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.