United WE Institute is first-of-its-kind centralized hub for research and policy work
KANSAS CITY, MO – September 26, 2023 – Today during United WE’s annual We Work For Change event, President & CEO Wendy Doyle announced the launch of the United WE Institute, a first-of-its-kind centralized hub for research and policy work across the Midwest and beyond.
Building off years of robust research, the United WE Institute will house national data and research on women’s economic participation and civic leadership and will formalize a Midwest Policy Lab that elevates the voices of women and advances nonpartisan policies. United WE’s first national research study, the national childcare licensing project, will be part of the Institute along with the organization’s next national study on occupational licensing.
“We seek to advance policies in a non-partisan manner that celebrates and restores civility, hope, and trust in American civil society,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President and CEO. “The United WE Institute will serve as a model for the rest of the country, promoting evidence-based and nonpartisan policies that remove barriers and provide opportunities for all women to lead meaningful change.”
The United WE Institute was announced to attendees gathered both in-person at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and through a virtual livestream for United WE’s annual We Work For Change event.
This year’s event program featured one of the nation’s most high-profile and truth-seeking political journalists, Mara Liasson, who spoke about the important role media, politics, and civil discourse play in our lives.
Mara Liasson, National Public Radio’s (NPR) national political correspondent, has dedicated her career to listening, storytelling and amplifying the voices of others. During the event she discussed the importance of media, politics, civil discourse and breaking down barriers for women. Mara also shared her extensive knowledge of politics, current events, and her experience as a woman leader in the media.
We Work for Change, presented by Bank of America, is United WE's signature annual fundraising event uniting women and allies to raise funds and awareness to advance all women's economic and civic leadership. The event has inspired generations of women and men to work towards a more gender equitable world.
“Bank of America is proud to be the presenting sponsor of We Work for Change, which celebrates progress and inspires generations of women,” said Linda Lenza, Senior Vice President and Market Executive, Bank of America Kansas City. “Mara Liasson and United WE reminded us not to miss opportunities to listen so we can better understand each other and find common ground – especially for crafting economic solutions for women and their families.”
The 2023 We Work for Change Event raised more than ever before – $704,677 and counting – to support the United WE mission and programs, including the commission of transformative research, support for barrier-removing policy reforms, advocating for the legacies of women, and more. United WE’s strategic investments and passionate work have resulted in work across seven states, including 27 impactful research studies, 57 meaningful policy actions, and 191+ women appointed to civic leadership positions through the Appointments Project®.
“Change is not a distant echo but a tangible reality that gets closer with every footstep of reconsideration and new perspectives,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President and CEO. “Let the sound of change be our guide, our motivation, and our constant reminder that united, we are stronger.”
Join United WE in creating meaningful change for all women and learn more at www.united-we.org.