Appointee Profile: Jamie (Buki) Crispin

Jamie was appointed to the  City of Topeka Human Relations Council.

She has over six years of experience in volunteer management. She received her Bachelor's of Arts in Spanish and sociology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and her Master's in sociology from Warwick University.

She currently supports volunteer organizations across the state with federal grants and resources with the Kansas Volunteer Commission, and is part of the adjunct faculty at the Baker University School of Professional and Graduate Studies in Topeka.

Appointee Profile: Kaylee Peile

Kaylee was just appointed to the Kansas City Historic Preservation Board and is an active community member in the Kansas City community. She has recently begun a new career path at the Kansas City Social Innovation Center as a Portfolio Catalyst.

KCSIC is a nonprofit impact agency with a mission to create economic opportunity and social impact by advancing innovation in learning, workforce development, and human capital initiatives in an age of digital transformation.

Kaylee holds a BA in History from Quincy University and an MA in History from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. She is a volunteer for Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) and recently became the newest commissioner for the Kansas City Historic Preservation Commission. 

Women’s Foundation Praises City Council Move to Combat the Gender Pay Gap by Removing Salary History from Employment Applications

KANSAS CITY – Adding to the growing momentum behind gender pay equity in the workplace, the Kansas City Council today unanimously passed a resolution calling for the removal of salary history from city employment applications. Under an amendment offered by Councilwoman Jolie Justus, the resolution will also apply to city contractors and vendors, sending a message to the private sector about the need to address the gender pay gap and ensure pay equity in the workplace.

“Our research shows the gender pay gap remains a pressing issue for families in the region, and it’s great to see the Kansas City Council tackling it head-on,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation. “This resolution will help break the cycle of pay inequity and ensure women applicants aren’t held back by their previous salaries. We thank Councilwoman Justus and the rest of the Council for sending a strong message that Kansas City is committed to breaking down barriers to equity and ensuring equal pay for equal work. We encourage all employers – public and private – to follow Kansas City’s lead and take steps to combat pay disparities in the workplace.”

The ordinance notes that research has shown that the practice of asking for past and current salary information by prospective employers may perpetuate gender and racial disparities in compensation.

The most recent analysis from the Women’s Foundation and the University of Missouri Institute of Public Policy shows women in Missouri who work full-time, year-round, earn 78 cents for every dollar earned by men. Women in Kansas are paid 77 cents for every dollar paid to men.

In 2015, in an effort to close the gender pay gap, Women's Foundation developed pay equity best practices in partnership with the University of Missouri. The Pay Equity Best Practice Guidelines seek to improve standards for pay equity and achieve measurable results with three best practices for employers in both the private and public sectors:
 
Employers Should Determine if Gender-Based Pay Disparities Exist
Reevaluate the Current Pay System from an Equity Perspective
Promote and Ensure Pay Transparency
 
The full report and guidelines are available at http://www.womens-foundation.org/equal-pay/
 

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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   
 

Appointee Profile: BreAnna Monk

BreAnna was appointed to the Kansas Volunteer Commission. BreAnna is a very “Community-Focused Volunteer” and sees this new board appointment as a way to take her view of volunteerism to the next level.

She has over 12 years of experience in developing strategic direction, human resources, sales, recruiting plans and delivering solutions and services to clients across Kansas. BreAnna received her Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from Friends University and graduated with her MBA Friends University in 2016. 

Currently, BreAnna volunteer activities range from being a mentor with high school students – assisting seniors with healthcare – planning Wichita festivals – volunteering with several domestic violence prevention programs - a member of the Rotary and many more.

Appointee Profile: Kate Goad

“I’m continually impressed by all of the amazing things that Kansas has to offer. My love of Kansas and my love of travel can combine to show the rest of the country just how cool Kansas is.”

— Katherine Goad

Kate has been appointed to the Council on Travel and Tourism. Kate is passionate about Kansas — she grew up in the state but left the state for a few years for her career and later returned to establish her roots. Now, she's a long-time volunteer, runs a blog called The Accidental Homesteader – and was a member of the Junior League for 15 years. 

She practiced for ten years in estate and business planning before moving into corporate training. She currently writes training for the National Association of Tax Professionals (~20K members or so). In addition to her work, Kate and her husband and live on 3 acres in Harvey County on which they have bees and chickens, and hope to raise goats.

She belongs to the MakeICT makerspace, a cooperative that provides a space for members to create pretty much anything they want. There's a woodshop, metalshop, fabrication lab (3D printers and laser cutters), jewelry shop, screenprinting, textiles, electronics, rapid prototyping, and ceramics. She volunteers her time with them to increase membership and teach classes.

As a native, Kate views it as her responsibility to serve her community, county, and state. She believes her enthusiasm to discover the state better will be useful on this commission.

Women’s Foundation Commends Bipartisan Support for Paid Family Leave

KANSAS CITY – The Women’s Foundation today praised the bipartisan consensus on paid family leave shown during a U.S. Senate hearing on Wednesday. The issue is being championed by Ivanka Trump, the president’s daughter and advisor, and embraced by leaders on both sides of the aisle.

“The United States is the only industrialized country in the world without a national paid leave program, so it’s great to see this issue gaining momentum and bipartisan support in Congress,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation. “Our research shows that paid leave is just as important for men as it is for women – because no one should have to choose between caring for a child or loved-one and keeping their paycheck. Allowing people to take time off to bond with a child or care for a sick parent is something both parties can agree on and we’ll be working hard to keep this issue on the front burner with policymakers in the heartland as well.”

The Women’s Foundation supported the Missouri Earned Family and Medical Leave Act (House Bill 1974) last year, and has worked with policymakers in Missouri to expand paid parental leave to employees of nearly every state agency.

Breaking down barriers and getting results for women in the Heartland

Kendall Seal

One of the most rewarding things about working at the Women’s Foundation is seeing our research and advocacy get translated into real policy solutions that benefit women and their families.

This year’s legislative sessions in Kansas and Missouri were prime examples of the difference we can make together when we work for change. Over the last five months, the Women’s Foundation has pushed relentlessly for progress – educating legislators one-on-one, testifying in committee, and serving as a trusted resource for policymakers. 

Here’s an update on the progress we’re making in three key areas: unlocking economic opportunity, combating sexual harassment, and expanding access to paid family and medical leave.

Historic Win: Reducing Occupational Licensing Barriers

Say the words “occupational licensing” and you’re likely to get some blank stares. I know I do. But it’s a critical issue, and this year the Women’s Foundation helped secure the passage of historic reforms that will reduce licensing barriers for women, low-income Missourians and military families.

Missouri has dozens of licensing boards that require people to spend big bucks in order to enter certain fields – and our research found that these regulations are more likely to impact women than men. For example, the average cost to attend a cosmetology school in Missouri is nearly $14,000, and hair braiders have to take this training even though the curriculum doesn’t cover hair braiding.  

That’s why we worked with lawmakers to draft legislation that will begin to address these problems – and empower more women to start businesses or pursue more flexible careers. 

HB 1500, which was signed into law by the Governor on June 1, will ease regulations on hair braiders and make Missouri the 15th state to enact a Sunrise Law. This means that if policymakers want to adopt a new licensing regulation or create another licensing board or commission, they will need a good reason for doing so – and take the least restrictive approach possible. 

The Governor also signed SB 843, which requires state and local governments to waive all occupational licensing fees for military families and low-income individuals for two years. This reform will put $5 million back into the pockets of Missouri families across the state. 

Our research actively drove these reforms to save women money and create a culture of entrepreneurship, and we got results.  

Combating Sexual Harassment

We know that sexual harassment not only harms women’s well-being, it also hurts their careers.

That’s why, after reports of sexual harassment surfaced in the Kansas State Capitol, the Women’s Foundation took action with Senate President Susan Wagle. Working with experts, stakeholders and victims’ advocates, we developed a comprehensive list of recommendations for combating sexual harassment and misconduct in Kansas state government. 

Today, just five months later, these recommendations have already led to significant reforms. Gov. Jeff Colyer signed an executive order requiring state agencies to have policies that cover state contractors, provide for sexual harassment training, and mandate anonymous reporting. The Legislature also passed an updated harassment policy, and the state’s budget now prohibits the use of state funds to settle sexual harassment cases or request non-disclosure agreements. 

We’re continuing to make progress in Missouri as well. Working with Missouri House Leadership and lawmakers, the Women’s Foundation helped stop a forced arbitration bill that would have taken the state backwards by keeping proceedings secret, findings sealed, and victims silent.   

And we’re teaming up with Attorney General Josh Hawley on a comprehensive review of existing discrimination and harassment policies in the Capitol and across state government. 

Paid Family and Medical Leave

While we were disappointed that a statewide paid family and medical leave law did not make it across the finish line in either state, we are continuing to make progress for state employees. 

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 state employees. These policies cover over 50,000 state workers.

This is good news, and we’ll keep fighting until no parent has to choose between caring for a loved one and making ends meet. 

What’s Next

This progress is a powerful reminder that when we work for change together, we can make a difference. 

Moving forward, there is more work to be done on all these issues, and the Women’s Foundation will continue to work to increase equity and opportunity for women across the region. 

Together we can make Kansas and Missouri models for the nation with research-backed policy solutions that build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for all.

Columbia Joins Initiative to Increase Gender Diversity on Local Boards and Commissions

JEFFERSON CITY – The City of Columbia is teaming up with the Women’s Foundation on an initiative to increase the number of women on publicly appointed boards and commissions. The city is participating in the Appointments Project, which aims to improve local governance by increasing gender diversity on civic boards and commissions. 

“We created the Appointments Project to break down the barriers to women’s civic engagement, and the response has been overwhelming,” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President & CEO. “We’re thrilled that Columbia has signed on to this initiative, joining dozens of communities across Missouri and Kansas that are demonstrating their commitment to equity, opportunity and good governance by participating in the Appointments Project. We thank Mayor Treece for his leadership and commitment to increasing diversity and empowering women at the local level.”

Columbia is among nearly two dozen state and local governments that are participating in the Appointments Project, which serves as a talent bank and resource for women interested in serving on a civic board or commission. Women’s Foundation launched the initiative in 2014 to break down barriers to women’s civic engagement. To date, more than 85 women have been appointed through the program. 

“In Columbia, we’ve worked hard to ensure city government reflects the rich diversity of our community,” said Columbia Mayor Brian Treece. “We look forward to working with the Women’s Foundation to build on this progress and recruit even more women, and especially women of color, to serve in leadership roles.”
 

Historic Licensing Reforms Driven by Women’s Foundation Research are Signed into Law

Bipartisan legislation will save women time and money

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo – The Women’s Foundation today praised the signing of several measures to reform occupational licensing regulations and reduce barriers to economic opportunity in Missouri. Women’s Foundation proposed these provisions after commissioning research, funded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, showing that these barriers have a disproportionate impact on women.

HB 1500 will allow hair braiders in Missouri to earn a living without obtaining a cosmetology license – saving them thousands in tuition costs. The law also makes Missouri the 15th state to adopt a Sunrise Law to prevent unreasonable and unnecessary occupational licensing burdens from needlessly restricting access to professions. 

“Our research found that unnecessary licensing regulations often become invisible barriers that can hold women back and make it harder for them to move up the economic ladder,” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President & CEO. “No one should have to jump through costly and needless bureaucratic hoops just to earn a living. Today is a major milestone in our efforts to break down these barriers and use research-backed solutions to drive meaningful results. We are grateful to Speaker Richardson, Representative Dogan and others in the Legislature for championing reforms that will make a real difference for women and their families.”  

The Governor also signed HB 1719, which prohibits most state boards from denying a license to anyone 18 years or older on the basis of their age, and SB 843, which implements recommendations of the State of Missouri Boards and Commissions Task Force and repeals certain barriers to employment for interior designers. 

“Today Missouri policymakers sent a strong message that they are ready to lead the way on reforms that will stimulate entrepreneurship and expand economic opportunity,” said Kendall Seal, Women’s Foundation Vice President of Research & Policy and General Counsel. “We are thrilled our research informed this debate and drove meaningful policy change for women and their families.” 

Women’s Foundation research conducted in partnership with the University of Missouri Truman School of Public Policy 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. 

For example, Missourians seeking to become hair braiders have been required to obtain a cosmetology license and attend beauty school, even though very little of the cosmetology school curriculum is relevant to that profession. According to data from the U.S. Department of Education, average tuition at a cosmetology school in Missouri is $13,993. 
 
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 licensing requirement is created and periodic reviews to determine if they are still necessary. 

Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy and policy solutions to make meaningful change. Learn more at www.womens-foundation.org. 
 

How One Women's Foundation Grantee is Empowering Women and Changing Lives

Three years ago, 37 year-old mother of three, Tanisha Davis, was struggling to make ends meet. Her full-time job as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant wasn’t paying enough and Davis felt as if her future was bleak; until she got a phone call that would eventually change the trajectory of her life. 

“I was driving around looking for a second for job when my mom called me telling me about how she saw the Grooming Project on the news,” said Davis. 

The owner of 3 dogs - two yorkies and a poodle - Davis always had a passion for dog grooming. During her free time, Davis would practice her self-taught grooming skills on her canines. 

“I love dogs, I always had an interest in it but no one would ever hire me,” said Davis. “Finding out about the Grooming Project was a blessing, it came right on time.” 

The Grooming Project is a pilot program of Empowering the Parents to Empower the Child (EPEC), a 2017-2018 Women’s Foundation grantee. Our investment in the Grooming Project is part of the Women’s Foundation commitment to empowering women and breaking down the barriers that hold them back. We know that entrepreneurship is an essential pathway for women to gain financial independence and move up the economic ladder. And by supporting organizations like the Grooming Project and reducing occupational licensing burdens on women entrepreneurs, we are continuing to move the needle and help more women achieve their dreams.  

EPEC is a non-profit devoted to helping families achieve their dreams and become self-reliant through job training, life skills and practical solutions to end the cycle of poverty. The Grooming Project trains parents in a trade that pays a livable wage in order to help lift families out of poverty.

Students also learn valuable life skills like effective parenting strategies and financial literacy to complement their newfound professional training and sustain their economic progress. 

Davis participated in the very first Grooming Project class hosted in the summer of 2015. Students meet Monday through Friday from 8am - 4pm and learn in small classroom sizes creating an intimate environment.

Tanisha with a canine friend while learning how to groom at the Grooming Project. 

“We all grew close, we all shed tears together cause we were all coming from some hurt in our lives,” said Davis. “We were like sisters.” 

She describes her experience as transformative and one-of-a-kind learning experience. However, being a student came with its challenges. In order to be a full-time student, Davis had to drastically cut her hours as a CNA. Students receive a weekly stipend of $160 but as a mother of three teens Davis was determined to stay enrolled. 

“For my kids to see me walk across that stage and receive my certificate set an example for them, that was a proud moment for me,” said Davis. 

Now almost two years after graduation, Davis says she is a completely new person. She has enough money to provide for her family, pay her bills and save for her dream - opening her own grooming business. She is a member on the Grooming Project Board of Directors and with the help of a mentor, Davis is working on her business plan and learning more about what it takes to be an entrepreneur. 

As a woman who once struggled to provide for her family, Davis is now groomed for success. She’s a woman who smiles more and embraces her future with confident optimism. 

Women like Tanisha are ending the cycle of poverty due to the help of organizations like Empowering the Parents to Empower the Child and the Women’s Foundation. We know working together will make change, and generous supporters like you are critical to our success and the success of Tanisha.