One year ago, I had just finished the final pages of Malala Yousafzai's book, "I am Malala." I immediately became enthralled with Malala's journey to fight for equal educational opportunities for women across the globe. Fast forward one year, I was asked by the Women's Foundation to represent the Girl's Leadership program in a small gathering with Malala herself.
Donna Schmitt and Jennifer Matthew Appointed to the Saint Louis Mental Health Board of Trustees
St. Louis, MO – Today, Women’s Foundation announced the appointments of Jennifer Matthew and Donna Schmitt by Mayor Francis Slay to the Saint Louis Mental Health Board of Trustees (MHB). The Saint Louis MHB voted unanimously to recommend both women for appointment after their nominations. Mayor Slay has partnered with Women’s Foundation’s Appointments Project in order advance gender equity in city leadership positions.
“Donna Schmitt and Jennifer Matthew will be wonderful additions to the Saint Louis Mental Health Board; with their experience in criminal and civil legal matters, as well as volunteer work with charitable organizations that focus on mental health, they will add important voices to the board,” said Mayor Francis Slay.
Gov. Nixon Signs Wartime Veteran's Survivor Grant Program Reauthorization into Law
Kansas City, MO - Today, Governor Jay Nixon signed a higher education bill that included the reauthorization of the Wartime Veteran’s Survivor Grant Program, a program for which Women’s Foundation testified in favor during the 2016 Legislative Session. The reauthorization of the Wartime Veteran's Survivor Grant Program was passed on the last day of session, May 13th as part of Senate Bill 997.
Women's Foundation Announces 2016 Girls Leadership Class
Kansas City, MO – Women’s Foundation today announced the acceptance of 61 young women into the Girl’s 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.
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.
Women’s Foundation Announces 2016 Grant Recipients
Kansas City, MO – Women’s Foundation today announced 2016 grants that invest in women’s economic development and empowerment. These grants support a wide array of 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.
Alyssa Parsons Appointed to Kansas City Brownsfield Commission
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.
Deann Mitchell Appointed to Governor's Behavioral Health Services Planning Council
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.
Statement from Wendy Doyle
Kellyann Jones-Jamtgaard Appointed to Kansas City Health Commission
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