Appointee Profile: Carolyn Watley

Carolyn Watley was appointed this week to the Jackson County Missouri Pension Plan Board of Trustees.  The purpose of this 11-member board is to establish rules and to interpret and administer Jackson County’s pension plan.  Carolyn is VP of Community Engagement for the Employment Benefit Division of CBIZ and has served in a variety of roles in her 30 plus years with the company ranging from Office Manager to Manager of Corporate Accounts to Chief Facilitating Officer.  In 2000, Carolyn became the President of CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services in KC before serving in her current role.  Her involvement in the community extends well beyond the workplace, as Carolyn has held a variety of civic roles in organizations including Board Chair of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, KC Rising Steering Committee, KCPS Foundation, MCC Foundation First Tee Foundation, KC Campus for Animal Health, Police Foundation of Kansas City and the KC MLB Urban Youth Academy.

“Carolyn’s deep roots in Jackson County businesses and communities make her an excellent addition to this Board of Trustees,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President and CEO. “Carolyn shares our vision to increase gender diversity on boards and commissions and we look forward to seeing her great work on the Jackson County Pension Board.”

Carolyn holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.  She has four children, Shelby, Lori, Matthew and Ellen.

United WE CEO, Wendy Doyle

United WE Reflect

This year has deepened our appreciation for good health, relationships, and all the little things of years past. It has been one of the most challenging years, but if it has taught us anything it’s that we must pivot, persevere and accelerate the pace of change towards gender equality.

If you’re a woman, you’ve likely experienced firsthand the effects of how the pandemic has disproportionately impacted you and other women you know.

Prior to COVID, women - particularly women of color - had to overcome barriers like unequal pay, lack of affordable child care and lack of sufficient paid family leave opportunities in order to fully reach their economic potential. For many women, overcoming those barriers simply uncovered even more.

It’s my hope - and pledge -  that we learn from the coronavirus experience to reimagine our economy and how underrepresented individuals are engaged in it. Our recovery must emphasize equality. The strength of our country’s economy and democracy depends upon women’s full participation. In fact, the McKinsey Global Institute found that half of states could grow their economies by more than 10% by increasing women’s participation in the workforce. To do this, our public and corporate policies and systems must support women reaching their full economic potential. Our civic leadership must represent the population it serves. And we must be willing to use our voices and take action. 

In the midst of the pandemic and social unrest this year, I am genuinely grateful to YOU for sharing your voice and taking action. Your support fuels United WE, your stories inspire us, and the barriers you face push us to continue advocating for change. This year demonstrates the need to work together to create a better future: one where every woman is supported by laws, practices and policies that allow her to realize her full potential on her terms.

Your support of women’s empowerment and our mission means the world. Together, we must continue our momentum. Your involvement is vital to achieve gender equality.

I look forward to sharing a robust recap of our year, coming first thing in 2021. In the meantime, I look forward to the day when we can gather and celebrate our successes with you.

I wish you a heartfelt holiday season filled with health, peace, love and optimism for better days ahead.

Cheers,

Wendy Doyle

President & CEO, United WE

Appointee Profile: Cindy Miles

Cindy Miles was recently appointed by Governor Laura Kelly to the Kansas Volunteer Commission. The purpose of the Commission is to prepare a national service plan for the state, ensure outreach to diverse community-based agencies, and to administer certain grant programs.

““Congratulations to Cindy Miles on her appointment to the Kansas Volunteer Commission,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President & CEO. “Cindy’s passion for serving her community shows in all that she does and her presence will be a valuable addition on the Kansas Volunteer Commission.” ”

Cindy is the CEO for the Kansas Nonprofit Chamber of Service and founder of The Incubator for Nonprofits of Kansas. Cindy is passionate about serving the community and serves on numerous nonprofit boards and committees including the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission, Wichita/Sedgwick County Subdivision Committee, City Council District 3 Advisory Board, the Wichita Coalition for Child Abuse Prevention, the Kansas Task Force for Drug Endangered Children, the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coalition, the Newman University Alumni board, and more. Cindy earned a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Marketing from Wichita State University and a Master of Business Administration from Newman University.  Cindy has been married to her husband, Mark Miles, for almost 30 years. They have 6 grown children and 16 grandchildren. 

Sharing Gratitude and Thanks in 2020

This year has been challenging in many different ways, but this Thanksgiving I’d like to take a moment to share gratitude, thanks and optimism for what the future holds.

Thank you to all the women who work hard every year, but especially this year. Whether you’re on the frontlines of the pandemic, working from home, helping kids with virtual school, or otherwise, we see you and recognize the incredible job you’re doing despite insurmountable challenges. And to all the people who help women succeed in doing their work, thank you for your support. We would not be able to accomplish all that we do without the helping hands that lend assistance, support and guidance.

A special thanks to our supporters, appointees, elected officials, partners and other community leaders for making our work at United WE possible. In a year filled with challenges, we are immensely grateful for your partnership, collaboration, and spirit for uniting with us to make change.

During a time when the nation has been very divided, we know it is even more important that we unite together to create a better future. We give thanks to all of you who help advance all women’s economic and civic leadership, and thank you for the unity that results from our work together to empower women to strengthen America’s economy and democracy.

In gratitude,

Wendy Doyle

President & CEO, United WE

Mayor Peduto and United WE’s Appointments Project® Partner to Increase Representation of Women on Pittsburgh Civic Boards

PITTSBURGH, PA (November 17, 2020) The Office of Mayor William Peduto and United WE today announce their collaborative partnership to increase the number of women on local boards and commissions through the Appointments Project®. Started in 2014, the Appointments Project® has successfully placed more than 140 women on boards and commissions, including 28 percent women of color.

The award-winning Appointments Project, started by United WE, formerly the Women’s Foundation, serves as a talent bank, advisor and advocate for women seeking opportunities to lead their communities. The program was piloted in Kansas City and operates in dozens of cities throughout Missouri and Kansas, working to attract diverse applicants for appointed positions on boards and commissions.

“I’m very pleased that of the 198 board and commissions appointments in Pittsburgh, 61% are female,” Mayor Peduto said. “This is promising, but still isn’t good enough. Our partnership with United WE and Appointments Project® will help us do even better to increase the number of women, including women of color, who are at the decision-making table of their communities.”

Mayor Peduto will be joined in partnership by community partners including Chatham University Women’s Institute, Gwens Girls and Executive Women’s Council.

Based on a growing number of success stories, the pipeline of women leaders is growing rapidly and the program is being sought after by other cities. The program expanded to Fort Worth in August 2020 with the help of partners like Mayor Betsy Price. United WE plans to scale the project to additional cities over the next five years. 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.

“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 local boards and commissions could reflect the communities they serve,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President & CEO. “With the help of partners like Mayor Peduto, we are addressing the gender disparities in local leadership and able to make real changes in our communities.”

Two public training events are planned for Monday, December 7, and Wednesday, January 13, at 12:00 p.m. EST. These workshops guide women through the process of applying for these positions and offer applicants for appointments. “We encourage and invite everyone to learn more and join us in unlocking women’s potential for civic leadership,” Mayor Peduto said.

To learn more about the Appointments Project® and to sign up for these trainings, please visit http://united-we.org/appointments-project.

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United WE and University of Missouri Institute of Public Policy Unveil New Research on the Status of Women in Missouri

Women in Missouri Make Strides Toward Parity, Though More Work Remains

Kansas City, Mo – November 12, 2020 – United WE (formerly Women’s Foundation) held a web-based press conference today to announce findings from ongoing research on the Status of Women in Missouri. United WE commissioned the study with the University of Missouri’s Institute of Public Policy in an effort to better identify areas of concern, and policy solutions, for women of all ages.

This research brings important action to the forefront as women have been disproportionately affected by the economic and societal effects of Covid. The research revealed that Missouri's elected government doesn’t yet reflect the diversity of the state – including gender diversity. This year, women's legislative and executive branch representation in Missouri is 25.5% despite women accounting for 51% of the population. 

In addition, barriers to childcare limits women’s economic potential. Covid has illuminated how challenging it is to fully participate in the workforce when childcare is compromised. As an innovative solution to help women remain in the workforce, Celeste Cramer of CoxHealth provided insights about their School Care Program that was developed as an option for children of its employees and partner organizations who were faced with virtual learning in light of Covid. 

“Too many women remain on the sidelines because they face unnecessary workforce development obstacles such as pay inequality, childcare barriers, limited family leave, entrepreneurship restrictions, sexual harassment, and inadequate public policies,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of United WE. “These are solvable challenges and it is critical that we unite to advance and support policies that strengthen Missouri women and families for the economic development of our state.” 

The 2020 findings highlight areas of possible action to help economically empower women and their families. Findings from the research include the following:

Employment and Income

• In Missouri in 2018, for every dollar earned by a man, women made only 77.5 cents.

• When breaking down the difference in median incomes by race and ethnicity, the gender pay gap was even greater. Black women earned only 68 cents for every dollar earned by a white man and Hispanic women earned only 61 cents for every dollar earned by a white man.

• United WE advocates for salary history bans and has established pay equity best practice guidelines to promote equal pay for equal work. In 2020, United WE led efforts for House Bill 2046, which expands Missouri’s licensure reciprocity rules.

Education and Child Care

• In Missouri in 2019, 7% of center-based child care centers were accredited, 1% of family child care homes were accredited, and 90% of school aged care programs had licensed slots for school aged children.

• Forty-one percent of all counties in Missouri lack any accredited childcare facilities. 

• United WE helped secure paid parental leave to more than 100,000 state employees in Missouri and is advocating for 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave at 100% pay for all part-time and full-time workers.

Health

• In Missouri in 2018, 9.7% of all Missourians and 9% of women did not have health insurance coverage.

• Over the last five years, the percentage of Missourians with no health care coverage has slowly but steadily decreased.

• United WE conducted listening sessions around the state to hear from low-income and mid- to upper-income women; healthcare was identified as a significant barrier not only for Missouri women, but for their families.

Social and Economic Status

• In Missouri in 2018, 10% of women aged 65 and over were living below the poverty level.

• Although the decline in the percentage of women aged 65 and older who were living in poverty has been within one percent, these figures have changed little since 2014.

• United WE supports policy reforms that remove barriers and leverage opportunities for women’s economic development, such as gender pay equity, which impacts retirement savings for women in the long-term. 

Leadership and Public Engagement

• In 2020, the total woman legislative and executive branch representation is 25.5%, despite women accounting for 51% of the population.

• United WE’s Appointments Project® facilitates the appointment of women to civic boards and commissions and addresses a critical gap in representation and leadership. The project is expanding to cities across the country beginning in Ft. Worth, Pittsburgh and Oklahoma City.

“This research validates the importance of removing barriers and advocating for policies that support women, ultimately making families and communities healthier and the economy stronger,” said Emily Johnson, Associate Director of Operations, Institute of Public Policy, Truman School of Public Affairs, University of Missouri. “It is rewarding to be part of a research project that has the ability to positively impact the lives of Missouri women and families.” 

The study was initially released in January 2015. Ongoing research was conducted and new findings were released in January 2017.

A full copy of the 2020 report can be viewed here and includes an interactive dashboard component that illustrates demographic trends and barriers to childcare in particular.

What Legislators Are Saying

Employment and Income: Senator Lauren Arthur (D - Kansas City)

"In Missouri, women are still paid less than men for doing the same work. For Black and Hispanic women, the wage gap is even larger. For a stronger economy, stronger families, and stronger communities, we must ensure equal pay for equal work. Fair wages should not be a partisan issue, it should be a common goal shared by every leader at every level. It’s time we closed the wage gap with commonsense policies like increasing access to childcare and prohibiting hiring practices that keep women trapped at the bottom of the pay scale.”

 Education and Childcare: Senator Cindy O’Laughlin (R - Shelbina)

"COVID has highlighted Missouri's childcare crisis. Last year only 7% of our state's center-based childcare centers were accredited, and 41% of all Missouri counties lacked any accredited facilities. The childcare landscape across the state is even more dire now. We must work to address childcare desert areas that lack these critical resources, and provide more opportunity for women to care for their families."

 Social and Economic Status: Senator Holly Rehder (R - Sikeston)

"The social and economic status of women aged 65 and older in Missouri presents an opportunity to create better living circumstances through advocacy and policy change. In 2018, 10% of women in this age group were living below the poverty level. Our goals should be to help older Americans remain independent and prosperous as long as possible.”

Statement On Election

Today Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of United WE released a statement in response to the November 3rd election:

“At United WE, we know that every vote matters and every voice needs to be represented and heard. We would like to applaud the record number of people who exercised their constitutional right to vote in this year’s election. Voting and civic engagement benefits everyone by improving governance and decision-making. 

We need participation from all voices to ensure strong and diverse representation, and we are encouraged by the number of women who decided to run for elected office. Our research and experiences show that entire communities are lifted, creating a better quality of life for everyone, when women have a seat at the decision-making table. 

As our name implies, now more than ever we need to come together to create a better future: one where every woman is supported by laws, practices and policies that allow her to realize her full potential on her terms. Uniting together to remove barriers for women and advocating for policies that support women will make families and communities healthier and the economy stronger. 2020 has proven to be a monumental year, but we remain optimistic about what the future holds.”

Appointments Project® Kansas City Expansion with Mayor Lucas, Councilwoman Parks-Shaw & Community Leaders

As announced earlier this month, the Appointments Project® is partnering with Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas to increase the representation of women on boards and commissions. 

In advance of the October 20 virtual training, Mayor Lucas joined the Appointments Project on the United WE rooftop for a press conference on October 19. Councilwoman Ryana-Parks Shaw, State Representative Barbara Washington and The Links, Inc. Jackson County Chapter President Tamara Clark Sykes also joined to discuss the importance and impact of increasing leadership representation in Kansas City. Thank you to our elected officials, and to our community partners Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, The Links, Inc., and Sisters Circle of Greater Kansas City.

Mayor Lucas announced during the conference that Kansas City has signed on with the National League of Cities Innovation Ecosystems initiative, supported by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, in effort to maintain gender parity on boards and commissions and make the city a national leader in this space. 

“As one of six women on City Council, I know firsthand how important it is to have women at the decision-making table,” Councilwoman Parks-Shaw said. “We bring a unique set of experiences and perspectives that inform how we lead, making our contributions just as important, if not more, and impactful as our male counterparts.” 

State Rep. Barbara Washington spoke on behalf of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, and is a previous participant in the Appointments Project. As a result of this training, she ran for office and is continuing to do so. “In Kansas City, we have more women that open businesses than any other demographic,” Washington said. “We’re opening businesses, we’re paying taxes, we’re employing people, it’s time for us to also have a voice at the table.” 

“As President of the Jackson County Missouri Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, I see firsthand the impact that the 50+ extraordinary women of our chapter have had and are having on our local community,” Tamara Clark Sykes said. “The Appointments Project is a tool that the Jackson County Chapter supports and champions to improve our influence and government.”  

See a full recap of the press conference here. 

More than 130 women joined the virtual training workshop on October 20. These free trainings provide valuable information to women who seek to apply for civic leadership positions and United WE helps them navigate the appointment process. We appreciate the time and efforts of our community leaders and partners to make this event a success, and look forward to elevating the appointments of more women in Kansas City. 

Learn more about the Appointments Project here. 

Appointee Profile: Maureen Mahoney

Maureen Mahoney was recently appointed to the KU Hospital Authority Board. Mahoney works as Chief of Staff to Mayor David Alvey at the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. Maureen has worked as a prosecutor but spent the majority of her practice centered around child welfare. She worked as General Counsel for KVC Behavioral Health, a large nonprofit organization that works with children and families and later served seven years as a Guardian ad Litem representing children in foster care in Wyandotte County. She joined Mayor Mark Holland as his Chief of Staff in April 2013 and stayed in that role for Mayor Alvey starting January 2018. She was also a director on the boards of numerous organizations including Wyandotte Mental Health Center (now Wyandot Behavioral Health.), Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System, MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault), and as a trustee at Pembroke Hill School. She currently serves as a board member of Lead Bank, Kansas City Area Development Council, Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, KCK PAL (Kansas City Kansas Police Athletic League), Donnelly College, and Arts KC. Maureen and her husband, Dan Crabtree, both grew up in KCK, love their hometown, and have chosen to continue to live and work in Wyandotte County. They are the proud parents of Colleen, a sophomore at UT in Austin.

"We are grateful for Maureen Mahoney's service to her community," said Wendy Doyle, United WE President & CEO. "The Appointments Project was created to increase gender parity on local boards, and Maureen's expertise will be a valuable addition to the KU Hospital Authority Board." 

Appointee Profile: Jacquelyn Rokusek

Jacquelyn E. Rokusek was recently appointed to the Johnson County District Court by Governor Laura Kelly.  Judge Rokusek was formerly the senior managing partner of Rokusek Stein Law where she developed a successful federal and state criminal law practice.  Judge Rokusek started her career as a Johnson County Assistant District Attorney and then accepted a position as a Special Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Kansas.  She then opened her own firm. She practiced law for 26 years before taking the bench and looks forward to serving the community where she has practiced law for so many years. Judge Rokusek is married to Mark Rokusek and they have a daughter, fraternal twin boys and two miniature schnauzers.  

"I congratulate Judge Rokusek on this significant appointment to the Johnson County District Court," said Wendy Doyle, United WE President & CEO. "Her leadership and expertise will strengthen the law community in Kansas and elevate women's decision-making power across the state."