Statement on Kansas City Local Elections Results

Kansas City, MO – Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation, today released the following statement regarding the Kansas City local election results:

Congratulations to Mayor Sly James, a leader in promoting gender equity, and to all those elected last night to the Kansas City Council.  It is encouraging to see that women will now hold five seats on the Council, marking progress in representation. 

The Women’s Foundation looks forward to working with all members of the Council on public policy issues that impact women and their families and towards building a stronger community.

The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women and girls, using philanthropy, research and policy solutions to make meaningful change.  More information about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org.

###

Meet the Cunninghams

COLUMN BY WENDY DOYLE, PRESIDENT & CEO, WOMEN'S FOUNDATION

It’s so easy to get caught up working for long-term change that sometimes we forget to stop and look at the differences we’re making today. That’s why I’d like to stop and take a moment to tell you about a remarkable family of strong women leaders whose involvement in various Women’s Foundation programs strengthens and perfectly exemplifies our mission.

Beverly Cunningham, a recent appointee to the Kansas City Property and Maintenance Appeals Board, was first connected to the Women’s Foundation through our Appointments Project which serves as a talent bank, adviser, and advocate for women seeking appointed positions in local government. Dedicated to serving her community, Beverly has been appointed by Mayor Sly James, but her involvement with our foundation doesn’t end there. Like a true leader, she saw potential in other women– in this case, her daughters.

“[The Women’s Foundation] empowers myself and my daughters by giving us an avenue to help out in our community and to show others how important it is to do so.”

Beverly Cunningham and her 2 daughters; Maddison, 11, and Maurissa, 14.

Beverly’s oldest daughter Maurissa is 14, and a member of our Girl’s Leadership Program, which educates and empowers high school girls to be confident civic leaders and philanthropists in their communities and beyond. Though she is new to the program this year, she is already learning valuable lessons about leadership. To her, leadership means “to set an example for people that look up to you and help them out.”

Maddison, age 11, is Beverly’s youngest daughter. She believes that leadership means “to guide someone to the greatest things. Not to follow. Just be kind and be nice.” Maddison is involved in Madam President, a program that the Women’s Foundation sponsors with UMKC to help young women, ages 10-14, build leadership skills, learn about politics and join a fun and supportive network of peers, civic mentors and parents. She shared with us that she is looking forward to presenting her goals and connecting with mentors to help her achieve her goals.   

I can’t tell you enough what a pleasure it is to see Beverly and her daughters embrace these new leadership development opportunities. Beverly is working hard to ensure the next generation of women doesn’t forget about the importance of helping others. Both of her daughters look to her as a role model reminding us that she is not only a mother but according to her daughters, a “leader” and someone who is “very loving, is willing to help anyone and put up with lots of things- bad or good.”

We asked Beverly how the Women’s Foundation has impacted her life.  Her answer?  “The Women’s Foundation has impacted my life greatly!! I have been able to become part of a group of women who empower each other. Not only within the group, but within the community.”

Beverly’s comments remind me why the work we’re doing at the Women’s Foundation is so important. Women of all ages need to feel empowered to play active roles in strengthening their communities.

Looking to the future, Beverly hopes Maurissa and Maddison “will take these opportunities with them throughout their lives and remember the goals they have set and accomplish them and more!”   

We do too.

  ###

Women's Foundation Announces Latest Grant Awards

New Investments Aim To Improve

Lives of Women of All Ages

Kansas City, MO – Women’s Foundation today announced a package of grants that aims to invest in improving the lives of women of all ages. These grants support a wide array of organizations and education systems that strive to improve the quality of life for women and their families through education, career coaching, financial support and other means.

2015 Recipients of Women’s Foundation Investments:

Missouri Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence to help ease cuts to public assistance resources relied upon by impoverished Missouri domestic and sexual violence survivors and their children. In addition, the project will support ongoing public policies that affect primarily women and their children.

Rockhurst University in support of the Prosperity Center to help low to moderate income women achieve economic stability. The Prosperity Center focuses on improving the financial bottom line and changing financial behaviors in a way that encourages a long-term commitment to increasing income, decreasing expenses, building credit, and acquiring assets.

Women’s Employment Network to support the Financial Coaching and Credit Building Program which aims to ensure that women's career gains are translated into increased wealth and economic security.

Communities Creating Opportunities (CCO) to identify and equip a diverse cohort of women from across the greater Kansas City metropolitan area to assume positions of leadership. CCO has a long history of training and developing leaders which will be leveraged to move participating women through a previously utilized leadership pathway.

Community LINC to support the Interim and Immediate Housing Program, which provides housing and supportive services to approximately 150 families a year. Community LINC provides a vital hand-up to equip mothers and families to be housed and self-sufficient.

The Family Conservancy to support the Director's Leadership Academy which mentors approximately 50 women annually in their leadership role as Child Care Directors, allowing them to reach their full potential and thus be better positioned to have a successful career.

KC STEM Alliance to support the development of a Girls in Technology regional initiative. Over 600 girls, parents and mentors will receive direct services with the goals of enrolling girls in relevant technology education programs; changing girls' perceptions of the technology industry sector; and increasing the number of technology professionals investing time in youth development.

Rose Brooks to fund a program to support employment advocacy for 100 survivors of domestic violence, resulting in increased skills in safe job searches, obtaining a job, and job retention.

Urban League of Greater Kansas City to improve student performance in math, science, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and language skills with the goal of preparing participants to transition from middle school to high school.

Amethyst Place to support the 100 Jobs for 100 Moms program which matches a mom trapped in generational poverty with an employer willing to provide a job and on-the-job mentoring to ensure sustainable employment and promote family economic self-sufficiency.

UMKC Division of Diversity to support a collaboration between RUBIES, Awesome Ambitions, Latinos of Tomorrow, Sisters of Substance, and Women of Imagery that culminates in a conference that develops leadership skills for high school girls.

The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women and girls, using philanthropy, research and policy solutions to make meaningful change.  More information about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org.

###

Women's Foundation Announces New Board President

Sherri L. Wattenbarger Continues Efforts to Improve the Lives of Women

            Sherri L. Wattenbarger 

Kansas City, MO – The Women’s Foundation today announced the appointment of Sherri L. Wattenbarger as the new chair of their board of directors. Wattenbarger has served on the Women’s Foundation board of directors since 2010. During that time she has filled many roles including Board Secretary, chair of the Grants Committee, Membership Committee and twice as Luncheon Co-Chair.

“Sherri Wattenbarger has made enormous contributions to the Women’s Foundation since she joined our board in 2010,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women’s Foundation. “Her leadership combined with dedication and a passion for bettering the lives of other women will greatly benefit Women’s Foundation and the community.”

“I’m honored and excited to serve as chair of the board of an organization that plays such a pivotal role in our community in improving the lives of women, girls and their families.” said Wattenbarger.

Wattenbarger, a native of St. Joseph, Missouri, is a Trial Attorney with the Office of the U.S. Trustee in Kansas City, Missouri, a component of the U.S. Justice Department. She is a past chair of the Attorney Advisory Committee for the Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Missouri, and received the Missouri Bar’s Roser Award for Excellence in Bankruptcy Law.  In addition to serving on the Women’s Foundation Board of Directors, Wattenbarger also serves on the advisory boards for the ABI’s Midwestern Bankruptcy Institute, the Kansas City Bankruptcy Bar Association, and as chair of the Credit Abuse Resistance Education Program (C.A.R.E.) Program.

Outside her role for Women’s Foundation, Wattenbarger is involved in many organizations that directly benefit women. She is active in the Association for Women Lawyers of Greater Kansas City (AWL) and the Kansas Women Attorneys Association. She received her J.D. from the University of Missouri– Kansas City, where she is now a member of the board of directors of the UMKC Athletic Foundation. Wattenbarger is also a former advisory board member of WIN for KC, an organization supporting and promoting women and girls’ sports.

Wattenbarger was named Woman of the Year by the AWL in 2011, and is the recipient of many awards including the 2012 U.S. Attorney General’s Award for Community Service and the Women’s Justice Award for Public Service from Missouri Lawyer’s Weekly.

The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women and girls, using philanthropy, research and policy solutions to make meaningful change.  More information about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org. 

###

Beverly Cunningham Appointed to Property Maintenance Appeals Board

Progress Continues for Women’s Foundation Appointments Project

Kansas City, MO –Today, the Women’s Foundation announced that Mayor Sly James appointed Beverly Cunningham to the Property Maintenance Appeals Board. The Women’s Foundation promoted Cunningham through their Appointments Project, which has partnered with Mayor James to address the gender gap in city leadership positions.

“Beverly will be a remarkable asset to the property Maintenance Appeals Board and we appreciate her willingness to serve her community,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of the Women’s Foundation.  

“I’m appreciative that Beverly is joining this board, which establishes standards and helps protect neighborhoods from blight,” Mayor Sly James said. “Her record of public service shows she will make a substantial contribution so that Kansas City will be an even better place to live.”

    Beverly Cunningham

Beverly Cunningham received a master’s degree in Public Administration from Park University and has had a decorated career serving in the public sector. Cunningham worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Homeland Security before beginning her current position as Management and Program Analyst at the Department of Justice in Kansas City in 2010. Cunningham is no stranger to serving on boards as she was the President of the Kansas City Metro Junior Golf Club Board from 2009 to 2013 and currently serves as the Vice President of the Center School District Board. She has consistently been an active leader in her community through her participation in organizations like the Girl Scouts of NE Kansas and NW Missouri, the Black Federal Employee’s Council, and her service as a Jackson County Court Appointed Special Advocate.

"I am very excited to be a part of the Women's Foundation Appointment Project. Mayor James is providing a great service to the community by collaborating with the Women's Foundation and making women aware of the opportunities our city has for women," said Cunningham.  "I hope that more women and minorities take part in this endeavor. I look forward to being an integral part of the Property Maintenance Appeals Board and learning all I can. I thank Mayor James and his office for this wonderful opportunity."

The Women’s Foundation Appointments Project serves as a talent bank, advisor, and advocate for women seeking opportunities to lead in Kansas City and works to attract diverse applicants for appointed positions on boards and commissions. The Women’s Foundation guides women through the process of applying for these positions.

The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women and girls, using philanthropy, research and policy solutions to make meaningful change.  More information about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org.

###

Women's Foundation Announces Largest Class of Girls Leadership Program

Girls Leadership Program Receives Record Number of Applicants

Kansas City, MO – The Women’s Foundation today announced the acceptance of 50 young women into the Girls Leadership Program- the largest number in the program’s history. The Girls Leadership program received a record number of applicants this year from young women in the Kansas City area who are interested in learning about public service.  

“We are very excited about the number of applicants and the growing interest that young women have in learning about leadership and philanthropy. We look forward to learning and growing with these talented young women as we work for change together,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of the Women’s Foundation.

In partnership with Cottey College, the Women’s Foundation Girls Leadership program will educate and empower high school girls to be confident leaders and philanthropists in their communities and beyond. By actively participating in the program, each girl will be eligible for a $3,000 per year scholarship up to a total of $12,000 for each girl who successfully completes the program and chooses to attend Cottey College.

Members of the 2015 Girls Leadership Program are:

Madeleine "Maddie" Adam, St. Teresa's Academy
Uchechukwu "Uche"  Agali, North Kansas City High School
Vibha Agarwal, Blue Valley Northwest High School
Kenzi  Bacchus, Lincoln College Prep
Annie  Bolin, St. Teresa's Academy
Hanna Ceule, Mill Valley
Grace  Cole, Bishop Miege High School
Kate  Cosentino, Blue Valley West High School
Maurissa LeAnne  Cunningham, Center High School
Nicole  D'Souza, Blue Valley West High School
Natalie Dameron, Pembroke Hill
Mame  Dia, Lincoln College Prep
Mya  Dixon, University Academy
Sophia  Dominguez-Heithoff, Park Hill South High School
Estela Espitia, Alta Vista
Alyce  Freeman, Lee's Summit North High School
Mya  Garrett, University Academy
Alexandra  Green, Raymore-Peculiar High School
Hannah Hall, Shawnee Mission South
Tara Hansen, Platte County High School
Charlene  Hansen, Shawnee Mission West
Catherine  Henne, Notre Dame de Sion
Darline Henrius, East High School
Maya Hill, Pembroke Hill
Taylor  Holmes, Sumner Academy of Arts and Science
Lauren  Ingraham, Park Hill South High School
Mona  Jahani, Shawnee Mission South
Shreya  Kalavala, Blue Valley West High School
Alexa Kemper, Lee's Summit North High School
Alaina  Kent, Archbiship O'Hara High School
Karen Michelle  Lemus, Sumner Academy of Arts and Science
Taylor Long, Staley High School
Renny Ma, Shawnee Mission West
Kennedy  McGreevy, St. Thomas Aquinas
Libby Miller, Olathe South
Hannah Motley, Blue Valley North High School
M'Kiylah  Pearson, University Academy
Emily Reid, St. James High School
Maddy Roney, St. Thomas Aquinas
Evelyn  Shelby, Staley High School
JoLynn Smith, Shawnee Mission West
Nadia Suhail, Mill Valley
Athena  Tran, Blue Valley North High School
Mahasin  Tutu, Oak Park High School
Grace  Vedock, Pembroke Hill
Grace  Wampler, Shawnee Mission West
Josie  Weck, Notre Dame de Sion
Helen  Wheatley, St. Teresa's Academy
Brittanie  Whitney, Shawnee Mission East
Ke'Anni  Williams, William Chrisman High School 

The Girls Leadership Program (formerly the Rachel Alexandra Girls Grant Program) was established in 1999 for the purpose of teaching teen women all aspects of philanthropy including grant-making, fundraising, leadership, team-building, program evaluation, and budgeting.  It is a year-long program that will be facilitated this year by Cottey College. 

The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women and girls, using philanthropy, research and policy solutions to make meaningful change.  More information about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org.

###

Historic Progress towards Gender Pay Equity in 2015 Missouri Legislative Session

Legislation Garners Unprecedented Bipartisan Support; Passes Through Three Committees

Jefferson City, MO – The Missouri General Assembly saw unprecedented progress on legislation to close the gender pay gap before adjournment last Friday. Equal pay legislation generated bipartisan support; passing out of three separate committees and garnering 22 cosponsors in the House of Representatives.  This level of support marked historic movement, despite the legislation not passing out of the full legislature before session’s end.

“We would like to thank the legislators on both sides of the aisle who worked to advance equal pay for equal work this session,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of the Women’s Foundation. “We will continue to advocate for passage of pay equity legislation next year as well as for other policy solutions to remove this economic barrier for women and their families.”

After a research study, conducted with the University of Missouri, identified that women in Missouri make 29% less than men for the same work, the Women’s Foundation made pay equity a public policy priority for their organization.  For several months, the Foundation has been working to bring attention to this issue of inequity, cultivating support for solutions and engaging with policy makers to discuss and advance solutions.

Both HB 44, sponsored by Rep. Stephen Webber (Columbia), and SB 144, sponsored by Sen. Paul LeVota (Independence), would establish best practice guidelines for businesses to utilize when addressing the gender pay gap. HB 44 attracted 22 cosponsors before end of session and passed out of two House committees with bipartisan support. SB 144 passed out of one Senate committee with bipartisan support.

It is not uncommon for legislation to take multiple sessions to pass out of the legislature and the next regular session of the Missouri General Assembly begins in January 2016.  Until then, Women’s Foundation will continue to work toward policy solutions – legislative and otherwise—to address issues facing women and their families.

 The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women and girls, using philanthropy, research and policy solutions to make meaningful change. 

###

No Excuses... and Other Lessons From My Mother

Column by Wendy Doyle, President & CEO, Women's Foundation

My mother lit my internal flame to work for change, and her lessons guide me every day.

Wendy Doyle as a baby with her twin brother Chad, father Wendell and mother Carol Davis on Mother's Day 1969.

My mother shattered a glass ceiling, but it began with her mother. In the early 1950's, my grandmother owned her own accounting practice and gained the respect of women and men alike. The self-educated woman could see the art and science of numbers and, with her gentle nature, she was also a shrewd businesswoman. She grew the small business into a thriving practice, groomed her daughter, and then gifted the business to my mother, who honored her legacy with great respect for more than 40 years...  

READ THE FULL COLUMN AT HUFFINGTON POST HERE. 

Equal Pay Legislation in Missouri Moves One Step Closer to Enactment

Bill Passed Unanimously Out of House Select Committee 

Jefferson City, MO – On Wednesday night, the House Select Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations passed equal pay legislation (HB 44, filed by Rep. Stephen Webber of Columbia) unanimously and with bipartisan support.  This marks another procedural step towards the bill’s passage.  

HB 44 had previously been passed out of another House committee and a similar bill, SB 144, sponsored by Sen. Paul LeVota (Independence), also passed out of the Senate Small Business Committee with bipartisan backing last month.

Both HB 44 and SB 144 would establish best practice guidelines for businesses to utilize when addressing the gender pay gap. The momentum of these bills represents great progress for the Women’s Foundation public policy agenda in addressing the fact that women in Missouri make only 71 cents to the dollar men make.

 “It’s very encouraging to see bipartisan support for closing the gender pay gap,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation. “Removing economic barriers for women is the right thing to do for our families and our economy.”

 “It’s time to ensure equal pay for equal work,” said Rep. Stephen Webber.  “I’m hopeful we can pass this legislation and get it on the Governor’s desk for signature this year.”

 A research study conducted by the Women’s Foundation in partnership with the University of Missouri in 2014 showed women in Missouri make 29% less than men for the same work.  As part of its work to advance solutions to close this pay gap, the Women’s Foundation has been raising awareness of the problem and cultivating support for policy solutions including HB 44 and SB 144.

 Legislative session ends Friday, May 15.

###

Equal Pay Legislation in Missouri Clears another Hurdle

Bipartisan Support Moves Bills Forward

Jefferson City, MO – Today, HB 44, filed by Rep. Stephen Webber (Columbia), was passed with bipartisan support out of the House Workforce Standards and Development committee by a vote of 8-0.  Two weeks ago, a similar bill, SB 144 sponsored by Sen. Paul LeVota (Independence) passed out of the Senate Small Business Committee with bipartisan backing.

Both HB 44 and SB 144 would establish best practice guidelines for businesses to utilize when addressing the gender pay gap. The movement of these bills represents great progress for the Women’s Foundation public policy agenda in addressing the fact that women in Missouri make only 71 cents to the dollar men make.

“We’re now one step closer to enacting a smart policy solution which will address the gender pay gap and positively impact the lives of Missouri women as well as our economy,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation. “When women succeed, Missouri succeeds.”

“By working together, we have created the opportunity to pass a straightforward policy solution aimed at improving the lives of Missouri women, their families and our economy,” said Rep. Stephen Webber, sponsor of HB 44.  “The gender wage gap affects us all and with bipartisan support we will begin to close it.”

A research study conducted by the Women’s Foundation in partnership with the University of Missouri in 2014 showed women in Missouri make 29% less than men for the same work.  As part of its work to advance solutions to close this pay gap, the Women’s Foundation has been raising awareness of the problem and cultivating public support for HB 44 and SB 144.

HB 44 currently has 21 House cosponsors.  The next steps for the equal pay bills will be a full House or Senate vote.

###