Councilwoman Parks-Shaw, community partners to join October 20 training event
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas—in conjunction with Fifth District Councilwoman Ryana Parks-Shaw and United WE’s Appointments Project®—today announced a virtual workshop to provide women with an overview of the application and appointment process to Kansas City boards and commissions. Any woman interested in attending the workshop, scheduled for 12-1 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, should register on www.united-we.org/appointments-project or by using this link.
“As someone who got their start in Kansas City public service serving on a City board, I understand the importance of boards and commissions, and I’m proud that 52 percent of my appointees are women and 49 percent are from historically underrepresented groups,” said Mayor Lucas. “The collection of Kansas Citians I’ve appointed to serve in these positions is undoubtedly the most reflective of our community in my lifetime. Still, we continue our work to create more opportunities for more of our community to get involved with local government through boards and commissions. I look forward to hosting an Appointments Project Workshop with Councilwoman Parks-Shaw, United WE, and community partners The Links, Inc., and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for women interested in civic engagement—and I hope all in our community will help encourage the talented, passionate women in their lives to attend this workshop.”
“Black women are traditionally left out of the decision-making process at all levels,” said Councilwoman Parks-Shaw. “I am proud to be part of the solution. This partnership will help eliminate barriers and empower Black women to take on an even bigger leadership roles in their communities.”
“We are encouraged to see such solid progress in Kansas City as women leaders, including women of color, step up to apply for positions on boards and commissions,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of United WE. “Thanks to the support and leadership of Mayor Quinton Lucas and women applying for a seat at the decision-making tables of their communities, gender parity on Kansas City boards and commissions is gaining momentum as we work to close the gender leadership gap through our Appointments Project.”
Mayor Lucas, Councilwoman Parks-Shaw and United WE’s Appointments Project® will be joined by chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. and The Links, Inc. to host the virtual workshop.
“Providing an opportunity for more women to share their ingenuity, resilience and compassion on our commissions and boards will enrich our city and add the diversity of experience and thought needed at the table,” said Michel D. Burris, President, Greater Kansas City Chapter, The Links, Inc.
“Diversity is necessary and ensuring Black women are a part of Kansas City boards and commissions create a varied experience and deeper perspective, allowing for greater outcomes,” said Dr. Juana Hishaw, President, Alpha Kappa Alpha Beta Omega Chapter.
“The role of women of color in positions of leadership, change and decision making is imperative to the forward moving needs in our society,” said Tiffany Ford, President, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Xi Tau Omega Chapter. “African American women are diverse in thought and experience that open doors and open ideas on matters that should be discussed and determined early on at the decision table.”
As a reminder, this workshop will be held Tuesday, October 20 from 12-1 p.m. To learn more about United WE’s Appointments Project and to register for the workshop, click here.
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