Press Release: Young Leadership Council and United WE Partner to Appoint More Women to Boards and Commissions

United WE’s Appointments Project® Announces Expansion to New Orleans 

Kansas City, MO – Young Leadership Council and United WE today announce their collaborative partnership to increase the number of women on local boards and commissions through the Appointments Project®. Started in 2014, the Appointments Project® has successfully placed more than 180 women on boards and commissions. 

“I’ve seen first-hand the need to increase leadership opportunities in civic leadership to ensure that we’re drawing on the talents and diversity of all members,” said Camille Sumner, Executive Director of New Orleans’s YLC. “Our partnership with United WE and the Appointments Project® is strengthening our organization’s commitment to increase leadership positions for young professionals with a focus on increasing the number of women who are at the decision-making table of their communities.”

United WE’s Appointments Project® serves as a talent bank, advisor and advocate for women seeking opportunities to lead their communities and works to attract diverse applicants for appointed positions on boards and commissions. The award-winning approach guides women through the process of applying for these positions and suggests applicants for appointment.

“Our research showed us that women don’t become civically engaged because they weren’t being asked. As a result, we created the Appointments Project® so local boards and commissions could reflect the communities they serve,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President & CEO. “With the help of partners like New Orleans Young Leadership Council and the National League of Cities, we are addressing the gender disparities in local leadership and able to make real changes in our communities.” 

The Appointments Project® fills a critical need in creating a pathway to more equitable and inclusive representation. Approximately 42% of the Appointments Project registrants are women of color. Based on a growing number of success stories and city partnerships, the pipeline of women leaders is growing rapidly across the country. 

“A public training event is planned for February 9, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. CST. We encourage and invite everyone to learn more and join us in unlocking women’s potential for civic leadership,” Sumner said.

To register for the virtual training event on February 9, 2023, visit here. To learn more about the Appointments Project® visit www.united-we.org/appointments-project.  

Press Release: North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership and United WE Partner to Appoint More Women to Boards and Commissions

United WE’s Appointments Project® Announces Expansion to North Carolina 

Kansas City, MO – North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership (N.C. IOPL) and United WE today announce their collaborative partnership to increase the number of women on local boards and commissions through the Appointments Project®. Started in 2014, the Appointments Project® has successfully placed more than 180 women on boards and commissions. 

“With our Woman on Board initiative, we focus our nonpartisan leadership training on increasing gender parity in public service and ensuring that we’re drawing on the talents and diversity of all our residents,” said Brad Young, Executive Director of N.C. IOPL. “Our partnership with United WE and Appointments Project® is strengthening our effort by increasing the number of women who are at the decision-making table of their communities.”

United WE’s Appointments Project® serves as a talent bank, advisor and advocate for women seeking opportunities to lead their communities and works to attract diverse applicants for appointed positions on boards and commissions. The award-winning approach guides women through the process of applying for these positions and suggests applicants for appointment.

“Our research showed us that women don’t become civically engaged because they weren’t being asked. As a result, we created the Appointments Project® so local boards and commissions could reflect the communities they serve,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President & CEO. “With the help of partners like N.C. IOPL, we are addressing the gender disparities in local leadership and able to make real changes in our communities.” 

The Appointments Project® fills a critical need in creating a pathway to more equitable and inclusive representation. Approximately 42% of the Appointments Project® registrants are women of color. Based on a growing number of success stories and city partnerships, the pipeline of women leaders is growing rapidly across the country. 

“A virtual public training event is planned for January 24, 2023, at 12 pm. EST. We encourage and invite everyone to learn more and join us in unlocking women’s potential for civic leadership,” said Brad Young.

To register for the virtual training event on January 24, 2023, visit here. To learn more about the Appointments Project®, visit www.united-we.org/appointments-project. 

Just Announced: Mayor Levar Stoney, National League of Cities and Leadership Metro Richmond partners with the Appointments Project® to appoint more women of color to boards and commissions

Recently, United WE’s Appointments Project® announced its expansion to Richmond, Virginia. The Office of Mayor Levar Stoney and the National League of Cities, in collaboration with Leadership Metro Richmond (LMR), announced their partnership to increase the number of women on local boards and commissions through United WE’s Appointments Project. Started in 2014, the Appointments Project has facilitated 175 women being placed on boards and commissions.

“I’ve seen first-hand the need to address racial and gender disparities in civic leadership to ensure that we are drawing on the talents and diverse perspectives of our residents.” Myra Goodman Smith, LMR’s President and CEO, said. “Our partnership with the City of Richmond and United WE’s Appointments Project will strengthen the city by increasing the number of women and women of color who are at the decision-making table of their communities.”

United WE’s Appointments Project serves as a talent bank, advisor, and advocate for women seeking opportunities to lead their communities and works to attract diverse applicants for appointed positions on boards and commissions. The award-winning approach guides women through applying for these positions and suggests applicants for appointment.

“Our research showed us that women don’t become civically engaged because they weren’t being asked. As a result, we created the Appointments Project so local boards and commissions could reflect the communities they serve,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President & CEO. “With the help of partners like Mayor Levar Stoney and Leadership Metro Richmond, we are addressing the gender disparities in local leadership and are able to make significant changes in our communities.”

The Appointments Project fills a critical need in creating a pathway to more equitable and inclusive representation. Based on a growing number of success stories and city partnerships, the pipeline of women leaders is growing rapidly across the country.

An Information Session will be held virtually on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at 6:00 pm EST with United WE, city officials, and LMR. Learn about the Information Session here or register for the session here.

“We encourage and invite everyone to learn more and join us in unlocking women’s potential for civic leadership,” Mayor Stoney said. 

Press Release: City of St. Louis Launches Online Boards and Commissions Application Portal

Today, the City of St. Louis announced its launch of a new online boards and commissions application portal. The new online portal will increase transparency by allowing residents to view current board members and board vacancies with ease. With this system update, civic engagement is now more accessible for constituent participation and applications. While there are a large number of appointees serving beyond term, strategic partnerships with civic organizations will assist with the recruitment efforts to bring in a new class of appointees.

“Our boards and commissions should reflect the incredible diversity of St. Louis, across racial lines and different backgrounds, but many residents have felt excluded from the decision-making process for far too long,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “This partnership with local civic organizations and United WE’s Appointments Project® will strengthen our city and ensure that a diversity of perspectives is included on our civic boards, which will make our city stronger in the long run.”

The Jones Administration is partnering with United WE to increase the number of women and people of diverse backgrounds on local boards and commissions through its Appointments Project®. Started in 2014, United WE’s Appointments Project® has successfully facilitated more than 170 appointments of women on boards and commissions. The project serves as a talent bank and advisor, and guides women through the process of applying for boards and commissions. The Appointments Project fills a critical need in creating a pathway to more equitable and inclusive representation.

“Our research showed that women were not civically engaged because they weren’t being asked. As a result, we created the Appointments Project to ask women to serve so local boards and commissions could reflect the communities they serve,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President and CEO. “With the help of partners like Mayor Jones, we are addressing the gender disparities in local leadership and making real change in our communities.”

The Jones Administration is also partnering with various civic organizations to assist with recruitment including 100 Black Men of St. Louis, the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of St. Louis, the National Pan-Hellenic Council of St. Louis, St. Louis (MO) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, Tower Grove Pride, the Archway (MO) Chapter of The Links Incorporated, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis, and the Heartland St. Louis Black Chamber of Commerce.

A public virtual training event is planned for Thursday, February 17 at 12:00pm for interested applicants to learn more about the application process. To learn more about open board and commissions vacancies visit stlouis-mo.gov/government/boards/ and to register for the event visit formstack.io/FC984 [formstack.io].

To learn more about the Appointments Project® visit www.united-we.org/appointments-project

Press Release: Mayor Whipple and United WE Partnership Aims to Appoint More Women to Boards and Commissions

Free Virtual Webinar on November 10 Invites Wichita Women to Learn About Leadership Opportunities

As announced in a press briefing today with the Office of Mayor Whipple, the City of Wichita and United WE have a collaborative partnership to increase the number of women on local boards and commissions through the Appointments Project®. Started in 2014, United WE’s Appointments Project® has successfully placed more than 160 women on boards and commissions, with women of color representing 34% of applicants.  

“I’ve seen first-hand the need to increase gender parity and better drive representation across civic leadership to ensure that we’re drawing on the talents and diversity of all our residents,” Mayor Whipple said. “Our partnership with United WE and its Appointments Project® is strengthening our city by increasing the number of women, including women of color, who are at the decision-making table of their communities.”

United WE’s Appointments Project® serves as a talent bank, advisor and advocate for women seeking opportunities to lead their communities and works to attract diverse applicants for appointed positions on boards and commissions. The award-winning approach guides women through the process of applying for these positions and suggests applicants for appointment.

“Our research showed us that women don’t become civically engaged because they aren’t being asked. As a result, we created the Appointments Project® so local boards and commissions could reflect the communities they serve,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President & CEO. “With the help of partners like Mayor Whipple, we are addressing the gender disparities in local leadership and able to make real changes in our communities.” 

Based on a growing number of success stories, the pipeline of women leaders is growing rapidly across the country. The Appointments Project® fills a critical need in creating a pathway to work with elected officials and better community representation that leads to better lives for all.  

A public training event is planned for November 10, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. CST with local community partners Wichita Urban Professionals, The Hive, Greater Wichita Partnership and YLPWichita. Interested residents can sign up at https://united-we.org/events/2021/11/10/appointments-project-wichita-overview. 

“We encourage and invite everyone to learn more and join us in unlocking women’s potential for civic leadership,” Mayor Whipple said.

Press Release: United WE’s Appointments Project® Announces Expansion to Austin, Texas

Mayor Pro Tem Harper-Madison, Council Member Alter, Mayor Adler and United WE announce their collaborative partnership to increase the number of women on local civic boards and commissions through the Appointments Project. Started in 2014, the Appointments Project has successfully placed more than 160 women on boards and commissions, including 18% women of color.

“I’ve seen first-hand the need to have more women and women of color in leadership positions across the City,” Mayor Pro Tem Harper Madison said. “I’m absolutely excited to call others into service in this partnership to ensure that we’re drawing on the talents and diversity of all our residents.”

“My own experience serving on the Parks Board inspired my run for office,” said Council Member Alter. “As a super majority female council, we work to create opportunities for women in our community to lead. Through the Appointments Project, I hope we chart even more pathways for female leadership and service.”

“Our partnership with United WE and the Appointments Project is strengthening our city by increasing the number of women of all ages, including women of color, who are at the decision-making table for Austin,” said Mayor Adler.

United WE’s Appointments Project serves as a talent bank, advisor and advocate for women seeking opportunities to lead their communities and works to attract diverse applicants for appointed positions on boards and commissions. The award-winning approach guides women through the process of applying for these positions and suggests applicants for appointment.

Read the full press release here.

Associated Press: 9 women now serving as governors in US, tying a record

August 24, 2021

An Associated Press article on August 24, 2021 detailed that nine women are now serving as governor in the United States. This tied previous annual records, but is still far from gender parity in government positions.

The article includes commentary from our President & CEO Wendy Doyle, who noted that one challenge is deepening the pool of women willing to enter politics. Our policy work at United WE includes the Appointments Project, our strategic program focused on providing the tools and resources for women to seek appointments at the county, city and state levels across multiple states. As Wendy, “It’s a long game. But we’ve got to build the pipeline; we’ve got to build the bench.”

Check out the full article from reporter David Lieb below.

City of South San Francisco Partners with National Organization to Facilitate the Appointment of More Women to Boards and Commissions

As Women’s History Month comes to an end, Councilwoman Nicolas launches the Appointments Project® with United WE in South San Francisco

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 31, 2021 – Women’s History Month may be coming to an end, but for Councilwoman Flor Nicolas, she says there’s more work to be done. Councilwoman Nicolas, along with Mayor Mark Addiego and the rest of the City Council have partnered with United Women’s Empowerment, or United WE, which aims to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership. 

“We need to celebrate the extraordinary achievements and contributions that women have made during Women’s History Month, but we must also not rest on one’s laurels,” said Councilwoman Nicolas. “We need more women in civil leadership roles, whether it’s locally, regionally, on the state or national level.”

United WE’s Appointments Project® serves as a talent bank, advisor, and advocates for women seeking opportunities to help lead their communities and works to attract diverse applicants for appointed positions on boards and commissions. The award-winning approach guides women through the process of applying for these positions and provides vetted candidates qualified for such appointments. 

“Our research showed us that women don’t become civically engaged because they weren’t being asked. As a result, we created the Appointments Project® so local boards and commissions could reflect the communities they serve,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President & CEO. “With the help of partners like Mayor Addiego and Councilwoman Nicolas, we are addressing the gender disparities in local leadership and able to make real changes in our communities.”

“I’ve seen first-hand the need to increase gender parity and better drive representation across civic leadership to ensure that we’re drawing on the talents and diversity of all our residents,” said Mayor Mark Addiego. “Our partnership with United WE and Appointments Project® is strengthening our city by increasing the number of women, including women of color, who are at the decision-making table of their communities.”

Based on a growing number of success stories, the pipeline of women leaders is growing rapidly across the country. The Appointments Project® fills a critical need in creating a pathway to work with elected officials and improve community representation which leads to a better quality of life for all.

There will be upcoming webinar training events with the Appointments Project® in the next few months to learn how to get involved, locally, with our Boards and Commissions. If you are interested in participating in this program please email CityInfo@ssf.net.

Lee’s Summit Mayor and Appointments Project® Partner to Increase Women’s Participation on Boards and Commissions

United WE’s Appointments Project® Announces Expanded Programming to Lee’s Summit, Missouri

Kansas City, MO – February 18, 2021 – The Office of Mayor Bill Baird and United WE today announce their collaborative partnership to increase the number of women on local boards and commissions through the Appointments Project®. Of the 23 board and commission appointments in Lee’s Summit, 40% are female. Started in 2014, the Appointments Project® has successfully placed more than 140 women on boards and commissions, including 28 percent women of color. 

“I’ve seen firsthand the need to increase gender parity and improve representation across civic leadership to ensure we’re drawing on the talents and diversity of all our residents,” Mayor Baird said. “Our partnership with United WE and Appointments Project® is strengthening our city by increasing the number of women, including women of color, who are at the decision-making table of their communities.”

United WE’s Appointments Project® serves as a talent bank, advisor and advocate for women seeking opportunities to lead their communities and works to attract diverse applicants for appointed positions on boards and commissions. The award-winning approach guides women through the process of applying for these positions and recommends applicants for appointment.

Mayor Baird will be joined in partnership by community partner Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce.

“Our research showed us that women don’t become civically engaged because they weren’t being asked. As a result, we created the Appointments Project® so local boards and commissions could reflect the communities they serve,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President & CEO. “With the help of partners like Mayor Baird, we are addressing the gender disparities in local leadership and able to make real changes in our communities.” 

Based on a growing number of success stories, the pipeline of women leaders is growing rapidly across the country. The Appointments Project® fills a critical need in creating a pathway to work with elected officials and better community representation that leads to better lives for all.  

A public training event is planned for Thursday, March 4, at 12:00 p.m. CST. Workshops guide women through the process of applying for these positions and offer applicants for appointments. “We encourage and invite everyone to learn more and join us in unlocking women’s potential for civic leadership,” Mayor Baird said.

To learn more about the Appointments Project® and to sign up for the training, please click here.

View the February 18 press conference recording here.

Jackson County Executive White and United WE’s Appointments Project® Announce First Appointee

CBIZ’s Carolyn Watley Appointed to Jackson County Pension Plan Board of Trustees 

Kansas City, MO – January 27, 2021 –  The Office of Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr., in partnership with the Appointments Project® today announce Carolyn Watley’s appointment to the Jackson County Pension Plan Board of Trustees. Watley’s appointment is the first following the announcement of the Project’s expanded programming to Jackson County. Started in 2014, the Appointments Project® has successfully placed 140 women on boards and commissions, including 28 percent of those appointments represented by women of color“Carolyn Watley is an exemplary choice for the Jackson County Pension Plan Board of Trustees and she’ll bring a unique set of experiences and perspectives to the decision-making table,” County Executive White said. “Carolyn’s appointment is the first in our collaborative partnership with United WE’s Appointments Project® to increase the number of women on county boards and commissions, and we’ll continue to ensure that we’re drawing on the talents and diversity of all our residents.” 

The Appointments Project® serves as a talent bank, advisor and advocate for women seeking opportunities to lead their communities and works to attract diverse, qualified applicants for appointed positions on boards and commissions. The Appointments Project® formula trains and mentors women through the process of applying for these positions, fast-tracking their ability to get appointed at every level of government.

“We created the Appointments Project® so boards and commissions could reflect the communities they serve,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President & CEO. “The Appointments Project addresses the gender disparities in local civic leadership and we know Carolyn’s passion for serving her community will be a valuable addition to the Jackson County Pension Plan Board of Trustees.” 

Based on a growing number of success stories, the pipeline of women leaders is growing rapidly across the country. The Appointments Project® fills a critical need in creating a pathway to work with elected officials and better community representation that leads to better lives for all.  

A free public training event is planned for Tuesday, February 2, at 12:00 p.m. CT with local community partners Black Excellence KC, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Sisters’ Circle Greater Kansas City and The Links (Jackson County, MO Chapter). The event will be conducted via webinar and allows Jackson County women to learn about leadership opportunities and guides them through the process of applying for these positions. “We encourage and invite everyone to learn more and join us in unlocking women’s potential for civic leadership,” County Executive White said.

To learn more about the Appointments Project® and RSVP for the training, visit www.united-we.org/appointments-project.