Appointments are the first in Springfield through a joint partnership with Women’s Foundation and ROSIE
Springfield, MO -- Women’s Foundation and ROSIE are proud to announce the appointments of Heather Hardinger and Brittany O’Brien to the City of Springfield's Mayor's Commission for Human Rights & Community Relations. Hardinger and O’Brien were appointed by Mayor Ken McClure who has expressed great interest in seeing increased civic engagement from women and young professionals.
“Heather Hardinger and Brittany O’Brien are dedicated members of the Springfield community and will make excellent additions to the Mayor’s Commission for Human Rights & Community Relations,” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation, President & CEO. “We are excited to continue to partner with ROSIE to promote talented women into positions on boards and commissions.”
Heather Hardinger serves as the Programs and Communications Director for the Taney County Partnership where she works with a variety of community partners to effectively address the area's workforce development needs. Hardinger is active within the Springfield community and has served on the Board of Directors for the Council of Churches of the Ozarks and Safe to Sleep. Hardinger is active in a number of community organizations and programs including ROSIE, The Network for Springfield's Young Professionals, Ignite Branson, and more.
Brittany O’Brien is a Senior Associate Attorney at Rooney McBride and Smith, LLC practicing in real estate, mediation, estate planning, probate and family law. O’Brien is also a founding member of the pilot group working to bring mediation to the Juvenile Court in Greene County. She is active within the local legal community and is a member of the Southern Missouri Women’s Lawyers Association, the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association, the Missouri Bar Association, and ROSIE.
“We are so excited to see Heather Hardinger and Brittany O’Brien continue to lead and give back to our community through their dedicated public service,” said Rachel Anderson and Paige Oxendine, co-founders of ROSIE. “We are proud to have them as ROSIE members and to celebrate their continued successes.”
The Mayor's Commission on Human Rights and Community Relations is comprised of 13 citizens who are appointed by the Mayor and approved by City Council and who serve without compensation. The body works to foster mutual understanding and respect among all racial, religious and ethnic groups of the City and provides the community recourse for discriminatory acts. The commission investigates alleged incidents of discrimination and tries to mediate settlements between affected parties. Members of the commission are appointed by the Mayor for a term of three years.
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. Through the Appointments Project, Women’s Foundation serves as a talent bank, advisor, and advocate for women seeking positions in local government.
ROSIE, a local initiative designed to support, assist and serve as an advocate network for current and prospective female founders, business owners and leaders in the Springfield region, is made possible by a grant from the Women's Foundation to the Missouri State Foundation. For more information about ROSIE and their work, including efforts to place local women on boards and commissions, visit www.rosiesgf.com.
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