Initiative to Increase Gender Diversity on Boards and Commissions Celebrates 100th Appointment
KANSAS CITY – An innovative initiative to increase the number of women in leadership roles is marking a milestone this month, as the Women’s Foundation’s Appointments Project® celebrates helping appoint more than 100 women to civic boards and commissions throughout Kansas and Missouri.
Women who have recently been appointed through the program include: Amanda Swysgood, who was appointed to Kansas City’s Liquor Control Board; Michele Legg, who was appointed to Kansas City’s Planned Industrial Expansion Authority; and Barbara Boudreaux, who was appointed to Topeka’s Board of Zoning Appeals.
“This is such an exciting milestone, and we couldn’t have reached it without the hundreds of qualified women who have raised their hands to serve,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women’s Foundation. “As we approach the centennial anniversary of the 19th amendment and celebrate a record-breaking wave of women taking office, we’re committed to doing our part to close the leadership gap at the state and local level. Research shows that when you increase diversity in leadership roles, you improve decision-making and get better outcomes for everyone. That’s why we’re thrilled that more and more communities are participating in the Appointments Project® and elevating more women to important leadership positions.”
The Appointments Project® works to empower women and strengthen communities by increasing the gender diversity of civic boards and commissions. Established by the Women’s Foundation in 2014, the Appointments Project® serves as a nonpartisan resource, talent bank, advisor, and advocate for women interested in serving on city, county, and state boards and commissions.
Through a landmark study, the Women’s Foundation identified the barriers causing women to be underrepresented on civic boards and commissions, and established the Appointments Project® to increase the number of women serving.
The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using philanthropy, research and policy solutions to make meaningful change. More information about the organization can be found at http://www.womens-foundation.org/a-p.