We Stand in Solidarity with the AAPI Community

We stand in solidarity - and as allies - as we mourn the death of the eight victims of the Atlanta, Georgia attack, including seven women, six of whom were Asian-American.

We condemn all violence against women of all backgrounds.

Ensuring that all women are treated equally through economic opportunities and civic representation is a mission we will always fight for. We know that we cannot achieve meaningful change for all women without equality for all. Gender equity and racial equity are inextricably linked.

We encourage you to join us in listening, learning and using your voice to make change for equality and justice. You can find resources to learn and help the Asian-American community here. 

United WE’s Appointments Project® Announces Expanded Programming to Independence, Missouri

 Appointments Project® Expands to Four New Cities Across Kansas City Metro to Increase Women’s Participation on Boards and Commissions

Kansas City, MO – March 16, 2021 – The Office of Mayor Eileen Weir and United WE today announce their collaborative partnership to increase the number of women on local boards and commissions through the Appointments Project®. Independence is the fourth community in the Kansas City metropolitan area to experience the expansion of the award-winning Appointments Project program. 

The Appointments Project is the only program in the country that helps women get appointed to boards and commissions at the city, county and state level. In the past six months, the program has expanded across the metropolitan area including Lee’s Summit, Jackson County, Kansas City, Missouri, and now Independence. Of the nearly 40 board and commission appointments in Independence, more than 40% are female.

Started in 2014, the Appointments Project® has successfully placed more than 140 women on boards and commissions, including 28 percent women of color. 

“There is a need in Independence to increase gender parity and improve representation across civic leadership to ensure we’re drawing on the talents and diversity of all our residents,” Mayor Weir said. “Our partnership with United WE and the Appointments Project® is strengthening our city and the Kansas City area as a whole by increasing the number of women, including women of color, who are at the decision-making table of their communities.”

United WE’s Appointments Project® serves as a talent bank, advisor and advocate for women seeking opportunities to lead their communities and works to attract diverse applicants for appointed positions on boards and commissions. The award-winning approach guides women through the process of applying for these positions and facilitates applicants for appointment.

“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. “We have seen great progress both nationwide and in our local communities, and with the help of partners like Mayor Weir we are working together to address the gender disparities in local leadership 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 and in 2020 the program expanded to Pittsburgh, PA, and Fort Worth, TX. 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.  

Mayor Weir is joined in partnership by community partners the Junior Service League and Independence Chamber of Commerce, who will support the program by encouraging diverse participation in the Appointments Project. 

A public training event is planned for April 7, at 12:00 p.m. CST. This event helps guide women through the process of applying for these positions and offers applicants for appointments.

“We encourage and invite all Independence and Kansas City metro women to learn more and join us in unlocking women’s potential for civic leadership,” Mayor Weir said.

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

To hear more from Mayor Weir about the partnership, please visit https://youtu.be/KOOqavBzjQw. 

To hear more about United WE and the Appointment project from President & CEO Wendy Doyle, please visit https://youtu.be/68Q4BXVuY0g. 

United WE Donor Feature: Elevating equity. Unified work.

Marion Spence Pierson, M.D. FAAP

(Daughter/sister/wife/mom/friend/physician/beekeeper)

When Dr. Marion Pierson’s Jackson County (MO) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated first partnered with Women’s Foundation, now United WE, the chapter was instrumental in establishing the inaugural event to support the important work the Appointments Project. “I love how Wendy (United WE President & CEO) is so good about uniting our community. I had to immediately learn more about the mission and get involved!”

Marion was so excited to get involved that she became a volunteer, joining the Patron Committee to help raise awareness and funds for United WE’s mission through the annual We Work For Change event and eventually serving as event Co-Chair in 2019. Her work as a volunteer gave her a better way to form deeper connections with her community and the diverse committee, all while elevating equity.

“I want women to find equity in the world, not just in the workplace.”

As an accomplished pediatrician and business owner of Village Pediatrics, LLC, Marion works everyday to ensure equity in healthcare for families across Kansas City. She sees the impacts COVID-19 has had on women and their families firsthand through her work, the families she serves, and the dozens of women she employs. As a mother of two, she also knows the challenges of being a working mother.

As a corporate member of United WE’s Trailblazers (supporters who commit more than $1,200 annually), Marion, and Village Pediatrics, LLC is proud to support gender equity and United WE’s focus on research and data to ensure the root causes and barriers women face are tackled head on.

“When I make a donation to United WE, I know it will be spent well. United WE’s advocacy work on behalf of women brings so many perspectives, resources, and connections together to magnify the outcomes. They are truly a great partner for the community and it’s what keeps me excited about the expansion of their work.”

Volunteering and investing in United WE means Marion is investing in the future of women. Thank you, Marion, for your on-going time, support and passion for empowering women!

We invite you to join Marion and become a supporter by considering donating to United WE today and becoming a Trailblazer. For questions or more information on other ways to give, contact Melissa Ford, Director of Development at dod@united-we.org or 816.988.2006.

From Our President & CEO: Celebrating Black Women this Black History Month with Tangible Action

As you know, February is Black History Month. You have likely seen stories of success, tribulations and inspiration throughout your newsfeeds. February gives us a dedicated time for acknowledging the courageous black women who have shaped our history and the progress being made in our communities. But if there is anything we learned from 2020, it is that talking about and celebrating history makers is not enough. We must be proactive in creating tangible change and systems that invest in the economic and civic leadership of women of color. United WE advocates for all women, especially women of color, in our work throughout the year. We are encouraged by some of our recent success in creating more equal opportunity for Black women in our key initiatives. A few highlights: 

Pay Equity

• We know that Black women are underpaid and impacted by the wage gap more than other women. Research shows that salary history bans increase pay for Black women. We continue to advocate for salary history bans for all women across Kansas and Missouri and successfully partnered with Kansas City, Missouri, to ban salary history on employment applications.

Child Care Providers

• Research shows that women of color make up the majority of the child care workforce. COVID-19 has exacerbated existing concerns for providers including margins, compensation, enrollment predictability, and job security. In January 2021 we conducted a roundtable with child care providers, early child care experts and advocates, and discussed tangible ways we can advocate for the improvement of working conditions for these women.

Occupational Licensing

• Our research shows that occupational licensing can often create unnecessary barriers for women entrepreneurs, especially if expensive fees are required. We continue efforts that stem from our success in 2018 with Missouri House Bill 1500, which allowed hair braiders to earn a living without obtaining a cosmetology license. We recently testified for a current bill under consideration to reduce shampoo licensing requirements for women cosmetology entrepreneurs.

Civic Leadership

• We recently launched new Appointments Project efforts in Kansas City, Missouri, Jackson County, Missouri and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania intentionally focused on increasing the number of women of color in civic leadership positions. To date, 28% of Appointments Project appointees are women of color. We are grateful for community partners like Black Excellence KC, Sisters’ Circle Greater Kansas City, and local chapters of The Links, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha, who encourage women of color to participate in the Appointments Project.

We will continue to work for change for women. We will continue to listen with intentionality and understand the unique barriers at the intersectionality of gender and race. And we will ensure women of color have a seat at the civic leadership table. Not just this month, but until we achieve equality. 

In our February 2021 newsletter we are introducing a new monthly video series, Take Three with Wendy. These 3-question interviews will allow us to learn from and be inspired by women in our communities. In honor of Black History Month and a prelude to Women’s History Month, our first feature is civic leader, civil rights activist and United WE advisory council member Joanne Collins, the first African American woman elected to serve on the Kansas City, Missouri City Council. I’m pleased to share my conversation with Joanne and hope you enjoy it; click below to view.

Take Three with Wendy: Episode 1

Warmly,

P.S. Women’s History Month begins next week on March 1, and International Women’s Day is March 8. Last month, I challenged you to think about how you can advocate for women in 2021. Now is your chance! Join us as we #Unite4Women and #ChoosetoChallenge throughout March. 

Lee’s Summit Mayor and Appointments Project® Partner to Increase Women’s Participation on Boards and Commissions

United WE’s Appointments Project® Announces Expanded Programming to Lee’s Summit, Missouri

Kansas City, MO – February 18, 2021 – The Office of Mayor Bill Baird and United WE today announce their collaborative partnership to increase the number of women on local boards and commissions through the Appointments Project®. Of the 23 board and commission appointments in Lee’s Summit, 40% are female. Started in 2014, the Appointments Project® has successfully placed more than 140 women on boards and commissions, including 28 percent women of color. 

“I’ve seen firsthand the need to increase gender parity and improve representation across civic leadership to ensure we’re drawing on the talents and diversity of all our residents,” Mayor Baird said. “Our partnership with United WE and Appointments Project® is strengthening our city by increasing the number of women, including women of color, who are at the decision-making table of their communities.”

United WE’s Appointments Project® serves as a talent bank, advisor and advocate for women seeking opportunities to lead their communities and works to attract diverse applicants for appointed positions on boards and commissions. The award-winning approach guides women through the process of applying for these positions and recommends applicants for appointment.

Mayor Baird will be joined in partnership by community partner Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce.

“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 Baird, we are addressing the gender disparities in local leadership and 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.  

A public training event is planned for Thursday, March 4, at 12:00 p.m. CST. 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 Baird said.

To learn more about the Appointments Project® and to sign up for the training, please click here.

View the February 18 press conference recording here.

Appointee Profile: Julie Holland

Julie Holland was appointed to the Kansas City Brownfields Commission by Mayor Quinton Lucas.  The Brownfields Commission was created by City ordinance to help redevelop brownfields and conserve public resources applied to brownfield projects. Brownfields are any vacant or underused properties, mostly commercial or industrial, where reuse is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination. Brownfields pose health risks and cause blight and economic and environmental burdens, especially in communities of color and urban areas. 

Julie leads the Parent Leadership Training Institute-Kansas City, an initiative that supports a healthy democracy by training parents to become leading advocates for children. She is also the Kansas City regional director of the Urban Leaders Fellowship, a national public policy and community impact summer fellowship for early-to mid-career professionals. Previously, Julie served as education advisor to former Kansas City Mayor Sly James where she authored and spearheaded the development of 15+ plans, federal applications, and community reports that propelled initiatives with new funding or a new strategy, including the People Plan for $30M grant for HUD Choice Neighborhood and $300M tax plan to expand access to affordable, high-quality pre-K.

Julie earned a B.S. from Oklahoma State University, M.P.A from Syracuse University, and a doctorate in law and policy from Northeastern University. She also worked at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central New York, and congressional offices in Oklahoma and Washington, D.C.

Appointee Profile: Elizabeth Williams

Elizabeth Williams (Liz) was appointed by County Executive Frank White, Jr. to the COMBAT Commission of Jackson County, Missouri. Jackson County COMBAT strives to ensure a strong, safe community for its residents free from the dangers of illegal drugs and violent crime through the use of prevention education, treatment services and support of the criminal justice system.  The COMBAT Commission establishes goals for COMBAT funding and make recommendations on all funding requests for COMBAT initiatives.

Liz holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Missouri- Kansas City and her work experience spans over 40 years across corporate, government, and non-profit organizations.  She has held positions as a performance analyst, advisor, coach, trainer, Director of Customer Relations and most recently as an education consultant.  Her diverse experiences from a variety of roles have enabled her to integrate her skills.  She is motivated by her passion for improving the community in which she lives.  As a retiree, she enjoys spending time giving back, from working with schools to deliver life-skill curriculum to facilitating parent advocacy training for the National Parent Leadership Training Institute. Her greatest accomplishment is her family, whom she enjoys traveling,  and spending time with. In her free time, she also loves reading an inspirational book.   

Meaningful change. Meaningful legacy.

United WE Donor Feature: Jinny McCoy

“I want to help women and girls,” said Jinny McCoy, discussing her 30-year history supporting United WE, formerly Women’s Foundation. As a past board member, donor and advocate for our mission, Jinny recently joined as a founding member of United WE’s Legacy Society, comprised of individuals who make a gift in their estate plans to United WE.

Jinny is proud to support gender equity, noting that as one of few women working in the stock brokerage world in the 1960’s and 1970’s she saw the need for women’s advancement. “Women had very few options when it came to careers back then. We’ve made great strides, but there is still more to do to help empower women.”

After being asked by a friend and board member at the time, Bunni Copaken, to get involved, Jinny became an instrumental part in United WE’s board, beginning as Assistant Treasurer and Treasurer for several years. She also served on several fundraising committees. She recalled the importance of the organization’s first research study in the early 1990’s that revealed very little philanthropy was given to advance women and girls. When reflecting further on her involvement and support, she reminisced about purchasing the very first two copy machines for the organization. “I liked what the organization was doing and wanted to help make them more efficient and successful.” Jinny also enjoyed meeting so many diverse women from all walks of life. “Our board and supporters represented all races, abilities and sexual orientation, and it helped me get to know women outside of my backyard.”

“We’ve made great strides, but there is still more to do to help empower women.”

— Jinny McCoy, Founding Member, United WE Legacy Society

Investing in United WE with a legacy gift means Jinny is investing in the future of women. “I can’t take it with me,” Jinny chuckled. “I want to make an impact and truly help women and girls, long after I’m gone.” Jinny is also continuing her leadership of United WE, as she recently agreed to serve as an Honorary Chair for our new comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Thank you, Jinny, for your on-going support and passion for empowering women!

As we celebrate our 30th anniversary in 2021, United WE also wants to celebrate 30 founding members of our Legacy Society. We invite you to join Jinny and become a founding member of our Legacy Society by including United WE in your estate plan. Contact Angie Heer, Chief Development Officer at cdo@united-we.org or 816.988.2007 for further information.

A Renewed Perspective on Women’s Leadership in the New Year

A startling 140,000 people in the U.S. lost their jobs in December, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Of people who lost jobs in December, 100% were women. While the January numbers seem to be showing improvement, this statistic is still staggering, and unfortunately it’s not the first of its kind. This is why we continue to provide research and advocate for policy solutions that will advance women’s economic development. This is why we must be diligent in our push for more women to have a seat at the decision-making table. 

Earlier this month I had the honor to moderate the Kansas Department of Administration’s State of Kansas Women's Forum event. I was in good (virtual) company as Governor Laura Kelly kicked off the forum with an empowering and encouraging message. I had a lively discussion with panelists Secretary DeAngela Burns-Wallace, Secretary Laura Howard, and Secretary Julie Lorenz as they graciously shared their time and wisdom with the 400+ audience. 

These women are right on the front lines of working for change and their motivating words challenge all of us to continue working for change in 2021.

Secretary DeAngela Burns-Wallace

• The more female voices we bring to the table, it means broader perspectives are present.

• It is about ensuring that we know there is a pathway and encouraging women. Let’s think about how we can intentionally support the work and development of our state employees to make an impact.

Secretary Laura Howard

• We’ve seen many norms break down and different opportunities have opened up for women. There is still progress to be made.

• Don’t hold yourselves to pre-pandemic standards.

Secretary Julie Lorenz

• 15% of boards are female. We cannot think that we’re done evolving.

• There is nothing more powerful than collaboration and decision making. If you need a mentor, ASK.

These leaders remind us that a focus on encouraging, collaborating, and making change is critical in 2021. Our research shows that economies are lifted when more women hold leadership positions and are active in the workforce. We are hopeful as we enter the new year, especially as we see a woman of color as the Vice President of our country for the first time in history. 

We are making progress, but our work is not done. My ask of you: how will you advocate for women this year? 

Warmly,

Wendy Doyle

President & CEO, United WE

Jackson County Executive White and United WE’s Appointments Project® Announce First Appointee

CBIZ’s Carolyn Watley Appointed to Jackson County Pension Plan Board of Trustees 

Kansas City, MO – January 27, 2021 –  The Office of Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr., in partnership with the Appointments Project® today announce Carolyn Watley’s appointment to the Jackson County Pension Plan Board of Trustees. Watley’s appointment is the first following the announcement of the Project’s expanded programming to Jackson County. Started in 2014, the Appointments Project® has successfully placed 140 women on boards and commissions, including 28 percent of those appointments represented by women of color“Carolyn Watley is an exemplary choice for the Jackson County Pension Plan Board of Trustees and she’ll bring a unique set of experiences and perspectives to the decision-making table,” County Executive White said. “Carolyn’s appointment is the first in our collaborative partnership with United WE’s Appointments Project® to increase the number of women on county boards and commissions, and we’ll continue to ensure that we’re drawing on the talents and diversity of all our residents.” 

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.

“We created the Appointments Project® so boards and commissions could reflect the communities they serve,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President & CEO. “The Appointments Project addresses the gender disparities in local civic leadership and we know Carolyn’s passion for serving her community will be a valuable addition to the Jackson County Pension Plan Board of Trustees.” 

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.  

A free public training event is planned for Tuesday, February 2, at 12:00 p.m. CT with local community partners Black Excellence KC, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Sisters’ Circle Greater Kansas City and The Links (Jackson County, MO Chapter). The event will be conducted via webinar and allows Jackson County women to learn about leadership opportunities and guides them through the process of applying for these positions. “We encourage and invite everyone to learn more and join us in unlocking women’s potential for civic leadership,” County Executive White said.

To learn more about the Appointments Project® and RSVP for the training, visit www.united-we.org/appointments-project.