STATEMENT FROM WENDY DOYLE REGARDING MISSOURI CAPITOL INTERN POLICIES

Kansas City, MO – Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of the Women's Foundation, today released the following statement regarding Missouri Capitol intern policies released by Speaker of the House Todd Richardson:

The Women’s Foundation commends Speaker Richardson’s efforts to address inappropriate behavior towards Capitol interns. Speaker Richardson and the Women’s Foundation listened to Missouri women, incorporated their ideas, and remains committed to changing the culture of the Capitol. We are supportive of the General Assembly’s continued work to create an environment where all interns have an equal opportunity to learn and succeed.
 
The Women's Foundation is dedicated to removing barriers for women so they can achieve their full economic and leadership potential. As long as sexual harassment exists and is enabled in the Missouri State Capitol or anywhere else, that presents a barrier for women to advance professionally and to lead in the future.  

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Why Arianna?

By Wendy Doyle, President & CEO, Women's Foundation

Women’s Foundation hosts an annual luncheon to raise funds to help our mission; creating equity and opportunity for women of all ages. Each year we carefully and purposefully select a keynote speaker who will inspire and motivate us for another year; in the past we’ve hosted such amazing speakers as Madeleine Albright and America Fererra. These women are agents of change; working in their unique ways to improve the lives of others, especially women.  They inspire our guests and our foundation to continue working for change.

Our 2015 keynote speaker Arianna Huffington, President and Editor-in-Chief of the Huffington Post Media Group, is no different. Here’s why we chose her:

·        Women and Girls at Their Best
Arianna Huffington embodies the vision of the Women’s Foundation: equity and opportunity for women of all ages. She too strives to be an agent of change. She understands the importance of lifting up women because when women succeed in work, family and life -- communities thrive.

 ·        Civic Representation of Women
One important point to note about Arianna’s success is her willingness to step forward and take risks. As our research identifies, the number one reason women are not civically engaged is because they have not been asked. Rather in 2003, Arianna Huffington stepped forward and was an independent candidate to recall California Governor Gray Davis. She took a risk because she wanted to make an impact on families’ lives. She wanted to be a voice for the voiceless, something we strive for at Women’s Foundation.

·        Leadership
For our Status of Women in Missouri and Kansas research, one key indicator is leadership. Arianna’s success in her civic work, communications work and life as entrepreneur through The Huffington Post allows her to continue her passion of lifting up women. Not only is she an entrepreneur but serves on numerous boards including The Center for Public Integrity and The Committee to Protect Journalists.  Her success has identified her as one of the world’s most 100 influential people by TIME magazine and one of the “Most Powerful Women” list by Forbes.  

Arianna is a leader, is civic-minded, is an entrepreneur, serves on boards, is a voice for the voiceless and lifts up women.  We can’t think of anyone better to inspire us to continue to work for change.

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Statement from Wendy Doyle on Governor Nixon’s Executive Order 15-06

Kansas City, MO– Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation, today released the following statement regarding Governor Jay Nixon’s Executive Order 15-06 to promote diversity in state government contracting: 

“The Women’s Foundation commends Governor Nixon for working to remove barriers for women and minority business owners in order to promote equity and improve our economy.  We firmly believe Missouri’s next chapter of economic growth will be led by women; by increasing opportunities for all women entrepreneurs, we are investing in a stronger economy for all Missourians.” 

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

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2015 Annual Luncheon Tickets Now on Sale!

The wait is over! Tickets for our annual Will Work for Change luncheon are now available. Reserve your spot to see Arianna Huffington today before tickets sell out!

Arianna Huffington is chair, president and editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post Media Group and author of 14 books. Grab your friends and join us for her inspiring talk at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center on Friday, December 4, 2015!

At Women’s Foundation, we work for change to help improve the lives of women and their families. Our annual luncheon is a time to reflect, celebrate and challenge ourselves to do more. Invest in the success of women of all ages and reserve your ticket today.

September 2015 Newsletter

View this email in your browser September 2015 Women's Foundation Board goes to D.C. Jo Yun, Sherri Wattenbarger, Wendy Doyle, Kristin Wing, Linda Jordan at the White House (not pictured but also part of delegation: Colleen Dougherty Euteneuer) Last week five members from our board traveled to Washington D.C. at their own expense to meet with research and policy organizations and makers to learn of best practices that can be applied to the Women’s Foundation here at home. The Women’s Foundation is committed to being an avid learner and this is one way our organization can continue our commitment to learning. Luncheon General Tickets Available Soon! Sponsorships Still Available! We are happy to announce general ticket sales for our 2015 “Will Work For Change” Luncheon will be coming soon! We invite you to join us for a day to celebrate the work we do for women of all ages and to get inspired by Arianna Huffington, President & Editor-in-Chief, Huffington Post Media Group. Sponsors, Investors and Inner Circle members are still encouraged to reserve their tables and tickets as well. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Inner Circle learn more HERE. We are anticipating a sell out crowd again this year so make your reservation today. Please contact Alison Patterson for more information. Introducing the 2015 Girls Leadership Class We welcomed our largest class of Girls Leadership Program members during a celebration on Wednesday, September 23. All 50 members and their families were invited to join us for a reception at Webster House. The new members were given an introduction and overview of the program and the opportunity to network with each other. Check out these photos from our event! Featured Grantee – Women’s Employment Network Every year the Women’s Foundation announces a package of grants that aim 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 all aspects of women and their families’ lives through education, career coaching, financial support and other means. Each month the Women’s Foundation will feature a recipient of our grants in the newsletter. This month our featured grantee is the Women’s Employment Network (WEN). Women’s Foundation supports the WEN’s Financial Coaching and Credit Building Program, which aims to ensure that women's career gains are translated into increased wealth and economic security. The WEN helps women earn a brighter future for themselves, families and our community. Through structured and personalized career services, WEN creates positive change in the lives of women who struggle with social, economic and educational barriers to employment. WEN’s efforts help women discover their own abilities, gain employment and build a better future for themselves, their families and their communities. We’re proud to contribute to their mission.

August 2015 Newsletter

View this email in your browser August 2015 Keynote Speaker Announced for Annual “Will Work For Change” Luncheon Earlier this month we announced Arianna Huffington as the keynote speaker of our Annual “Will Work For Change” Luncheon. We are thrilled to welcome her to Kansas City in December and look forward to her insight on creating change to improve the lives of women and their families.   The Women’s Foundation 2015 Annual Luncheon will be hosted on December 4, 2015.  We invite our Sponsors, Investors and Inner Circle members to reserve their tables and tickets today! If you are interested in becoming a member of the Inner Circle learn more HERE.  We will be happy to place all other inquiries on a pre-purchase list and your table or ticket will be available on Thursday, October 1st. We are once again anticipating a sell out crowd so make your reservation today.  Please contact Alison Patterson for more information.     Appointments Project - St. Louis is Launched This month, in partnership with Mayor Francis Slay, the Women’s Foundation expanded the Appointments Project to St. Louis, MO, to increase the number of women on city boards and commissions. Read our press release here.   We kicked off this newest partnership with the announcement of our first St. Louis Appointment. Congratulations to Bridget Halquist on her appointment to the St. Louis Firefighter’s Retirement Plan Board!   Read Wendy’s Women’s Equality Day Blog on Huffington Post August 26 is a day meant to commemorate women’s suffrage in the United States. Instead of a day of commemoration, our President and CEO Wendy Doyle challenges us to approach Women’s Equality Day as a day of action to further our quest for true gender equality. Read her blog post here.   New Application for Appointments Project The Appointments Project has received so many applications over the past year that we've had to expand our system in order to make sure every application is carefully considered. In order to do this we have designed a new online form! Please fill out an online application with us if you haven't previously done so or if you submitted a form or resume prior to this July.  Help us continue to expand the Appointments Project by encouraging women to pursue one of these many leadership opportunities. If you or a woman you know has a desire to serve, we encourage you to check out our featured appointments and apply here.! Greater Missouri Leadership Challengers Meet and Greet in Columbia Wendy Doyle met with members of the Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge and several other Mid-Missouri leaders on August 14. The group discussed the work of the Women’s Foundation and brainstormed ways to expand our programs to more areas of the state.   Thanks to Jan Grossmann for hosting, and to these wonderful women for taking an interest in improving the lives of women in their communities! Featured Grantee - Rockhurst University; Prosperity Center Every year the Women’s Foundation announces a package of grants that aim 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 all aspects of women and their families’ lives through education, career coaching, financial support and other means. Each month the Women’s Foundation will feature a recipient of our grants in the newsletter.   This month our featured grantee is Rockhurst University's Prosperity Center. The Women’s Foundation grant supports 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. Keep up the good work! Women's Foundation on the Air On August 6, Wendy Doyle, was the featured guest on Women’s Issues, Women’s Voices, live on KOPN radio in Columbia, MO.  Wendy and host Sarah Catlin discussed the mission of the Women’s Foundation and research on the Status of Women in Missouri.

Instead of Commemoration, let Women’s Equality Day be a Call to Action

by Wendy Doyle

Congress declared August 26th Women’s Equality Day 44 years ago in commemoration of the 19th amendment, which granted women’s suffrage.  Gaining the right to vote was one giant leap for womankind, but only one small step towards equality.  Instead of a day of commemoration, I say we approach Women’s Equality Day as a day of action to further our quest for true gender equality. 

Many gender gaps still exist and many barriers hold women back. Ninety-five years after gaining the right to vote, women are still not paid equally for their work and the United States is one of only nine countries that doesn’t provide paid maternity leave for working mothers. Despite now earning a majority of college degrees, women only make up about 5% of CEOs. 

There are many issues that need to be addressed, but here are three existing gaps that we all should be working to close: 

1) Pay Gap – Earlier this year, the Women’s Foundation released with the Institute of Public Policy at the University of Missouri a research study about the Status of Women in Missouri. Our study found that a woman who works full-time in Missouri earns 29% less than a man does for the same work. With few exceptions, this income gap persists across racial and ethnic groups, age, education levels and occupations.  Nationally, the gender pay gap is generally reported to be 22%.  It’s past time for equal pay for equal work!

2) Opportunity Gap – Our research also found (not surprisingly) that working women and families face challenges when it comes to securing safe healthy supervision for their children and care for aging parents. Supportive work policies are extremely valuable as they allow women and families to be prosperous and more productive, but many employers do not have policies such as offering flex-time for caring for family members, paid maternity and paternity leave, or childcare benefits.  This holds women back from achieving their full career and economic potential.

3) Leadership Gap – Women are largely underrepresented in elected office, in the C-suite and on boards and commissions; all places where policy decisions are made. A research study commissioned by the Women’s Foundation with the University of Kansas in 2014 found barriers to women’s civic engagement.  Women who have not served feel they don’t have the knowledge and expertise needed, and feel less confident in their leadership skills.  It also showed that many women weren’t aware of the opportunities to serve in local government and that they’d be more likely to serve if asked.  

How long will women have to wait before Women’s Equality Day will truly commemorate gender equality?  At the Women’s Foundation, we’re working for change -- to close these gaps and remove barriers for women and their families.  We’ve been advancing the cause of equal pay with elected officials and community leaders in Missouri, recruiting more women to local and state leadership positions, and working with researchers and policy makers to help further supportive policies in the workplace.

Someday soon, I hope that Women’s Equality Day can commemorate more than women’s suffrage. I hope that it can be used to commemorate true equality where women share the same chances and opportunities as men.  Just like the struggle to gain women’s suffrage, full economic equality won’t come easily. We have to work for it.  At the Women’s Foundation we will continue to work for change. Will you help us?

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Women's Foundation Announces 2015 Luncheon Speaker

International icon Arianna Huffington to speak at women’s foundation “Will Work For Change” annual luncheon

Arianna Huffington

Kansas City, MO – Today, the Women’s Foundation announced that Arianna Huffington will be the keynote speaker at their annual fundraising luncheon. This year’s luncheon will be held at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center on Friday, December 4th.

“We are pleased to announce that this year’s Annual Luncheon featured speaker will be Arianna Huffington, chair, president and editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post Media Group and author of 14 books,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of the Women’s Foundation.  “Arianna, an entrepreneur and business leader, is among the most influential players shaping the national conversation on politics, the economy, the media and public policy.”

The Women’s Foundation Annual Luncheon began in 1993 to engage and empower all those attending to work for change in their communities. The Women’s Foundation also announced this year’s Honorary Luncheon Chair, Shirley Helzberg, and Co-Chairs: Linda Hanson, Regional Market President for Enterprise Bank & Trust, and Steve Edwards, Chairman, President & CEO, Black & Veatch.

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.

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Women's Foundation and Mayor Francis Slay Announce Appointments Project

PARTNERSHIP  WILL PROMOTE ST. LOUIS WOMEN FOR LOCAL LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

St. Louis, Mo – Today, the Women’s Foundation and St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay announced a new partnership to increase the number of women serving on City boards and commissions.  St. Louis will be the second city in Missouri to launch a Women’s Foundation Appointments Project to advance more women into leadership positions, after a successful pilot project in Kansas City, MO, last year.  As part of the event, Mayor Slay also announced the first appointment through the Women’s Foundation Appointments Project – St. Louis, Bridget Halquist, who has been appointed to the St. Louis Firefighters' Retirement Plan Board.

“We are very pleased to partner with Mayor Slay and the City of St. Louis to launch another city-wide Appointments Project to enable more women to lead in their community,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of the Women’s Foundation. “At the Women’s Foundation, we work to remove barriers for women and their families, and we’re thrilled to expand this work to include Missouri’s two largest cities.”

Currently, 31 percent of the 464 seats on St. Louis boards and commissions are held by women.  The Appointments Project – St. Louis will work to identify good candidates for city leadership positions by increasing awareness of open board positions, connecting local talent, and helping women navigate the process.  Past research on civic engagement conducted by the Women’s Foundation has shown that while women have the drive and the desire to serve on a board or commission, many feel like they do not have the knowledge or experience to do so.  In addition, many women express they would serve, if they were asked.

 “Several of my senior staff are women, including Chief of Staff Mary Ellen Ponder, and we would like to see more women represented on our boards and commissions," said Mayor Slay.  “We’re proud to partner with the Women's Foundation to lead our region in encouraging more women to consider serving in these important roles and removing any barriers that may exist for them to do so,” said Mayor Slay. “Having more women in leadership positions will enrich and strengthen our city through increasing perspectives.”

In addition to increasing the pool of potential applicants for the city and encouraging women to apply, the Appointments Project – St. Louis will include training sessions for interested board candidates in conjunction with the United Way of Greater St. Louis.  

The first appointment through the Appointments Project – St. Louis was announced as Bridget Halquist, who was recently appointed to the St. Louis Firefighters' Retirement Plan Board. 

“I am honored to receive the first appointment through the St. Louis Appointments Project. I am grateful to Mayor Slay and to the Women’s Foundation for their guidance in this process. I know many more women are waiting for the same opportunities that I’ve been given,” said Bridget Halquist, an attorney and recent appointee to the St. Louis Firefighters’ Retirement Plan Board.

The Women’s Foundation Appointments Project serves as a talent bank, advisor, and advocate for women seeking opportunities to lead in their communities 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 Appointments Project was first launched in Kansas City in 2014 when the University of Kansas reported that only 26 percent of people on Kansas City boards and commissions were women. The pilot project in Kansas City has reported that after one year, 42.3 percent of people on boards and commissions are women.

For more information, visit: www.womens-foundation.org/a-p. 

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July 2015 Newsletter

View this email in your browser July 2015 Join our Inner Circle We hosted an Inner Circle dinner on July 20 to welcome new members. Thank you to our co-hosts Anab Abdulahi and Marilyn Salomon and to the wonderful people who could attend, we are thrilled about your passion to contribute to your community and our work.   Pictured here are: Anab Abdulahi, Wendy D. Doyle, President and CEO, Lisa Hickok, Marilyn Salomon and Sherri Wattenbarger, Board Chair. Inner Circle members have pledged to be to be an advocate for women and their families in the Kansas City community and the Midwest by contributing $100 per month for a year. In return they receive a wide variety of Women’s Foundation insider information, as well as invitations to events and other opportunities. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Inner Circle please contact Alison Patterson. The Appointments Project is Growing This month, the Women’s Foundation expanded our Appointments Project beyond Kansas City to the entire state of Missouri. There are more than 200 state boards in Missouri with many vacancies to fill and the Women’s Foundation is committed to helping fill these vacancies on state-appointed boards with qualified, dedicated women. Help us expand the Appointments Project by encouraging women with expertise in their field to pursue one of these many leadership opportunities. If you or a woman you know has a desire to serve, we encourage you to check out our featured appointments and apply here. Save the Date – Women’s Foundation Annual Luncheon The Women’s Foundation Annual Luncheon will be hosted on December 4, 2015. Please look forward to the announcement of our keynote speaker and more information coming soon!   Our annual luncheons serve as a place for women advocates to connect and share ideas. At last year’s luncheon, former secretary of state Madeleine Albright spoke to us about the importance of encouraging women at home and around the world. Albright stressed the importance of investing in women now and for the future.  Check out photos from last year’s luncheon on our Facebook page here.    Nearly 1400 people attended the Annual Women's Foundation Luncheon in 2014 Underwriting Opportunities Available for our 2015 Women’s Foundation Luncheon- The time is quickly approaching for us finalize our annual luncheon sponsors! Don’t miss your opportunity to sponsor a table or luncheon programming. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor please contact Alison Patterson.  United States Women’s World Soccer Team and Equal Pay On July, 5 the United States soccer team won the FIFA Women’s World Cup against Japan. Among the team were four players from Kansas City! The Women’s Foundation is extremely proud of these local players and the United States women’s team for their victory. What we’re not proud of is the gender pay gap for women’s soccer players and all women athletes. The gender wage gap exists in sports just like it exists in most professional fields. Our female athletes work hard to compete and represent our country at the national level and deserve to be compensated equally to that of their male counterparts.  The payout for the Women’s World Cup this year was $15 million, compared with the total for the men’s World Cup last year of $576 million. At the Women’s Foundation we’re using research and awareness to close the pay gap through legislation and public policy. Check out the progress we made in Missouri during the last legislative session here. Featured Grantee- The Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Last month, the Women’s Foundation 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 all aspects of women and their families’ lives through education, career coaching, financial support and other means. Each month the Women’s Foundation will feature a recipient of our grants in the newsletter.   This month our featured grantee is the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV). MCADSV aims to unite Missourians against rape and abuse with the belief that the violence must end through education, alliance, research and public policy. The coalition provides assistance to the advocacy community by operating a toll-free helpline for advocates in Missouri. Advocates can call the helpline to receive direct, problem-solving services in a variety of areas. MCDASV also places emphasis on language access and primary prevention, preventing first time perpetration. The coalition focuses on public policy to improve laws, systems, and policies in order to address and prevent violence against women in Missouri. MCDASV has been advocating for the safety of women since 1980 and we are thrilled to become part of their dedicated efforts.  For more information, visit: https://www.mocadsv.org/