5 Hometown Heroines You Need to Know About

March is Women’s History Month and here at the Women’s Foundation we’re celebrating the ways that women are making history and pressing for positive change. All across the country, women are breaking barriers, challenging the status quo, and building a brighter future for all of us.

To kick off the month, here are five hometown heroines you need to know about!

“I hope women recognize that they have absolutely the kind of qualities that make for a really good public servant: the ability to listen, collaborate, and work with others.”

“I hope women recognize that they have absolutely the kind of qualities that make for a really good public servant: the ability to listen, collaborate, and work with others.”

Gov. Laura Kelly – Governor Laura Kelly is just the third woman to be elected Kansas governor in state history.  In her first year in office, Gov. Kelly is working towards livable wage, affordable health care and a strong school system.




"When we serve the entrepreneurial spirit of women of our city, that have been traditionally forgotten, provide resources for their dream to come to fruition, we grow Kansas City together.” -- January 19, 2019, Kansas City Women’s March

"When we serve the entrepreneurial spirit of women of our city, that have been traditionally forgotten, provide resources for their dream to come to fruition, we grow Kansas City together.” -- January 19, 2019, Kansas City Women’s March

Alissia Canady – Some might know Alissia as the Councilwoman of Kansas City’s 5th District. But this year, Alissia is running for City Mayor on a platform promoting economic development and public investment.







“I have a lived experience that we need to see more of on all kinds of fronts, from having started off with an associate’s [degree] at a community college to being raised by a single mom, being a first generation college student,” she said. “These t…

“I have a lived experience that we need to see more of on all kinds of fronts, from having started off with an associate’s [degree] at a community college to being raised by a single mom, being a first generation college student,” she said. “These things are not at all out of the ordinary for a lot of people in this country, but they are very out of the ordinary for the people who represent us in Congress.” – August 6, 2018, Think Progress

Rep. Sharice Davids – 2018 was a historic year for women running for office, and Rep. Sharice Davids was one of them. Raised by a single mom Army veteran, Davids was among the first Native American women ever elected to Congress when she won the race for Kansas’ 3rd Congressional District.







“...the last thing a new mom should ever have to worry about is whether she is going to lose her job or miss a paycheck because she's chosen to have a child and start a family.” -- February 6, 2019, NPR

“...the last thing a new mom should ever have to worry about is whether she is going to lose her job or miss a paycheck because she's chosen to have a child and start a family.” -- February 6, 2019, NPR

Rep. Ann Wagner – You might have heard Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Mo. give a resounding “Yes!” during President Trump’s State of the Union this month as he promoted nationwide paid family leave. Rep. Wagner is currently drafting a national paid family leave proposal that she hopes both parties can agree on.








“Studies show that women make great public servants...the policy issues they focus on help families, communities, and our society overall. The fact that women comprise less than 25% of the General Assembly is a huge disservice to all Missourians.”

“Studies show that women make great public servants...the policy issues they focus on help families, communities, and our society overall. The fact that women comprise less than 25% of the General Assembly is a huge disservice to all Missourians.”

Rep. Lauren Arthur – State Senator Lauren Arthur is the youngest woman to ever be elected to the Missouri Senate. Before running for office, Rep. Arthur was a middle school teacher in Kansas City’s urban core; reshaping Missouri’s education system is one her main focuses as senator.