Mayor Lucas and United WE’s Appointments Project® Partner to Increase Representation of Women on Boards and Commissions

Councilwoman Parks-Shaw, community partners to join October 20 training event

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas—in conjunction with Fifth District Councilwoman Ryana Parks-Shaw and United WE’s Appointments Project®—today announced a virtual workshop to provide women with an overview of the application and appointment process to Kansas City boards and commissions. Any woman interested in attending the workshop, scheduled for 12-1 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, should register on www.united-we.org/appointments-project or by using this link.

“As someone who got their start in Kansas City public service serving on a City board, I understand the importance of boards and commissions, and I’m proud that 52 percent of my appointees are women and 49 percent are from historically underrepresented groups,” said Mayor Lucas. “The collection of Kansas Citians I’ve appointed to serve in these positions is undoubtedly the most reflective of our community in my lifetime. Still, we continue our work to create more opportunities for more of our community to get involved with local government through boards and commissions. I look forward to hosting an Appointments Project Workshop with Councilwoman Parks-Shaw, United WE, and community partners The Links, Inc., and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for women interested in civic engagement—and I hope all in our community will help encourage the talented, passionate women in their lives to attend this workshop.”

“Black women are traditionally left out of the decision-making process at all levels,” said Councilwoman Parks-Shaw. “I am proud to be part of the solution. This partnership will help eliminate barriers and empower Black women to take on an even bigger leadership roles in their communities.”

“We are encouraged to see such solid progress in Kansas City as women leaders, including women of color, step up to apply for positions on boards and commissions,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of United WE. “Thanks to the support and leadership of Mayor Quinton Lucas and women applying for a seat at the decision-making tables of their communities, gender parity on Kansas City boards and commissions is gaining momentum as we work to close the gender leadership gap through our Appointments Project.”

Mayor Lucas, Councilwoman Parks-Shaw and United WE’s Appointments Project® will be joined by chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. and The Links, Inc. to host the virtual workshop.

“Providing an opportunity for more women to share their ingenuity, resilience and compassion on our commissions and boards will enrich our city and add the diversity of experience and thought needed at the table,” said Michel D. Burris, President, Greater Kansas City Chapter, The Links, Inc.

“Diversity is necessary and ensuring Black women are a part of Kansas City boards and commissions create a varied experience and deeper perspective, allowing for greater outcomes,” said Dr. Juana Hishaw, President, Alpha Kappa Alpha Beta Omega Chapter.

“The role of women of color in positions of leadership, change and decision making is imperative to the forward moving needs in our society,” said Tiffany Ford, President, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Xi Tau Omega Chapter. “African American women are diverse in thought and experience that open doors and open ideas on matters that should be discussed and determined early on at the decision table.”

As a reminder, this workshop will be held Tuesday, October 20 from 12-1 p.m. To learn more about United WE’s Appointments Project and to register for the workshop, click here.

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Women’s Foundation Unveils New Identity: United WE

Organization announces name change at We Work for Change 2020 Annual Event featuring Diane von Furstenberg, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, Missouri Governor Mike Parson and others 

Kansas City, Mo – September 29, 2020 – At today’s We Work for Change 2020 Annual Event, the Women’s Foundation unveiled a new name and identity for the organization: United Women’s Empowerment, or United WE.

After 29 years of serving women in Kansas and Missouri, the new name better reflects the organization’s growing momentum to expand its mission and impact nationally. United WE recognizes its ever-increasing advocate base of women and men from diverse backgrounds, working together to dismantle barriers to women’s economic and civic leadership and enable a better life for all.

“Together with our supporters, community leaders, elected officials and civic appointees, we have realized lasting public policy change and partnerships at the city, county and state levels, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of women,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President & CEO. “Yet, our work is far from done. Under a new banner of ‘United WE,’ we will take our mission to every woman across America, inspiring her to use her voice in civic leadership and ensuring she is supported by policies that allow her to reach her full potential.”

The event theme was United We Change, calling upon women and men to unite to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership. In the spirit of United WE, governors from both sides of the aisle – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Missouri Governor Mike Parson – participated together in a breakout session focusing on advocating for women in public policy.

The goal is to raise more than $650,000 at the event to support its mission and programs, which include:

• Commissioning transformative research

• Supporting policy reforms that remove barriers and leverage opportunities for women’s economic development

• Scaling the fast-growing Appointments Project® to new cities and states

• Advocating for reforms that honor the legacies of women

The event also featured a fireside chat between Wendy Doyle and renowned global entrepreneur, fashion designer and philanthropist Diane von Furstenberg, as well as breakout sessions with Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank President & CEO Esther George and acclaimed TEDx speaker Patti Dobrowolski.

Join United WE in creating meaningful change for all women and learn more about the organization’s expanded mission at www.united-we.org.

About United WE

United WE (formerly the Women’s Foundation) aims to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership. Since 1991, we found and funded kindred spirit organizations and individuals who could advance women’s interests. Now we’re the bold voice of a new generation of empowered leaders. We unite people around unique ideas and pragmatic action that helps break down longstanding economic, cultural and policy barriers to ensure a better life for all. Our work includes commissioning transformative research, supporting policy reforms, scaling our fast-growing Appointments Project® and advocating for reforms that honor the legacies of women. Join us. Visit www.united-we.org and connect with @UnitedWeEmpower on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Jackson County Executive White and Appointments Project® Partner to Increase Women’s Participation on Boards and Commissions

Women’s Foundation Appointments Project® Announces Expanded Programming to Jackson County, Missouri

Kansas City, MO – September 24, 2020 –  The Office of County Executive Frank White, Jr., in partnership with the Appointments Project® today announce their collaborative partnership to increase the number of women on county boards and commissions. Started in 2014, the Appointments Project® has successfully placed 140 women on boards and commissions, including 28 percent women of color since inception.  

“I’ve seen first-hand the need to increase gender parity and better drive representation across civic leadership to ensure that we’re drawing on the talents and diversity of all our residents,” County Executive White said. “We are eager to partner with the Appointments Project® and strengthen our county by increasing the number of appointed women, with an initial focus on the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority. It is my understanding that there have likely only been three female commissioners in the Authority’s 50-year history.”

The Appointments Project® serves as a talent bank, advisor and advocate for women seeking opportunities to lead their communities and works to attract diverse, qualified applicants for appointed positions on boards and commissions. The Appointments Project® formula trains and mentors women through the process of applying for these positions, fast-tracking their ability to get appointed at every level of government.

“Our research showed us that women don’t become civically engaged because they weren’t being asked. As a result, we created the Appointments Project® so boards and commissions could reflect the communities they serve,” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President & CEO. “We are grateful to have County Executive White join us as a partner to expand the program in the Kansas City metro area. Together, we are addressing the gender disparities in local civic leadership and are able to make real changes in our communities.” 

Based on a growing number of success stories, the pipeline of women leaders is growing rapidly across the country. The Appointments Project® fills a critical need in creating a pathway to work with elected officials and better community representation that leads to better lives for all.  To learn more about the Appointments Project® visit www.appointmentsproject.org. 

About Appointments Project®

To create lasting change for women and their families, the Women’s Foundation headquartered in Kansas City focuses on relevant research and strategic partnerships. In 2014, they established the Appointments Project® to empower women and strengthen communities by increasing the gender diversity of civic boards and commissions. Through a landmark study, they identified the barriers causing women to be underrepresented on civic boards and commissions and established the Appointments Project® to improve the number of women serving. For more information, please visit www.appointmentsproject.org or follow us on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @appointmentsproject).

Women’s Foundation Celebrates Induction of Annie White Baxter into Hall of Famous Missourians

Baxter, a political trailblazer, was the first woman elected to public office in Missouri and first female county clerk in U.S. 

From left to right: Jasper County Clerk Charlie Davis, Missouri Speaker of the House Elijah Haahr, Women’s Foundation President & CEO Wendy Doyle

On Wednesday, August 26th, Women’s Equality Day, the Missouri House of Representatives will induct Anna “Annie” White Baxter into the Hall of Famous Missourians. Baxter was the first woman elected to public office in Missouri in 1890 and the first female county clerk in the United States.

“Annie White Baxter is remembered as a political trailblazer not only for Missouri, but for U.S. history,” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President & CEO. “This month marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, a monumental time in history and of great significance for Annie White Baxter since she oversaw elections when she didn’t have the right to vote. I’m thrilled she is getting the recognition she rightfully deserves.” 

The induction ceremony will take place in the House Chamber at 11:00 a.m. The ceremony will also be streamed live at house.mo.gov. 

“Annie White Baxter, a native of Carthage, Missouri, solidified herself in history as the first woman elected to public office in Missouri and the first female county clerk in the U.S.,” said Speaker of the House, Elijah Haahr. “Today, we honor her contributions to policy and the impact she had on Missouri’s rich history by commemorating her in our state capitol.”

In addition to her service as a county clerk, Baxter also served as state registrar of lands from 1908–1916 and as financial secretary of the Missouri Constitutional Convention in 1922. She will be the ninth woman honored in the Hall of Famous Missourians. 

Sculptor Spencer Schubert created the bust of Baxter. Women’s Foundation and its supporters, particularly generous Missourians from Annie’s home county, funded the project as part of the Legacy of Women initiative to recognize women’s historical contributions in state parks, historic sites, and other public spaces. 

Women’s Foundation has previously worked with Missouri Department of Natural Resources to rename the Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site as well as the Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park. 

Diane von Furstenberg to Headline Women’s Foundation Annual Event

Global entrepreneur, fashion designer and philanthropist will share message of women’s empowerment with foundation supporters 

The Women’s Foundation today announced renowned global entrepreneur, fashion designer and philanthropist Diane von Furstenberg as the featured speaker at the organization’s We Work for Change Annual Event presented by Bank of America, on September 29, 2020. This year’s event theme is United We Change, calling upon women and men to unite to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership. The 2020 event will be delivered through a dynamic, innovative live virtual platform, allowing attendees to network, engage and interact. Ticket sales begin tomorrow.

“The Women’s Foundation is thrilled to have Diane von Furstenberg as our keynote speaker for this year’s United We Change Annual Event,” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President & CEO. “Diane is a true changemaker. Not only is she an iconic businesswoman and innovator, her dedication to empowering and supporting women everywhere personifies our mission to affect positive change and equity for all women.” 

“Join me on September 29th as we raise funds and awareness for the Women’s Foundation,” said Ms. von Furstenberg. “As a woman and global entrepreneur, my values align with those of the Women’s Foundation and the essential, inspiring work they do to advance women’s economic equity and civic leadership. Communities thrive when women have a seat at the table, own who they are, and use their voices to advocate for policies that improve the lives of all women and families.”

Named by Forbes as one of the world’s “100 Greatest Living Business Minds” and TIME as one of the “100 Most Influential People,” Ms. Von Furstenberg created her iconic wrap dress as a symbol of empowerment. Now the DVF brand is sold in over 70 countries worldwide. Her focus on women’s empowerment extends well beyond fashion to mentoring and philanthropy.

The Women’s Foundation is also proud to announce Linda and Paul DeBruce and the DeBruce Foundation as Honorary Chairs of the event.

The Young Professionals Sponsorship, made available by the generosity of Linda and Paul DeBruce and The DeBruce Foundation, will provide an opportunity for up to 150 college youth and young professionals to participate and learn first-hand from successful women leaders.  It exhibits the joint commitment of Women’s Foundation and The DeBruce Foundation to helping women expand pathways and achieve their economic potential.

"The DeBruce Foundation is united with Women's Foundation in working toward positive change to expand pathways to economic growth and opportunity," said Honorary Chair Linda Woodsmall-DeBruce.

Attendees will also hear from additional leaders and changemakers in breakout sessions, including Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank President & CEO Esther George and acclaimed TEDx speaker Patti Dobrowolski. Tickets for the event are on sale starting Tuesday, August 18 at www.womens-foundation.org/2020-annual-event.

Renamed Historical Site Honors Olive Boone

Name change is the first for the “Legacy of Women” initiative to recognize historical women in public spaces

On Saturday, August 15, Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site will be renamed to include the name of Nathan Boone’s wife, Olive. The name change is the first for Legacy of Women, a Women’s Foundation initiative to recognize women’s historical contributions in state parks, historic sites, and other public spaces.

“What we celebrate and honor about the past impacts how we understand the present,” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President & CEO. “We want the next generation of women to be able to see themselves – and be inspired and empowered by – the changemakers of the past. We’re proud to be launching this initiative to write women back into history and give them the long-overdue recognition they deserve.” 

Olive Boone was a tough woman who managed a farm and household with 14 children during a time when women had no legal rights. She is buried near the cabin at the historic site that will now carry her name.

The renaming from Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site to the Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site will take place with a ceremony and ribbon cutting in Ash Grove at 2 p.m. on August 15. Masks and social distancing guidelines will be followed as precautionary measures for attendees amid ongoing public health concerns.

Women’s Foundation, which works to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership, collaborated with The Missouri Department of Natural Resources to plan the name change.

“Valued, long-lasting partnerships are essential to success. Without our partnership with the Women’s Foundation, the recognition of Olive and her role in Missouri’s history would not have happened in such a significant and successful way,” said Mike Sutherland, Missouri State Parks Director. “We hope that this is just one of many collaborations we will have with the Women’s Foundation as Missouri State Parks recognizes the significant contribution of women to Missouri.”

Last year, the Women’s Foundation worked with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to rename Van Meter State Park to Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park. 

Statement on Kansas and Missouri Primary Election Results

Today Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women’s Foundation released a statement in response to Kansas and Missouri’s primary elections:

“Women’s Foundation would like to congratulate the ever-increasing number of women who ran for office in Kansas and Missouri. We are working to ensure civic boards and commissions reflect the communities they serve and are excited by increasing the number of women, and women of color, who are stepping up to be at the decision-making tables of their communities.

Today was also an exciting day for women and families as Medicaid expansion passed in Missouri! The economic development of Missouri’s women is more fully supported when women have access to healthcare and today marks a step in the right direction.

Women’s Foundation will continue to be a leading voice in our region for removing barriers for women and will advocate for policies like Medicaid expansion that support women.”

Appointments Project Receives Podcast Mention

Mary Jane Judy of Polsinelli mentions the Appointments Project during Country Club Bank’s ‘Banking on KC’ podcast. Listen as Kelly Scanlon talks to Mary Jane about why she’s so passionate about civic engagement.