Ametra Harris appointed to City of St. Louis Planning Commission

Women's Foundation Appointments Project Hits New Milestone with 30th Appointment

St. Louis, MO –Women’s Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of Ametra Harris to the City of St. Louis Planning Commission. Harris was appointed by Mayor Francis Slay, who has partnered with the Women’s Foundation’s Appointments Project, in order to address the gender gap in city leadership positions.

Ametra Harris 

“Ametra Harris will be a wonderful addition to the City of St. Louis Planning Commission. As a young engineer, Ametra will bring a valuable perspective to the commission,” said Mayor Francis Slay. Thanks to our partnership with the Women’s Foundation, we continue to make progress on increasing the number of qualified women in leadership roles on boards and commissions in the City of St. Louis.”

“Ametra will be a valuable addition to the City of St. Louis Planning Commission. We are happy to have provided her with guidance and support,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women’s Foundation. “We are grateful for our partnership with Mayor Slay as we endeavor to empower more women to serve on boards and commissions.”

Ametra Harris received her bachelor’s degree in of civil engineering from the University of Dayton in 2015, and she works as a Staff Engineer for Kaskaskia Engineering Group.

“I am excited to take on my role of service with the City of St. Louis Planning Commission” said Ametra Harris. “I truly appreciate all of the support the Women’s Foundation has provided me throughout this process and Mayor Slay for the appointment and wonderful opportunity.”

The Women’s Foundation Appointments Project serves as a talent bank, advisor, and advocate for women seeking leadership opportunities for civic engagement and works to attract diverse applicants for appointed positions on boards and commissions.

Thirty (30) 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.

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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Wendy Doyle’s guest blog for Kauffman Foundation

Women's Foundation President & CEO Wendy Doyle shares how our Appointments Project can economically empower women in a new guest blog for Kauffman Foundation that also tees up new research on occupational licensing that will be released soon:

Our Formula for Economically Empowering Women: Research + Solutions = Results

"By helping promote more women to public boards and commissions, we're not only closing the gender gap on those boards, but we are ensuring women have the opportunity to make a difference on public policy issues.

The Appointments Project is great because it’s a win-win. More women are empowered to serve in public leadership positions, and the public boards and commissions benefit from more diverse perspectives, leading to more representational policy making."

Read the full column here:

http://www.kauffman.org/blogs/growthology/2016/09/our-formula-for-economically-empowering-women

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Women’s Foundation, SHRM-KC, and City of Kansas City, Missouri to Host Summit on Workplace Best Practices

“Kansas City Works: Creating the Workplace of the Future” will take place August 10th

Women's Foundation, the Society for Human Resource Management-Kansas City, and the City of Kansas City, Missouri will offer engaging and timely content at “Kansas City Works” on August 10.  The summit will focus on supporting a talented, technologically advanced, diverse workforce that will sustain a competitive and vibrant regional economy.

The Kansas City Works Summit will include programming on When Work Works, an initiative aimed at improving workplace effectiveness and flexibility in Kansas and Missouri. For more information on When Work Works, visit http://www.womens-foundation.org/whenworkworks

WHAT:               Kansas City Works Summit        

WHERE:            Kauffman Foundation Conference Center
                          4801 Rockhill Rd, Kansas City, MO 64110 

WHEN:               Wednesday, August 10, 2016 from 7:30AM - 1:30PM

WHO:                - Kansas City Mayor Sly James
                             - Jane Walton, Principal of Jane Walton Consulting
                              and Author of Why are the Jellyfish Taking Over?
                             - Ellen Galinsky, President and Co-Founder, Families and Work Institute
                             - And Others…

Full agenda and list of presenters available here: http://www.womens-foundation.org/new-events/2016/8/11/family-and-work-summit

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"Kansas City Works" Presents Opportunity for Local Business and H.R. Leaders

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

At Women’s Foundation we identify civic and workplace barriers that hold women back and find solutions to improve the lives of all women and their families. Our research on the Status of Women in Missouri and Kansas revealed an unfortunate truth - women are not adequately supported in the workplace; and it impacts their lives in profound ways.  To address these findings, we identified solutions to empower women in the workplace. 

As part of these ongoing efforts, we are co-sponsoring an upcoming summit, "Kansas City Works: Creating the Workplace of the Future", on Wednesday, August 10th, at the Kauffman Foundation Conference Center.

This summit, presented by Women's Foundation, the Society for Human Resource Management-Kansas City, and the City of Kansas City, Missouri, will offer engaging and timely content focused on attracting and retaining the best and brightest employees; creating equity and efficiency in the workplace; and implementing practices that support employees and their families. Sessions include: 

• Creating thriving, balanced workplace environments 
• Drive Business Success with Workplace Flexibility 
• Any Device, Anywhere, Anytime 
• Apprenticeship Models and Continued Learning 
• Competitive Leave Practices 
• Pay Equity Best Practices
• When Work Works

Interested in attending? You may register here: http://www.womens-foundation.org/new-events/  

Creating effective, modern workplaces is good for business and good for women and their families. But change will not happen unless we all work together.  By providing opportunities such as "Kansas City Works," we will create a conversation that empowers business leaders to work for change that makes both businesses and families stronger.

To learn more about our work for change, visit www.Womens-Foundation.org. 

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Women's Foundation Releases Kansas Post-Primary Election Candidate Analysis

Only a Fraction of Candidates Competing in the Kansas General Election Are Women

Kansas City, MO -- Women's Foundation conducted an analysis on the state of women candidates for state and federal legislative races in Kansas following Tuesday's primary election in Kansas. Women's Foundation reviewed the unofficial election results from the Office of Kansas Secretary of State, looking at the primary election winners who will be on the ballot in November.  Our findings include the following:

• In November's general election, of the Kansas federal and state candidates on the ballot combined, 31% of candidates are women.

• To break these numbers down further, no women will be on the ballot for the office of U.S. Senate.

• Two of seven candidates (29%) for U.S. Representative seats are women.* 

• Twenty-three (23) of the 76 candidates (30%) running for state senate seats this cycle are women.

• Sixty-five (65) of the 202 candidates (32%) who will be on the ballot competing for a state representative seat are women.

Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy, and policy solutions to make meaningful change.  In 2016, they released the Status of Women in Kansas research study, the findings of which included that women are vastly underrepresented in the Kansas legislature.  In 2014, their Civic Engagement research highlighted the gender gap on boards and commissions and helped spur the Women's Foundation Appointments Project to help remove barriers for women to serve.

More information about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org.

Women's Foundation analysis of Missouri's candidates can be found here.

*One Independent candidate for US Representative filing by petition (still to be certified) is a woman.

Women's Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization and does not participate in electoral activity.

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Women's Foundation Releases Missouri Post-Primary Election Candidate Analysis

Only a Fraction of Candidates Competing in the General Election Are Women

Kansas City, MO -- Following this past Tuesday's primary election in Missouri, Women's Foundation conducted an analysis on the state of women candidates in Missouri. Women's Foundation reviewed the unofficial election results data from the Office of Missouri Secretary of State, looking at the primary election contest winners who will be competing on the ballot in November.  The findings include the following:

● In November's general election, of the Missouri federal and state candidates on the ballot combined, 22%, or fewer than one in four, of candidates are women.

● To break these numbers down further, no women will be on the ballot for the office of U.S. Senate and only four of 14 candidates (29%) for statewide offices are women. 

● Three (3) of 16 candidates running for the U.S. Congress are women, two of whom are incumbents.

● Four (4) of 30 (13%) candidates running for state senate seats this cycle are women; three of whom are incumbents.

● Fifty-seven (57) of 247 candidates (22%) who will be on the ballot competing for a state representative seat are women.

This past Tuesday's election did mark one historic benchmark for women, as Robin Smith became the first African-American woman nominated by a major party for statewide office in Missouri.

Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy, and policy solutions to make meaningful change.  In 2015, they released the Status of Women in Missouri research study, the findings of which included that women are vastly underrepresented in the General Assembly.  In 2014, their Civic Engagement research highlighted the gender gap on boards and commissions and helped spur the Women's Foundation Appointments Project to help remove barriers for women to serve.

 More information about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org.

Women's Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization and does not participate in electoral activity.

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My Meeting with Malala

By Taylor Long
Women's Foundation Girls Leadership Class Member

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. My initial reaction was pure excitement. However, what does one ask a 19-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner who has impacted the entire world with her story and passion for education? The pressure was immediately lifted when Malala entered the room, smiling and seeming like a normal teenager. Plus, she was sporting some adorable wedges which must come in handy for her petite frame! There were only fifteen teenagers in the room with her, aside from her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, who sat right by her side. 

The meeting with her felt less like a question and answer session, and more of a casual chat. She even discussed applying for colleges and how she keeps in touch with old friends. Of course, deeper topics were discussed. One of the most touching was when one of the young ladies in the room asked Malala about her relationship with her father. She described how thankful she was to have a father that didn't "clip her wings" but rather let her fly and experience education, unlike almost all of the other girls in her home country of Pakistan. 

But the question I had on my mind was how Malala stayed so positive even after being shot in the head by the Taliban just for speaking her mind regarding equal educational opportunities for girls? When I asked her, she replied that she was tempted to stop fighting for her passion of seeing girls get an education but she said that she recognized she had an opportunity to share her message on a global scale because of this event. She explained how the messages sent to her during her recovery period kept her strong and gave her the strength to continue spreading her message. 

You could feel the passion she had for education when she spoke and how her eyes lit up when she explained her dream of seeing every girl around the world go to school. Sitting down with Malala was such an amazing experience and it opened my eyes to how much girls in the United States take education for granted.

Donna Schmitt and Jennifer Matthew Appointed to the Saint Louis Mental Health Board of Trustees

Women’s Foundation Appointments Project – STL Continues to Deliver Results

 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.

“Women’s Foundation is very pleased to have assisted Donna and Jennifer through the Appointments Project,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women’s Foundation. “Their appointments are another sign that, in partnership with Mayor Slay, we’re able to produce results to advance more women in city leadership positions.”

Jennifer Matthew is an Assistant Circuit Attorney prosecuting felony crimes in St. Louis City for the Circuit Attorney’s Office. She has worked there for over ten years and focuses on crime strategies to prevent and reduce gun violence in the City of St. Louis. Jennifer also worked in the Circuit Attorney’s Child Support Unit handling criminal and civil matters. Jennifer graduated from St. Louis University School of Law in 2004.

"I am grateful to the Women’s Foundation Appointments Project for their insight and direction throughout this process," said Jennifer Matthew. "I'm looking forward to working with the other Trustees and using my experience to help make a positive impact on St. Louis City."   

Donna Schmitt, a partner in the Intellectual Property practice group at Armstrong Teasdale, LLP, strategically manages and protects global trademark portfolios and works to identify trends and new enforcement tools to address counterfeiting to curb the sale and distribution of counterfeit products. In addition, Donna serves on several committees, including the Board of Directors of the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition. Donna graduated from Washington University School of Law in 1991. Donna is a member of the Advisory Board for Whole Kids Outreach and has served on boards that focus on mental health.

“Working with the Saint Louis Mental Health Board of Trustees allows me to engage in two of my passions: giving back to the community and assisting local mental health and children’s services groups. In this role, I hope to help these groups grow and be successful in the use of their grants,” said Donna Schmitt.

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-nine (29) 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 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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Gov. Nixon Signs Wartime Veteran's Survivor Grant Program Reauthorization into Law

Women's Foundation Advocated for Program which was included in Higher Education Bill

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.

The legislation (originally filed as SB 855), sponsored by Senator David Pearce, aims to reduce the burden of student debt for college students in Missouri. The Wartime Veteran's Survivor Grant Program awards 25 grants annually, providing $289,400 in funding for the program per year until 2020, equaling $1,157,600 for spouses or children of Missouri veterans who died or became disabled during combat.

“We are very pleased that Governor Jay Nixon signed into law legislation which include this important program that 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,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of Women's Foundation. “We'd also like to thank Sen. David Pearce and Rep. Denny Hoskins for their leadership on this important issue. Women’s Foundation actively supported this bipartisan legislation because, based on our research, we know it’s one solution to make a difference for women and their families. "

"The Wartime Veteran's Survivor Grant Program will go far in helping improve the lives of veterans and their families," said bill sponsor Sen. David Pearce (R-21).  "I appreciate the Women's Foundation's research data and voice in helping get this important legislation passed."

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.   

The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women and girls, 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 Announces 2016 Girls Leadership Class

A Record 61 Girls Will Participate In This Empowering Program

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. 

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 2016 Girls Leadership Program are:

Madeleine "Maddie" Adam, St. Teresa's Academy
Mary Bergwell, Blue Valley North High School
Arsema Berhane, University Academy
Abby Sue Bliss, Shawnees Mission Northwest
Anna Boda, Blue Valley North High School
Virginia Daisy Bolin, Shawnee Mission East
Alison Booth, Mill Valley High School
Maggie Burke, Pembroke Hill School
Claire Cunningham, Staley High School
Maurissa LeAnne Cunningham, Center High School
Natalie Dameron, The Pembroke Hill School
Mame Dia, Lincoln College Prep
Sophia Dominguea-Heithoff, Park Hill South High School
Nicole D'Souza, Blue Valley West High School
Kate Eischens, Park Hill South
Desiree Garrett, Home Schooled
Adrianna Gautreaux, Pembroke Hill School
Alexandra Green, Raymore-Peculiar High School
Catherine Henne, Notre Dame de Sion
Lauren Ingraham, Park Hill South High School
Ashley Johnson, Raytown Senoir High School
Shreya Kalavala, Blue Valley West High School
Alaina Kent, Archbishop O'Hara High School
Jacqueline Kincaid, Pembroke Hill School
Jenna Koosed, Shawnee Mission West
Madhura Leninkannan, Blue Valley West
Taylor Long, Staley High School
Jennifer Marx, Oak Park High School
Grace Mayer, St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Lucy Baylor McCrary, Pembroke Hill School
Mariah McDaniel, University Academy
Rachel Meiners, Barstow School
Eleanor Mendelson, Blue Valley North
Chloe Metheny-Morris, Lee's Summit West High School
Libby Miller, Olathe South High School
Hannah Motely, Blue Valley North High School
Audrey O'Shaughnessy, Pembroke Hill School
Ruby Rios, Bishop Meige High School
Olivia Sabates, Pembroke Hill School
Fatima Said, Staley High School
Caroline Salzman, Pembroke Hill School
Reilly Scott, Park Hill South High School
Evelyn Shelby, Staley High School
Claire St. Peter, Pembroke Hill School
Erin Sturd, St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Alexis Theoharidis, Staley High School
Athena Tran, Blue Valley North High School
Madlin Tutu, Oak Park High School
Mahasin Tutu, Oak Park High School
Sydney van Ophem, Blue Valley High School
Gisselle Vega, East High School
Grace Wampler, Shawnee Mission West High School
Josie Weck, Notre Dame de Sion
Emma Wilhoit, Mill Valley High School
Diamond Williams, University Academy
Lauren Winston, Shawnee Mission East High School
Anna Wolock, Blue Valley North High School
Hannah Wood, Platte County High School

Tiffany Wylde, Raymore-Peculiar High School

The Girls Leadership Program is a year-long program that will be facilitated this year by Cottey College. It 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.

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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