Project will promote Topeka Women for Local Leadership Positions
TOPEKA, KS -- Today, Women’s Foundation, the City of Topeka, and the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce announced a new effort to increase the number of women serving on city boards and commissions. Topeka is the ninth community in Kansas and Missouri to launch the successful Women’s Foundation Appointments Project program. As part of the event, Councilwoman Karen Hiller announced the first appointment through Women’s Foundation Appointments Project - Topeka, Angel Zimmerman, who has been appointed to the Capital Business Improvement District.
“We are very pleased to partner with the City of Topeka and the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce to launch another city-wide Appointments Project to enable more women to lead in their community,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of the Women’s Foundation. “This expansion is another great step toward our goal of removing barriers for women of all ages.”
The Appointments Project - Topeka will work to identify good candidates for city leadership positions by increasing awareness of open board positions, connecting local talent, and helping women navigate the process. Past research on civic engagement conducted by Women’s Foundation has shown that while women have the drive and the desire to serve on a board or commission, many feel like they do not have the knowledge or experience to do so. In addition, many women express they would serve, if they were asked.
“The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce and GO Topeka is proud to partner with Women’s Foundation and the City of Topeka to encourage more women to consider serving in these important local government roles,” said Glenda Washington, VP of Entrepreneurial and Minority Business Development – GO Topeka.
The first appointment through the Appointments Project - Topeka was announced as Angel Zimmerman, who was recently appointed to the Capital Business Improvement District.
“I am honored to receive the first appointment through the Topeka Appointments Project. I am grateful to leaders like Councilwoman Karen Hiller and to Women’s Foundation for their guidance in this process, and looking forward to standing shoulder to shoulder with more women in local leadership positions,” said Angel Zimmerman, an attorney and recent appointee to the Capital Business Improvement District.
“Angel will be a valuable addition to the Capital Business Improvement District,” said Karen Hiller, Topeka City Councilwoman for District One. “I know firsthand that having more women in leadership positions will enrich and strengthen our city by adding new perspectives.”
The Women’s Foundation Appointments Project serves as a talent bank, advisor, and advocate for women seeking opportunities to lead in their communities 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. The Appointments Project was first launched in Kansas City in 2014. Since this launch, 33 women have been appointed to boards and commissions and the project has expanded to nine locations.
Topeka women interested in learning more or applying to Women’s Foundation Appointments Project - Topeka are encouraged to participate in an informational webinar on Thursday, February 16 at 12:15 pm. Click here for more details and to RSVP.
For more information on Women’s Foundation Appointments Project, visit: www.womens-foundation.org/a-p.