Women's Foundation Statement on the Election of Quinton Lucas as Kansas City Mayor

KANSAS CITY, Mo – The Women's Foundation made the following statement regarding the election of Quinton Lucas as Kansas City Mayor. 

“Thanks to efforts like Mayor James’ Women’s Empowerment Initiative and pioneering participation in our Appointments Project, Kansas City has led the way towards a more diverse and inclusive future for the region," said Wendy Doyle, Women's Foundation President & CEO. "We’re thrilled that Mayor-elect Quinton Lucas has committed to building on this progress by putting more women in leadership roles and holding contractors accountable for giving women equal pay for equal work. We’re also deeply grateful to Councilwoman Jolie Justus for her tenacious leadership on issues impacting women in Kansas City. Together, we look forward to empowering even more women leaders and ensuring city government is reflective of and responsive to the communities it serves.”

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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Changemaker Profile: Gina Mitten, Missouri State Representative

Representative Gina Mitten (D-83) represents portions of St. Louis City and St. Louis County. She talked to us about her inspiring personal story and what she enjoys most about serving the public.

What made you decide to get involved in public service?

I grew up in it!  As a kid, my father was a pastor and my mom taught high school.  My sisters and I were always involved in some aspect of our community – from Sundays at the nursing home to various church-related service projects, we were always involved in some way.  As an adult, I became active in my kids’ schools, and then joined my local city council.  A former State Representative suggested I should run – and so I did. 

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

Although investigating former Governor Greitens last year was a pretty big challenge, I think dropping out of high school at 15 was the biggest. 

I enrolled in community college, but working full time – sometimes at minimum wage jobs – and attending night school is not an easy or quick way to get an education. Adding “single mom” to my resume did not make it easier.  I didn’t get my Bachelor’s degree until I was in my 30s. I think it’s important to remember that achieving our educational goals can be very difficult for a lot of us – especially young mothers who, like I did, live paycheck to paycheck.

I had decided that I wanted to be an attorney just a week or so before I learned I was pregnant with my first child. I am extremely lucky that I was ultimately able to achieve that dream, and to do it at Washington University. So many little things – from a traffic ticket to a child’s illness – at the wrong time could have made my life turn out very differently.When my colleagues talk about the need for policy changes to allow for “personal responsibility,” I don’t think enough of them truly understand how precarious life can be for someone without a high school diploma; for someone struggling to keep her child fed and clothed; for someone who parks her stick shift car on a hill for months while saving the money for a new starter. I understand those challenges because I lived them, and I know just how lucky I am to have come through it with a law degree.

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

Like Nike says – “just do it.” Women are socialized caregivers and all too often we think of others before ourselves.  The list of ‘I can’t right now because….’ can be endless. Public service has been such an enriching and positive experience personally and for my entire family. I’m glad that my children grew up in a home where serving our community was a priority. Sometimes that meant late dinners or laundry not quite making it from the basket to the dresser drawers, but in the arc of our lives, those are pretty small sacrifices.

I am fortunate to have had a spouse who was also committed to public service, spending 21 years on our local school board. Juggling our service and home lives was challenging at times, but always worth it.

As women, I think we all know of the many double standards that can come into play. A colleague recently told me to “calm down” during debate, something I’ve never heard said to a man.

 I think it’s important that we foster and actually live the idea that “Strong is the New Pretty.”  That being strong does not make one less feminine.  Women are already strong and we are already leaders.  Shifting those skills to public service may seem daunting, but I think we are pretty darned good at figuring it out once we decide to jump in. 

Is there anything that has surprised you about public service?

Lots of things surprised me in my first term. Primarily that there really was a sense of entitlement in many of my colleagues. Fortunately, a lot of that has changed since my first term, and I believe it will continue to improve. Implementing a sexual harassment policy and providing the House Ethics Committee with rules that have some teeth have been great steps that I am proud to have been a part of. 

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

That’s a really tough one. I love pretty much every aspect of my job. I can’t imagine another job that is so varied and enriching. One day I could be touring a pharmaceutical plant and the next actually changing policy that impacts millions.

But if I had to narrow it down to one thing, it would be talking about it with others. Each year I spend about an hour with every fourth grade class in my district to discuss the legislative process and do a mock bill based on their ideas. We have debate and inquiries and amendments so the kids will understand how we can take an idea and change it – sometimes making it better and sometimes not.   

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

The challenges of being a single mom trying to make a living and get an education means that I can understand the day-to-day struggles faced by many of my constituents. I’ve been there and I understand what it’s like to be anxious about health insurance or the electricity being turned off. As an attorney, that understanding broadens to business and other concerns and allows me to be a strong advocate for everyone in  “the fightin’ 83rd”.  

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

I’ve had so many mentors in my life, it’s hard to narrow that. My kids inspire me every day and I’m so grateful that we continue to learn from each other. As a young woman so many others helped me in ways I can never repay. An early sociology professor taught me the power of advocacy. A former law clerk for Justice Rehnquist gave me my first law firm job.  The myriad people who took notice and gave me opportunities to learn and grow is quite long and helps me remember that what may seem to us as the smallest act of kindness can change another’s entire life. 

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About Change Maker Profiles:

Our Change-Maker Profiles feature elected officials, civic leaders, and everyday citizens who are working for change in Missouri and Kansas.

WATCH: Wendy Doyle on Fox 4

Appointee Profile: Dee Nighswonger

Dee is joining the City of Wichita District II Advisory Board. The primary purpose of the District Advisory Board is to provide the City Council, City Staff and the elected Council member advice and recommendations on matters of public policy, citizen involvement and problems or issues specific to District II.

Dee has had the opportunity to serve her community through employment with Sedgwick County for over 15 years as well as through non-profit board service and volunteer work. She loves leadership and feels called to exercise it whenever, where ever and for however long she is able. After hearing about the Appointments Project at the Know Your Worth Conference last fall, she recognized the opportunity to explore new avenues for her own personal leadership development that would make an impact.

Dee looks forward to learning about how the City of Wichita engages with citizens to make progress on important issues facing our community. She hopes to continue to improve her capacity for contributing to progress on challenges faced by both the City and County while representing her fellow citizens from District II.

Paid Parental Leave Expands to Thousands of State Employees in Kansas

Legislative Coordinating Council, Kansas Board of Regents and Secretary of State formally adopt paid parental leave policies, joining the Kansas Supreme Court and all statewide executive officeholders

KANSAS CITY – Thousands of additional state employees will benefit from paid parental leave, the Women’s Foundation announced today, as the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) joined the other two branches of government, including the Kansas Board of Regents, in offering the benefit.

Today the Legislative Coordinating Council formally adopted a paid parental leave policy for employees of the legislative branch, providing six week of paid leave for primary caregivers and three weeks of paid leave for secondary caregivers after the birth or adoption of a child. The Kansas Board of Regents approved paid parental leave for employees of state colleges and universities earlier this month.

They join Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, Secretary of State Scott Schwab, Treasurer Jake LaTurner, and the Kansas Supreme Court in adopting policies aligned with former Gov. Colyer’s executive order, which current Gov. Laura Kelly has kept in place.

“Our research has shown that paid family leave is a win-win for families, employers, and the economy — so we’re thrilled that more state employees will have access to this family-friendly benefit,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of Women’s Foundation. “No one should have to choose between caring for a child and paying the bills, and we thank all the officials who have stepped up to provide parental leave to their employees. We look forward to continuing to work with legislators to pass paid family leave laws that will give all Kansans the ability to care for a child without losing their income.”

Expanding access to paid leave has been a top priority of the Women’s Foundation, which worked with Kansas leaders to provide research on the benefits of paid family leave.

Last year, Governor Colyer signed an executive order granting paid parental leave to thousands of state employees following the birth or adoption of a child. Under the policy, state employees under the governor's jurisdiction are eligible to receive paid parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child, with primary caregivers receiving six weeks and secondary caregivers receiving three weeks.

More information on the Women’s Foundation research into paid family leave is available at: http://www.womens-foundation.org/paid-leave/.

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.

Working for Change in the Missouri and Kansas State Capitols: 2019 Session Recap

Legislators in Missouri and Kansas wrapped up their work last month, and both sessions included progress and setbacks for women’s economic equity and opportunity. Here’s a recap of how Women’s Foundation priorities fared during the 2019 legislative sessions, and what it means for women and families across the region.

Veterans and Military Families

Women have always played a vital role in our armed forces – whether serving in harm’s way overseas or supporting our troops here at home. To support Missouri’s military families, the Women’s Foundation successfully pressed Missouri lawmakers to pass SB 206, which will make the Wartime Veterans’ Survivors program permanent. This program has helped Missourians whose family members were killed or injured in the line of duty obtain a higher education and build a brighter future for their families.

Providing higher educational opportunities to the families of those killed or injured in the line of duty will strengthen our economy and improve the financial well-being of military families across the state.

Paid Family Leave

This year momentum continued to build, both nationally and at the state level, around the issue of paid family leave. Republicans and Democrats in Congress introduced legislation to address this issue head-on, and here in Missouri Republican State Rep. Chris Dinkins introduced House Resolution 40, calling on the U.S. Congress to come together and pass a nationwide paid family and medical leave law. Unfortunately, this momentum stalled, and none of the paid family leave bills received a vote.

 The good news is that officeholders in both Missouri and Kansas are making some progress when it comes to providing paid leave to their employees. In fact, thousands of additional Kansas state employees will benefit from paid parental leave, after the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) joined the other two branches of government, including the Kansas Board of Regents and Secretary of State, in offering the benefit.

In the only country in the world without a nationwide paid family leave program, this issue should be at the top of legislators’ priority lists next year.

Gender Pay Equity

Women in Missouri and Kansas are still paid just 78 cents and 77 cents, respectively, for every dollar earned by a man – and women of color face even wider pay gaps. The Women’s Foundation is committed to closing the pay gap by empowering women to negotiate higher salaries and encouraging employers to adopt best practices. But policymakers have a role to play as well.

For example, Missouri State Representative Doug Beck introduced legislation (HB 328), which would have prohibited employers from inquiring about salary history – helping to break the cycle of inequity and make sure women aren’t held back by pay discrimination in a previous job.

While statewide legislation languished, we’re encouraged by the steps Kansas City has taken to ensure equal pay for equal work at the local level.

On May 23, the Kansas City Council unanimously passed an ordinance to combat the gender pay gap by banning employers from asking about a job applicant’s salary history. Ordinance No. 19038, sponsored by Councilman Scott Wagner, makes Kansas City the 15th municipality to adopt such a policy.

Combating Sexual Harassment and Abuse

 Over the last two years, the #MeToo movement has helped spur a long-overdue national reckoning over sexual harassment and abuse. Because sexual harassment is a barrier to women’s economic and political empowerment, the Women’s Foundation has worked with policymakers in both Kansas and Missouri to ensure a safe, respectful and professional workplace for legislators, state employees, and interns.

 That’s why this year we were relieved that two bills that would have taken Missouri backwards were not passed into law. HB 503 and SB 1140 would have made it harder for women to pursue sexual harassment claims against their employers – forcing them into mandatory arbitration and blocking off their access to the courts. Thankfully these bills were never brought to a vote due to strong opposition from the Women’s Foundation and others.  

We’re also pleased that lawmakers declined to take up a harmful bill that would have weakened Title IX protections and tilted the scales against victims of sexual assault on college campuses. The failure of this bill is good news for students and families.

Occupational Licensing

Women’s Foundation research has found that occupational licensing regulations have a disproportionate impact on women. And while progress to alleviate these burdens stalled in the Missouri Legislature this year, reforms passed last year are finally being implemented for the benefit of women and all Missourians.

For example, military families and low-income Missourians are eligible to have their licensing fees waived for two years from the date their application is approved. In addition, Missourians interested in pursuing a career as a professional hair braider can now watch a four-hour video instead of taking more than 1,000 hours of cosmetology training that costs on average $14,000.

Next year we’ll continue to work to make it easier for women – especially in high demand fields like psychology – to bring their professional licenses with them when they cross state lines, and continue to ease burdens on veterans and military families.

Civic Engagement  

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. That’s why this year we were proud to work with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Missouri State Parks to change the name of Van Meter State Park to Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park.

Annie Van Meter played a significant role in the success of the Van Meter land, and this name change will give park visitors the opportunity to learn more about her legacy and accomplishments.

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 and years to come.

What’s Next

 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.

Honoring our veterans

Memorial Day is a time to celebrate, honor, and remember the military men, women, and families who lost their lives or loved ones while serving our country.

Women play a crucial role in protecting America at home and abroad. There are more than 200,000 women serving on active-duty. Thousands of mothers, sisters, daughters and spouses of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines are also making sacrifices while their loved ones are away.

As an organization dedicated to equity and opportunity for women of all ages in all areas of work, we are committed to advocating for our veterans every day, and that means breaking down barriers and opening up opportunities for them and their families.

Last week, Missouri legislators answered our call to make the Wartime Veterans’ Survivors program permanent – which will help thousands of Missourians whose family members were killed or injured in the line of duty obtain a higher education and build a brighter future for their families.

We’ve also helped pass common-sense reforms to occupational licensing regulations, so it is easier and less expensive for veterans to obtain a professional license.

So this Memorial Day, please consider donating to one of the many worthy charities that support veterans and military families. Children of Fallen Patriots, Navy-Marine Relief Society, and the Semper Fi Fund all do amazing work serving those who have served us.

Thank you,

Wendy Doyle

President & CEO | Women's Foundation

Women’s Foundation Celebrates Passage of Kansas City Ordinance to Combat the Gender Pay Gap

KANSAS CITY – In a victory for pay equity, the Kansas City Council today unanimously passed an ordinance to combat the gender pay gap by banning employers from asking about a job applicant’s salary history. Ordinance No. 19038, sponsored by Councilman Scott Wagner, makes Kansas City the 15th municipality to adopt such a policy.

“This a great step forward for pay equity that strengthens Kansas City's position as a national leader in promoting equity and opportunity for all,” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President & CEO. “Women in Kansas City make just 79 cents for every dollar made by men – while women of color face even wider pay gaps, which can follow them throughout their careers. No woman should be denied equal pay for equal work just because her last job paid her less than her male colleagues. This ordinance will help break the cycle of pay inequity and ensure women aren’t held back or discriminated against because of their previous salaries. We thank Councilman Wagner and the entire City Council for embracing this sensible reform that will pay dividends for Kansas City families for many years to come."

In Kansas City, the overall gender pay ratio is 79 percent (a 21 percent gap). In Missouri and Kansas overall, women are paid 78 cents and 77 cents, respectively, for every dollar made by men.

Last year, the Women’s Foundation joined the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and 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.

In 2015, Women's Foundation developed pay equity best practices in partnership with the University of Missouri. The Pay Equity Best Practice Guidelines seek to improve standards for pay equity and achieve measurable results with best practices for employers in both the private and public sectors.

The full report and guidelines are available at http://www.womens-foundation.org/equal-pay

Pay Equity Advocates Urge Support for Kansas City Ordinance to Ban Salary History Inquiries in Hiring

KANSAS CITY – The Women’s Foundation and the Women’s Employment Network today announced their support for a local ordinance to combat the gender pay gap by banning employers from asking about a job applicant’s salary history. Ordinance No. 190380 is being considered by the Kansas City Council’s Transportation & Infrastructure Committee today. The ordinance, sponsored by Councilman Scott Wagner, would make Kansas City the 15th municipality to adopt such a ban.

“Women in the Kansas City region make just 79 cents for every dollar made by men, and research has shown that these pay gaps often follow women throughout their careers,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation. “No woman should be denied equal pay for equal work just because her last job paid her less than her male colleagues. This ordinance will help break the cycle of pay inequity and ensure women aren’t held back or discriminated against because of their previous salaries. We thank Councilman Wagner for working to break down barriers to equity and ensure equal pay for equal work.”

In Kansas City the overall gender pay ratio for the Kansas City metro area is 79 percent (a 21 percent gap).

“Giving women the tools to shape their own futures and secure sustainable employment will do more than increase their paychecks – it will also improve our entire economy,” said Sherry Turner, CEO of Women’s Employment Network. “This ordinance will build on the progress WEN and our partners have made by making sure women are paid based on their skills and experience and not limited by their previous salaries.”

Last year, the Women’s Foundation joined the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and 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. WEN has hosted multiple salary negotiation trainings in the region, giving women the skills needed to negotiate the pay and benefits they deserve.

In 2015, Women's Foundation developed pay equity best practices in partnership with the University of Missouri. The Pay Equity Best Practice Guidelines seek to improve standards for pay equity and achieve measurable results with best practices for employers in both the private and public sectors.

The full report and guidelines are available at http://www.womens-foundation.org/equal-pay/

More information about the Women’s Employment network is at: https://kcwen.org

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Appointee Profile: Kaitlyn Crotty

Kaitlyn will serve on the Kansas City Brownfields Commission. She decided to apply for the Appointments Project after her fellowship with the Urban Leaders last summer. Her co-fellow, Pranav, worked for the Women’s Foundation and told her that she should apply since she had been in search of obtaining a role as a public servant. Later that same day, she applied.

By serving on a civic board, she hopes to gain more insight on what it all takes to serve the community. She also believes that this is the first of many stepping stones to one day running for office.

The board that she will be serving on focuses its time on conserving underused properties that may be hard to renovate due to real or conceived environmental contaminants.