Our team is always focused on allyship. We regularly talk with people who are champions for women’s equality, advocates of our work online and offline, and generous supporters of our events. But what does it mean to be an ally for women? It can mean many things. An ally could challenge state laws and policies on paid family leave, equal pay, or occupational licensing. An ally could listen to women about challenges and opportunities in their communities and across the nation. And an ally could follow us on social media to learn how our work – and the work of policymakers and inspiring champions for women – is improving lives and outcomes for families.
I’m reminded that we have many allies at United WE. Thank you to the women – and men – who support our mission throughout the year. I want to recap a few recent highlights from conversations we’ve had with our network of allies, and inspire you to join us as we unite for change.
United We Champion: Discussions with Allies
From Left: Chris Long, Angie Long, Wendy Doyle, Mark Donovan; Image via Morgan Miller Photography
This week was our Champion Breakfast, an annual event where we celebrate the impact of women and men in advancing gender equity. Thank you to Bank of America, our presenting sponsor, and Kathy and Mark Donovan for hosting. Attendees learned behind-the-scenes details of the Kansas City Chiefs organization, and Kansas City Current owners Angie and Chris Long shared their amazing journey of lifting up women’s professional sports to new heights. We are thrilled that women’s professional sports are being elevated in Kansas City through the new stadium plans for KC Current; this women’s soccer team is not only raising the bar in terms of economic opportunity, but also inspiring the next generation of boys and girls in supporting women’s sports. Prior to the event, we conducted an informal public opinion poll with some future leaders and sports fans.
Here are a few things we learned:
“Having a women’s soccer team shows that women can do anything men can. And it shows that Kansas City is cool enough to have something that special!” – Vivian, age 8
“It’s cool to see people like you doing professional sports.” – Eliza, age 9
“The matches are always interesting, because the way they play is a lot different than other teams. Also, their colors are perfect.” – Abram, age 10
Thank you to the champions who joined us for this event, and for their generous support in creating more opportunities for women to have a seat at the table – and on the field.
United We Listen: Status of Women in Oklahoma
This week we held a virtual press conference to unveil findings from our Status of Women in Oklahoma research. For more than 30 years we’ve been making meaningful change across Kansas, Missouri and beyond. We are eager to move our mission into Oklahoma, and serve as an ally and advocate for more opportunities for women across the state.
Our key findings detail the disparities and opportunities in employment and earnings, childcare, health care, poverty and social insurance, and civic engagement. Here are a few examples:
Women in Oklahoma earn 74.5 cents for every dollar a man earns; this is less than the national average of 80.8 cents per dollar for women.
Childcare is unaffordable for many families, where the average annual cost of care is more expensive than in-state tuition at a four-year public college.
One-fifth of Oklahoma legislators are women, far lower than the national average.
I believe it is our collective responsibility to educate elected officials and community leaders as we get to work in impacting systemic change. Take a look at the press conference recap and report findings here.
United We Lead: Join Us This September
I encourage you to join hundreds of women and allies at our signature We Work for Change event on September 21. This year marks a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear retired Lieutenant General Nadja West speak. As the first African American Army Surgeon General, the first African American woman 3-star General, and the highest-ranking woman graduate from West Point, her story will inspire you to lead unlike ever before.
This year’s event will be held in-person at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Thank you to honorary chairs Dan Cranshaw and Mary Jane Judy for joining us as longtime supporters and allies, and to our 2022 co-chairs Jenny Housley and Qiana Thomason.
Learn more about Nadja West and get the latest information on sponsors, tickets and details here. We look forward to seeing you in September!
Thank you to the countless allies who remind us of the value and impact of our work. Our successes would not be possible without your support, and I look forward to forging new paths with you in board rooms, communities, and homes across the nation.
Fondly,
Wendy