Women’s Foundation Appointments Project Announces Newest Appointee to Kansas City Health Commission
Kansas City, MO – Today, Women’s Foundation announced another appointment as Mayor Sly James appointed Kellyann Jones-Jamtgaard to the Kansas City Health Commission. Women’s Foundation promoted Jones-Jamtgaard through their Appointments Project, which has partnered with Mayor James to address the gender gap in city leadership positions.
“Women’s Foundation is thrilled to have provided support to Kellyann Jones-Jamtgaard through the Appointments Project, she will be a wonderful addition to the Kansas City Health Commission.” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women’s Foundation. “We are glad to have the partnership of Mayor James in our endeavor to empower more women serve on boards and commissions.”
“Kellyann’s experience in the Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics department at the University of Kansas Medical Center, as well as her leadership in healthcare advocacy, will greatly benefit the Kansas City Health Commission,” said Mayor Sly James. “The Women’s Foundation has been a great partner with my office's Women's Empowerment Initiative to identify talented, capable women for service on city boards and commissions ”
Kellyann Jones-Jamtgaard is currently a PhD candidate in the Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics department at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Her research focuses on understanding the cell biology of Hepatitis C virus infection, which can cause liver disease and cancer. Outside of the lab, Kellyann has been active in campus life through student government, advocating for increased science funding both locally and in Washington D.C., and promoting diversity and inclusion through the KU Women in Science and Medicine group and Student Diversity Council. Kellyann also enjoys volunteering with K-12 students showing that science can be fun and accessible to everyone. Prior to graduate school, Kellyann received a BS in Biology and Spanish from Duke University in Durham, NC, and worked at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD, learning about health disparities. Kellyann is originally from the Bronx, NY though Kansas City has been home since 2009 and she enjoys spending time with her husband Louis exploring all the city and the Midwest has to offer.
“I have always wanted to be more involved in public service and give back to my community but wasn’t sure where to start—meeting with the Women’s Foundation staff helped me to realize that everything I had done up to this point had prepared me to serve on a city commission,” said Kellyann Jones-Jamtgaard. “I am grateful to the Women’s Foundation for helping me find the confidence to participate in the appointments project and I look forward to using my expertise and voice to advocate for the health of Kansas City.”
Women’s Foundation 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. The Women’s Foundation guides women through the process of applying for these positions.
Women’s Foundation has been working to promote more women to boards and commissions in Missouri and Kansas through the Appointments Project since its Kansas City 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, and the Cities of St. Louis, MO, Olathe, KS, and Kansas City, MO.
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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