Kansas Expands Education Benefits for Families of Fallen or Injured Veterans, First Responders and Public Safety Officers

United WE praises effort to support the families of military servicemembers and public safety officers

KANSAS CITY – United WE today praised Kansas Governor Laura Kelly’s signing of HB 2021 into law. The bill waives tuition and fees for spouses and dependents of public safety officers and personnel who are injured or disabled while performing service-related duties.  

“This legislation is vital to the many Kansans who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Providing this resource and removing obstacles to higher education for the families who have sacrificed so much is a small token of gratitude, and to offer opportunities that otherwise may be unavailable,” said Rep. Troy Waymaster, bill sponsor. “I commend my fellow legislators for their hard work and support for this bill. I’m proud to have championed such an important piece of legislation and to see it through the process of becoming law.”

“The educational opportunity offered in this legislation recognizes the sacrifice of service members and helps to address the question as to how their family will be taken care of when these service members put their lives on the line,” said Rep. Susan Estes, bill sponsor. “This legislation also hits close to home, as I personally know families who have endured these situations where their loved ones have been killed or seriously injured while on duty. HB 2021 is just a small way we can give back to those families and spouses who have given so much."

United WE worked with lawmakers on HB 2021 and similar bills in Kansas and Missouri. Programs like those supported by HB 2021 help improve the financial well-being of military and first responder families and strengthen our economy.

“More access to higher educational opportunities means a stronger economy,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President & CEO. “We are grateful for Kansas’ leadership in supporting education and the families of public safety officers. Thank you to Governor Kelly, Rep. Waymaster, Rep. Estes and our Kansas Legislature.”

The bill amends a statue that established tuition wavier grants for dependents and spouses of public safety officers and those who died in or because of military service on or after September 11, 2001, to extend benefits to additional persons. The bill adds a definition of “public safety employee” to include employees of law enforcement, fire department, emergency medical services or state correctional institutions.

The bill also authorizes the issuance of bonds to construct a state veterans’ home in northeast Kansas.

Relatedly, United WE commissions research on the status of women in Kansas with the University of Kansas's Center for Science Technology & Economic Policy. The first study was released in 2016, providing a baseline for continued research that will inform reasonable policy solutions for women and their families. This summer, United WE will unveil the latest Status of Women in Kansas research.

United WE Partners with OKC’s Vest to Bring the Appointments Project® to Oklahoma City

Kansas City, MO – April 6, 2021 – United WE and Oklahoma City’s VEST today announce a collaborative effort to help increase the number of women on community-wide 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% women of color. 

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 civic 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. “With the support of the National League of Cities, we're excited to work with VEST and Mayor Holt to create opportunities for women to maximize their potential and lead their community.”

United WE is partnering with local, woman-owned business VEST to provide overview webinars. VEST is a curated network of influential women working together to expedite the pipeline and pathways for more women in positions of influence and power.

"Although women represent half of the U.S. population, labor force, and businesses, we are often underrepresented in rooms where decisions impacting our community are being made. I couldn't be more proud to partner with United WE to help support more women to be prepared to serve on Oklahoma City boards and commissions," said Erika Lucas, Co-Founder of VEST.

The effort is supported by Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, whose office helped connect the partners.

“This partnership between Vest, United WE and the Appointments Project® will ensure our community has a pipeline of great civic leaders ready to serve, such as on City boards or commissions,” said Mayor Holt. “We’re always looking to increase the number of women - especially women of color - on our boards at City Hall, so I’m keenly interested in that aspect of this initiative.  This partnership enhances those efforts and benefits the larger community.”

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.  

Free public training events are planned for April 28, 2021, and May 13, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. CT

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

Appointee Profile: Jennifer Ingraham

“I believe what we celebrate is a reflection of what we value.  The citizens of the Show Me State show us the very best of our Missouri values when they give of themselves in times of need. Whether it is steady, year-round volunteerism to our many nonprofit service organizations through AmeriCorps or coming through in times of crisis to save our farms and communities from the most recent floods, it will be a privilege to promote and recognize the service of these Missourians.”

— Jennifer Ingraham

Jennifer Ingraham has been appointed by Governor Parson to the Missouri Community Service Commission.  She is passionate about this role because of its mission to strengthen Missouri communities through volunteerism and service.   

Jennifer Ingraham is a working mother with 25+ years of experience in fundraising for the arts and higher education sectors. She is an Assistant Vice President for the UMKC Foundation where she provides strategic leadership for a number of university philanthropic priorities. Prior to joining the UMKC Foundation, Jennifer served in fundraising and/or corporate sponsorship roles with Kansas City Rep (where she led the capital campaign that resulted in a renovated and expanded theater), Park University, the University of Missouri-Kansas City, The Kansas City Star and the Kansas City Symphony.  

Jennifer serves the Greater Kansas City community through her board service to the PIEA Crossroads Arts Advisory Committee (appointed by former Mayor Sly James), Coterie Theater, Madam President Camp, Tri County Mental Health Services Foundation and WIN for KC. Jennifer also contributes time to the Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation, NonProfit Connect, UnitedWE Advisory Board, and her P.E.O. Chapter. Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a Minor in Music from Drury University and a Masters in Integrated Marketing Communications from the University of Kansas. 

Jennifer and her husband, Jason, have a daughter, Lauren (20), and a son, Evan (16).

City of South San Francisco Partners with National Organization to Facilitate the Appointment of More Women to Boards and Commissions

As Women’s History Month comes to an end, Councilwoman Nicolas launches the Appointments Project® with United WE in South San Francisco

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 31, 2021 – Women’s History Month may be coming to an end, but for Councilwoman Flor Nicolas, she says there’s more work to be done. Councilwoman Nicolas, along with Mayor Mark Addiego and the rest of the City Council have partnered with United Women’s Empowerment, or United WE, which aims to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership. 

“We need to celebrate the extraordinary achievements and contributions that women have made during Women’s History Month, but we must also not rest on one’s laurels,” said Councilwoman Nicolas. “We need more women in civil leadership roles, whether it’s locally, regionally, on the state or national level.”

United WE’s Appointments Project® serves as a talent bank, advisor, and advocates for women seeking opportunities to help 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 provides vetted candidates qualified for such appointments. 

“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 Addiego and Councilwoman Nicolas, we are addressing the gender disparities in local leadership and able to make real changes in our communities.”

“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,” said Mayor Mark Addiego. “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.”

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 improve community representation which leads to a better quality of life for all.

There will be upcoming webinar training events with the Appointments Project® in the next few months to learn how to get involved, locally, with our Boards and Commissions. If you are interested in participating in this program please email CityInfo@ssf.net.

From Our President & CEO: Honoring the Legacy of Women

It has been a busy time as we celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8, and revisited important moments and milestones throughout Women’s History Month. Thank you to the business leaders who joined us as partners, to our advocates who supported our efforts by taking the #ChoosetoChallenge pledge, and to the community in the Midwest and beyond who united for women. 

As we near the end of March, our commitment to celebrating and honoring the women who came before us is not over. Throughout the year we must acknowledge the hardships, the progress and the triumphs of women who influenced equality. We must learn from the fierce leaders and empowered voices - then and now. 

Through United WE’s Legacy of Women initiative, we continue to honor women’s historical contributions in state parks, historic sites and other public spaces. History is told in part through public spaces, where individuals, particularly girls, can imagine what they can accomplish and who they can become. To date we have helped rename two state parks in Missouri for women, with a third planned in May. Before this, there were none. We have plans to do the same in Kansas, where there are also no state parks currently named for women. Last August, we also honored the first U.S. female county clerk in the United States, Annie White Baxter, by inducting her into the Hall of Famous Missourians. The women recognized in these public spaces demonstrate fearlessness, resilience, education and what it means to be a “first.” These women also raised their hands and used their voices to help their community. 

Which brings us to the present. We must continue to raise our hands and use our voices for a more just and equitable society. I am excited to share two new ways you can do this throughout the year - by becoming a United WE Ambassadors or United WE Groundbreaker. You do not need any prior experience to join - you are ready as you are! Join us now to grow your network and accelerate progress towards gender equality!

• Our Ambassadors Program launches on March 31. This group of passionate women and men will help us build awareness, excitement and advocate for our mission across the Midwest and beyond. Learn more and join us here. 

• The Groundbreakers group is made up of action-based individuals who want to explore and enhance United WE’s policy, advocacy, Appointments Project and support efforts. Learn more and join us here.  

And just in case you have not already, before March officially comes to a close, be sure to: 

• Join the more than 115 individuals who took the #ChoosetoChallenge pledge and call out gender bias, stereotypes and discrimination every time you see it. Encourage your friends to take it, too! 

• Support our International Women’s Day partners - women owned businesses - with multiple promotions still live through March 31. Cocktail, wreath-making kit or new outfit anyone? 

• Visit our Women’s History Month calendar for informative online exhibits, important dates honoring key women and policies, and more. 

• Watch the second episode of Take Three, our new video series where I speak with influential and empowering women. This month I talked with Linda Jordan, a past United WE Chair and current Board Member. Check it out below.

Women’s History Month is a month full of reflecting, learning and honoring. We stand on the shoulders of the historical figures we honored throughout Women’s History Month. My question to you is this: how will you honor the legacy of women who came before you, the women who stand beside you now, and the women who will influence the future?

Kindly,

Women Supporting Women.

United WE Donor Feature: Kristin Wing

Women supporting women. That was the driving force for Kristin Wing to join the United WE Board of Directors nearly 25 years ago. “We were a group of women sitting around a table, looking for ways to make sustainable change and bring value to our community.”

Kristin, along with many other passionate women who have served on our board of directors and committees, gave United WE the strong foundation that has guided the organizations’ evolution throughout the years. “United WE validates what women are seeing and experiences in the workplace and community. It finds barriers to tackle and provides data driven solutions to impact women and families.”

When reflecting on her time as a United WE board member, Kristin said, “I remember going to Washington D.C. as one of a few representatives of the board of directors many years ago. We were there to share our research and resources and bring attention to gender equity; to give a voice to women that did not have one. It was exciting to watch the light bulbs go off for those we talked with. We were a sisterhood of change and I am proud that our work continues for the next generation of women.”

With over three decades of experience in public accounting, she continues to make volunteerism and financial investments a priority. Along with supporting United WE, Kristin has also been involved with Madam President Camp and the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA).

“I am going to make it my life’s work to point to United WE as a role model for other organizations supporting women and girls!”

— Kristin Wing, United WE Changemaker & Trailblazer

As a United WE Changemaker and Trailblazer, (you read that right, she’s both!), Kristin feels United WE is a tremendous financial steward of her donations. “Every dollar is carefully considered and treasured. It is a smart and wise investment and women need to support women. I am going to make it my life’s work to point to United WE as a role model for other organizations supporting women and girls!” says Kristin.

Thank you, Kristin, for empowering women! As we celebrate our 30th Anniversary this year, we want to celebrate and thank Kristin Wing for her time, investment and passion to support our mission.

We invite you to join Kristin and become a supporter by considering a monthly donation to United WE today. As a Changemaker, your monthly gift of $25, $35, $50, or the amount of your choice, will unite with other Changemakers to create systemic change for women and families. Don’t wait! Become a Changemaker today.

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.

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.