Wendy Doyle Selected to Attend The United State of Women Summit

Kansas City, MO - Wendy Doyle, a Kansas City-based leader in advocacy for equity and opportunity for women of all ages, has been selected to attend The United State of Women Summit next week. 

This summit is hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama and will feature speakers on key gender equity topics, including: Economic Empowerment, Health & Wellness, Educational Opportunity, Violence Against Women, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and Leadership & Civic Engagement. 

Summit programming will run from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm on the 14th. There will then be additional events throughout the following day, June 15th, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, at various times. A live stream of the event will be available on the morning of June 14th.

Ms. Doyle will be available upon request to discuss her experience at the Summit following the conclusion of programming on June 14th.

Ms. Doyle is the President and CEO of Women’s Foundation, where she promotes equity and opportunity for women and their families, using philanthropy, research, and policy solutions to make meaningful change. Learn more about Women’s Foundation at www.womens-foundation.org

Women’s Foundation Announces 2016 Grant Recipients

New Investments Empower Women of All Ages

Kansas City, MO – Women’s Foundation today announced 2016 grants that invest in women’s economic development and empowerment. These grants support organizations that offer solutions based on Women’s Foundation’s Status of Women in Missouri and Status of Women in Kansas research studies. The key indicators of those studies include economic security, education, childcare, healthcare, and civic leadership. Women’s Foundation looks forward to collaborating with these organizations to work for change in Kansas and Missouri.  

2016 recipients of Women’s Foundation investments:

Missouri State University Foundation to support the establishment of a Women’s Leadership Initiative to include programming on relevant topics to inspire and develop women leaders through speakers, mentorship advocacy, leadership, and the creation of a civic and business board pipeline.

HappyBottoms to support the HappyBottoms Diaper Distribution Program and childcare needs in Kansas City. This program is the only diaper bank in the Kansas City metropolitan area and includes a preventive care and health education program for caregivers and parents.

Women’s Employment Network to support the 2016-2017 Financial Program and Credit Building programing which ensures that women's career gains translate into increased wealth and economic security. The program includes one-on-one coaching to address achieving financial goals, overcoming debt and repairing credit, workshops for WEN clients and general community outreach and credit building assistance.

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.

PREP – KC to support the expansion of Girls-Only Career Jumping and GirlsIGNITE events to serve 700 middle school girls during the 2016-2017 school year. These events provide the opportunity for Kansas City young women to engage in hands-on activities and dialogue with professionals from Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields about their work, education, and background. The goal of this program is to encourage middle school girls to pursue careers in STEM fields.

Amethyst Place to support on-the-job mentors, personal mentors through the Encompass program, one-on-one mentors, and parenting and life skills classes. Through partnerships with businesses, the program strives to help single mothers find meaningful employment that serves as a foundation for building self-esteem and a vision for a different, better life for her and her children.

Cornerstones of Care to support the Home Visitation Program, which delivers a nationally certified evidence-based practice for abuse prevention to new mothers who are most at-risk of maltreating their babies.

Hope House, Inc. to support the hiring of a Housing Advocate for their newly created Permanent Housing Program for domestic violence survivors and their dependents. The Housing Advocate will assess the housing needs of survivors, assist survivors in securing and maintaining permanent housing, offer financial assistance, and provide a wide variety of advocacy and support services to meet the varying needs of survivors.

Community LINC to support the Interim and Immediate Housing program. This program provides a vital hand-up to equip mothers and families to be housed and self-sufficient by providing housing and support services to approximately 150 families a year. 77 percent of the adults served in 2015 were mothers, and 79 percent of families were single-parent households, and 92 percent of those families were female head-of-households.

Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV) to support the Intern Resource Project, to alleviate campus sexual assault, intern sexual harassment, and dating violence. MCADSV will convene statewide and campus leadership from organizations that influence policies and practices at Missouri's post-secondary schools, including support to coordinate the implementation of a new Intern Resource web portal.

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

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Alyssa Parsons Appointed to Kansas City Brownsfield Commission

Parsons is 27th Appointments Project Success 

Kansas City, MO –Women’s Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of Alyssa Parsons to the Kansas City Brownfields Commission. Parsons was appointed by Mayor Sly James, who has partnered with Women’s Foundation’s Appointments Project through his Women’s Empowerment Initiative (WE), in order to address the gender gap in city leadership positions. 

“Parsons’ leadership experience and vision as a community leader and volunteer, and as an architect with BNIM, will greatly benefit the Kansas City Brownsfield Commission,” said Mayor Sly James. “Thanks to our partnership with Women’s Foundation, we continue to make progress on increasing the number of qualified women in leadership roles on boards and commissions here in Kansas City.” 

“Alyssa will be a valuable addition to the Kansas City Brownsfield Commission. We at Women’s Foundation are happy to have provided her with support and guidance,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women’s Foundation. “We are glad to have the partnership of Mayor James in our endeavor to empower more women serve on boards and commissions.” 

Alyssa Parsons received a Masters of Architecture from Kansas State University in 2011 and has since been working for BNIM Architects on a variety of different building and design projects in Missouri, Kansas and California. 

“Serving on the Brownfields Commission allows me to put my research, advocacy, and professional expertise into practice and make real, lasting change in my city” said Alyssa Parsons. “I would not have known about this vacancy, let alone applied, without the Women’s Foundation reaching out to me and guiding me through the application process. I am grateful for the Women’s Foundation and the Appointments Project, which has empowered me to serve on a Kansas City commission.” 

Women’s Foundation Appointments Project serves as a talent bank, advisor, and advocate for women seeking opportunities to lead 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. 

Twenty-seven (27) women have been appointed to boards and commissions in Missouri and Kansas as a result of the Appointments Project since its launch in the spring of 2014.  The Appointments Project is currently active in helping recruit and train more women to serve on boards and commissions for the States of Missouri and Kansas, the Cities of St. Louis and Kansas City, MO, and Olathe, KS. 

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

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Deann Mitchell Appointed to Governor's Behavioral Health Services Planning Council

Women’s Foundation Announces the First Statewide Appointment in Kansas

Kansas City, MO – Women’s Foundation is proud to announce the first statewide appointment in Kansas through the Appointments Project. Governor Sam Brownback has appointed Deann Mitchell to the Governor's Behavioral Health Services Planning Council. Women’s Foundation sponsored Deann through their Appointments Project, an endeavor to address the gender gap in city and state leadership positions. To date, the Appointments Project has lead to 26 successful appointments in Missouri and Kansas.

“Deann Mitchell will be an excellent addition to the Governor's Behavioral Health Services Planning Council. Women’s Foundation is pleased to have provided her with support via the Appointments Project.” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women’s Foundation. “We are grateful to have the cooperation of Governor Brownback in our efforts to empower more women to serve on boards and commissions in Kansas.”

Deann Mitchell has focused her life and her career on the simple goal of helping others. She specializes in assisting people who are struggling to put financial pieces together. Deann has worked in the financial service industry for more than 29 years and has earned the designation of Chartered Financial Consultant as well was Certified Financial Planner. Deann enjoys being involved in many civic and philanthropic pursuits.  She is an active member in Central Exchange, is a board member for the Veterans Voices Writing Project, and volunteers with the Women’s Employment Network.

“I am appreciative of the support given to me by the Women’s Foundation’s Appointments Project,” Deann Mitchell said. “I look forward to using my experience to contribute to the success of the Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council.”

Women’s Foundation Appointments Project serves as a talent bank, advisor, and advocate for women seeking opportunities to lead 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.

26 women have been appointed to boards and commissions in Missouri and Kansas through the Appointments Project since its launch in the spring of 2014.  The Appointments Project is currently active in helping recruit and train more women serve on boards and commissions for the States of Missouri and Kansas, and the Cities of St. Louis, MO, Olathe, KS, and Kansas City, MO.

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

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Statement from Wendy Doyle

Kansas City, MO –  Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of Women's Foundation, today issued the following statement after the passage of the REAUTHORIZATION OF THE WARTIME VETERAN'S SURVIVOR GRANT PROGRAM:

"We are very pleased the Missouri legislature passed the reauthorization of the Wartime Veteran’s Survivor Grant Program, which provides grants to the children and spouses of military veterans, allowing them to attend a Missouri university and obtain a college education that may otherwise have been cost-prohibitive.  We actively supported this bipartisan legislation because, based on our Status of Women in Missouri and Project Diane research, we know it’s one solution to make a difference for women and their families. We'd like to thank Sen. David Pearce and Rep. Denny Hoskins for their leadership on this important issue.
 
'Women’s Foundation has a strong commitment to continue working for policy solutions that will support and improve the lives of Missouri women and their families.   We will continue to work for change in legislative sessions to come."
 

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Kellyann Jones-Jamtgaard Appointed to Kansas City Health Commission

Women’s Foundation Appointments Project Announces Newest Appointee to Kansas City Health Commission 

 Kansas City, MO – Today, Women’s Foundation announced another appointment as Mayor Sly James appointed Kellyann Jones-Jamtgaard to the Kansas City Health Commission. Women’s Foundation promoted Jones-Jamtgaard through their Appointments Project, which has partnered with Mayor James to address the gender gap in city leadership positions. 

 “Women’s Foundation is thrilled to have provided support to Kellyann Jones-Jamtgaard through the Appointments Project, she will be a wonderful addition to the Kansas City Health Commission.” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women’s Foundation. “We are glad to have the partnership of Mayor James in our endeavor to empower more women serve on boards and commissions.” 

 “Kellyann’s experience in the Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics department at the University of Kansas Medical Center, as well as her leadership in healthcare advocacy, will greatly benefit the Kansas City Health Commission,” said Mayor Sly James. “The Women’s Foundation has been a great partner with my office's Women's Empowerment Initiative to identify talented, capable women for service on city boards and commissions ”  

 Kellyann Jones-Jamtgaard is currently a PhD candidate in the Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics department at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Her research focuses on understanding the cell biology of Hepatitis C virus infection, which can cause liver disease and cancer. Outside of the lab, Kellyann has been active in campus life through student government, advocating for increased science funding both locally and in Washington D.C., and promoting diversity and inclusion through the KU Women in Science and Medicine group and Student Diversity Council. Kellyann also enjoys volunteering with K-12 students showing that science can be fun and accessible to everyone. Prior to graduate school, Kellyann received a BS in Biology and Spanish from Duke University in Durham, NC, and worked at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD, learning about health disparities. Kellyann is originally from the Bronx, NY though Kansas City has been home since 2009 and she enjoys spending time with her husband Louis exploring all the city and the Midwest has to offer. 

“I have always wanted to be more involved in public service and give back to my community but wasn’t sure where to start—meeting with the Women’s Foundation staff helped me to realize that everything I had done up to this point had prepared me to serve on a city commission,” said Kellyann Jones-Jamtgaard. “I am grateful to the Women’s Foundation for helping me find the confidence to participate in the appointments project and I look forward to using my expertise and voice to advocate for the health of Kansas City.”   

 Women’s Foundation Appointments Project serves as a talent bank, advisor, and advocate for women seeking opportunities to lead 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. 

Women’s Foundation has been working to promote more women to boards and commissions in Missouri and Kansas through the Appointments Project since its Kansas City launch in the spring of 2014.  The Appointments Project is currently active in helping recruit and train more women to serve on boards and commissions for the States of Missouri and Kansas, and the Cities of St. Louis, MO, Olathe, KS, and Kansas City, MO. 

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

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Statement from Women's Foundation on Senate Bill 855

Kansas City, MO - Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of Women's Foundation, today issued the following statement after Senate Bill 855, which would reauthorize the Wartime Veteran's Survivor Grant program, was passed out of the House Select Committee on Social Services:  

Women's Foundation is pleased that SB 855 passed out of committee today.  The Wartime Veteran's Survivor Grant program would greatly benefit Missouri’s military families and would strengthen Missouri's economy by better educating the workforce and attracting military families to our state.  We thank Sen. David Pearce and Rep. Denny Hoskins for their leadership on this issue and urge all members of the Missouri House of Representatives to pass this legislation.
 

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Statement from Wendy Doyle on Gov. Nixon's Equal Pay Directive

Kansas City, MO –  Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of Women's Foundation, released the following statement regarding Governor Jay Nixon’s Equal Pay Day announcement: 

"Women’s Foundation applauds Governor Jay Nixon for his leadership on the issue of equal pay for equal work.  We have appreciated the opportunity to work with his administration as we developed the Pay Equity Best Practices Guidelines with the MU Institute of Public Policy.  They are an important tool for closing the gender pay gap, and we look forward to their implementation at the state level in Missouri and adoption in the private sector. Women’s Foundation remains dedicated to closing the gender pay gap once and for all."

On Monday, Women’s Foundation released guidelines on best practices employers in the public and private sectors can adopt to work toward pay equity. Women’s Foundation contracted with the University of Missouri’s Truman School of Public Affairs Institute of Public Policy (IPP) to conduct the research and develop the guidelines.  

The Pay Equity Best Practice Guidelines seek to improve standards for pay equity and achieve measurable results with three best practices for Missouri employers in both the private and public sectors:

• Employers Should Determine if Gender-Based Pay Disparities Exist 
• Reevaluate the Current Pay System from an Equity Perspective 
• Promote and Ensure Pay Transparency

A recording of the webinar press conference announcing the Pay Equity Best Practices Guidelines is available here: https://recordings.join.me/atRkiCIS60m1gfaLw80Nmg.  

A full copy of the report can be downloaded at http://www.womens-foundation.org/equal-pay/.  

The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy 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 Releases "Pay Equity Best Practices Guidelines"

MISSOURI –  Women’s Foundation today released guidelines on best practices employers in the public and private sectors can adopt to work toward pay equity. Women’s Foundation contracted the University of Missouri’s Truman School of Public Affairs Institute of Public Policy (IPP) to conduct the research. Using information gained through research, literature reviews, and evaluation of other states gender pay law policies and programs, the IPP developed the Pay Equity Best Practices Guidelines.

"Women's Foundation has worked tirelessly to advance the issue of equal pay since our research identified that women in Missouri are paid only 71 cents to the dollar that men earn," said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of Women's Foundation. "These guidelines serve as a practical tool to achieve equal pay for women. When women are paid equally, it will help our families and our economy."

"It's our hope that every employer can use the tools provided within this report to move their organizations toward gender pay equity,” said Sonja Erickson, Senior Policy Analyst at the MU Institute of Public Policy.

The Pay Equity Best Practices Guidelines are useful tools for private as well as public employers.

“At Black and Veatch, we support pay equity and we were pleased to work with the Women’s Foundation on their best practices guidelines,’ announced Chairman and CEO of Black and Veatch, Steve Edwards. “Equal pay for equal work is good for women, families and it’s also good for business.  We hope other businesses in Missouri and beyond are able to use this tool to great effect.”

The Pay Equity Best Practice Guidelines seek to improve standards for pay equity and achieve measurable results with three best practices for Missouri employers in both the private and public sectors:

• Employers Should Determine if Gender-Based Pay Disparities Exist
• Reevaluate the Current Pay System from an Equity Perspective
• Promote and Ensure Pay Transparency

For each best practice, the report includes a summary of how it can help close the gender pay gap in the public or private sector; examples from other states; and indicators for measuring progress.  It is meant to be a helpful resource and toolkit of practical steps that employers can take to advance pay equity and close the gender wage gap in Missouri. 

A full copy of the report can be downloaded at http://www.womens-foundation.org/equal-pay/.

The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy 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 Appointments Project Celebrates 2 New Appointments in Kansas City

Mayor Sly James Appoints Briana Barron to Kansas City Climate Protection Plan Steering Committee; Siobahn Lesley to Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City Community Advisory Committee

Kansas City, MO – Recently, Mayor Sly James announced the appointments of Briana Barron to the Kansas City Climate Protection Plan Steering Committee and Siobhan Lesley to the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City Community Advisory Committee.

Women’s Foundation promoted these women through the Appointments Project, which aims to remove barriers for women to serve in civic leadership positions and increase the number of women serving on boards and commissions so that they are more reflective of the populations they serve.

“Women’s Foundation is extremely pleased with the success of the Appointments Project and the impact of moving the needle toward equal gender representation in local government,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women’s Foundation. “We could not have expected more from our partnership with Mayor James”

“Many thanks to Briana and Siobhan for your interest in further serving our community," Mayor Sly James said. "I am grateful to the Women's Foundation Appointments Project partnership, for identifying dedicated, qualified, candidates for Kansas City’s boards and commissions."

Briana Barron is a private practice attorney who works with companies in the life science fields.  Before becoming an attorney, Briana obtained a master’s degree in organic chemistry at the University of Kansas and taught chemistry to students at the college level. Working with a team, Briana identified ways to teach standard laboratory techniques with less environmental impact. 

“I’m excited to serve on the Climate Protection Steering Committee,” Briana Barron said. “I believe that cities have an important role to play in creating sustainable solutions to urban life and I look forward to being a part of that role in Kansas City.”

Siobhan McLaughlin Lesley, current Vice President at Walz Tetrick, is an experienced leader and marketer who has, for more than two decades, provided professional and volunteer service to some of Kansas City’s most successful and visible marketing communications companies, as well as arts and social service organizations.  She currently serves as a trustee of Pembroke Hill School, is on the board of Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey, Goodwill Industries of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas, the Kansas City Ballet and Boys and Girls Clubs of Kansas City.  Lesley is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and holds an MBA from KU.  

“The Women’s Foundation Appointments Project paired my interest in health and wellness, especially for underserved populations, with an organization needing my skills and background,” said Siobhan Lesley. “I am proud to represent the City of Kansas City, MO, on the Healthcare Foundation’s Community Advisory Committee.”  

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

Women’s Foundation has been working to promote more women to boards and commissions in Missouri and Kansas through the Appointments Project since its Kansas City launch in the spring of 2014.  The Appointments Project is currently active in helping recruit and train more women to serve on boards and commissions for the State of Missouri and Kansas, City of St. Louis, Olathe, and Kansas City, Missouri.

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

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