Mayor Sly James honored for dramatically increasing the number of women serving on Kansas City, Missouri public boards through the Appointments Project™

Mayor James has been an avid supporter of Women’s Foundation initiatives

Kansas City, Mo – Women’s Foundation will host an event on Thursday, Nov. 9 to honor Mayor Sly James for his work to empower women economically and increase the number of women serving on city boards and commissions.  Mayor James has been an avid support of Women’s Foundation initiatives, collaborating with the Women’s Foundation on the Appointments Project™ and When Work Works programs that  continue to make Kansas City, Missouri a better place for women and their families.  

The event will feature a brief Q&A session between Mayor Sly James and Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President and CEO. The dialogue will address the importance of public-private partnerships and further highlight the progress of the Women’s Foundation’s partnership with the James’ Administration. The program will end with a special recognition of Mayor James. 

"Mayor James has raised the bar for the entire region by increasing the number of women serving on Kansas City’s public boards and commissions.” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President and CEO. “By working with Mayor James we’re able to truly make Kansas City a more equitable place for women in leadership.”

Last month, Mayor James announced at the Women’s Foundation 25th Anniversary celebration that through their partnership on the Appointments Project™, he has increased female representation on Kansas City, Missouri’s boards and commissions from 33% in 2014 to 42% in 2017. 

When: November 9, 2017, 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 Networking
          6- 7:00 p.m. Q&A / Mayor recognition

Where: The Global Prairie event space located 1703 Wyandotte Street.

What: Celebrating the successful partnership between Women’s Foundation and Mayor Sly James that has increased the number of women on public boards and commissions.

Who: Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President and CEO
          Mayor Sly James, Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri

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.
 

Haley Bowman and Amanda Loughlin appointed to Kansas City commissions by Mayor Sly James

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Women’s Foundation is proud to announce a joint appointment of two women to Kansas City commissions. Amanda Loughlin will serve on the Kansas City, Missouri, Historic Preservation Commission and Haley Bowman will serve on the Kansas City Youth Commission. Both Loughlin and Bowman were 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. 

Bowman and Loughlin will join at least 50 other women that have been appointed to state and local boards and commissions through Women’s Foundation Appointments Project™.  Recently, at Women's Foundation's 25th Anniversary Celebration, Mayor James announced that women's representation on Kansas City boards and commissions had increased from approximately 33% to 42% since the Appointments Project™ launched three years ago.

"Haley will make an excellent addition to the KC Youth Commission, her demonstrated leadership and passion for education will truly be an asset to the commission," said Mayor Sly James. “Amanda brings years of experience and a true passion for preserving historical landmarks. Her talents will definitely enhance the Kansas City, Missouri Historic Preservation Commission.”

“Women’s Foundation is proud to support Haley and Amanda during their application process,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women’s Foundation. “These talented women are eager to serve the community in order to make Kansas City a better place to live.” 

Loughlin is a National Register Coordinator for the Kansas Historical Society. A native of Kansas City, Loughlin developed a love for buildings at an early age. She is a graduate of the Kansas State University’s School of  Architecture and has her masters in Historic Preservation from University of Kentucky. 

“I hope to use my passion for Kansas City and my training in preservation to maintain the historic integrity of this great town,” said Loughlin.

Amanda Loughlin

The Kansas City, Missouri, Historic Preservation Commission reviews exterior changes to properties recognized as local landmarks or within local historic districts.

Bowman is the Director of Development and manager of external affairs at KIPP KC.  KIPP KC is a non-profit, college-preparatory charter school network located at the corner of 18th and Prospect. 

She has a Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas School of Law and is a licensed attorney in the state of Missouri.  Bowman is an avid sports fan and enjoys cheering on the Royals, Chiefs, Jayhawks, New York Rangers, and of course the KIPP KC Blue Jays.

“Women's Foundation's Appointment Project™ helps open doors for women. I can't wait to serve on the Kansas City Youth Commission,” said Bowman.  “It will be an honor to help empower the voices of our Youth Commissioners as they provide critical input and perspective to local policymakers." 

Haley Bowman

The KC Youth Commission provides participants in the planning and implementation of programs related to young people and evaluates the effectiveness of municipal youth programs and policies. 

The Appointments Project™ is an initiative that aims to increase the number of women serving on local and statewide boards and commissions in Kansas and Missouri.  After only three years, the Appointments Project™ has had more than 700 applicants and successfully placed 50 women on boards and commissions in Missouri and Kansas. The Appointments Project™ is statewide in Missouri and Kansas and in Kansas City, Springfield, St. Louis, St. Louis County and Jackson County, Missouri, as well as Olathe and Topeka, Kansas.

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 Research Informs Recommendations to Reduce Licensing Barriers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Missouri Governor Eric Greitens’ Boards and Commissions Task Force has issued a report that includes recommendations on occupational licensing that were informed by Women’s Foundation research.

The report recommends that the Governor direct departments to lower fees imposed by professional licensing boards and commissions, a solution put forward by Women’s Foundation in research released last month.  It also advises the Governor to continue to study the process of licensing and reciprocity across state lines.

Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women’s Foundation, issued the following statement:

“Our research has shown that unnecessary occupational licensing barriers and fees can make it harder for women to start their own businesses and pursue more flexible careers. We were grateful for the opportunity to work with the Task Force and inform its recommendations, including its proposal to lower fees for professional licenses. We look forward to working with Gov. Greitens and members of the legislature to reduce licensing barriers, appoint more women to boards and commissions, and empower women entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams.”

— Wendy Doyle, Women's Foundation President & CEO

Women’s Foundation also thanked the co-chairs and members of the Task Force for their work in responding to Gov. Greitens’ executive order and evaluating the costs and benefits of Missouri’s boards and commissions structure.

Women’s Foundation to Review Policies and Make Recommendations for Addressing Sexual Harassment in Kansas State Capitol

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Women’s Foundation announced today that it will be working with  the Kansas Legislature to evaluate their current policies and make recommendations to improve the culture and combat sexual harassment in the Kansas Capitol.   Following similar reports of sexual harassment by Missouri legislators, Women’s Foundation partnered with Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV), and Partners In Prevention, to create the Intern Resource Network to help identify, report and prevent sexual harassment.

“Sexual harassment is unacceptable in any workplace, but as we’ve seen in Kansas, Missouri and across the country, many state capitols continue to be hostile work environments for female employees and interns. This needs to change. We commend Senate President Susan Wagle for her leadership and for making clear there must be zero tolerance for sexual harassment in the Capitol. We look forward to working with Kansas legislators and Capitol staff to ensure a safe, respectful and equitable working environment for all employees and interns.”

— Wendy Doyle, Women's Foundation President & CEO

Doyle’s testimony to Kansas Legislative Coordinating Council members is available here.

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

Governor Greitens appoints 30 Women to State Boards and Commissions in 25 Days

More than 25 women were appointed in honor of the 25th Anniversary of Women's Foundation

Kansas City, MO –Women’s Foundation released the following statement today regarding Governor Grietens appointing 30 women in 25 days. The appointments were made in honor of the 25th anniversary of Women's Foundation.

“Women’s Foundation is proud to partner with Governor Eric Greitens and First Lady Sheena Greitens on appointing 30 women in 25 days to Missouri’s state boards and commissions. It is evident that they are committed to promoting more women into leadership positions and ensuring women’s voices are heard. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to work towards equal representation of women in public service.”

— Wendy Doyle, Women's Foundation President & CEO

Read Governor Greiten's news release with the complete list of the appointees here. 

At Women’s Foundation’s Annual Event earlier this month, First Lady Greitens announced that Governor Eric Greitens was committed to appoint 25 more women to Missouri state boards and commissions in 25 days, in honor of Women's Foundation's 25th anniversary.  The event highlighted one of Women’s Foundation’s key efforts, the Appointments Project™.

The Appointments Project™ is an initiative that aims to increase the number of women serving on local and statewide boards and commissions in Kansas and Missouri.  Prior to today's announcement, the Appointments Project™ has had more than 700 applicants and successfully placed more than 50 women on boards and commissions in Missouri and Kansas in three years.  The Appointments Project™ is statewide in Missouri and Kansas and in Kansas City, Springfield, St. Louis, St. Louis County and Jackson County, Missouri as well as Olathe and Topeka, Kansas.

The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using philanthropy, research and policy solutions to make meaningful change.  

Women’s Foundation Statement Regarding Sexual Harassment at the Kansas Capitol

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Women’s Foundation released the following statement today regarding reports of sexual harassment of interns and female staffers working at the Kansas Capitol:

“Sexual harassment is unacceptable – and the leaders in the Kansas legislature must take further steps to address these issues and ensure a safe environment for interns.  As long as sexual harassment exists and is enabled in the Kansas State Capitol or anywhere else, that presents a barrier for women to advance professionally and to lead in the future. Instead of accepting sexual harassment as part of the culture in our state capitols, legislators should vehemently condemn sexual harassment and be advocates for victims.

As a response to similar issues in Missouri, Women’s Foundation partnered with Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV), and Partners In Prevention, to create the Intern Resource Network to help Missouri’s interns understand how to best prevent and report sexual harassment. We stand ready to work with Kansas legislators and Capitol staff to ensure a safe and equitable working environment for all employees and interns.”

— Wendy Doyle, Women's Foundation President & CEO

Learn more about the Intern Resource Portal here.

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

New Research Details Solutions to Empower Women Entrepreneurs

Occupational licensing reforms are especially important in rural areas where startup activity is declining

Kansas City, Mo -- Marking Women’s Small Business Month, Women’s Foundation today released new research and outlined solutions to lower occupational licensing barriers that restrict entry into certain professions and make it harder for women to start their own businesses.  

The findings were announced at a virtual press conference with the Institute of Public Policy University of Missouri’s Truman School of Public Affairs and the Professional Beauty Association.

The research found that, of 139 professions licensed in Missouri and its neighboring states, 41 percent of the professions were licensed by only one state. Women’s Foundation encouraged policymakers to let people keep their professional licenses when they move across state lines, lower the requirements to enter certain fields, and waive licensing fees for low-income individuals. 

“Occupational licensing requirements can create real barriers for women, whether they’re moving to another state, entering a new profession, or coming back from maternity leave,” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President and CEO. “Policy solutions like waiving fees and accepting licenses obtained in other states can empower women economically and break down the barriers that keep them from getting ahead. Women’s Foundation will continue to work for change and push for solutions that will help close the gender pay gap and empower women to achieve their dreams.” 

Women’s Foundation research has found that the number of jobs requiring a license has expanded exponentially, and that the training requirements are often irrelevant or out-of-date. 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, and women are more likely to work in professions that require a license. 

The organization said that reforming these requirements is especially important in rural areas, where entrepreneurship and startup activity is declining.  In 1977, more than two out of every ten U.S. startups were in rural areas. Today, according to the Kauffman Foundation,  this number is just over one in every ten. 

Women’s Foundation commissioned the research from the Institute of Public Policy  with support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation as part of the organization’s continued work to promote equity and opportunity for women of all ages and develop policy solutions to make meaningful change.

“While regulation of the industry protects public health and safety, there should never be a restriction on someone’s ability to earn a living,” said Bridget Sharpe, Government Affairs and Industry Relations Manager at the Professional Beauty Association. “Sensible reforms like streamlining standards and increasing license mobility can boost career opportunities while also maintaining the high standards that protect and serve the public.” 

Women’s Foundation has shared its findings with the Governor’s Task Force on Boards and Commissions, which is expected to submit its recommendations to Gov. Eric Greitens’ at the end of this month.

The briefs, which supplement the 2016 report on Occupational Licensing and Women Entrepreneurs in Missouri, outline a number of potential solutions for policymakers to consider. For example:

• Exploring licensing alternatives like certification, registration, and mandatory bonding, all of which are less than the requirements of full licensure;
• Conducting a thorough cost-benefit analysis through sunrise or sunset statutes to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of occupational licensing requirements and determine the feasibility of less-burdensome alternatives;
• Expanding reciprocity through national or regional compacts; 
• Waiving licensing fees for low-income job seekers; 
• Improving data collection to identify issues and trends and to find efficiencies and improve systems. 

Marking Women's Small Business Month, Women's Foundation released new research and outlined solutions to lower occupational licensing barriers that restrict entry into certain professions and make it harder for women to start their own businesses.

Women’s Foundation's 25th Anniversary Celebration Brought Big Names, Big News

Ambassador Samantha Power Rallied & Inspired the Crowd of 1,300+ 

Mayor Sly James Announced 50th Appointee to the Appointment Project

Missouri First Lady Sheena Greitens Announced the Governor's Commitment to Appoint 25 more Women to Statewide Boards in 25 Days

KANSAS CITY, MO – On Tuesday afternoon, Women's Foundation celebrated 25 years at its We Work For Change annual event, attracting more than 1,300 people from across the political spectrum with the common goal of improving the lives of women of all ages in Missouri and Kansas.  Central to this year's event was promoting women's civic engagement and promoting more women into positions of public leadership.

Keynoting the annual event was former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power who spoke about the importance of women's civic engagement at all levels.  

“For all of the bad news out there, women in 2017 are a major bright spot -- we are stepping up more than ever,” said Power. 

Missouri's First Lady Sheena Greitens and Kansas City Mayor Sly James were also featured speakers who had special announcements related to women in leadership.   

Mayor James announced Allison Pericich as the 50th appointment of the Women’s Foundation Appointments Project™.  Pericich will serve on the Kansas City Historic Preservation Commission. 

Mayor James also shared that women's representation on Kansas City boards and commissions has increased from approximately 33% to 42% since the Appointments Project™ launched three years ago.

First Lady Greitens announced that Governor Eric Greitens has committed to appoint 25 more women to Missouri state boards and commissions in 25 days, in honor of Women's Foundation's 25th anniversary.

Women's Foundation President & CEO Wendy Doyle reinforced the importance of the Appointments Project™ during her remarks. 

“The Appointments Project™ is at the heart of Women's Foundation,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women’s Foundation. “Perhaps more than any other work or project we do, the Appointments Project™ is getting results -- moving the needle towards more women representation on public boards and commissions where decisions are made.” 

The Appointments Project™ is an initiative that aims to increase the number of women serving on local and statewide boards and commissions in Kansas and Missouri.  After only three years, the Appointments Project™ has had more than 700 applicants and successfully placed 50 women on boards and commissions in Missouri and Kansas. The Appointments Project™ is statewide in Missouri and Kansas and in Kansas City, Springfield, St. Louis, St. Louis County and Jackson County, Missouri as well as Olathe and Topeka, Kansas.

Women's Foundation's annual event was co-chaired by Christy and Bill Gautreaux and Yvette and UMKC Chancellor Emeritus Leo Morton. Proceeds from the event will sustain the work of the non-profit Foundation and advance its efforts to promote equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy and policy solutions to make meaningful change.  

###

Former UN Ambassador Samantha Power made time to take photos with Women's Foundation's Girls Leadership members after her keynote address.

Women’s Foundation Statement on Newly-Released Data on the Gender Pay Gap

Kansas City, Mo. -- Women’s Foundation released the following statement today regarding newly-released data showing the national gender pay gap decreasing by the largest amount since 2007.

The data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey shows that while the female-to-male earnings ratio climbed to a record 80.5 percent, some of the increase was due to stagnating wages among men rather than increasing wages among women. African American and Hispanic women continue to face significant disparities, and black women even saw their wages decline.

“We’re very pleased to see progress being made to close the gender pay gap, but there is clearly more work to be done,” said Women’s Foundation President and CEO Wendy Doyle. “This data should motivate policymakers to work even harder to empower women economically and ensure these gains are shared by all women, regardless of skin color or zip code. Women’s Foundation will continue to work for change and push for policy solutions that will accelerate this progress and end the pay gap once and for all.”

Women’s Foundation has been actively pushing for research-informed policy solutions to close the pay gap in Kansas and Missouri, including issuing Pay Equity Best Practices Guidelines as a tool for employers and advocating for occupational licensing reforms to reduce the barriers faced by women trying to enter more flexible, higher-paying careers.

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. 

Statement from Women's Foundation Regarding White House Decision on EEO-1 Pay Data Collection

Kansas City, MO -- Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of Women's Foundation issued the following statement: 

““At Women’s Foundation, we believe in using research and data to identify real problems and develop meaningful policy solutions. That’s why we are disappointed that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is stopping the pay data collection aspects of the EEO-1 form that sought to reduce the gender pay gap.  Data collection is a necessary tool to increase transparency and inform policy solutions to close the pay gap.

When it comes to the gender pay gap, working women have waited long enough.  We will continue to work for change to end the gender pay gap for women and their families through both market-based approaches like our Pay Equity Best Practice Guidelines and practical policy solutions.” ”

Women earn an average of only 77 cents in Kansas and 78 cents in Missouri for every dollar men make for the same work, according to Women's Foundation research.  Both states fall behind the national gender pay gap of 80 cents.  Women are not expected to achieve gender pay equity until 2059. Read more about the Women's Foundation Pay Equity Best Practice Guidelines here.

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.