Women’s Foundation Statement Commending Governor Colyer’s Commitment to Fighting Sexual Harassment

TOPEKA, Kan. - The Women’s Foundation today congratulated Governor Jeff Colyer on his swearing-in as Kansas’ 47th governor and commended his pledge to “insist on an environment of openness, honesty and respect and without harassment, especially in this building.”

“We congratulate Governor Colyer and applaud his commitment to creating a safe and respectful work environment free of sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation,” said Women’s Foundation President and CEO, Wendy Doyle. “We commend Governor Colyer for setting the tone that a culture of sexual harassment will not be tolerated during his administration. We look forward to working with his administration to address what remains a pervasive issue across many industries, including state government.”

In December, Women’s Foundation issued recommendations for combating sexual harassment in the Kansas Legislature. 

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.

Women’s Foundation Scores Topeka Appointment

Over 80 women have been appointed to boards and commissions
 

TOPEKA Kan. - Women’s Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of Ashley Canas to the City of Topeka Human Relations Commission. Canas was appointed by the outgoing administration of Mayor Wolgast. 

“Ashley is a passionate leader and has a strong professional background,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of the Women’s Foundation. “The Appointments Project helps to amplify the voices of all women, especially women of color who are severely underrepresented in public service.”

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 800 applicants and successfully placed 84 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 Kansas City, Olathe, Topeka, and Wichita, Kansas.

Canas is a former Tedx Lincoln, NE speaker; and she has over a decade of marketing, sales, and event management experience. She is a Bellevue University graduate with degrees in Behavioral Sciences and Leadership. She also has a Master’s in Ministerial Leadership from Southeastern University. Canas plays an active role in her community, too.  She volunteers at a local high school as a business advisor for their youth entrepreneurship program. The program hosts an activity called Shark Tank, and it is based off the television show. Canas serves as a judge and helps seniors create business plans. She teaches workforce development courses that assist people looking for jobs, resume drafting, and job interview preparation.  

“While on the Commission I hope to assist with building a community where all feel valued, especially women and children,” said Canas.  “I hope to spark interest from multicultural communities to build more diverse boards.” 

The City of Topeka Human Relations Commission conducts outreach; sponsors educational activities that promote justice and cultural understanding; and improves relationships among all community residents. 

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 Applauds Passage of Bill to Reduce Licensing Regulations on Hair Braiding

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Women’s Foundation today applauded the Missouri House of Representatives for its initial passage of House Bill 1500, which would allow hair braiders to earn a living without obtaining a cosmetology license.  
 
“Hair braiding is a prime example of how some occupational licensing requirements can restrict economic opportunity and make it harder for women to get ahead,” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President and CEO. “We commend Representative Shamed Dogan and Missouri House Speaker Richardson for moving quickly on this sensible legislation that will allow hair braiders to earn a living in Missouri without having to go through the unnecessary time and expense of obtaining a cosmetology license.”  
 
Women’s Foundation research conducted in partnership with the University of Missouri Truman School of Public Policy has found that occupational licensing, while intended to protect the safety and well-being of the public, can often create unnecessary barriers for women entrepreneurs by restricting entry and re-entry into professions, reducing employment, and creating economic inequity.
 
This research has informed a number of potential solutions put forward by Women’s Foundation, including reducing or waiving fees, requiring a cost-benefit analysis before any new occupational licensing board is created and periodic reviews to determine if they are still necessary.

Other occupational licensing reform bills supported by the Women’s Foundation include: HB 1928, SB 677, SB 835, HB 1261, HB 1710 and HB 1719. 
 

​​​​​​​Women’s Foundation Statement Regarding Allegations Against Gov. Eric Greitens

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Women’s Foundation issued the following statement regarding allegations against Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens. 

“These allegations are deeply troubling and Missourians are owed answers. No woman should ever be subjected to the acts alleged against the Governor.  We urge everyone, including members of the press, to show respect for the alleged victim and her privacy. Moving forward, Women’s Foundation remains committed to promoting equity and opportunity for women of all ages.”

Women’s Foundation Celebrates Introduction of Missouri Earned Family and Medical Leave Act; Releases New Research on Paid Family Leave

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Women’s Foundation today celebrated the introduction of the Missouri Earned Family and Medical Leave Act (House Bill 1974) and released new research detailing the benefits of paid family leave (PFL). 

The research, commissioned in partnership with the University of Missouri Institute of Public Policy, found that PFL programs prevent families from falling into poverty, reduce reliance on public assistance, raise retention of talented employees, and increase worker productivity as well as employers’ stock prices.

“Our research has shown that paid family leave has real and far-reaching benefits for families and businesses,” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President & CEO. “Allowing Missourians to care for children and loved-ones without sacrificing their income is a win-win – strengthening families, strengthening businesses, and growing the economy. We commend Representatives Hannah Kelly for introducing this family-friendly legislation and urge the General Assembly to a paid family and medical leave bill without delay.” 

The bill, introduced by state Representative Hannah Kelly, proposes a statewide ballot initiative to make Missouri the sixth state nationwide, after California, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Washington, to pass PFL legislation. If approved by Missouri voters, it would grant eligible employees up to 8 weeks of leave per 12 month period to bond with a new child, to care for a seriously ill family member, to care for their own serious illness, or to “assume any familial responsibility because a [family member] is on or called to active duty.” Employees would contribute 0.25% of their weekly pay beginning in 2020 and would be able to receive the 67% wage replacement leave in 2021. 

The Women’s Foundation also voiced support for the two other paid family leave bills that have been introduced: Senate Bill 607, sponsored by Senator Jill Schupp, and House Bill 1956, sponsored by Representative Tracy McCreery.

In addition to detailing the benefits of paid family leave, Women’s Foundation research provided an analysis of estimated paid leave payouts, based on the experiences of other states. Statistical inferences based on paid leave programs in New Jersey and California applied to Missouri demographics indicate lower potential payouts than previous estimates.

“These other states have demonstrated that strong families and strong businesses go hand-in-hand,” said Rep. Hannah Kelly. “The evidence is overwhelming that paid leave programs benefit everyone – helping children and families thrive, while giving businesses a stronger and more productive workforce. Given the example set by Governor Greitens and Speaker Richardson for their state employees, I’m confident that legislators on both sides of the aisle will join us in working to establish an earned family and medical leave program that works for all Missourians.”

Women’s Foundation has been working to educate public officials on the importance of paid family and medical leave and encouraging them to extend the benefit to their employees. As a result, five out of six statewide executive branch officials in Missouri, along with the House of Representatives and four independent executive agencies have now adopted paid parental leave policies for their state employees. 

In March Gov. Eric Greitens signed an executive order granting paid parental leave to employees in the governor's office or in agencies controlled by his appointees. Since then, four other statewide elected officials and the House of Representatives have followed suit. As a result, employees of nearly every state agency are now able to take paid time off following the birth or adoption of a child.

Current public opinion strongly supports some sort of paid family and medical leave program, with 80% of the public favoring paid leave for maternal leave and serious medical conditions and 60-70% favoring paternal bonding leave and leave to care for seriously ill family members. About 35% of the country believes expanding paid leave should be a top government priority.

A copy of the research brief is available here. 

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.
 

Watch the virtual press conference here. 

Women's Foundation today celebrated the introduction of the Missouri Earned Family and Medical Leave Act (House Bill 1974) and released new research detailing the benefits of paid family leave (PFL).

Women’s Foundation Testifies for Bill to Reduce Licensing Regulations on Hair Braiders

Jefferson City, Mo. – Citing its research on how occupational licensing and fees can restrict economic opportunity, Women’s Foundation today testified in favor of Missouri House Bill 1500, which would allow hair braiders to earn a living without obtaining a cosmetology license.  

“These excessive requirements force African hair braiders to operate in an underground economy and prevent them from realizing their full economic potential,” said Kendall Seal, Vice President of Research & Policy and General Counsel of the Women’s Foundation. “We believe that House Bill 1500 takes the right approach and is one small step policymakers can take to support the business environment that allows
women entrepreneurs to flourish rather than being penalized for their innovation and
willingness to work.”

To become a licensed cosmetologist in Missouri, one has to complete either
1,500 hours in a school of cosmetology, or 3,000 hours in an apprenticeship
program, and pass a written and a practical exam. However, the training and the
exams do not cover African hair braiding. The Women’s Foundation noted that, a result of these stringent requirements, hair braiders are forced to operate in an underground economy and are not able to realize their full economic potential.

House Bill 1500 would require individuals engaging in braiding to register with the State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners and complete a self-test on infection control techniques and diseases of the scalp.

A copy of the testimony is available here.

Women’s Foundation Announces Recommendations for Combating Sexual Harassment in Kansas Legislature

TOPEKA, KS – Today the Women’s Foundation announced recommendations for preventing and combating sexual harassment in the Kansas Legislature. The recommendations were developed with input from legal experts, advocates and community stakeholders following reports of widespread sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior by Kansas state legislators. 

“Every instance of sexual harassment, especially when it is perpetrated by elected officials entrusted with political leadership, is a setback for gender equity and opportunity,” said Women’s Foundation President and CEO, Wendy Doyle. “Our review found that the Kansas Legislature lacks the policies, procedures and coordinated approach necessary to prevent sexual harassment from happening, and to respond effectively when it does. We look forward to helping the Kansas Legislature adopt these recommendations and working with leaders across state government to combat sexual harassment and promote equity and opportunity for all women.” 

After reports of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior by Kansas state legislators, Senator Susan Wagle asked the Women’s Foundation to conduct a review of the legislature’s current policies regarding sexual harassment. The recommendations will be formally submitted to the Kansas Legislative Coordinating Council during a public hearing today.

The recommendations are grouped four categories: ethics and workplace culture, accountability and monitoring, education and awareness, and victim resources. They include: requiring elected officials, legislative staff, interns and lobbyists to actively participate in an annual training on civil discourse, cultural competence, and sexual harassment;  providing for independent, outside legal counsel to conduct sexual harassment investigations; allowing victims to report their allegations anonymously; establishing a non-fraternization policy for elected officials, legislative staff, interns and lobbyists; and banning arbitration and limiting mediation, which can serve to silence victims and shield sexual predators from accountability.

“Sexual harassment cannot be tolerated – not in our workplaces, not in our communities, and certainly not here in the Capitol,” said State Sen. Susan Wagle.  “I thank the Women’s Foundation for their dedication to addressing this issue and their work to develop these thoughtful recommendations. These recommendations give us a roadmap that will guide us in the weeks, months and years ahead as we work to eliminate sexual harassment, improve the culture of the capitol, and ensure the safety of everyone who works here.” 

The full list of the recommendations is available 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.

Revitalize Rural Missouri By Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

This article originally appeared in Rural Missouri
 

This year’s State of Entrepreneurship Report by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation found that while startup activity is expanding beyond Silicon Valley to places like St. Louis and Kansas City, rural areas are getting left behind. In 1977, more than two out of every ten U.S. startups were in rural areas. Today, this number is just over one in every ten.

This steep decline in new business creation is a real challenge for rural communities, and women may be the key to solving it. 

About one-third of all businesses in Missouri are owned by women, and we know that entrepreneurship and self-employment are essential ways for women to achieve financial independence and pursue more flexible, rewarding careers.

That’s why, as an organization dedicated to empowering women economically, Women’s Foundation teamed up with researchers at the University of Missouri to study the barriers that can hold women back and identify solutions to make it easier for them to achieve their dreams. 

We found that occupational licensing, the requirements that govern professions ranging from cosmetology to architecture, have expanded dramatically over the past five decades, and that women are more likely to work in occupations that have these requirements.

And while these regulations are intended to promote public health and safety, they can actually restrict economic opportunity by making it harder for women to start new businesses or enter new professions.

When it takes 20 times longer to become a licensed cosmetologist than an emergency medical technician (EMT), it’s time to re-evaluate how these licenses are working – and not working – for women and their families.

For example, moving across state lines shouldn’t mean losing your right to practice your profession. But that’s exactly what happens to many women who relocate, only to find out they need to start from scratch to legally perform their work. 

New technologies have also given consumers a vast new array of tools to evaluate the quality of goods and services. Lawmakers should consider replacing some licenses with less-burdensome alternatives like certificates and private sector solutions like consumer reviews.

Instead of just automatically approving a new regulation every time it’s proposed, we’re advocating for a law that would require each new licensing requirement to undergo a vigorous cost-benefit analysis and periodic reviews.

Finally, women continue to be underrepresented on the boards and commissions that govern these regulations, which means they don’t have a voice in the process. Appointing more women, as our Appointments Project is working to do, will ensure women have a seat at the table when these regulations are being developed.

The good news is there’s a growing consensus – on both sides of the aisle – on the need to tackle these occupational licensing barriers.

Here in Missouri, Gov. Eric Greitens created a Boards and Commissions Task Force, which recently recommended a set of reforms – informed by our research – that would eliminate and consolidate a number of occupational licensing boards and reduce barriers facing women entrepreneurs.

Together, we can make it easier for women to start and grow their businesses – and rev up rural America’s economy in the process. 

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. 
 

Paid Parental Leave Expands In Missouri to Include More State Employees

Missouri House and Five of Six Statewide Elected Officials Implement Paid Parental Leave

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Five out of six statewide executive branch officials in Missouri, along with the House of Representatives and four independent executive agencies have now adopted paid parental leave policies for their state employees, Women’s Foundation announced today.  

Women’s Foundation has been working to educate public officials on the importance of paid family and medical leave and encouraging them to extend the benefit to their employees. 

In March, Gov. Eric Greitens signed an executive order granting paid parental leave to employees in the governor’s office and in agencies controlled by his appointees. Since then, four other statewide elected officials and the House of Representatives have followed suit. As a result, employees of nearly every state agency are now able to take paid time off following the birth or adoption of a child. 

“Our research has shown that paid family leave benefits families, employers and the economy, so we’re thrilled that Missouri officials are offering this family-friendly benefit to state employees,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of Women’s Foundation. “No one should have to choose between caring for a child and paying the bills, and we thank Governor Greitens, Speaker Todd Richardson and all the officials who have stepped up to provide parental leave to their employees. Paid leave makes for strong families and strong businesses, so we look forward to working with legislators to pass an earned family and medical leave law that will give all Missourians the ability to care for a child or loved-one without losing their income.”

To date, paid parental leave policies have been adopted by Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens, for state employees in executive branch agencies, as well as by Lieutenant Governor Mike Parson, State Auditor Nicole Galloway, State Treasurer Eric Schmitt, Attorney General Josh Hawley, and the Missouri House of Representatives. Four independent executive agencies governed by independent commissions have also adopted paid leave policies: the Missouri Department of Mental Health, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Missouri Department of Higher Education, and the Missouri Department of Transportation. 

Last year, Women’s Foundation released preliminary research on the benefits of paid leave in partnership with the University of Missouri Truman School Institute of Public Policy, which found that paid family leave reduces reliance on public assistance and encourages women to stay in the workforce.

This research has helped inform administrative and legislative solutions that would expand paid family leave options for women and their families. For example, during the 2017 legislative session, Women’s Foundation supported the Missouri Earned Family and Medical Leave Act (House Bill 1059), which would grant eligible employees up to 8 weeks of leave per 12 month period to bond with a new child, to care for a seriously ill family member, to care for their own serious illness, or to “assume any familial responsibility because a [family member] is on or called to active duty.” Employees would contribute 0.25% of their weekly pay beginning in 2019 and would be able to receive the 67% wage replacement leave in 2020. 

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™ Achieves Two More Appointments

Appointments Project has led to the appointments of more than 80 women

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Women’s Foundation is proud to announce the appointments of Jane Ehinger to the Liquor Control Board of Review in Kansas City, Missouri and Cristina Walker to the Public Art Committee in Olathe, Kansas. Kansas City Mayor Sly James appointed Ehinger and Walker was appointed by Olathe Mayor Mike Copeland.

Started in 2014, the Appointments Project aims to increase the amount of women serving on boards and commissions. With over 800 applicants and a total of 82 women appointed to Kansas and Missouri boards and commissions, the Appointments Project is helping to get more women involved in public service. 

“These women have exemplified the extraordinary leadership qualities we look for in our Appointment Project applicants,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women’s Foundation. “We know that when more women are in leadership positions, our communities thrive.” 

“Jane is a talented professional,” said Mayor Sly James. “Her unique background and expertise as a lawyer will definitely be an asset to the board.” 
 
Ehinger is a licensed attorney in Missouri and has a graduate degree in architecture. In addition to practicing law, Ehinger has urban planning, community economic development, and commercial real estate management experience. She is also an active member of Architecture for Humanity, a community-driven architectural organization that provides innovative construction and planning services.

“In an era in which more and more women want to participate in local politics, the Women's Foundation provides an indispensable service; it simplifies the process, matches candidate skills to available posts, and advocates for the advancement of women in positions of power,” said  Ehinger.

Jane Ehinger

Ehinger will serve on the Liquor Control Board of Review. The board is responsible for several duties including appeal hearings for the disapproval of applications and the renewal or transfer of location of an existing license.

“The partnership we have with the Women’s Foundation strengthens our entire community by helping develop leaders.” said Mayor Michael Copeland.

Walker serves as the Annual Giving Director for Global Scholars. She formerly lived in England and South Africa, where she studied and practiced painting, sculpture and art appreciation. Walker has a communications degree and over 25 years of writing, communications and editing experience. She has also published over 175 articles for newspapers and magazines. 

“The Women’s Foundation was great in keeping me connected to those ways I can serve the community that matter to me the most and serve others well,” said Walker.

Cristina Walker

The Olathe Public Art Committee works as a steward of the city’s public art collection. 

To learn more about the Appointments Project visit 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.