Author: Sierra Marie Bonn
Passion.
I’ve been passionate about making the world a better place since I joined Girls Scouts as a young girl.
Passion is what motivated me to write a book to empower the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers, artists and mathematicians. Passion is what encourages me to make an impact and serve my community. Passion is why I started my own non-profit organization that empowers individuals of all ages to pursue their own passions, specifically working to address the inequity and under-representation in innovative fields. Passion is why I support local businesses and growing our economy through the empowerment of our current and future workforce.
I’m a passionate Kansan and I want to show the next generation what’s possible. For me, that has meant truly serving my community and spotlighting volunteers, organizations, and people who are working to make the world a better place.
One such organization is United WE, a nonpartisan non-profit organization dedicated to unlocking women’s economic and civic leadership. Their recent research found that nearly 30% of a Kansas working mother’s salary is spent on childcare costs — one of the highest percentages in the U.S.! Infant care costs are 1.3 times more expensive than in-state college tuition, and childcare for four-year-old children compares to in-state tuition in Kansas.
As a first-generation student and daughter of a single mom, these statistics hit home. We need to support our Kansas women and families. We need to reduce the structural barriers keeping women from fully participating and succeeding in our economy. We need policies that will help everyone in our state to flourish. We need change. But more importantly — we need passion.
I was surprised to learn from The McKinsey Global Institute that Kansas could grow its economy by 10-15% by 2025 if women’s participation in the workforce increased. Kansas is a great state create new businesses, innovate solutions to big problems, and lead the world in changing the future. We have work to do to make that a reality, to invite progress and to grow our economy. It may seem like a big feat, but we cannot sit idle.
I’m taking action by serving on the Kansas Women’s Economic Development Task Force formed by United WE to study issues related to women’s participation and advancement in the workforce. We’re hosting a Town Hall Series across Kansas this summer to hear firsthand the personal stories from women and families throughout the state on the barriers they face. The stories will be combined into a comprehensive report and used to create bipartisan policy reform for all Kansans.
You can serve your community. You can make an impact. You can use your voice and share your story. I invite you to join us for a town hall in Wichita on July 14 at Wichita State University from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Complimentary lunch, free professional childcare, and a $10 gift card for all participants will be provided. There is also a statewide virtual town hall that will be from noon to 1:00 p.m. on August 24. Town Hall discussion topics will focus on women in the workplace and entrepreneurship, including childcare, paid family leave, broadband access and more. Learn more and RSVP at www.united-we.com/townhalls.
Let’s change the narrative for women and families while showing the next generation what’s possible. Unite with us in Wichita on July 14. Don’t forget to bring your passion.