Appointee Profile: Mary Barnes

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. ”

— Maya Angelou

Mary Barnes was appointed by County Executive Frank White Jr. to the Pension Plan Board of Trustees.  In this role she will serve as an advocate in an effort to strengthen and enrich the lives of county employees through Jackson County’s pension plan.

Mary Barnes has over 20 years’ experience in the legal, education, and non-profit sectors.  She is the Contract and Compliance Administrator for the Port Authority of Kansas City, Missouri where she drafts, reviews, and executes contracts for real estate, vendor services and construction.

Currently, Mary serves on the Awesome Ambitions Board, is involved with the South Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and is a member of Junior League of Kansas City and Greater Kansas City (MO) Chapter of Links, Inc.  Mary earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, Georgia.

Mary is an entrepreneur and is the founder/owner of One of A Kind Gifts a specialty business that incorporates her unique flair for elegant presentation through baskets and unique gifts.   She is committed to the empowerment of youth and works with children and teens in her local church, has served as a youth leader, and hosted a young women’s mentoring group and pageant.  In her spare time she enjoys traveling, shopping, interior design, and meeting new people. 

Mary is married to Jesse Barnes.

Advocating for Systemic Change.

United WE Donor Feature: Tiffany Owens

As a United WE Board Member, volunteer, donor, and Legacy Society member, Kansas City native Tiffany Owens knows how to be a true advocate for systemic change. “I support United WE because the mission transforms women’s equity through research and breaks barriers for women and families,” says Tiffany.

Growing up, Tiffany’s mother was a small business owner. Now, as a working mother herself, Tiffany understands the challenges women face and wants to pave the way for other women and most importantly, her daughter.

Tiffany truly lives her passion for gender equity, working as a private client advisor and providing tools for women to take control of their finances. “I see how the many roles women play as parent, caregiver, and professional can have an impact on their financial success. I want to help and guide them so they can take control of their financial lives. It is a big proponent of why I chose to get involved with United WE.”

“As a Board Member, I am honored to carry on the work of so many amazing women who came before me. There’s a lot of work left to be done, but I know the multi-faceted approach creates the high-level change necessary to make a bigger impact in our communities.”

Reflecting on the last 30 years of working towards gender equity, Tiffany, and other women and men like her, have given so much of their time, talent, and treasure to make United WE’s mission possible. Thank you, Tiffany, for your passion to empower women now and beyond!

“I am honored to carry on the work of so many amazing women who came before me. There’s a lot of work left to be done, but I know the multi-faceted approach creates the high-level change necessary to make a bigger impact in our communities.”

— Tiffany Owens

We invite you to join Tiffany and become a supporter by considering a charitable gift to support United WE. Make your gift today and learn about the United WE Legacy Society.

For questions or more information on other ways to give and volunteer, contact Melissa Ford, Director of Development at dod@united-we.org or 816.988.2006.

From Our President & CEO: 30 Years of Uniting for Women

Last week we celebrated an important milestone; 30 years prior, on April 22, 1991, we incorporated as a non-profit and nonpartisan organization in Kansas City, Missouri. We were founded by smart, bold women with an unwavering commitment to empower all women to reach their full economic potential. 

I look forward to celebrating our trailblazing founders and the women who fearlessly made history over the past three decades. Throughout the year, we will honor the women who said “yes” to serve, the progress we’ve made, and the women leading the charge today for equity and opportunity. We hope to celebrate with some of these trailblazers in person on September 29 at We Work for Change, with three highly anticipated national speakers! 

Celebrating our history creates the opportunity to share the vision for our future. Our goals are focused on strengthening our mission to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership for meaningful change. A few specifics include: 

• Economic Development: We will accelerate advancements in critical areas like equal pay, occupational licensing, and childcare. We are particularly passionate about a national paid family leave policy as a critical piece to support women and their families. 

• Civic Leadership: We will accelerate expansion of the Appointments Project®. We are now in 30 cities across Missouri and Kansas, and have launched in four additional cities across the country: Fort Worth, Pittsburgh, Oklahoma City, and South San Francisco. We expect to expand to three additional cities across the country by the end of the year. 

• Legacy of Women: We will continue honoring the trailblazing women who paved the path for change long before we became an organization. Next up we have a state park renaming in Ste. Genevieve, MO, to honor school teacher Helen Coffer Hawn. 

• Research: We remain dedicated to research that helps us identify gaps for and feedback from women. This year, we are partnering with a group of elected officials and community and business leaders across the state of Missouri to convene the first-ever statewide Women’s Economic Task Force. We will identify strategies, recommendations and policy solutions to improve the economic well-being of women and families.Stay tuned for an update on the status of women in Kansas later this year also.

So much of our work and progress has been thanks to volunteers, from our visionary founders 30 years ago to today’s advocates like the new Groundbreakers and Ambassadors groups. We thank the countless women who have helped us get to this point, and those who will carry the mantle forward for the next generation of changemakers.

Speaking of the next generation, 11-year-old Poppy Bash joined her father, Andy Bash of Bash & Co. Sotheby’s International Realty, “on stage” during our Champion Breakfast on April 23. As Poppy told our attendees, “It’s important for us to continue to work now for changes, so as I continue to grow, I have the opportunities available to me that I deserve.” Watch Poppy by clicking here.

We agree with Poppy; she and the millions of girls across our country deserve a more equitable world. Change is needed today to address inequities for women, and we believe the challenges are solvable. We’re committed to tackling them because we know that when women -- and girls like Poppy -- thrive, communities thrive. 

We are encouraged and inspired as we reflect on this chapter of the organization, but know we have a lot of work to do. I hope you will join me this year in taking action to create opportunities, champion progress and advocate for change for women.

Thank you for your support of United WE over the past 30 years. We are looking forward to the next 30! 

 Warmly,

Appointee Profile: Bonnie Limbird

Governor Laura Kelly has reappointed Bonnie Limbird to the State Board of Technical Professions. The purpose of the Board is to register and license engineers, architects, surveyors, and landscape architects.

Bonnie Limbird is an interior designer at SFS Architecture in Kansas City. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Central Missouri. Though appointed to the Board in March 2020 as a Public Member, she is well-versed herself in the intricacies and requirements of professional certifications as a registered interior designer in the state of Missouri, a LEED AP, an NCIDQ-certified designer, and a professional member of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).

Ms. Limbird has served as president of the local Mid-America IIDA chapter, on the steering committee of the Centurions Leadership Program, as president of the PTA, on the boards of both the Friends of the Johnson County Library and the Girls Scouts of NE Kansas & NW Missouri, and volunteered countless hours to all of these organizations before and after her appointments. She currently serves as a City Council member for the City of Prairie Village, Kansas, on the communications committee of the League of Women Voters of Johnson County, and as the business manager for the Girl Scouts Day Camp for her only child, Abi’s, service unit.

Ms. Limbird’s professional work at SFS, an AIA Firm of the Year in 2018, focuses mostly on furniture space planning and specification for the firm’s diverse portfolio of clients in the commercial, government, recreation, civic, liturgical, and higher education sectors. Finding the perfect solution for each client’s unique needs for their spaces to function efficiently and beautifully is where her expertise and passion lie. When not working, volunteering, or hanging out with her family, Bonnie is avidly reading anything she can get her hands on.

Ms. Limbird's term expires June 30, 2023.

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.