Women’s Foundation Commends Bipartisan Support for Paid Family Leave

KANSAS CITY – The Women’s Foundation today praised the bipartisan consensus on paid family leave shown during a U.S. Senate hearing on Wednesday. The issue is being championed by Ivanka Trump, the president’s daughter and advisor, and embraced by leaders on both sides of the aisle.

“The United States is the only industrialized country in the world without a national paid leave program, so it’s great to see this issue gaining momentum and bipartisan support in Congress,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation. “Our research shows that paid leave is just as important for men as it is for women – because no one should have to choose between caring for a child or loved-one and keeping their paycheck. Allowing people to take time off to bond with a child or care for a sick parent is something both parties can agree on and we’ll be working hard to keep this issue on the front burner with policymakers in the heartland as well.”

The Women’s Foundation supported the Missouri Earned Family and Medical Leave Act (House Bill 1974) last year, and has worked with policymakers in Missouri to expand paid parental leave to employees of nearly every state agency.

Breaking down barriers and getting results for women in the Heartland

Kendall Seal

One of the most rewarding things about working at the Women’s Foundation is seeing our research and advocacy get translated into real policy solutions that benefit women and their families.

This year’s legislative sessions in Kansas and Missouri were prime examples of the difference we can make together when we work for change. Over the last five months, the Women’s Foundation has pushed relentlessly for progress – educating legislators one-on-one, testifying in committee, and serving as a trusted resource for policymakers. 

Here’s an update on the progress we’re making in three key areas: unlocking economic opportunity, combating sexual harassment, and expanding access to paid family and medical leave.

Historic Win: Reducing Occupational Licensing Barriers

Say the words “occupational licensing” and you’re likely to get some blank stares. I know I do. But it’s a critical issue, and this year the Women’s Foundation helped secure the passage of historic reforms that will reduce licensing barriers for women, low-income Missourians and military families.

Missouri has dozens of licensing boards that require people to spend big bucks in order to enter certain fields – and our research found that these regulations are more likely to impact women than men. For example, the average cost to attend a cosmetology school in Missouri is nearly $14,000, and hair braiders have to take this training even though the curriculum doesn’t cover hair braiding.  

That’s why we worked with lawmakers to draft legislation that will begin to address these problems – and empower more women to start businesses or pursue more flexible careers. 

HB 1500, which was signed into law by the Governor on June 1, will ease regulations on hair braiders and make Missouri the 15th state to enact a Sunrise Law. This means that if policymakers want to adopt a new licensing regulation or create another licensing board or commission, they will need a good reason for doing so – and take the least restrictive approach possible. 

The Governor also signed SB 843, which requires state and local governments to waive all occupational licensing fees for military families and low-income individuals for two years. This reform will put $5 million back into the pockets of Missouri families across the state. 

Our research actively drove these reforms to save women money and create a culture of entrepreneurship, and we got results.  

Combating Sexual Harassment

We know that sexual harassment not only harms women’s well-being, it also hurts their careers.

That’s why, after reports of sexual harassment surfaced in the Kansas State Capitol, the Women’s Foundation took action with Senate President Susan Wagle. Working with experts, stakeholders and victims’ advocates, we developed a comprehensive list of recommendations for combating sexual harassment and misconduct in Kansas state government. 

Today, just five months later, these recommendations have already led to significant reforms. Gov. Jeff Colyer signed an executive order requiring state agencies to have policies that cover state contractors, provide for sexual harassment training, and mandate anonymous reporting. The Legislature also passed an updated harassment policy, and the state’s budget now prohibits the use of state funds to settle sexual harassment cases or request non-disclosure agreements. 

We’re continuing to make progress in Missouri as well. Working with Missouri House Leadership and lawmakers, the Women’s Foundation helped stop a forced arbitration bill that would have taken the state backwards by keeping proceedings secret, findings sealed, and victims silent.   

And we’re teaming up with Attorney General Josh Hawley on a comprehensive review of existing discrimination and harassment policies in the Capitol and across state government. 

Paid Family and Medical Leave

While we were disappointed that a statewide paid family and medical leave law did not make it across the finish line in either state, we are continuing to make progress for state employees. 

Five out of six statewide executive branch officials in Missouri, along with the House of Representatives and four independent executive agencies have now adopted paid parental leave policies for state employees. These policies cover over 50,000 state workers.

This is good news, and we’ll keep fighting until no parent has to choose between caring for a loved one and making ends meet. 

What’s Next

This progress is a powerful reminder that when we work for change together, we can make a difference. 

Moving forward, there is more work to be done on all these issues, and the Women’s Foundation will continue to work to increase equity and opportunity for women across the region. 

Together we can make Kansas and Missouri models for the nation with research-backed policy solutions that build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for all.

Columbia Joins Initiative to Increase Gender Diversity on Local Boards and Commissions

JEFFERSON CITY – The City of Columbia is teaming up with the Women’s Foundation on an initiative to increase the number of women on publicly appointed boards and commissions. The city is participating in the Appointments Project, which aims to improve local governance by increasing gender diversity on civic boards and commissions. 

“We created the Appointments Project to break down the barriers to women’s civic engagement, and the response has been overwhelming,” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President & CEO. “We’re thrilled that Columbia has signed on to this initiative, joining dozens of communities across Missouri and Kansas that are demonstrating their commitment to equity, opportunity and good governance by participating in the Appointments Project. We thank Mayor Treece for his leadership and commitment to increasing diversity and empowering women at the local level.”

Columbia is among nearly two dozen state and local governments that are participating in the Appointments Project, which serves as a talent bank and resource for women interested in serving on a civic board or commission. Women’s Foundation launched the initiative in 2014 to break down barriers to women’s civic engagement. To date, more than 85 women have been appointed through the program. 

“In Columbia, we’ve worked hard to ensure city government reflects the rich diversity of our community,” said Columbia Mayor Brian Treece. “We look forward to working with the Women’s Foundation to build on this progress and recruit even more women, and especially women of color, to serve in leadership roles.”
 

Historic Licensing Reforms Driven by Women’s Foundation Research are Signed into Law

Bipartisan legislation will save women time and money

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo – The Women’s Foundation today praised the signing of several measures to reform occupational licensing regulations and reduce barriers to economic opportunity in Missouri. Women’s Foundation proposed these provisions after commissioning research, funded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, showing that these barriers have a disproportionate impact on women.

HB 1500 will allow hair braiders in Missouri to earn a living without obtaining a cosmetology license – saving them thousands in tuition costs. The law also makes Missouri the 15th state to adopt a Sunrise Law to prevent unreasonable and unnecessary occupational licensing burdens from needlessly restricting access to professions. 

“Our research found that unnecessary licensing regulations often become invisible barriers that can hold women back and make it harder for them to move up the economic ladder,” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President & CEO. “No one should have to jump through costly and needless bureaucratic hoops just to earn a living. Today is a major milestone in our efforts to break down these barriers and use research-backed solutions to drive meaningful results. We are grateful to Speaker Richardson, Representative Dogan and others in the Legislature for championing reforms that will make a real difference for women and their families.”  

The Governor also signed HB 1719, which prohibits most state boards from denying a license to anyone 18 years or older on the basis of their age, and SB 843, which implements recommendations of the State of Missouri Boards and Commissions Task Force and repeals certain barriers to employment for interior designers. 

“Today Missouri policymakers sent a strong message that they are ready to lead the way on reforms that will stimulate entrepreneurship and expand economic opportunity,” said Kendall Seal, Women’s Foundation Vice President of Research & Policy and General Counsel. “We are thrilled our research informed this debate and drove meaningful policy change for women and their families.” 

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

For example, Missourians seeking to become hair braiders have been required to obtain a cosmetology license and attend beauty school, even though very little of the cosmetology school curriculum is relevant to that profession. According to data from the U.S. Department of Education, average tuition at a cosmetology school in Missouri is $13,993. 
 
This research has informed a number of potential solutions put forward by Women’s Foundation, including reducing or waiving fees, requiring a cost-benefit analysis before any new licensing requirement is created and periodic reviews to determine if they are still necessary. 

Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy and policy solutions to make meaningful change. Learn more at www.womens-foundation.org. 
 

How One Women's Foundation Grantee is Empowering Women and Changing Lives

Three years ago, 37 year-old mother of three, Tanisha Davis, was struggling to make ends meet. Her full-time job as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant wasn’t paying enough and Davis felt as if her future was bleak; until she got a phone call that would eventually change the trajectory of her life. 

“I was driving around looking for a second for job when my mom called me telling me about how she saw the Grooming Project on the news,” said Davis. 

The owner of 3 dogs - two yorkies and a poodle - Davis always had a passion for dog grooming. During her free time, Davis would practice her self-taught grooming skills on her canines. 

“I love dogs, I always had an interest in it but no one would ever hire me,” said Davis. “Finding out about the Grooming Project was a blessing, it came right on time.” 

The Grooming Project is a pilot program of Empowering the Parents to Empower the Child (EPEC), a 2017-2018 Women’s Foundation grantee. Our investment in the Grooming Project is part of the Women’s Foundation commitment to empowering women and breaking down the barriers that hold them back. We know that entrepreneurship is an essential pathway for women to gain financial independence and move up the economic ladder. And by supporting organizations like the Grooming Project and reducing occupational licensing burdens on women entrepreneurs, we are continuing to move the needle and help more women achieve their dreams.  

EPEC is a non-profit devoted to helping families achieve their dreams and become self-reliant through job training, life skills and practical solutions to end the cycle of poverty. The Grooming Project trains parents in a trade that pays a livable wage in order to help lift families out of poverty.

Students also learn valuable life skills like effective parenting strategies and financial literacy to complement their newfound professional training and sustain their economic progress. 

Davis participated in the very first Grooming Project class hosted in the summer of 2015. Students meet Monday through Friday from 8am - 4pm and learn in small classroom sizes creating an intimate environment.

Tanisha with a canine friend while learning how to groom at the Grooming Project. 

“We all grew close, we all shed tears together cause we were all coming from some hurt in our lives,” said Davis. “We were like sisters.” 

She describes her experience as transformative and one-of-a-kind learning experience. However, being a student came with its challenges. In order to be a full-time student, Davis had to drastically cut her hours as a CNA. Students receive a weekly stipend of $160 but as a mother of three teens Davis was determined to stay enrolled. 

“For my kids to see me walk across that stage and receive my certificate set an example for them, that was a proud moment for me,” said Davis. 

Now almost two years after graduation, Davis says she is a completely new person. She has enough money to provide for her family, pay her bills and save for her dream - opening her own grooming business. She is a member on the Grooming Project Board of Directors and with the help of a mentor, Davis is working on her business plan and learning more about what it takes to be an entrepreneur. 

As a woman who once struggled to provide for her family, Davis is now groomed for success. She’s a woman who smiles more and embraces her future with confident optimism. 

Women like Tanisha are ending the cycle of poverty due to the help of organizations like Empowering the Parents to Empower the Child and the Women’s Foundation. We know working together will make change, and generous supporters like you are critical to our success and the success of Tanisha. 

Women's Foundation Commends Missouri Senators for Working to Reform Sexual Harassment Procedures

WASHINGTON, DC – The Women's Foundation today issued the following statement regarding the bipartisan agreement to reform the handling of sexual harassment complaints by Congress. The legislation is sponsored by Sens. Roy Blunt and Amy Klobuchar and is co-sponsored by Sen. Claire McCaskill. 

"This is a very positive development, and we thank Senator Blunt and Senator McCaskill for working to reform Congress's decades-old sexual harassment procedures," said Wendy Doyle, Women's Foundation President & CEO. "The era of impunity is over, and the national reckoning around sexual harassment in the workplace must address the culture in the halls of Congress as well. We look forward to continuing to work with policymakers from both parties to combat sexual harassment and misconduct and ensure government – at all levels – is a safe, healthy and professional place to work." 

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   
 

Women’s Foundation and Mayor James Honored for Work to Increase Diversity on KC Boards and Commissions

Excellence in Collaboration Award Given at Non-Profit Connect Annual Philanthropy Awards Luncheon

Kansas City, Mo - Women’s Foundation and the Office of Mayor Sly James were recognized today for their collaborative work to increase diversity on local boards and commissions through the Appointments Project™.  The prestigious Excellence in Collaboration Award is given out annually at the Non-Profit Connect Philanthropy Awards Luncheon. Under Mayor James’ leadership, the City of Kansas City, Missouri, was the first city to adopt the Appointments Project™, a Women’s Foundation initiative that aims to increase the number of women serving on public boards and commissions in Kansas and Missouri.  

“Our research showed us the reasons women don’t become civically engaged and too often, the answer was simple: they weren’t being asked,” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President & CEO. “We created the Appointments Project™ to address the gender disparities in local leadership and with the help of supporters like Mayor James we are able to make real change in our community. The Women’s Foundation is incredibly honored to receive this award alongside Mayor James, who has been a true champion for women and families across the region.”

Started in 2014 the Appointments Project™ has successfully placed 87 women on boards and commissions. The program currently operates in 16 municipalities and five counties in Kansas and Missouri. In Kansas City alone, the number of women has increased to 42% in 2017 from 33 percent in 2014. Mayor James has continued to be a strong supporter of the Appointments Project™ for almost four years. 

“Since taking office, I’ve found myself in meeting after meeting, surrounded only by men,” Mayor James said. “If we want government to work for everyone, especially women, we have to ensure that they have a seat at the table. The Appointments Project filled a critical need in creating a pathway to leadership for women in the Kansas City region.”
 
To learn more about the Women’s Foundation and the Appointments Project™ visit www.womens-foundation.org. 

Women’s Foundation Commends Kansas Legislature’s Strides To Combat Sexual Harassment

Budget signed today by the Governor includes language addressing sexual harassment claims against state employees and officials

Topeka, KS – The Women’s Foundation today commended the Kansas Legislature and Governor Jeff Colyer for including a proviso in the state budget, which prohibits the use of state funds to settle sexual harassment cases or request non-disclosure agreements. The ban will apply to sexual harassment cases brought against state employees and elected officials.

“Kansas legislators are continuing to make progress towards implementing our recommendations and ending sexual harassment in the Capitol,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women’s Foundation. “Transparency and accountability are critical to addressing this pervasive issue, and we thank Governor Colyer, Rep. Cindy Holscher, President Susan Wagle and Speaker Ron Ryckman for their work to protect taxpayers and combat sexual harassment. We said from the beginning that ending sexual harassment was going to require a long-term commitment, and these provisions demonstrate that Kansas leaders are serious about making positive change.”

This language builds on an updated sexual harassment policy adopted by the Kansas Legislative Coordinating Council earlier this year. 

The language in the budget proviso originally appeared in HB 2695, which was sponsored by Rep. Cindy Holscher of Overland Park. Co-sponsors included: Representatives Brim, Carlin, Clayton, Crum, Dietrich, Finney, Horn, Judd-Jenkins, Koesten, Kuether, Murnan, Parker, Pittman, Ward, Whipple and Winn.

Last year the Women’s Foundation issued recommendations for preventing and combating sexual harassment in the Kansas Legislature, including prohibiting secret settlements, banning arbitration and limiting mediation in sexual harassment cases Women’s Foundation also worked with Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer on his executive order to eliminate sexual harassment across state government and by state contractors.

Women’s Foundation Helps Secure Passage of Historic Occupational Licensing Reforms

HB 1500 will allow hair braiders to practice without a cosmetology license, makes Missouri 15th State with cost benefit analysis law

Jefferson City, Mo. – The Women’s Foundation today applauded the Missouri General Assembly for passing HB 1500, which will reduce occupational licensing regulations and allow hair braiders to practice without a cosmetology license. As an alternative, hair braiders must register with the State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. They must also complete a self-test on infection control techniques and diseases of the scalp based upon a brochure to be prepared by the board.

“This legislation is a great step forward that will increase economic opportunity and allow more women entrepreneurs to realize their full economic potential,” said Wendy Doyle Women’s Foundation President and CEO. “Hair braiding is a prime example of how occupational licensing requirements can be a barrier for women seeking to start their own businesses or pursue more flexible careers. Our research has shown that easing these unnecessary and onerous regulations will benefit women and strengthen the economy, and we thank state Rep. Shamed Dogan, Sen. Bill Eigel and others for championing this much-needed reform.”

HB 1500 also includes other reforms recommended by the Women’s Foundation, including sunrise provisions to ensure the state does not impose unreasonable occupational licensing burdens unless there is a compelling interest to protect the public. If such a reason exists, the state will select the least restrictive regulation. This provision is informed by Women’s Foundation research that outlines solutions to lower occupational licensing barriers.

The research concluded that unnecessary regulations restrict entry into certain professions and make it harder for women to start their own businesses. In the state of Missouri, hair braiders must complete over 1,000 hours of training for a cosmetology license, even though the training does not include hair braiding skills. In January, Kendall Seal, VP Vice President of Research & Policy and General Counsel of the Women’s Foundation testified in support of HB 1500.

HB 1500 will give  hair braiders the opportunity to operate their businesses while protecting consumers.

To learn more about the Women’s Foundation occupational licensing research click here.

Award-Winning Journalist Ann Curry to Speak at Women’s Foundation Annual Event

“Truth Tellers: Stories that Change the World” will center on the power of women’s voices and facts to drive positive change
 

Kansas City, Mo. – The Women’s Foundation announced today that veteran journalist Ann Curry will be the keynote speaker at its We Work for Change Annual Event in October.  

This year’s event theme, “Truth Tellers: Stories that Change the World,” will feature timely discussions on pressing issues, such as the need for more women in leadership roles and the power of personal stories and factual information to make change. 

The Annual Event is set for 4-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 2 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Helzberg Hall. It is a fundraiser for the Women’s Foundation, which promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages in Missouri and Kansas.

Curry, an award-winning journalist known for bringing stories to life, will share her insights on gender inequality, the power of human connection and working to advance human and women’s rights.

“The past year has been a reminder of the power of truth-telling to drive positive change and the importance of having more women in leadership roles,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation. “As an organization that uses research and evidence-based solutions to work for change, we are thrilled that Ann Curry will be joining us to share her insights on these important topics.” 

Curry is the current Executive Producer and reporter of "We'll Meet Again," a PBS series that features reunions of people whose lives crossed, and then separated, at pivotal moments and during world-changing events. A former NBC News Network anchor and international correspondent, Curry has covered the wars in Syria, Darfur, Congo, the Central African Republic, Serbia, Lebanon, Israel, Afghanistan and Iraq, and reported on nuclear tensions from North Korea and Iran.

Curry has won seven national news Emmys and numerous Edward R. Murrow awards, Gracie Allen Awards, and National Headliner Awards.  The NAACP honored her with an Excellence in Reporting award, and Women in Communications awarded her a Matrix. Curry also has received numerous humanitarian awards, from Refugees International, Americares, Save the Children, and the Simon Wiesenthal Center, which awarded her a Medal of Valor for her dedication to reporting about genocide. 

The Women’s Foundation also announces its 2018 event leadership: Honorary Chairs Mary and Tom Bloch; Event Chairwoman Madeleine McDonough, Shook, Hardy & Bacon; and Patron Committee Co-Chairs Elizabeth Glynn, Travois, Brian Stewart, ARC Physical Therapy, and Abby Wendel, UMB.
 

To learn more about the 2018 Annual Event visit our website.

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.