New Website Aims to End Sexual Harassment Toward College Interns

Intern Resource Network will serve as information hub for interns and employers

Kansas City, Mo --  As students return to college campuses around the state to start their school semesters, the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV), Partners In Prevention, and Women’s Foundation are providing a new online tool to keep interns safe.  Today, in a virtual press conference, the groups announced the launch of the Intern Resource Network website. 

The Intern Resource Network addresses the reality that the workplace can be a very different environment than a college campus, leaving interns vulnerable to an imbalance of power and resulting actions of sexual harassment. Both male and female students confirmed that, although colleges offer a variety of prevention programs and support services on campus, they needed to be able to know about and gain access to additional support services and resources from programs in the larger community. The Intern Resource Network website can be used as a starting place to learn about best practices on sexual harassment in the workplace. 

“As one of our 2016 grant recipients, we are proud to support MCADSV and the Intern Resource Network, which will empower countless young women to learn their rights, prepare for internships, and identify sexual assault,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of Women’s Foundation. “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, that presents a barrier for women to advance professionally and to lead in the future.”

“We wanted to ensure that students, advisors and site supervisors had the most comprehensive resource available,” said Matthew Huffman, Prevention Director at MCADSV. “Our goal is to equip students with the information to know the full extent of their rights under Title IX, while also encouraging employers to create workplaces that are safe and equitable.” 

“We are proud to partner with the Missouri Against Domestic and Sexual Violence to create the Intern Resource Network.” said Joan Masters, Senior Coordinator of Partners in Prevention. “We hope this tool will educate students and employers across the state and create safe, healthy work environments for everyone.”

“When I was an intern in Jefferson City, sexual harassment was a serious issue, and it’s clear it’s a problem that persists, often with devastating consequences for too many young women. " said  U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill. "So I’m really proud to support this new resource that’ll help give interns navigating the workplace for the very first time a place to turn to get reliable, confidential information and the tools to help combat this crime."

This resource will be a tool for young women and men to learn their rights as student interns, preparing for their internships, and identifying harassment within them. It is also a guide for students participating in apprenticeships or vocational programs. This tool goes even further by helping students find campus resources and advisors if they identify sexual harassment within their internships. 

"As Speaker of the House, I have made it a priority to improve the work environment in the Missouri Capitol so that interns, staff, and members can have a workplace where they are treated with respect and free from harassment,” said Speaker of the House Todd Richardson. “The Intern Resource Network will be useful in ensuring a healthy and safe work environment both in the Capitol and in workplaces throughout the state.  I appreciate the leadership of Women's Foundation, MCADSV and Partners in Prevention in addressing these issues head-on and developing practical solutions." 

MCADSV believes domestic and sexual violence will only end through education, alliance, research and public policy. The Coalition has published research regarding domestic and sexual violence and has used that research to create prevention guidelines and legislative advocacy to end abuse. Since the Coalition began its work, more than 100 domestic and sexual violence programs have formed across Missouri.

“Internships play an important role in the private sector for both the intern and the organizations hosting these programs,” said Brandi Riggs, 2017 SHRM-KC President and HR Director for McCownGordon Construction. “Employers have a responsibility to ensure that interns receive the same respect and fair treatment that other employees receive.  This includes understanding the company’s Code of Conduct and anti-harassment policies and how to respond to and report incidents which violates such policies. The Intern Resource Project will play an important role.”

This website was created by the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV) and Partners in Prevention.  MCADSV received its initial funding to develop the Intern Resource Project through a personal donation by Missouri’s U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, who publicly spoke of being sexually harassed in the Missouri Capitol as a student intern and subsequently as an elected legislator. The Women’s Foundation then advanced the project with additional funding through a grant.
 

As students return to college campuses around the state to start their school semesters, the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV), Partners In Prevention, and Women's Foundation are providing a new online tool to keep interns safe.

Ahead of World Entrepreneurs’ Day, Women’s Foundation Applauds Growing Consensus On Occupational Licensing Reforms

KANSAS CITY -- Ahead of World Entrepreneurs’ Day on Monday, August 21, Women’s Foundation commended the growing consensus at the state and federal levels on the need to break down occupational licensing barriers that can make it harder for women to start their own businesses and pursue more flexible, rewarding careers.

“Entrepreneurship is a springboard for women seeking financial independence and economic empowerment, but some occupational licensing requirements can get in the way,” said Women’s Foundation President and CEO Wendy Doyle. “We are heartened by the growing bipartisan consensus on the need to remove unnecessary occupational licensing barriers that hold women back from starting and growing their businesses. Now we need to translate this awareness into sound public policy.”

In research conducted in partnership with the University of Missouri Truman School of Public Policy, Women’s Foundation found that occupational licensing, while intended to protect the safety and well-being of the public, can create unnecessary barriers for women entrepreneurs by restricting entry and re-entry into professions, reducing employment, and creating economic inequity. 

Women’s Foundation research showed women are more likely to be affected by these professional licensing requirements. It also identified a number of potential policy solutions.  These included expanding mentoring opportunities, requiring a cost-benefit analysis before any new occupational licensing board or commission is created or expanded, and periodic reviews to determine the efficacy of each occupational licensing board.

The U.S. Secretary of Labor, Alexander Acosta, recently spoke about the need to rein in excessive licensing barriers that fail to serve their intended purpose, noting that “in 1950, only about 1 in 20 jobs required a license.  Today, more than 1 in 4 Americans need a license to legally perform their work.”

In Missouri, legislation that would help assess the performance of occupational licensing requirements through cost-benefit analysis was introduced in the legislature earlier this year with bipartisan support. Gov. Eric Greitens has also created a Boards and Commissions Task Force, recognizing that some boards and commissions may unreasonably regulate Missourians by improperly limiting access to professions through occupational licensing regulations. The Task Force will submit recommendations to the governor in October.

You can also read our post on Wendy's Huffington Post blog.

About World Entrepreneurs’ Day
The purpose of the World Entrepreneurs’ Day is to create awareness for entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership throughout the world. WED is the perfect day to celebrate the people who start a business alone. WED is the day of founders, managers, producers, contractors, industrialists, innovators, administrators, designers and producers. AIBA, the Alliance of International Business Associations, invites everyone to organize happenings around the world to promote WED. World Entrepreneurs’ Day is a great opportunity to push philanthropic, social and ethical business practices via conferences, awards and initiatives.  For more information: http://www.worldentrepreneursday.org/ 

About Women’s Foundation
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.

Tickets On Sale for Women’s Foundation 25th Anniversary Annual Event

TWO KANSAS CITY POWER COUPLES CHAIR THE EVENT

Kansas City, Mo. --  Tickets for the Women’s Foundation 25th Anniversary Annual Event are on sale today and can be purchased online. 

Set for October 3rd at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the Annual Event will feature former UN Ambassador Samantha Power as the keynote speaker. The youngest-ever U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Power will share her unique and global perspective on the importance of women's civic engagement at every level. 

This year’s event co-chairs are Yvette and Leo Morton, and Christy and Bill Gautreaux. 

“For our 25th anniversary we wanted co-chairs who share our passion for supporting and empowering women,” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President and CEO. “We are honored to have the Mortons and Gautreauxs serve as event co-chairs. Their long and impressive records of community service reflect our values.” 

Leo E. Morton has served as Chancellor to the University of Missouri- Kansas City since 2008 and will retire in October. Morton formerly worked at Aquila Inc. as senior vice president and chief administrative officer. He will return to the business world as Chief Operations Officer of DeBruce Companies. Demonstrating his commitment to community service, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Urban Neighborhood Initiative,Truman Medical Centers, Kansas City No Violence Alliance (KCNoVA), and the National Association of Corporate Directors.

Patron Committee Co-Chairs Jenny Haile and Dana Abraham with Honorary Event Co-Chairs Yvette and Leo Morton. Not pictured Honorary Co-Chairs Bill and Christy Gautreaux.

Yvette Morton is a nationally recognized visual artist who specializes in paint, textile and fabric designs. She has created a quilt for the late Luther Vandross and has been featured locally in the Crossroads Arts District. Like her husband, she is active in the community. Yvette is a Women’s Employment Network General Board member, founder of the Johnson County King Holiday Committee, Inc., former member of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City Board of Governors, and an organizer for the Annual Women of Color Networking Soul Food Dinner.

Bill Gautreaux is a Business Partner at MPL Holdings LLC. He was previously the Chief Marketing Officer and President at Crestwood Equity Partners LP.  Christy Gautreaux has had a successful sales and marketing career. Together they are active board members for a variety of nonprofit and charitable organizations, including the William Jewell College, Pembroke Hill School, Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship UMKC, Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, The Kansas City Police Foundation, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, MOCSA, and the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City.

Women's Foundation also announced its Annual Event Patron Committee Co-Chairs: Dana Abraham, President of Personal Banking at UMB Bank and Jenny Haile, Founder and CEO of Tri-Ten Consulting.

Proceeds from the annual event sustain the work of the Foundation to advance the mission in its efforts to promote equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy an policy solutions to make meaningful change.

Women's Foundation is an exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to the Women's Foundation are deductible. The non-deductible portion of your payment is $50.00 per attendee, which is the fair market value of goods and services provided in exchange for a standard ticket or standard sponsorships.Table sponsorships are still available.

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.

Women's Foundation Statement on Missouri Special Elections

GROWING WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP

KANSAS CITY, MO –Today, Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women's Foundation, released a statement in response to Missouri's recent special elections:

“Women’s Foundation was pleased to see two women win both legislative special elections on Tuesday in Missouri. Despite making up about 51% of the population, women are still underrepresented in elected office in Missouri and will now make up only 23% of the General Assembly. We were glad to see that women were three out of four candidates, and that two more women will join the ranks of women holding public office in Jefferson City. Congratulations Senator-elect Sandy Crawford and Representative-elect Sara Walsh. We look forward to working with you.”

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 Statement on State Auditor Nicole Galloway's Findings on Missouri's Boards and Commissions

OPPORTUNITY EXISTS TO EMPOWER MORE WOMEN TO LEAD AND SUCCEED ECONOMICALLY

KANSAS CITY, MO -- Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women's Foundation, issued the following statement in response to Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway's audit report released Monday that stated that approximately 1,130 board positions (70%) were waiting to be filled by the governor, either due to a vacancy or because of an expired term, at the end of the previous administration. According to the Auditor, there are about 220 boards with 1,600 governor-appointed positions in Missouri.

““Missouri has a golden opportunity to empower more women to lead and succeed economically.  State Auditor Nicole Galloway’s audit highlighting the large number of board and commission vacancies in Missouri presents an opportunity to advance two things Women’s Foundation has been working towards: 1) appointing more women to public leadership positions, and 2) reducing unnecessary licensing barriers that hold women back.   We look forward to working with Governor Eric Greitens, Lt. Gov Mike Parsons and other Missouri officials to help more women lead, which is imperative for good governance, and achieve economic independence.””

The State Auditor report covered the end of the last Governor's term through the transition to the new Governor.   In addition to reporting on the vacancies, it stated that in some cases "boards continue to exist after years of inactivity due to a perceived lack of interest or need."

For the past several years, Women's Foundation has worked with elected officials in Missouri and Kansas to increase the number of women on public boards and commissions through its Appointments Project.  Women’s Foundation's 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.

More than 40 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, St. Louis County, and the Cities of St. Louis, Springfield, and Kansas City, MO, and Topeka and Olathe, KS and is continuing to expand.

In addition, Women's Foundation has been working with researchers and public policy makers on the issue of occupational licensing.   In research conducted in partnership with the University of Missouri Truman School of Public Policy, Women’s Foundation identified a number of potential policy solutions for reforming occupational licensing including requiring a cost-benefit analysis before any new licensing requirement is created and periodic reviews to determine if they are still necessary. Policy changes could be made by proposed legislation and changes in state law, as well as administrative rule changes and board policies.

The report also suggested providing mentoring to women entrepreneurs and placing more women on Missouri’s boards and commissions with support from programs like Women’s Foundation’s Appointments Project.

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.

Missy Gelner appointed by Gov. Eric Greitens to Missouri State Board of Education

GREITENS SEEKS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF WOMEN ON STATE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Springfield, MO-- Women’s Foundation and Rosie are proud to announce the appointment of Missy Gelner to the Missouri State Board of Education. Gelner was appointed by Governor Eric Greitens. 

“Missy has a demonstrated history of both community service and educational experience,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of Women’s Foundation.  “We are pleased to continue to partner with Rosie to promote talented women into positions on boards and commissions. It is also encouraging to see Gov. Greitens appointing more women to Missouri’s boards.”

Gelner currently serves as Chief Kinship Officer at Askinosie Chocolate and is the executive director of Askinosie's Chocolate University. She has served on Junior League of Springfield Board and on committees supporting Isabel’s House, Care to Learn, The Park Board and the YMCA. 

Missy Gelner

“I am honored to serve the administration and state's children on the Board of Education. As a mother of two elementary age children, I hold the value of education in very high regard,” said Gelner. “I look forward to contributing and supporting a bright future for Missouri's students.”

Gelner will be the only woman on the State Board of Education, where all other appointees are currently men.  Her appointment was made possible with the assistance of Rosie, the Springfield extension of the Women’s Foundation Appointment’s Project. 

“We are so excited for this appointment and know Missy will be an advocate for all Missourians. We hope that we continue to see women from southwest Missouri step in to fill these important leadership roles at a statewide level,” said Paige Oxendine and Rachel Anderson, co-founders of Rosie. “Rosie  is committed to continuing to promote opportunities for service at the local and state level and to celebrating women's successes.”

The Missouri State Board of Education is comprised of eight citizens who serve eight-year terms. The board is responsible for supervising Missouri’s public schools at all levels including post-secondary and adult education.

The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy, and policy solutions to make meaningful change.  Through its Appointments Project, Women’s Foundation serves as a talent bank, advisor, and supporter for women seeking positions in local government. More information about the organization can be found at www.womens-foundation.org. 

Rosie, a local initiative designed to support, assist and serve as an advocate network for current and prospective female founders, business owners and leaders in the Springfield region, is made possible by a grant from the Women's Foundation to the Missouri State Foundation. For more information about Rosie and their work, including efforts to place local women on boards and commissions, visit www.rosiesgf.com.

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Girls Leadership spotlight: Hannah Motley awarded the Presidential Scholar Award

For 18 years, Women’s Foundation has hosted the Girls Leadership program. It’s a free year-long program that addresses a critical need to cultivate the next generation of women leaders. Our students leave the program with demonstrated leadership skills and community service like  graduating Blue Valley North senior Hannah Motley who was recently featured in the Kansas City Star for her academic success.

During her time in the program, Motley participated in our activities that taught her budgeting, grant-making, and the importance of philanthropy.

Hannah Motley

“Over the years, I've gained experience in everything from networking with adults to grant evaluation and team development.” said Motley.

In addition to her involvement in the Girls Leadership Program, Motley is an American Cancer Society fundraiser and a Presidential Scholar. She has a weighted GPA of 4.5 and scored a 35 of 36 on the ACT.  Motley will attend University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill on the prestigious and highly selective Morehead-Cain Scholarship. It’s a full-ride scholarship that also covers the cost of a laptop and provides recipients with four summer experiences.  Motley’s involvement with the Girls Leadership Program was a critical to her selection for the scholarship.  She will major in global studies with an emphasis on international politics. 

Motley says her participation in the Women's Foundation's Girls Leadership program taught her about the challenges women face.
 
“It's also shown me that I really enjoy leading in the context of advocacy or a philanthropic endeavor, and that it's something I'd like to incorporate into my future career.” Motley said. 
 
With 303 alumnae, the Girls Leadership Program works with extremely bright students like Motley who go on to be leaders in their careers and in their communities. 
 
We look forward to engaging our newest and  largest class of 64 students. Click here to see the complete list of names.  
 

Jennifer Spaw Appointed to Kansas City Municipal Arts Commission

OVER 40 WOMEN HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS IN KANSAS AND MISSOURI AS A RESULT OF APPOINTMENTS PROJECT

Kansas City, MO -- Women’s Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of Jennifer Spaw to the Kansas City Municipal Arts Commission. Spaw was appointed by Kansas City 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.

“I am incredibly pleased to announce Jennifer Spaw as a new member to the Kansas City Municipal Arts Commission,” Mayor James said. “Through her extensive volunteer work, Jennifer has shown that she is truly dedicated to making Kansas City better, and I’m looking forward to seeing the results of her hard work.”

“Women’s Foundation is proud to have supported Jennifer Spaw in her application process to the Kansas City Municipal Arts Commission,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women’s Foundation. “Jennifer’s passion for the Kansas City community shines in her tireless support of countless community organizations.  We commend Mayor James’ continued commitment to empowering more women to serve on boards and commissions -- together we are truly closing the leadership gap.”

For more than 20 years, Spaw has served as an art director on a variety of nonprofit projects, for organizations including the Humane Society, Children International, Send Relief and The Salvation Army. Her background includes designing fundraising pieces, client webinars and social media content.She has also produced integrated marketing catalogs for The Salvation Army and volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Cultivate Kansas City and Habitat for Humanity. 

Jennifer Spaw

"The Women's Foundation was instrumental in helping me to navigate the waters to find the commission that was the perfect fit for my skill set,” said Spaw. “I could not have pursued civic volunteer opportunities without them."

Women’s Foundation's 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.

More than 40 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, St. Louis County, and the Cities of St. Louis, Springfield, and Kansas City, MO, and Topeka 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.
 

Women’s Foundation Announces 2017 Girls Leadership Class

CULTIVATING A NEW GENERATION OF YOUNG WOMEN LEADERS

Kansas City, MO -- Today Women’s Foundation announced the acceptance of 64 high school students into its Girls Leadership program. This sets a new record for the largest leadership class, beating last year’s number of 61 students. The Girls Leadership Program is a free, year-long program for high school girls who are interested in developing leadership skills and understanding the importance of philanthropy in their communities and beyond.  The young women will learn about grant-making, fundraising, leadership, team building, program evaluation and budgeting. Started in 1999, the program is in its 18th year and has over 303 alumnae.

Members of the 2017 Class:

Safa Altaie, East High School

Abigail Andrews, Pembroke Hill School

Jordyn Beard, Smithville High School

Katherine Benhardt, Liberty High School

Kyle Bergerson, Pembroke Hill

Arsema Berhane , University Academy

Shera  Bhala, Pembroke Hill School

Anna  Boda , Blue Valley North High School

Virginia Daisy Bolin, Shawnee Mission East

Alison Booth, Mill Valley High School

Elianna ("Ellie")  Burke, Pembroke Hill

Julia Butch,  Barstow School

Brianda Carter, Ruskin High School

Anahi Casas Perez, Lee's Summit High School

Ellie Copaken, Pembroke Hill School

Alexandra Copaken, Pembroke Hill School

Grace Cross, Pembroke Hill School

Clare Cunningham, Staley High School

Anna Deschamp, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School

Sienna Doering, Pembroke Hill

Kelsey  East, Lansing High School

Camryn Eberhardy, Saint Thomas Aquinas

Adrianna Gautreaux, Pembroke Hill School

Ingrid Stefany Gomez, Allen Village Charter High school

Nancy Green, Blue Valley North

Annelise Holland ,Lansing High School

Ellie Hughes ,Pembroke Hill School

Hannah Jirousek, St. Teresa's Academy

Daijah Jones, Piper High School

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley High School

Hunter Julo, Pembroke Hill

Lena Kellogg, Leavenworth High School

Jacqueline Kincaid, Pembroke Hill

Madhura Leninkannan, Blue Valley West

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

Allison Moody, Pembroke Hill School

Lillian Oliver, Shawnee Mission Northwest

Audrey O'Shaughnessy, Pembroke Hill School

Tina Pham, Staley High School

Jazmyn Phelts, Center Senior High School

Ruby Rios, Bishop Miege High School

Ellie Ruland ,Pembroke Hill

Olivia Sabates, Pembroke Hill School

Fatma Said, Staley High School

Caroline Salzman, Pembroke Hill

Sanah Shabbir, Olathe North High School

Phoenix Smith, Oak Park High School

Claire St. Peter, Pembroke Hill School

Erin Sturd, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School

Meagan Sullivan, Saint Thomas Aquinas

Alexis Theoharidis, Staley High School

Tatum Trysla, Blue Valley North

Madlin Tutu, Oak Park High School

Jasmine Werninger, Oak Park High School

Meah Wilburn ,Lee's Summit High School

Lauren Winston, Shawnee Mission East High School

Anna Wolock ,Blue Valley North High School

Hannah Wood, Platte County High School

Milkise Yassin, Staley High School

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 Announces 2017 Grant Recipients

New Investments Empower Women of All Ages
 

Kansas City, MO – Today, Women’s Foundation announced its strategic investments by way of it 2017 grant recipients.  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, particularly as related to economic empowerment. The key indicators of those studies include employment and income, education and childcare, social and economic status, leadership and public engagement, and health. Women’s Foundation looks forward to collaborating with these organizations to improve the lives of women of all ages in Kansas and Missouri. 
 
2017 recipients of Women’s Foundation investments:
 
Empowering the Parent to Empower the Child (EPEC) to support training programs for impoverished mothers, allowing them to learn a skilled trade with earning potential to provide for their families and learn parenting skills needed to end the cycle of poverty with their children.
 
Episcopal Community Services (ECS) to support food service training with supportive services designed to help underserved and at-risk women overcome barriers to obtaining and sustaining meaningful employment. ECS will go beyond traditional workforce development programs by offering intensive assistance and training for participants.  It will also train and educate food service employers to understand the challenges of women who participate in the program.
 
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art to support the group exhibition "Magnetic Fields: Expanding American Abstraction, 1960s to Today". This free exhibition will reach a wide and diverse audience and feature the work of 21 intergenerational women artists of color to highlight the importance of their contributions to the history of abstraction.
 
Maternal and Child Health Coalition of Greater Kansas City, Inc. to support the work of improving breastfeeding rates in the Kansas City metropolitan area, specifically in lower-income ZIP codes. MCHC will target lower-income women, women of color, and employers within the region to promote worksite lactation policies and practices, thereby improving the health of families, as well as the employment systems that financially sustain them.
 
Missouri State University Foundation to continue to support the Rosie women's leadership initiative. Rosie was established to inspire and develop female leaders as a result of Women’s Foundation’s 2016 grant and also helps administer the Women's Foundation Appointments Project - Springfield.
 
PREP-KC to support the creation and distribution of a playbook that outlines best practices in the creation of career exploration and preparation experiences for middle and high school girls in traditionally underrepresented STEM fields.
 
Brazen to support Prosper Power Growth Groups, which offer continuous, immersive programming to help women entrepreneurs gain quality advice to support their business goals.
 
Women's Employment Network to support positive change in the lives of women who struggle with economic, social, and education barriers. WEN promotes the overall economic wellness of clients, focuses on building pathways to securing livable-wage jobs, and provides credit-building tools and financial education, leading them toward long-term financial stability.
 
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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