seats and 6 percent of CEOs.  

And while the number of women serving in state legislatures has more than quintupled since 1971, most of that progress occurred before 2001. In Missouri and Kansas, less than a quarter of state legislators today are women.

But there are also reasons for optimism, especially here in the heartland, where women are stepping up to demand equity in the workforce and in the halls of power.    

Here are four signs of progress that we can build on as we strive to achieve equity for women.

1. Women are increasingly banding together to speak out and report sexual harassment in the workplace. This is essential to holding abusers accountable for their actions and sending a message that sexual harassment will not be tolerated. One way to continue this progress is to expand access to the tools and information women need to identify and report sexual harassment when it happens. Women’s Foundation recently teamed up with community partners in Missouri to create an online resource so that employers and interns have the tools to report, identify and prevent sexual harassment.   
 

2. Recent census data showed that the national gender pay gap decreased by the largest amount since 2007, with the female-to-male earnings ratio climbing to a record 80.5 percent. There is still more work to do, and by educating employers on best practices we can accelerate this progress and ensure that women finally receive equal pay for equal work.   

3. More women are raising their hands to serve in leadership positions. Thousands of women are running for state, local and federal office. One of our signature initiatives, the Appointments Project™, has received more than 700 applications and placed more than 82 women on boards and commissions in Missouri and Kansas.  In Kansas City alone, thanks to the leadership of Mayor Sly James, the percentage of women on city boards and commissions has gone from 33 percent to 42 percent in just three years. Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens also recently delivered on his commitment to appoint 30 women to statewide board and commission seats in 25 days in honor of Women’s Foundation’s 25th anniversary.
 

4. Women are also starting businesses at a faster rate than their male counterparts. Since 2007, the number of women-owned businesses in the United States has increased by a whopping 45 percent. Entrepreneurship is a critical avenue for women to pursue high-paying careers that are more rewarding and more flexible.  Sensible reforms to occupational licensing regulations could empower even more women to enter new professions and start their own businesses.

There are times when challenges facing women feel insurmountable. That's when it's most important to stay focused on our solutions, and the progress we can make – and are making. Whether it's putting a stop to sexual harassment in our workplaces, or closing the pay and leadership gaps, we're working towards solutions that will economically empower women in the Midwest and beyond.  Only then, will true equity be a possibility.

Read the original Huffington Post blog post here. 

Mayor Sly James honored for dramatically increasing the number of women serving on Kansas City, Missouri public boards through the Appointments Project™

Mayor James has been an avid supporter of Women’s Foundation initiatives

Kansas City, Mo – Women’s Foundation will host an event on Thursday, Nov. 9 to honor Mayor Sly James for his work to empower women economically and increase the number of women serving on city boards and commissions.  Mayor James has been an avid support of Women’s Foundation initiatives, collaborating with the Women’s Foundation on the Appointments Project™ and When Work Works programs that  continue to make Kansas City, Missouri a better place for women and their families.  

The event will feature a brief Q&A session between Mayor Sly James and Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President and CEO. The dialogue will address the importance of public-private partnerships and further highlight the progress of the Women’s Foundation’s partnership with the James’ Administration. The program will end with a special recognition of Mayor James. 

"Mayor James has raised the bar for the entire region by increasing the number of women serving on Kansas City’s public boards and commissions.” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President and CEO. “By working with Mayor James we’re able to truly make Kansas City a more equitable place for women in leadership.”

Last month, Mayor James announced at the Women’s Foundation 25th Anniversary celebration that through their partnership on the Appointments Project™, he has increased female representation on Kansas City, Missouri’s boards and commissions from 33% in 2014 to 42% in 2017. 

When: November 9, 2017, 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 Networking
          6- 7:00 p.m. Q&A / Mayor recognition

Where: The Global Prairie event space located 1703 Wyandotte Street.

What: Celebrating the successful partnership between Women’s Foundation and Mayor Sly James that has increased the number of women on public boards and commissions.

Who: Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President and CEO
          Mayor Sly James, Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri

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.
 

Haley Bowman and Amanda Loughlin appointed to Kansas City commissions by Mayor Sly James

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Women’s Foundation is proud to announce a joint appointment of two women to Kansas City commissions. Amanda Loughlin will serve on the Kansas City, Missouri, Historic Preservation Commission and Haley Bowman will serve on the Kansas City Youth Commission. Both Loughlin and Bowman were appointed by Kansas City Mayor Sly James, who has partnered with Women’s Foundation’s Appointments Project™ through his Women’s Empowerment Initiative (WE) in order to address the gender gap in city leadership positions. 

Bowman and Loughlin will join at least 50 other women that have been appointed to state and local boards and commissions through Women’s Foundation Appointments Project™.  Recently, at Women's Foundation's 25th Anniversary Celebration, Mayor James announced that women's representation on Kansas City boards and commissions had increased from approximately 33% to 42% since the Appointments Project™ launched three years ago.

"Haley will make an excellent addition to the KC Youth Commission, her demonstrated leadership and passion for education will truly be an asset to the commission," said Mayor Sly James. “Amanda brings years of experience and a true passion for preserving historical landmarks. Her talents will definitely enhance the Kansas City, Missouri Historic Preservation Commission.”

“Women’s Foundation is proud to support Haley and Amanda during their application process,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women’s Foundation. “These talented women are eager to serve the community in order to make Kansas City a better place to live.” 

Loughlin is a National Register Coordinator for the Kansas Historical Society. A native of Kansas City, Loughlin developed a love for buildings at an early age. She is a graduate of the Kansas State University’s School of  Architecture and has her masters in Historic Preservation from University of Kentucky. 

“I hope to use my passion for Kansas City and my training in preservation to maintain the historic integrity of this great town,” said Loughlin.

Amanda Loughlin

The Kansas City, Missouri, Historic Preservation Commission reviews exterior changes to properties recognized as local landmarks or within local historic districts.

Bowman is the Director of Development and manager of external affairs at KIPP KC.  KIPP KC is a non-profit, college-preparatory charter school network located at the corner of 18th and Prospect. 

She has a Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas School of Law and is a licensed attorney in the state of Missouri.  Bowman is an avid sports fan and enjoys cheering on the Royals, Chiefs, Jayhawks, New York Rangers, and of course the KIPP KC Blue Jays.

“Women's Foundation's Appointment Project™ helps open doors for women. I can't wait to serve on the Kansas City Youth Commission,” said Bowman.  “It will be an honor to help empower the voices of our Youth Commissioners as they provide critical input and perspective to local policymakers." 

Haley Bowman

The KC Youth Commission provides participants in the planning and implementation of programs related to young people and evaluates the effectiveness of municipal youth programs and policies. 

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.

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 Research Informs Recommendations to Reduce Licensing Barriers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Missouri Governor Eric Greitens’ Boards and Commissions Task Force has issued a report that includes recommendations on occupational licensing that were informed by Women’s Foundation research.

The report recommends that the Governor direct departments to lower fees imposed by professional licensing boards and commissions, a solution put forward by Women’s Foundation in research released last month.  It also advises the Governor to continue to study the process of licensing and reciprocity across state lines.

Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women’s Foundation, issued the following statement:

“Our research has shown that unnecessary occupational licensing barriers and fees can make it harder for women to start their own businesses and pursue more flexible careers. We were grateful for the opportunity to work with the Task Force and inform its recommendations, including its proposal to lower fees for professional licenses. We look forward to working with Gov. Greitens and members of the legislature to reduce licensing barriers, appoint more women to boards and commissions, and empower women entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams.”

— Wendy Doyle, Women's Foundation President & CEO

Women’s Foundation also thanked the co-chairs and members of the Task Force for their work in responding to Gov. Greitens’ executive order and evaluating the costs and benefits of Missouri’s boards and commissions structure.

Women’s Foundation to Review Policies and Make Recommendations for Addressing Sexual Harassment in Kansas State Capitol

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Women’s Foundation announced today that it will be working with  the Kansas Legislature to evaluate their current policies and make recommendations to improve the culture and combat sexual harassment in the Kansas Capitol.   Following similar reports of sexual harassment by Missouri legislators, 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 identify, report and prevent sexual harassment.

“Sexual harassment is unacceptable in any workplace, but as we’ve seen in Kansas, Missouri and across the country, many state capitols continue to be hostile work environments for female employees and interns. This needs to change. We commend Senate President Susan Wagle for her leadership and for making clear there must be zero tolerance for sexual harassment in the Capitol. We look forward to working with Kansas legislators and Capitol staff to ensure a safe, respectful and equitable working environment for all employees and interns.”

— Wendy Doyle, Women's Foundation President & CEO

Doyle’s testimony to Kansas Legislative Coordinating Council members is available 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. 

Governor Greitens appoints 30 Women to State Boards and Commissions in 25 Days

More than 25 women were appointed in honor of the 25th Anniversary of Women's Foundation

Kansas City, MO –Women’s Foundation released the following statement today regarding Governor Grietens appointing 30 women in 25 days. The appointments were made in honor of the 25th anniversary of Women's Foundation.

“Women’s Foundation is proud to partner with Governor Eric Greitens and First Lady Sheena Greitens on appointing 30 women in 25 days to Missouri’s state boards and commissions. It is evident that they are committed to promoting more women into leadership positions and ensuring women’s voices are heard. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to work towards equal representation of women in public service.”

— Wendy Doyle, Women's Foundation President & CEO

Read Governor Greiten's news release with the complete list of the appointees here. 

At Women’s Foundation’s Annual Event earlier this month, First Lady Greitens announced that Governor Eric Greitens was committed to appoint 25 more women to Missouri state boards and commissions in 25 days, in honor of Women's Foundation's 25th anniversary.  The event highlighted one of Women’s Foundation’s key efforts, the Appointments Project™.

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.  Prior to today's announcement, the Appointments Project™ has had more than 700 applicants and successfully placed more than 50 women on boards and commissions in Missouri and Kansas in three years.  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.

The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using philanthropy, research and policy solutions to make meaningful change.