Excellence in Collaboration Award Given at Non-Profit Connect Annual Philanthropy Awards Luncheon
Kansas City, Mo - Women’s Foundation and the Office of Mayor Sly James were recognized today for their collaborative work to increase diversity on local boards and commissions through the Appointments Project™. The prestigious Excellence in Collaboration Award is given out annually at the Non-Profit Connect Philanthropy Awards Luncheon. Under Mayor James’ leadership, the City of Kansas City, Missouri, was the first city to adopt the Appointments Project™, a Women’s Foundation initiative that aims to increase the number of women serving on public boards and commissions in Kansas and Missouri.
“Our research showed us the reasons women don’t become civically engaged and too often, the answer was simple: they weren’t being asked,” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President & CEO. “We created the Appointments Project™ to address the gender disparities in local leadership and with the help of supporters like Mayor James we are able to make real change in our community. The Women’s Foundation is incredibly honored to receive this award alongside Mayor James, who has been a true champion for women and families across the region.”
Started in 2014 the Appointments Project™ has successfully placed 87 women on boards and commissions. The program currently operates in 16 municipalities and five counties in Kansas and Missouri. In Kansas City alone, the number of women has increased to 42% in 2017 from 33 percent in 2014. Mayor James has continued to be a strong supporter of the Appointments Project™ for almost four years.
“Since taking office, I’ve found myself in meeting after meeting, surrounded only by men,” Mayor James said. “If we want government to work for everyone, especially women, we have to ensure that they have a seat at the table. The Appointments Project filled a critical need in creating a pathway to leadership for women in the Kansas City region.”
To learn more about the Women’s Foundation and the Appointments Project™ visit www.womens-foundation.org.