Appointments Project® Celebrates Laura Horwitz, Appointed to The St. Louis County Library Board of Trustees

“Through my work, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with St. Louis County Library leadership to increase the availability and accessibility of diverse children’s books,” said Horwitz. “St. Louis County Library is one of our region’s most innovative and forward-thinking institutions, but it wasn’t until I attended the Appointments Project that I realized that I could do more to serve this mission that I love. I am really enjoying this meaningful work.”

Laura is a nonprofit leader with more than 15 years of experience in community organizing, nonprofit capacity building, and program design and evaluation. Most recently, she co-founded and served for four years as the executive director of We Stories, which engages white families in changing the conversation about racial equity in St. Louis.

She previously worked in community organizing with synagogues in Boston and New York City, served in policy and planning roles with The Pew Charitable Trusts, and led organizational learning and staff training at American Friends Service Committee. Laura is an active community volunteer, serving on the Jewish Community Relations Council and the City of Clayton’s Equity Commission.

Survivors of Fallen Veterans and First Responders Would Be Eligible For College Scholarships Under Bill Introduced in Kansas House

Women’s Foundation praises effort to support the families of military servicemembers and first responders 

KANSAS CITY – The Women’s Foundation today praised legislation (HB 2731) introduced by Kansas state Rep. Troy Waymaster, which would provide college scholarships to the survivors of veterans and first responders killed or injured in the line of duty.  

“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,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation. “We thank Rep. Waymaster for his commitment to Kansas military families and first responders and look forward to seeing this bill signed into law.” 

The bill is modeled after Missouri’s Wartime Veteran’s Survivor Grant Program, which the Women’s Foundation worked with lawmakers to permanently extend last year. The Women’s Foundation has been a longtime proponent of the program and initiated the conversation about reauthorizing it permanently.

Commentary: A rare moment of bipartisanship and a milestone for paid leave

The following op-ed originally appeared in the Columbia Daily Tribune

By Wendy Doyle

Just before the holidays, something truly amazing happened: Republicans and Democrats in Washington took a break from partisan infighting and gridlock to pass legislation that will make a life-changing difference for millions of families across the country.

With the stroke of a pen, President Trump signed into law a bipartisan agreement to provide paid parental leave for federal employees, which includes more than 50,000 federal employees here in Missouri and Kansas. Starting in October 2020, all federal workers will have 12 weeks of paid parental leave after birthing, adopting or fostering a child.

The new law is a significant improvement over the 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which guarantees all eligible workers 12 weeks of “unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons.” Employees covered by FMLA can take time off to care for a family member or get treatment for an illness without getting fired, but it can mean going without a paycheck. While FMLA was a groundbreaking policy for working families 27 years ago, its lack of paid family and medical leave has left countless Americans financially insecure or even bankrupt.

Thanks to this recent bipartisan milestone — supported by every member of the Missouri and Kansas congressional delegation — federal employees will no longer have to choose between caring for a child or maintaining their household’s financial security. Though the new law falls short of full paid family and medical leave, since it doesn’t include paid time off for a serious medical condition or to care for a close relative, it is without question a good first step toward providing paid family and medical leave to all working families at all stages of life.

Business leaders and policymakers in Missouri and Kansas should take note.

In many ways, paid family and medical leave is the ultimate pocketbook issue for Americans of all ages, and current public opinion strongly supports a national paid family and medical leave program.

In nearly half of all two-parent households, both parents work full-time, according to the Pew Research Center. Many of these working parents in the so-called “sandwich generation” are also caring for aging family members. And in spite of the low unemployment rate, many wages are not rising with the cost of living, and the lack of workplace flexibility has left many families struggling and stressed. In fact, workers and their families lose an estimated $22.5 billion in wages each year due to a lack of paid family and medical leave.

It’s no wonder our research found that Missouri families were struggling to meet the demands of family and work.

Paid family and medical leave is also good for business by improving productivity, boosting employee recruitment and retention and reducing turnover. In short, this is a workforce development policy.

But the hard truth is that currently, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 18 percent of private sector workers and 25 percent of state and local workers have access to paid family leave. We know from our own research and many other studies, access to paid family and medical leave is vital for the strength of our families and our economy.

The good news is paid family and medical leave initiatives are increasing across the country, and employers — both public and private — are realizing these policies benefit workers and their bottom lines. The Women’s Foundation was proud to work with state officials to provide paid parental leave to nearly every state employee in Missouri and Kansas, benefiting an estimated 100,000 workers in both states.

Our country is slowly moving toward losing its dubious distinction as the only industrialized country in the world without a national paid family leave law.

Company by company, city by city, and state by state — and now with the latest policy from the federal government, we are inching closer to the day when all families can take the necessary time to care for themselves and one another without sacrificing their livelihoods.

Maybe this could be the bipartisan milestone of 2020.

Appointments Project® Celebrates Governor Parson’s Appointment of Robin Wenneker to UM System Board of Curators

Initiative has helped place more than 120 women on civic boards and commissions in Missouri and Kansas

KANSAS CITY – The Appointments Project today celebrated Governor Mike Parson’s appointment of Robin Wenneker to the University of Missouri System Board of Curators. Robin is an alumna of the Appointments Project, first appointed to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education by Governor Parson in August 2019. To date, the Appointments Project has helped place more than 120 women to civic boards and commissions across Missouri and Kansas.

"Governor Parson has made an exceptional choice in appointing Robin to the UM System Board of Curators," said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of the Kansas City-based Women’s Foundation, which created the Appointments Project in 2014. "We're proud to be a springboard for talented women like Robin who are dedicated to public service and represent the future of leadership in our region."

Robin is the Managing Partner of CPW Partnership, a family business that owns farm, rental and raw land holdings. She has worked with her family for over 20 years handling investments, legal, government and accounting interfaces. Prior to working in her family business, Robin worked for Procter & Gamble, the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games and Marketing Mix, an event marketing firm specializing in entertainment clients. 

Robin holds a bachelor’s degree in administrative management from the University of Missouri, and a master’s degree in business administration from Washington University. She is currently president-elect of the Mizzou Alumni Association.

Established by the Kansas City-based Women’s Foundation in 2014, the Appointments Project® works to empower women and strengthen communities by increasing the gender diversity of civic boards and commissions. Through a landmark study, the Women’s Foundation identified the barriers causing women to be underrepresented on civic boards and commissions, and established the Appointments Project to increase the number of women serving. 

More about the Appointments Project® is at: www.appointmentsproject.org 

The Women’s Foundation’s mission is to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership. We envision a world where all women are empowered to strengthen America’s economy and democracy.

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Women’s Foundation Commends Bipartisan Momentum Behind Paid Family Leave

KANSAS CITY – The Women’s Foundation today commended the bipartisan momentum behind paid family and medical leave after President Donald Trump reiterated his support for the policy in his State of the Union Address earlier this week. 

“Paid family leave means strong families and strong businesses, and we’re thrilled that bipartisan momentum behind this policy continues to build,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation. “The progress we’re making here in Missouri and Kansas has become a national model for how leaders of both parties can come together to make a positive difference for families and businesses alike.”

Expanding access to paid family and medical leave is a top priority of the Women’s Foundation, which worked with elected officials to provide parental leave to nearly all state employees in Missouri and Kansas. 

The organization also advocates for reforms such as salary history bans, which help break the cycle of pay inequity by ensuring women are paid based on their merits rather than their previous salary level.

Women’s Foundation research on the benefits of paid family leave can be found here: 
http://www.womens-foundation.org/paid-leave

The mission of Women's Foundation is to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership. We envision a world where all women are empowered to strengthen America’s economy and democracy.

Appointments Project® Commends Progress to Close The Gender Leadership Gap in STL County

KANSAS CITY – The Appointments Project today commended St. Louis County Executive Sam Page for making progress to close the gender leadership gap by appointing women to civic boards and commissions. Jill Nowak was recently appointed to the Metropolitan Zoological Park & Museum District Board (ZMD) through the Appointments Project, an initiative to empower women and strengthen communities by increasing the number of women serving on civic boards and commissions. Nowak is one of 52 women appointed to county boards and commissions since Page took office.

“St. Louis County is taking meaningful strides towards gender equity by making county government more diverse and responsive to the communities it serves,” said Lisa Weingarth, Executive Director of the Women’s Foundation of Greater St. Louis, which promotes the Appointments Project in St. Louis. “Jill Nowak’s appointment is another example of County Executive Sam Page’s commitment to making government more inclusive, diverse, and effective. We look forward to working with County Executive Sam Page and the Appointments Project to put even more women in positions of power where decisions are made.”

Nowak is the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer for Missouri Foundation for Health, and has worked collaboratively with organizations throughout the state and country to develop and implement strategies addressing the social determinants of health. She also manages the socially responsible investment of the Foundation’s portfolio and the implementation of policies which create an equitable, diverse and effective Foundation workforce. Jill has held volunteer and leadership positions with several organizations focused on supporting women and families including the Women’s Foundation of Greater St. Louis and, currently, as a board member for Women’s Funding Network.

“Jill’s appointment is a prime example of why we created the Appointment Project five years ago,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of the Kansas City-based Women’s Foundation, which created the Appointments Project in 2014. “We talked to countless women who were qualified, willing, and ready to serve in leadership roles – but most civic boards and commissions were dominated by men. Now the Appointments Project is helping to change that by empowering more women to serve in leadership roles and make positive change in their communities.”

“I believe that access to cultural institutions and the mind-expanding knowledge they bring is critical to building a more empathetic and inclusive world,” said Nowak. “That access should not be limited by income or neighborhood. The Zoo Museum District ensures that all St. Louisans, our neighbors and our visitors can enjoy several cultural institutions without concern of the cost.”

Established by the Kansas City-based Women’s Foundation in 2014, the Appointments Project® works to empower women and strengthen communities by increasing the gender diversity of civic boards and commissions. Through a landmark study, the Women’s Foundation identified the barriers causing women to be underrepresented on civic boards and commissions, and we established the Appointments Project to increase the number of women serving.

Johnna Norton Appointed to Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board Through The Appointments Project

KANSAS CITY — The Women’s Foundation today praised Governor Laura Kelly’s appointment of Johnna Norton to the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board. Norton was appointed with the support of the Appointments Project®, which serves as a nonpartisan resource, talent bank, advisor and advocate for women interested in serving on state and local civic boards and commissions. To date, the project has helped 120 women get appointed to civic boards and commissions in Kansas and Missouri

“We’re excited to be building a larger pipeline for women’s leadership by helping rising stars like Johnna Norton earn an appointment to the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of the Women’s Foundation. “We created the Appointments Project® to close the leadership gap and empower more women to make positive change, and over the last five years that’s exactly what we’ve done.”

“The Appointments Project®  does excellent work increasing the number of women serving on public boards and commissions,” said Norton. “I’m proud to have worked with this dynamic organization, and to have the opportunity to serve my home state in this exciting new capacity.”

Ms. Norton is the Executive Director of the Mount Carmel Foundation of Pittsburg, Kansas. She previously worked for Pittsburg State University for ten years, rising through the development and alumni association offices to serve as executive director of the alumni association where she doubled the number of events for alumni and constituents to increase engagement in the University, including a new line of popular on-campus family events. Norton has been an active member of Rotary International for over a decade and held leadership positions with Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) during her time at Pittsburg State. She continues to serve in leadership roles for multiple civic and university organizations.

Prospective appointees can learn more and express their interest in serving at: united-we.org/appointments-project

Established in 2014, Appointments Project® works to empower women and strengthen communities by increasing the gender diversity of public boards and commissions. The initiative offers training and information and helps match women’s talents and interests with open positions.

Lynn Parman Appointed to The Missouri State University Board of Governors by Governor Parson Through the Appointments Project®

“I have long admired the Women’s Foundation’s work to empower and inspire. I am excited to be part of shaping the future of Missouri State University.”

Lynn Parman was appointed to the Missouri State University Board of Governors by Governor Mike Parson. Ms. Parman is the Chief Operating Officer of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Previously, she served as the Vice President of Business Development for McCownGordon Construction and as President and CEO of the American Royal Association.

Ms. Parman was named to Ingram’s 40 Under 40 list recognizing Kansas City’s top business and community leaders under 40 years of age. She has also received the International Economic Development Council’s Cluster Based Strategy of the Year Award for the creation and execution of the KC Animal Health Corridor initiative. Ms. Parman holds a Bachelor of Science in public administration from Missouri State University in Springfield. She is also a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute.

Women’s Foundation Commends Governor Kelly for Appointing More Than 150 Women in First Year

Governor Kelly has appointed equal numbers of women and men to state boards and commissions during her first year in office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 6, 2020

KANSAS CITY — Ahead of the first anniversary of Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s inauguration, the Women’s Foundation commended the governor for making progress to close the leadership gap by appointing more than 150 women to state boards, commissions, and the judiciary since taking office. The Women’s Foundation created the Appointments Project in 2014 to increase the number of women serving in these appointed roles.

“In her first year in office, Governor Laura Kelly has taken major strides to close the leadership gap and make state boards and commissions more reflective of the communities they serve,” said Women’s Foundation President & CEO Wendy Doyle. “Bringing more diverse voices to the decision-making table not only makes government more diverse – it also makes government more effective. We look forward to working with Governor Kelly and her administration to appoint even more qualified women through our Appointments Project, and ultimately close the leadership gap for good.”

Kansas has more than 200 boards, commissions, councils, task forces or advisory groups whose members are appointed by the governor. In January 2019, women held just 37 percent of state board and commission seats in Kansas. Governor Kelly’s board and commission appointments to date are at gender parity, with the governor appointing 152 women and 152 men since taking office.

Established by the Women’s Foundation in 2014, the Appointments Project® works to empower women and strengthen communities by increasing the gender diversity of public boards and commissions. Through a landmark study, the Women’s Foundation identified the barriers causing women to be underrepresented on public boards and commissions, and we established the Appointments Project to increase the number of women serving.

More about the Appointments Project® is at: www.appointmentsproject.org

The mission of Women's Foundation is to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership. We envision a world where all women are empowered to strengthen America’s economy and democracy.
 

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Appointments Project Helps Increase Representation of Women on KC Civic Boards to 43 Percent

The Appointments Project® today released new data showing the percentage of women on Kansas City boards and commissions has increased from 33 percent in 2014 to 43 percent for mayoral-appointed positions and 41 percent overall.

With gender parity at the local level within reach, the organization challenged elected leaders to improve the gender and racial diversity of civic boards and commissions at all levels of government. Established by the Women’s Foundation in 2014, the Appointments Project works to empower women and strengthen communities by increasing the gender diversity of public boards and commissions. Originally piloted in Kansas City under Mayor Sly James’ administration, the program is now operating in dozens of cities in Missouri and Kansas.

“This is solid progress, but there’s more work to be done to make sure women have a seat at the table and a voice when important decisions are made,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation. “Thanks to the leadership of Mayor Quinton Lucas, former Mayor Sly James, and the hundreds of women who have stepped up to apply for these positions, gender parity on Kansas City boards and commissions is finally within reach. Greater diversity in leadership results in greater public trust, better policy outcomes, and more effective governance for everyone. Now it’s on all of us to keep up this momentum and close the gender leadership gap for good.”

The report, prepared in partnership with Accenture, found that as of July 2019:

Women hold 313 seats (43 percent) of 730 board and commission positions appointed by the mayor. Thirty-two of those appointments were facilitated by the Appointments Project.

Boards with the highest percentage of women are the Kansas City Library Board of Trustees (78%), the Health Commission (65%) and the City Market Oversight Committee (63%).

There were 32 Kansas City boards and commissions with open positions that were less than 50 percent female.

Ten boards had no female representation:
Urban Agricultural Zone Commission
MARC Solid Waste Management District Management Council
MARC Solid Waste Management District Executive Board
Kansas City Chapter 353 Advisory Board
Jackson Co University of Missouri Extension Council
Jackson Co Board of Equalization
Investment Committee
Firefighters Pension System Board of Trustees
Fairness in Professional Goods and Services
Central City Economic Development Sales Tax Board

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