Appointee Profile: Shelby Ostrom

Shelby Ostrom has been appointed to the Kansas Volunteer Commission. Shelby currently manages the Donor Network for young professionals at United Way, an organization promoting economic opportunity in the Greater Kansas City area.

Since 1993, the Kansas Volunteer Commission has been promoting community service and volunteerism. As an appointee, Shelby will be responsible for helping to administer grants to the AmeriCorps and Volunteer Generation Fund programs in Kansas.

Shelby encourages any woman wanting to get involved with the Appointments Project to tackle the opportunity to serve head-on.

“By serving, I hope to encourage other young professional women to stand up and serve as well. Our voices deserve to be heard!”

Appointee Profile: Jennifer Ingraham

Jennifer Ingraham has been appointed to the Kansas City PIEA Crossroads Arts Advisory Committee. She has been the Assistant Vice President of the UMKC Foundation -the official fundraising and private gift-receiving organization for the University of Missouri-Kansas City - for nearly four years.

Throughout her career, Jennifer has always had a passion for supporting and growing the arts community in Kansas City. As a working mother with over 25 years of experience in fundraising in the arts and higher education sectors, she hopes to use her private sector experience to serve the city. Jennifer will be providing economic assistance to arts and cultural uses of underutilized buildings in the Crossroads Arts District.

“I believe wholeheartedly that women belong in all places where decisions are being made. That’s why I took action by applying to serve on a civic commission myself.”

Women’s Foundation and AAUW Encourage Women to Mark Equal Pay Day By Taking Free Pay Negotiation Training

Women in Kansas and Missouri make just 78 and 77 cents, respectively, for every dollar earned by men

KANSAS CITY – This April 2 will mark Equal Pay Day, which symbolizes the approximate day when women’s earnings finally catch up to what men earned the previous year. The Women’s Foundation and the American Association of University Women (AAUW) are encouraging women to mark the occasion by taking advantage of AAUW Work Smart Online, a free and proven online resource to help them negotiate the salary and benefits they deserve.

“The gender pay gap is one of the most pressing issues facing women and their families – undermining women’s financial wellbeing and putting a drag on our economy,” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President & CEO. “Women have waited long enough for equal pay for equal work, and we love how this program helps empower women to advocate for themselves in the workplace. Closing the pay gap is going to take all of us – not only employers and policymakers, but also individual women breaking down barriers and demanding the pay and benefits they deserve.”

Last year, AAUW and the Women’s Foundation joined Mayor Sly James to announce AAUW Work Smart in Kansas City, the first phase of a large-scale initiative to help close the gender pay gap by empowering 1 million women to successfully negotiate their salary and benefits across Kansas and Missouri.

“Closing the gender wage gap will take effort on many fronts, but one way we are working toward that goal is by empowering individual women to take charge of their financial future,” says Kim Churches, CEO of AAUW. “Negotiating for better jobs and better pay will help enhance economic security not just for women but also for their families. And, when millions of women learn the skills they need, we know it will chip away at the gender pay gap.”

AAUW’s Work Smart curriculum is based on the newest research on how to best navigate the complexity of job offers and promotions. Through presentations and interactive exercises, participants learn to research fair and equitable salaries and benefits in their fields (and geographic areas) and to clearly articulate their skills and experience. Participants also learn the precise words and tactics to use when negotiating, all of which helps build the necessary confidence to negotiate a fair salary or promotion.

While women nationwide are typically paid 80 percent of what men are paid, women in Missouri and Kansas earn just 78 cents and 77 cents respectively, for every dollar earned by a man. Women of color experience pay gaps that are far wider. Missouri’s pay gap is wider than 29 other states, while Kansas’ is the 8th largest in the country.

To register for a free, online salary negotiation workshop, visit: https://salary.aauw.org/

Van Meter State Park to be renamed Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park

Naming ceremony will mark the end of Women’s History Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2019

CONTACT:
Channing Grate | Women's Foundation, channing@gpsimpact.com
Amy Poos | Missouri Department of Natural Resources, 573-751-9392 amy.poos@dnr.mo.gov

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – To honor the contribution of both Annie and Abel Van Meter to Missouri, Van Meter State Park will be renamed Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park at a ceremony at the park at 2 p.m. on March 28.

As part of this ceremony, the park will unveil a new exhibit panel. Missouri State Parks partnered with the Women’s Foundation to help capture the story of the important legacy Annie and her husband gave Missouri. The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy and policy solutions to make meaningful change.

“Annie Van Meter was an incredible woman with a keen sense of business,” said Carol Comer, director of the Department of Natural Resources. “She played a significant role in the success of the Van Meter land, and this name change gives visitors the opportunity to learn of this strong, intelligent woman.”

After Abel Van Meter died, Annie decided to donate part of her land to the state of Missouri. She stated she had wanted the state to restore and preserve the land because her husband had “always tried to preserve the woods and wildlife around her.” She and Abel are both interred in the family cemetery in the park.

"At the Women's Foundation, we're committed to making sure women are represented at all levels – including in our public spaces and historic sites," said Kendall Seal, Vice President of Research & Policy and general counsel at the Women’s Foundation. "Recognizing women's historical contributions is about more than writing them back into history, it also helps empower and inspire women today. We thank Missouri State Parks for working with us to give Annie Van Meter the recognition she deserves and look forward to continuing this progress in the months to come.”

For more information about the ceremony, please call the park at 660-886-7537.

For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit the web at mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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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Celebrating six women business leaders in the Heartland

Women’s History Month is a great opportunity to not only reflect on the contributions women have made in the past but also to celebrate women who are paving the way towards a brighter future today.

Earlier this month we profiled five pioneering women breaking barriers in public service. Below are six women who are making a difference in the private sector – shattering glass ceilings and claiming corner offices across the heartland.

Wendy Guillies

President and CEO of Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Wendy Guillies is the current president and chief executive officer of the Kansas City-based Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, one of the largest private foundations in the United States.

As CEO, she works to boost student achievement in the city and to promote entrepreneurship all across the country. Previously, she used her marketing, organizational development, and talent management skills to build the Foundation’s credibility on the local and international stage.

Outside of the private sector, she gives back to the community through serving on the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, KCSourceLink, MRI Global, Folience and the Enterprise Bank Advisory Board.

Whitney Bartelli

President, Bank Midwest and Chief Marketing Officer

Whitney has served as NBH Bank’s Chief Marketing Officer and President of Bank Midwest since 2015. She also has served as a member of NBH Bank’s board of directors since 2017. She leads the bank’s community building initiatives, integrated brand strategy, marketing programs, product development, and client service initiatives.

Before taking on the roles of CMO and President, she was previously Director of Marketing and has over 25 years of experience in financial services, specializing in branding, marketing, and communications.

Whitney is also involved in many community organizations, including the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors — where she serves as Vice-Chair for the Executive Women’s Leadership Council — Kansas City Central Exchange, and the Board of Directors for Hope House, an organization providing domestic violence victims with shelter and comprehensive services.

Karen Daniel

Before retiring from Black and Veatch, the largest engineering firm in the Greater Kansas City area, Karen Daniel served as Chief Financial Officer and was at the company for over 20 years. Karen also became the first black woman to ever serve as chair of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.

A champion for promoting greater economic and educational opportunity in the Kansas City region, Karen challenged her fellow business executives to be more inclusive.

She continues to devote her life to strengthening the Kansas City region, providing an inspiring example for aspiring businesswomen everywhere.

Melinda Estes, MD

President & CEO, St. Luke’s Health System

Since 2011, Dr. Melinda Estes has served as President and Chief Executive Office of Saint Luke’s Health System, a not-for-profit, faith based health system consisting of 16 hospitals and campuses.

A board certified neurologist and neuropathologist, Dr. Estes is active in many professional organizations and currently serves on the board and executive committee of the American Hospital Association. She is also serving on the American Hospital Association’s Board of Trustees as chair-elect.

Modern Healthcare recognized Dr. Estes as one of its 50 Most Influential Physician Executives and Leaders. She’s been named in Becker’s Hospital Review lists of leaders to know and was elected to the 2018 Kansas City Power 100.

Esther George

Esther George is the current president and chief executive officer of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank. As CEO, she leads a workforce of more than 1,600 employees in offices located around the country.

Outside of work, Esther is also an active participant in her community. The Missouri native is a member of the federal open market committee, which has authority over U.S. monetary policy. She was also the former chair of the Federal Reserve System’s Community Banking Organizations Management Group and served as the acting director of the Federal Reserve’s Division of Banking Supervision

Lisa Ginter

Lisa Ginter joined CommunityAmerica as chief executive officer in 1995. During her tenure as CEO, she has overseen nearly every function of the Credit Union, successfully growing the organization and launching a series of innovative business divisions.

Lisa is also an active participant in the community, serving on the Board of Directors nationally for the Credit Union National Association, and locally for the Kansas City Area Development Council, the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, City Year Kansas City and Heartland Credit Union Association, as well as the Board of Trustees for Rockhurst University and St. Michael the Archangel.

Changemaker Profile: Jean Evans, former Missouri State Representative

Jean Evans is a former Missouri state representative, now the Executive Director of the Missouri Republican Party. She spoke to the Women’s Foundation about her background as a public servant, the challenges she has faced, and why she hopes even more women get involved in their communities.

What made you decide to get involved in public service?

I’ve always been involved in helping my community in various ways. I served on the Boards of NAWBO and PWA, serving as President of PWA. I’ve also done a lot of volunteer work. I started investigating how to get involved in Public Policy, which lead me to meet more people in politics. Having a burning desire to help people and make my community a better place is what ultimately led me to politics.

What’s the biggest challenge or setback you’ve faced?

It’s common to face setbacks and challenges in politics, just as in life. Each one seems HUGE when it happens, but afterwards it often doesn’t seem like that big of a deal. However, my campaign made a mistake on a mailer, claiming an endorsement that I did not have in the 2018 race. I was mortified that it happened, and that so many people felt I was misrepresenting myself. I was more concerned about the public’s perception of me than I was in possibly losing the election. Big mistakes become bigger learning experiences. Learn and move on.

What is your advice to others, especially women, who want to get involved in public service?

DO IT! Go to events, email your representatives and ask to meet for coffee, talk to people who are in public service, and volunteer on a campaign. Women often wait to be asked, whereas Men assume they are qualified and raise their hand. Society needs women to raise their hands more often with regard to public service.

Is there anything that has surprised you about public service?

You hear so many negative things about politicians, lobbyists, and people in politics. The big surprise is how many amazing people you actually meet, who are committed to serving their communities.

What’s your favorite thing about serving in your role?

I get to meet so many amazing people. One of my jobs is to recruit candidates, so I get to ask women, “Have you ever thought about running for office?”

How has your background shaped the way you serve your constituents?

I have a background in sales, so bringing good service to my constituents is a high priority as that is how I have been trained.

Have you ever had a mentor, or someone who inspired you?

Lots of mentors! But I have to give a shout out to Ann Wagner, who has been a tremendous mentor and support to me in my campaigns.

Here’s my closing thought: YOU can impact public policy. YOU can make your community better. Step up, speak out, and let your voice be heard.

5 Hometown Heroines You Need to Know About

March is Women’s History Month and here at the Women’s Foundation we’re celebrating the ways that women are making history and pressing for positive change. All across the country, women are breaking barriers, challenging the status quo, and building a brighter future for all of us.

To kick off the month, here are five hometown heroines you need to know about!

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“I hope women recognize that they have absolutely the kind of qualities that make for a really good public servant: the ability to listen, collaborate, and work with others.”

Gov. Laura Kelly – Governor Laura Kelly is just the third woman to be elected Kansas governor in state history.  In her first year in office, Gov. Kelly is working towards livable wage, affordable health care and a strong school system.

"When we serve the entrepreneurial spirit of women of our city, that have been traditionally forgotten, provide resources for their dream to come to fruition, we grow Kansas City together.” -- January 19, 2019, Kansas City Women’s March

Alissia Canady – Some might know Alissia as the Councilwoman of Kansas City’s 5th District. But this year, Alissia is running for City Mayor on a platform promoting economic development and public investment.

“I have a lived experience that we need to see more of on all kinds of fronts, from having started off with an associate’s [degree] at a community college to being raised by a single mom, being a first generation college student,” she said. “These things are not at all out of the ordinary for a lot of people in this country, but they are very out of the ordinary for the people who represent us in Congress.” – August 6, 2018, Think Progress

Rep. Sharice Davids – 2018 was a historic year for women running for office, and Rep. Sharice Davids was one of them. Raised by a single mom Army veteran, Davids was among the first Native American women ever elected to Congress when she won the race for Kansas’ 3rd Congressional District.

“...the last thing a new mom should ever have to worry about is whether she is going to lose her job or miss a paycheck because she's chosen to have a child and start a family.” -- February 6, 2019, NPR

Rep. Ann Wagner – You might have heard Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Mo. give a resounding “Yes!” during President Trump’s State of the Union this month as he promoted nationwide paid family leave. Rep. Wagner is currently drafting a national paid family leave proposal that she hopes both parties can agree on.

“Studies show that women make great public servants...the policy issues they focus on help families, communities, and our society overall. The fact that women comprise less than 25% of the General Assembly is a huge disservice to all Missourians.”

Rep. Lauren Arthur – State Senator Lauren Arthur is the youngest woman to ever be elected to the Missouri Senate. Before running for office, Rep. Arthur was a middle school teacher in Kansas City’s urban core; reshaping Missouri’s education system is one her main focuses as senator.

BREAKING: Big Win for Pay Equity

“Consistent data collection is crucial to gathering the evidence needed to close the pay gap and finally give women the compensation they deserve.

– Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President & CEO”

A federal court just scored a big win for pay equity across the country -- on the same day we recognized Equal Pay Day for Asian American and Pacific Islanders.

The U.S. District Court just reinstated a federal data collection requirement designed to promote pay equity. Employers are now obligated to report their pay data to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, making this a huge step forward in the fight for pay equity.

For too long, women have been paid less than their male coworkers for doing the same quality of work. In the Kansas City metro area alone, women are paid 78 cents for every dollar paid to men. Using data and research is a way to develop meaningful solutions to the pay gap -- solutions that will improve the lives of women and their families across the country.

This new court ruling will make it possible to gather the evidence needed to close the pay gap and give women equal compensation for their work. Read the full statement and join us in celebrating this milestone in women’s pay equity.

Thank you,

Women’s Foundation

Appointee Profile: Michele Legg

Michele has been appointed to the Planned Industrial Expansion Authority and is looking forward to using the skills she’s learned in the private sector for the public good.

A lifelong Kansas City resident, she is looking forward to using her background to better her community. She hopes she will bring an unique perspective to the PIEA board. She encourages any woman that wants to get into public service to consider and learn about volunteering on civic boards to help their community.

“I hope to bring a new and different perspective to the Board. I love Kansas City and I’m looking forward to improving expansion in economically depressed areas of our city.”

Women’s Foundation Statement on Court Ruling Reinstating EEOC Pay Equity Data Collection

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2019

KANSAS CITY – The Women’s Foundation today hailed a U.S. district court ruling reinstating a federal data collection requirement designed to promote pay equity.

The White House had attempted to suspend the collection of pay data by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, but the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that the Trump administration did not have adequate justification to do so.

“At the Women’s Foundation, we are firm believers in using data and research to develop meaningful solutions that improve the lives of women and their families,” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President & CEO. “Consistent data collection is crucial to gathering the evidence needed to close the pay gap and finally give women the compensation they deserve. We’re pleased that EEOC’s data collection will be reinstated, and thankful to the dedicated advocates who challenged its unlawful suspension.”

In November 2016, the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) and Democracy Forward filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on behalf of NWLC and the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement for illegally rolling back critical pay transparency requirements intended to root out discrimination and close the wage gap.

The Women’s Foundation has been a leader in promoting pay equity and working to close the gender pay gap. The organization developed Pay Equity Best Practices for employers, and teamed up with the American Association of University Women to bring their proven pay negotiation training to the Midwest for the first time.

More information about the Women’s Foundation’s work to close the gender pay gap is available at: http://www.womens-foundation.org/equal-pay

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