Women’s Foundation Commends Acting Corrections Secretary Jeff Zmuda for Appointing Historic Number of Women

TOPEKA, Kan. – The Women’s Foundation today commended Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration and Acting Corrections Secretary Jeff Zmuda for their commitment to increasing gender diversity in leadership. With Secretary Zmuda’s recent appointment of two women to lead the Norton and Topeka corrections facilities, leadership at three of the state’s eight adult prisons will be held by women, the most in Kansas’ history.

Zmuda announced that Hazel Peterson will be the permanent warden at Norton Correctional Facility, and Gloria Geither will be appointed to serve as warden for Topeka Correctional Facility, the state’s only women’s prison. 

“We commend Governor Kelly and Secretary Zmuda for their commitment to gender diversity and closing the leadership gap in Kansas,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation. “These historic appointments come as Governor Laura Kelly has appointed more than 100 women to boards, commissions and the judiciary. Putting more women in leadership positions is more than a nicety, it also increases public trust and improves effectiveness. When women lead, everyone wins.” 

Gov. Kelly’s administration is participant in the Women’s Foundation’s Appointments Project®, which works to empower women and strengthen communities by increasing the gender diversity of civic boards and commissions. Gov. Kelly has appointed more than 100 women to boards, commissions, and the judiciary since she took office in January. Research continually shows that increasing gender diversity in leadership improves organizational effectiveness and increases public trust. 

Established by the Women’s Foundation in 2014, Appointments Project® works to increase the gender diversity of civic boards and commissions in both Kansas and Missouri. You can learn more about Women’s Foundations’ work to close the leadership gap here: http://www.womens-foundation.org/a-p.

5 Moments of Inspiration and Empowerment from our Annual Event Featuring Cindy McCain and Laura Kelly

We were so honored by the amazing turnout at this year’s 2019 We Work For Change Annual Event. This event was a call to action, and a reminder to us all that progress is possible when we support one another and work together.

After hearing from our special guest speakers Cindy McCain and Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and connecting with old and new friends, we are more empowered and motivated than ever before to keep working for change. 

Here are some of our favorite moments from the event: 

“People serving in public office should prove worthy of the privilege by rejecting the in-civility and narrow-mindedness featured in the internet shouting matches. We have little hope of overcoming our common problems, defending our common interests, and advancing our common ideas over public debates imitating angry Twitter feeds.”

— Special Guest Speaker Cindy McCain

“Today, I ask you to be the voice for the underrepresented. The unheard. The underpaid. You all have strong, loud voices. And we need advocates fighting for those who can’t.”

— Kansas Governor Laura Kelly

“Find a way to be a changemaker: in your workplace, or in your community… The change we need to make – for our families and communities – is too important to sit on the sidelines.”

— Women’s Foundation President & CEO Wendy Doyle

Kansas Department of Labor Secretary Delía Garcia spoke powerfully about her own path to leadership, including Delía becoming the first Latina and the youngest female to serve in the Kansas Legislature in 2004.

“Our neighborhoods and government will be better and stronger because more women will be at the table – using your voice and your power to make positive change. The best way to ‘be the change’ is by being a changemaker.”

— Appointments Project® Appointee Lauren Allen

Thank you again to our generous sponsors: Bank of America, Black & Veatch, the Claire Giannini Fund, and the Enid and Crosby Kemper Foundation, UMB Trustee.

And of course, this event would not have been possible without our event leadership, board, and team.

Our event chairs Millie Brown, Stephanie Schneider, and Caroline and Cathi Brain with Cindy McCain.

Until next year,

Women’s Foundation

Changemaker Profile: Carol Comer, Director of Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Carol Comer is currently serving as the Director of Missouri Department of Natural Resources. 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 often say “I’m the accidental director.” I never considered government service until a tragic accident changed my career path. 

I am a lawyer by education, and I began my practice at a small environmental law firm. Although the firm only had 25 lawyers, it was involved in virtually every important environmental case coming out of Indiana.  It was a great place to learn environmental law.

For lawyers, however, the definition of having “made it” is to practice at “the big firm.” So I set a goal of joining the environmental law department of a Big Law firm, and I ended up being recruited by one of the largest law firms in the West, headquartered in Phoenix. 

But in a cruel twist of fate, the day I got my offer letter, was the day my sister was killed in a car accident. I was suddenly in a situation where I couldn’t pack up and move 2,000 miles away, but I had also already quit my job. I hastily looked around, and there was a position open at the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission as an administrative law judge, which I accepted. 

A year later, the Phoenix firm called back.  They said, “We understand why you couldn’t come last year, but we’re still interested in you joining our firm.” I agreed and moved to Arizona a few weeks later.

 The problem was the one year I spent at the Utility Regulatory Commission had ruined me for private practice. I loved being a judge. I loved public service. 

So after two years in Arizona, I quit the firm; I quit private practice; I gave up two-thirds of my income; and I dedicated my career to government service. And I have never looked back. I can’t imagine a more fulfilling career than public service or a more fulfilling position than the one I am honored to be in now as Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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

I’ve had setbacks and failures too numerous to mention. I’ve lost jobs. I didn’t get positions I’ve wanted. I’ve worked for supervisors that actively tried to hold me back. And I’ve been rejected time and again. But I’ve always made it a policy to “fail upward.” When one plan or goal didn’t work out, I just started working on my next plan or goal.

One “setback” stands out most because it set me on the course that led me here. When I returned to Indiana after leaving the Phoenix firm, I spent several years as an administrative law judge for the Board of Tax Review. During my time hearing tax cases administratively, the Indiana Tax Court Judge retired and the position came open, which was an Appellate Court position. 

I desperately wanted that job! I spent hours and hours putting together my portfolio, and I interviewed my heart out, but I didn’t get the position. Later one of the members of the interview panel told me that the committee was impressed with me, but they were concerned about my lack of “demonstrable leadership skills.” 

Instead of mourning my “career failure,” I attacked my “lack of leadership skills.” I came up with a three-part plan: I had to show civic involvement; I had to show subject matter expertise; and I had to get politically involved so the decision-makers would know who I was the next time around. 

The first year, I got appointed to the Board of Directors of a local food pantry, and I worked on a single campaign. I wasn’t able to find a teaching position, so I started a tax blog. The next year, I sat on three Boards of Directors, was asked to work on multiple campaigns, and my blog was the go-to source for local tax practitioners. 

 Within a few years, I had met and worked with hundreds of local civic and political leaders. It was through one of those contacts that I learned the position of General Counsel was open at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). 

I spent two and a half years as General Counsel at IDEM, before being promoted to Chief of Staff, and, when the sitting Commissioner retired, I was appointed IDEM Commissioner by (then) Governor Mike Pence. And when Governor Pence became Vice President Pence, the former Governor of Missouri invited me to come to join his administration; and I was blessed to be asked to stay on as a Cabinet Member by Governor Parson. 

I did not plan this path. I did not expect this path. But had I not “failed” at my attempt to become the Indiana Tax Court Judge, I never would have had the chance to lead two agencies and serve three Governors!

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

First - networking is critical to your success. I think networking is harder for women. We haven’t been conditioned to be assertive, to ask for what we want, or to make acquaintances or build relationships that will benefit us professionally. But if no one knows who you are, no one knows what you can do. So join a club, attend a political meeting, volunteer, because every group, club, or organization you work with expands your network. You never know which of your acquaintances – whether you volunteered at a food pantry with them, you worked on a campaign together, or met in a leadership class – will be the one that connects you to the opportunity that changes your life.

Second – never say no!  I know there are thousands of self-help books about setting boundaries, being good to yourself, and learning to say no, but I’m not talking about over-extending yourself. I’m talking about taking risks. If someone suggests a project or position or opportunity to you, take it!  Women in particular tend to believe we’re not qualified for something unless we are experts in the field. Other people may see qualities and talents in you that you don’t see in yourself. Say yes to the job or project and then make it a priority to gain the skills and gather the knowledge that you need to be successful.

Finally – accept that not every undertaking will succeed. But if you’ve never failed, you haven’t reached, stretched, or challenged yourself. Failure isn’t failure unless you fail to rise again. So be bold. Don’t be afraid to fail. Take risks and know that failure is an inevitable part of the process. Leadership is not a straight line. Your career will likely take many twists and turns along the way. That’s okay! Each detour brings new experiences and a new perspective that will prove invaluable to the decisions you make and the way you lead.

Is there anything that has surprised you about public service?

I am always awed by the talent and dedication of the state workforce. These folks have a passion and a drive to make a difference. They are incredibly talented, well educated, and highly skilled and have chosen public service as a career - despite the pay and the criticism and the hard work - because it means something to them. I am proud and honored to work with them every day.

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

My favorite thing about serving in this role is the number of lives I get to touch – from recognizing an employee for a job well done, to investing in our existing parks, to making certain our smallest water providers have the resources they need to meet their environmental obligations. In the end, what we do impacts the quality of the air, land, and water, provides recreational and learning opportunities, and preserves our natural and historic places for all Missourians. It’s a huge responsibility! And I take great pride in the progress we are making toward ensuring a healthy environment and a vibrant parks system for all of our citizens.

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

I came from private practice and represented companies on environmental issues for almost a decade. In my experience, most companies want to comply with their obligations. They are just looking for common sense and flexibility in meeting regulatory requirements. 

My experience as a lawyer helps me bridge the gap between the agency and our regulated public. We have the tools and the flexibility to come up with creative solutions, and we get to compliance faster if we treat our regulated entities as partners. 

And the data bears this out. When I stepped in to this role, 94% of Missourians on public water systems had drinking water that met every health-based standard. By December 2018, that number was 99%. This summer’s flood affected that number, but without the flood impacts, we remain close to 99%.

Also when we started this journey, Missouri had more than 2,000 expired permits – some of those permits were decades out of date. In two and a half years, we’ve reduced that backlog by more than 80% by working with the permit holders to come up with practical, achievable requirements that provide for a healthy environment while promoting economic growth and investment.

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

One of the partners at my first law firm probably had the biggest impact on me. She was the only woman in a partnership full of men. She was the soul of the firm and the firm’s conscience.  She taught me about environmental law; she taught me about leadership; and she taught me about standing up for what’s right (even when it wasn’t a popular opinion). 

She also taught me about living life – and that’s the lesson I thank her most for. Sue Shadley passed away from Lou Gehrig’s disease soon after she retired from the practice of law. But she never waited until retirement to do the things she wanted to do. As a practicing attorney, I watched her run off to Africa on safari and spend summers on Cat Island.  She never put off traveling or experiencing the world. 

As I continue through chemotherapy for metastatic cancer, I could not be more grateful for her counsel or the example she set. I never waited for a better time, or for when I had more resources; I just traveled. And whenever I had the opportunity, I took my nieces and nephew with me.  Those are the experiences I will never forget, and I hope my family will remember their entire lives.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Life is short.  Do what makes you happy.  Set your sights on what you want – regardless of whether you believe it’s attainable – and find a way to make it happen! Life is a journey, and sometimes, while you’re reaching for your “goal,” something even better comes your way.

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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.

🎧 LISTEN NOW: Wendy Doyle Featured on Cerner’s “Perspectives on Health and Tech"

“Had a great time speaking with Dr. Andrea Henricks at Cerner for their podcast on women's leadership.” — Wendy

On Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, Women’s Foundation Encourages Policymakers to Remove Salary History from Hiring Process

Banning salary history inquiries in hiring shown to help break the cycle of pay inequity

KANSAS CITY – Ahead of Black Women’s Equal Pay Day on August 22, marking the day when black women’s earnings finally catch up to those of white men, the Women’s Foundation is pressing policymakers to close the pay gap by banning salary history inquiries in hiring.

Black women make just 61 cents for every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men, and salary history inquiries make it harder for women to close the gap. Kansas City recently adopted an ordinance barring employers from asking job applicants about their salary history, and St. Louis County Executive Sam Page did the same for county government hiring.

“It’s a basic issue of fairness: equal work deserves equal pay,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation. “The pay gap facing black women is staggering and unacceptable – undermining our economy, harming our communities, and short-changing millions of women across the country. That’s why we’re intensifying our efforts to enact policies that will close the pay gap – and salary history bans is one of those solutions. A woman’s unfairly low previous salary should never be the basis for her new one. Leaders in Kansas City and St. Louis have led the way on this issue and it’s time for other state and local leaders to follow suit. Removing salary history inquiries from the hiring process can help break this cycle and, combined with other common-sense policies to promote pay equity, can help close the pay gap once and for all.”

In addition to pushing for salary history bans, last year the Women’s Foundation joined the American Association of University Women and former Kansas City 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. To register for a free, online salary negotiation workshop, visit: https://salary.aauw.org/

Women nationwide are typically paid 80 percent of what men are paid, and women of color face pay disparities that are far wider. The gender pay gap widens to 61 cents for Black women, 58 cents for Native American women and 53 cents for Latinas.

Appointee Profile: Krista Watkins

Krista is joining Kansas City's Westport Events Management Committee.

Krista joined the Appointments Protect® to become more involved in her community. By joining the board, she hopes to acknowledge community concerns and work to solve issues.

Krista will be joining the Westport Events Management Coordination Committee and will be working together with the CID and other community organizations to further education aimed at preventing gun violence, including lessons learned from the screening process.

Women's Foundation Thanks Mayor Sly James for Championing Equity and Opportunity for Women

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2019

CONTACT: Channing Grate, channing@gpsimpact.com

KANSAS CITY -- Ahead of Mayor Sly James' last day in office, the Women's Foundation commended all that Mayor James has helped accomplish through their partnership.

"Mayor James' vision, tenacity and infectious optimism have left a lasting and profoundly positive impact on Kansas City. Mayor James has been a tireless champion of women's equality and empowerment, and we were proud to work with him on initiatives to close the leadership gap and empower women across the region." – Wendy Doyle, President & CEO, Women's Foundation

Throughout his tenure, Mayor James worked tirelessly to advance diversity and inclusion and prioritize women's empowerment in Kansas City by: 

• Creating the Women's Empowerment Initiative, a road map for helping women to find their place in local government positions.

• Dramatically increasing the number of women serving on public boards and commissions through the Appointments Project.

• Expanding paid parental leave for city employees.

• Partnering with Women's Foundation to create When Work Works, an initiative that provides benchmarking to businesses and rates them in the areas of workplace flexibility, paid leave policies and more.

• Teaming up with AAUW and the Women’s Foundation to launch AAUW Work Smart KC, to help close the gender pay gap with salary and benefits negotiation training.

In 2017, the Women’s Foundation created the He's for Change Internship, in honor of Mayor Sly James and his work to empower women and increase the number of women serving on Kansas City’s public boards and commissions.  

The Women's Foundation looks forward to continuing to work on the Appointments Project with Mayor-elect Quinton Lucas.

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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Changemaker Profile: Delia Garcia, Kansas Department of Labor Secretary

Delia Garcia is currently serving as the Kansas Secretary of Labor. Garcia previously served as a Democratic member of the Kansas House of Representatives, representing the 103rd district. She served from 2005 to 2010, and was a member of the Kansas Democratic Hispanic Caucus. 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 was born into public service through my family’s small business, which is Kansas’ oldest family-owned Mexican restaurant since 1963. My grandfather earned his citizenship to the U.S. through his military service in WWII, and with my grandmother Connie, started our family business. As one of their five granddaughters, I learned good customer service in the restaurant business and in the community. Later, I ran for state representative in the district where our restaurant is located. It was a new district as the result of the redistricting from the 1990 Census. In 2004, I made Kansas history serving as the first Latina woman and youngest ever female in the Kansas State Legislature. As both an elected and appointed leader, I continue to strive to work hard to serve hard working Kansans and their families. I want to provide access to resources for good jobs, quality health care, and educational opportunities. I treat other families as I would want my family treated. I witnessed the possibility of elected/appointed leadership by my role models who happened to be women. I chose to do my civic responsibility just as my role models did for me, to serve as a voice for the voiceless. 

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

In January 2005, minutes after I was sworn into office in the Kansas House of Representatives, I was approached by a reporter for an interview. He asked me if I felt intimidated starting off as a freshman legislator with four strikes against me. I asked him to repeat and clarify his question as I 

gathered my thoughts. He stated the four strikes he was referring to were that I was a woman, Latina, young, and a Democrat in a conservative state. I thanked him for his question and stated I planned to work hard to serve my constituents, that I knew those four attributes would be a true asset to the Kansas Legislature because I brought those unique perspectives with me, and that I looked forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make the best policies for all Kansans. Since then, I knew I had to work that much harder to be taken seriously. I take seriously the responsibility to continue paving the path like others have done before me and to support other women by continuing to make cracks in that glass ceiling. 

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

service? 

My advice would be to be comfortable with being uncomfortable, as that would demonstrate a growth mindset to be open to possibilities of elected/ appointed public service. I learned from my own mistake to question if I was qualified enough to run at the age of 27 years old. I have demonstrated and witnessed first-hand that women are natural negotiators, active listeners, and lead collaboration. I would absolutely advise to volunteer on a campaign in the area of town you would run in to get used to the lay of the land. Also, participate in a training that provides you the resources to win. Additionally, I would highly recommend to create a kitchen cabinet of mentors who will tell you what you need to hear and not what you want to hear. Finally, it is a must to strive to live a healthy lifestyle and have fun with all of this, as life is too short not to do so. 

Is there anything that has surprised you about public service? 

I was pleasantly surprised at times when both sides of the aisle worked together, and it would show that we actually have more in common than not when we simply communicate and work together. I was, and continue to be, inspired and empowered when I participate and witness this. I want to be the change that I want to see for those I love, as I believe anything is possible. 

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

People are my absolute favorite thing serving in my role! This includes my amazing executive leadership team, that I am blessed to work with daily to serve our hard working Kansans and their families, to the custodial workers, that clean our work spaces and hotels we stay in when we travel to do our work. When I get to meet our Kansas workers and employers and actively 

listen to their concerns and dreams, I am inspired to work harder for them. I am grateful to the people that serve as partners and stakeholders who deliver services to our Kansas workers to feel safe, happy, empowered, and important. When I get the opportunity to meet people who benefited from our services and share their stories, I am inspired to do more. My approach is personal as if they are one of my family members. I am energized by the people power and their powerful stories that move us to action. 

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

My background growing up in a Kansas small business around daily customer service has definitely shaped how I serve our Kansas constituents. Growing up from humble beginnings in a working class family and as a second generation American, I feel I can relate to many with a similar story. I witnessed my grandparents’ challenges and blessings as immigrants, and my parents’ experiences stemming from that. I have both witnessed and experienced having limited resources and access to good health care, and understand that quality health care should be a right and not a privilege to hard working Kansans. I know that Kansans and my family want the same thing, including but not limited to access to quality health care, good paying jobs, and affordable educational opportunities. I treat others as I would want my family treated. Servant leadership is a responsibility that I take seriously and try to grow. 

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

I am blessed with mentors of various backgrounds in a powerful kitchen cabinet that I have created over the years in various aspects of my life. After all the women role models in my family, one that my family and I admire is Dolores Huerta. Her constant fight for human and civil rights over the past seven decades, especially for workers, has inspired me to be that kind of leader. She has served as my mentor over 15 years, and has empowered me each time we have spent time together. Her energy is infectious, even at her age of 89 today in 2019. She is the originator of the well-known slogan “Si Se Puede,” which means “Yes We Can!” She reminds me of the power of people and organization, and the importance of sharing personal experiences to empower others. 

Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

Sisters, I encourage you to embrace failure and learn the lessons that take you to your real destiny. Finally, live in a manner of open possibilities that will lead you to live a powerful life you love! 

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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.

Governor Parson Signs Legislation to Permanently Extend Missouri’s Veteran’s Survivors Grant Program

KANSAS CITY – Missouri Governor Mike Parson today signed Senate Bill 306, proposed by the Women’s Foundation to permanently extend the Wartime Veteran’s Survivor Grant Program, previously scheduled to sunset on August 28, 2020. The Women’s Foundation has been a longtime proponent of the program and initiated the conversation about reauthorizing it permanently.

“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,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation. “By permanently extending this valuable program, Senate Bill 306 honors their sacrifices and reflects Missouri’s ongoing commitment to supporting our military families and strengthening our economy. 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. We thank Governor Parson for his commitment to Missouri’s military families and signing this much-needed legislation.” 

The Wartime Veteran's Survivor Grant Program awards up to 25 college scholarships annually to spouses or children of Missouri veterans who died or became disabled during combat. 

In February, the Women’s Foundation testified in support of this legislation (originally filed by state Sen. Denny Hoskins and Rep. Steve Lynch) as part of its work to promote equity and opportunity for women of all ages.

Women’s Foundation Joins Governor Laura Kelly to Declare Kansas Women’s Voting Day in Honor of the Centennial of Women’s Suffrage

TOPEKA – On Friday, June 21 the Women’s Foundation joined Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly and the League of Women Voters of Kansas to declare June 16th Kansas Women’s Voting Day, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the day that Kansas ratified the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote in nationwide elections.

“As an organization dedicated to promoting women’s civic engagement, we commend Governor Laura Kelly for commemorating the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage and for her steadfast commitment to making sure all voters can make their voices heard,” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President & CEO. “One hundred years after winning the right to vote, women are still underrepresented in public office, while women of color continue to face systemic barriers to the ballot box. We are proud to stand arm-in-arm with the Governor Kelly and the League of Women Voters to continue the march towards a stronger and more equitable democracy.”

After becoming the first state in the Midwest to grant women the right to vote in 1912, Kansas ratified the 19th Amendment in support of women’s suffrage nationwide on June 16, 1919. The proclamation also recognizes that Kansas was the first state in the nation to hold a referendum on women’s suffrage in 1867, and Kansas women were leaders in the suffrage movement.

“The signing by Governor Kelly of the Proclamation recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment as well as the League of Women Voters is momentous but in no way marks the end of an era,” said Teresa Briggs and Cille King, Co-Presidents of the League of Women Voters of Kansas. “The League today is even more engaged, diverse and focused on being a leader in protecting voters’ rights and defending our Democracy into the future.”

In 2014, the Women’s Foundation established the Appointments Project® to empower women and strengthen communities by increasing the gender diversity of public boards and commissions.

Based on a landmark study that identified the barriers causing women to be underrepresented on public boards and commissions, the Appointments Project serves as a nonpartisan resource, talent bank, advisor and advocate for women interested in serving on civic boards and commissions.

A link to the proclamation is available here.

More information about the Appointments Project is available at www.AppointmentsProject.org