Appointee Profile: Jessica Best
Jessica Best was appointed by Mayor Quinton Lucas to the Kansas City Liquor Control Board of Review. By day, Jessica works at marketing agency, Barkley, located in the Crossroads, as VP of Data-Driven Marketing. Evenings and weekends, she has lead planning committees and volunteer groups for KCUR, the Kansas City Direct Marketing Association, and nonprofits like United Way of Greater Kansas City, Boulevardia, and Water.org.
She was in the 2013 Class of Centurions with the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and prides herself on data-driven strategy, having won the Direct Marketer of the Year award in 2017 in Kansas City and being named one of DMNews’ 40 Under 40 in 2018.
Her role on the Liquor Control Board of Review suits her perfectly, which you can tell by her Instagram channel, which features her food (and beverage) exploits across Kansas City (and the world).
Dedicated to all Women.
United WE Donor Feature: Amalia Murguia
As a former United WE research intern, Amalia Murguia has seen first-hand the impacts United WE makes in the community. “The mission of United WE is cognitive and pervasive, dedicated to all women. I appreciate the intentional inclusivity while providing a clear voice for women.”
A recent graduate of Georgetown University, with a double major in government and history, Amalia has become a supporter of the organization and an advocate for the Appointments Project. “The Appointments Project just makes sense. It is a real game changer for those women who get appointed, both personally and professionally.”
Along with the Appointments Project, Amalia is equally passionate about the policy work United WE does. “It is transformative for women’s equity. Childcare access, paid family leave, equal pay- it’s all tied together and fundamental for gender equity, both socially and economically.”
Amalia is enthusiastically involved with United WE as a volunteer, raising awareness and funds to support United WE’s mission. Her work as a volunteer allows Amalia to align her values and ideals while supporting an important cause in her life.
As for the future, Amalia believes “United WE has a mission that motivates all. I hope and believe United WE will be successful in truly affecting women in positive ways.”
We know that you, Amalia, will be part of that positive change for gender equity. Thank you for empowering women and being the next generation of change! We celebrate you for your time, investment and passion to support our mission.
We invite you to join Amalia and become a supporter by considering a charitable gift to support United WE. Make your gift today!
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.
Statement on Signing of Licensing Bills
Today Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of United WE released a statement in response to Governor Parson’s recent signing of licensing bills.
“As a leader in achieving policy reform for occupational licensing, United WE hails Governor Parson’s signing of licensing bills into law. In Missouri, women hold active professional licenses at a rate 3 times higher than men so we are proud to see HB 273 and HB 476 have broader licensure reforms that include shampooing and an occupational therapist compact. These workforce development strategies will help advance Missouri’s economy.
Occupational licensing is a priority issue United WE works to improve and is based on our objective evidence-based research findings. Research shows that women have a higher proportion of professional licenses when you consider career paths in healthcare, education and the law. Now HB 476 includes a Military Occupational Specialty as a type of licensure when applying in Missouri and it expands Missouri’s reciprocity laws to cover additional professions such as dieticians and architects.
In addition, we were a key to removing a license requirement for hair braiders in Missouri, many of whom are women entrepreneurs and especially women of color. HB 273, which relates to professional registration, now includes licensing reciprocity for those with valid licenses from the military.
We’re proud to see that by utilizing our research we’re able to generate pragmatic policy solutions to remove barriers for women and their families.”
Appointee Profile: Sharla Smith
Dr. Sharla Smith was appointed by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly to the REACH Healthcare Foundation Community Advisory Committee. Dr. Smith is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Population Health and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Kansas City. Dr. Smith earned an undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, a Master of Public Health degree in Health Policy and Management, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Health Services and Systems Research from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She is a health services researcher that has been working in public health since 2006. Her current research focuses on Black maternal and infant health and community engagement.
Dr. Smith is the co-founder of the Kansas Sisters and Brothers for Healthy Infants, a partnership between the University of Kansas School of Medicine and members of Black Greek Letter Organizations, that aims to increase awareness and education on Black infant mortality. Dr. Smith is the founder and director of the Kansas Birth Equity Network, a community-centered network that creates equitable solutions to improve Black maternal, paternal, and infant health in Kansas.
Dr. Smith has experience teaching public health law, introduction to public health, introduction to health policy and politics, and epidemiology. She advises students and serves as a faculty mentor on Master and PhD-level research projects.
From Our President & CEO: A First-Of-Its-Kind Economic Development Initiative
Our daily work involves advocating for women’s equality. We focus on a variety of issues, from equal pay to childcare access to occupational licensing. We know that workforces, communities, and families are better off when the women involved in them are heard and supported. After much strategic planning and preparation, we took our work a big leap forward this week with a first-of-its-kind initiative to address women’s economic wellbeing in Missouri.
As announced on June 21, we are launching a Missouri Women’s Economic Development Task Force to study the issues surrounding women’s participation and advancement in the workforce. We’re beaming with excitement to be the leaders trailblazing a path with the first task force devoted to women’s economic development in Missouri. This initiative will shed light on what is holding women back so we can generate fresh solutions to longstanding challenges.
Through this initiative, we will make policy recommendations to improve outcomes for women in Missouri. Our goal is to ensure that we’re creating impact - not just right now - but for years to come as we support future generations of women. In addition, we anticipate that our approach will be a model for other states. A dedicated, coordinated effort to understand women’s issues is more critical than ever, as the number of women participating in the workforce right now has declined to what it was in 1988. Economic empowerment for women is a moral imperative. We don’t have a moment to spare.
The task force will draw on existing research commissioned by United WE, including the Status of Women in Missouri and The Coronavirus Impact on Missouri Women reports. It will draw on hearing firsthand from as many women as possible in Missouri through 7 town halls throughout the state this summer. Their work will culminate in a series of policy recommendations for state leaders and lawmakers at the end of 2021. This monumental project has been made possible by generous funding from Missouri Foundation for Health, Centene Corporation and Cerner.
So, how will we execute and achieve results? Following this week’s kickoff, the task force will convene in the early fall to discuss the quantitative and qualitative data from real Missouri women. We will listen, analyze, and be creative about pragmatic solutions. I’m most excited to see how these insights better translate our research into actionable change. Data and stories not only inform, but inspire policy changes that address the everyday experiences of women working across Missouri, from the boardroom to the hair salon.
Meet our Task Force Members
We are the first organization to take on such an effort in Missouri, and are honored to be joined by an incredible group of women leaders across industries, locations and backgrounds. It should come as no surprise that this is a group of immensely talented and passionate individuals who share our vision to elevate and advance women’s equity, and we are excited for the future! Thank you to our task force members; meet them here.
Gender equity is a workforce and economic development issue that demands attention as we navigate a “new normal.” Change is needed today in order to address inequities that exist for women everywhere. We’re proud of our progress to date, but we’re ready and open to the changes that we’ll see as a result of our task force and town halls. We’re embracing change today. Come along with us as we trailblaze new paths, identify new solutions and make meaningful impact for women in the Heartland and beyond.
Kindly,
United WE Launches Missouri Women’s Economic Development Task Force to Boost Economy, Unlock Missouri Women’s Economic Potential
First women-led task force of its kind includes statewide civic and business leaders and will study barriers to women’s economic participation in MO; make policy recommendations to elected officials
KANSAS CITY, MO – June 21, 2021 – Today, United Women’s Empowerment (United WE), formerly Women’s Foundation, is launching a new Women’s Economic Development Task Force to study issues related to women’s participation and advancement in the workforce and make policy recommendations to improve women’s economic wellbeing in Missouri.
The McKinsey Global Institute found that Missouri could grow its economy by 10-15% by 2025 if women’s participation in the workforce increased. Areas of focus for the task force are expected to include access to healthcare, paid family and medical leave, workforce policies, gender pay equity, and affordable, high quality childcare, among others.
“The strength of Missouri’s economy and democracy depends upon women’s full participation,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President & CEO. “Too many women with the passion, talent and skills to lead remain on the sidelines because they face unnecessary obstacles such as occupational licensing, limited family leave, entrepreneurship restrictions and childcare. We aim to change that.”
The task force includes 19 civic and business leaders and elected officials from across the state:
Alexis Bundy, Cox Health
Lt. Colonel Tara Bradley, University of Missouri, Army ROTC
Kim Wallace Carlson, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
Carolyn Chrisman, Kirksville Regional Economic Development, Inc.
Susan Coatar, Centene Corporation
Kellie Ann Coats, Missouri Women’s Council
Kara Corches, Missouri Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Lupita Fabregas, University of Missouri Extension & 4-H
Cora Faith Walker, Office of St. Louis County Executive Sam Page
Sarah Hough, Bass Pro
Alice Mangan, Small Business Owner, Veteran & Registered Nurse
Zora Mulligan, Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development
Rosie Privitera Biondo, Mark One Electric
Malorie Raulerson, Attorney
Ally Siegler, Missouri Foundation for Health
Katie Steele Danner, Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation
Mayor Carrie Tergin, Mayor of Jefferson City
State Senator Barbara Washington (District 9)
Kathy Wunderlich, Hawthorn Foundation
The task force launched mid-June with a virtual meeting which will be followed by seven town hall discussions from July to October 2021. During these meetings, the task force will collect qualitative data from Missouri women firsthand.
The task force will also draw on existing research commissioned by United WE, including the Status of Women in Missouri and The Coronavirus Impact on Missouri Women reports. Their work will culminate in a series of policy recommendations for state leaders and lawmakers at the end of 2021.
To learn more about United WE and The Economic Task Force, visit united-we.org.
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Juneteenth: Take Action and Be W-I-S-E
It is hard to believe another Juneteenth is already upon us. President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, but it wasn't until two years later on June 19, 1865, that the last enslaved people were freed in Galveston, Texas. For many in the Black community, Juneteenth is a day of independence and celebration.
Last year, we encouraged you to learn, listen and reflect with us on Juneteenth and beyond. In July 2020, we hosted two listening sessions with black women, made possible with funding from the Black Community Fund. The sessions focused on barriers to and opportunities for black women’s economic participation and civic engagement, and on the impact of the Coronavirus disease outbreak. We continue to use the information collected to suggest policy solutions that will better meet the needs of a diverse community of women.
Ensuring that women are treated equally is a mission we've always fought for in order to make meaningful change. I am excited to share some of the actions we are taking the remainder of 2021 to improve equity for Black women and women of color:
New Collaboration: United WE and Suburban Balance are excited to launch a collaborative partnership to support people of color who are interested in running for local boards, commissions and offices. With generous support from the Truman Heartland Community Foundation’s Racial Equity Action Fund, we’ll create lasting change in Eastern Jackson County, Missouri, by addressing the lack of racial diversity in decision-making leadership positions in our community. This collaboration ensures that diverse candidates are considered for a broad swath of leadership positions.
Listening: This summer we will host a Missouri statewide virtual town hall for women of color. We will hear firsthand the barriers they’re facing and use the insights to better translate our research into actionable change. This virtual town hall is part of United WE’s larger effort to put forward a pragmatic advocacy platform that unites policy makers and delivers lasting, high-impact change for women in Missouri, Kansas and beyond.
Partnering: We’re joining forces with Black Excellence KC and Jackson County to present a “Women in Civic Leadership” panel discussion on June 24th at 7:00 p.m. on Facebook Live. This program will showcase the success of municipalities and community organizations working together and feature local civic leaders empowering women to follow in their footsteps.
This year — in honor of our 30th anniversary of serving women — we’re calling you to step up and take action. We all have a role to play in racial justice and anti-racism. We all have opportunities to learn from each other and wisdom to share. This Juneteenth, remember the acronym W-I-S-E and take the next step to get involved:
Watch for updates about serving in civic leadership and on school boards. Through our partnership with Suburban Balance, we will educate and support people of color interested in leadership opportunities by hosting Appointments Project overviews, providing school board workshops, hosting an education panel discussion, collaborating with Suburban Balance on a research report that investigates the state of the suburban black family, and more.
Invite others to join and register for our Appointments Project, particularly Black women. We have seen from our research that when women have a seat at the decision-making table, better outcomes are realized, and entire communities are lifted.
Share this email with everyone you can and encourage people to participate.
Engage with the Black Excellence and Jackson County panel on civic leadership and the importance of boards and commissions. As mentioned above, this event is taking place on June 24th at 7:00 p.m. on Facebook Live. RSVP here.
When we acknowledge and address the systemic barriers that Black women face, and work together to amplify their voices and stories, we can be one step closer to truly achieving equality for all.
We are committed to supporting our community so that we may grow stronger together. Unite with us this Juneteenth and join our commitment to fight for change. We’re stronger together.
Kindly,
Appointee Profile: Desarae Harrah
Desarae G. Harrah was appointed to the Jackson County Mental Health Fund Board. Desarae is the founder and managing partner of Harrah Law, LLC, a firm focusing on business, real estate, and construction located in the heart of Kansas City’s Westport District. Desarae earned her J.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, and both a B.A. in Political Science and B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Kansas.
Appointee Profile: Karla Williams
Karla Williams has been appointed to the Jackson County Mental Health Fund Board. Karla was born in St. Louis and graduated from Raytown South High School. She received a BSBA from William Woods University, with an emphasis in accounting and minors in Mathematics and Political Science. Karla settled in Columbia before moving to Lee’s Summit where she currently resides.
She has an extensive career in banking and non-profit organizations and presently works for Pro Deo Youth Center as Community Relations Director. Her community involvement includes a variety of organizations; Women’s Network of Columbia Chamber of Commerce, Assistance League of Mid-Missouri, Columbia Public School Board, Heart of Missouri United Way Board, Room at the Inn (overnight lodging for homeless), Boone County Functional Zero Task Force, Boone County Cradle to Career, Lee's Summit Sunrise Rotary, Feed Lee's Summit, Meals on Wheels, and Lee's Summit Chamber of Commerce.
Women building a legacy for all women.
United WE Donor Feature: Connie Loveless
“During my 35-year career, I was almost always surrounded by men,” said Connie Loveless, former board member and supporter of United WE. “The harried world of Finance and Investments- with its trading floors, wall street bankers and board rooms really didn’t invite many women into it.”
When Connie was first asked to join the United WE investment committee in the ‘90’s, then Women’s Foundation, Connie really didn’t know much about the mission, but came to love the work. “It brought us together to drive change for the betterment of all women. It was fun and challenging and allowed me to see real life issues facing so many women daily.”
Connie is proud to be a part of United WE. “I care about my daughter’s future and the future of our girls. United WE is making meaningful change for gender equity now and for future generations. From women being appointed to board and commissions to vital policy work, a lot of women don’t even know United WE is standing behind them.”
“A lot of women don’t even know United WE is standing behind them.”
Investing in United WE with a legacy gift means Connie is investing in the future of women. “I hope and pray that our past work will help to make a difference in the life of my own daughter, Molly, and in the lives of my friends’ daughters, whether they are aware of it or not. I continue to support United WE because I know the good work being done today will make a difference for all women and girls in generations to come.”
Connie & her daughter, Molly
Thank you, Connie, for your ongoing passion and support to empower women!
As we celebrate our 30th anniversary in 2021, United WE will also be celebrating our 30 founding members of our Legacy Society. We invite you to join Connie and become a founding member of our Legacy Society by including United WE in your giving, estate plans or other financial contributions.
Contact Angie Heer, Chief Development Officer at cdo@united-we.org or 816.988.2007 for further information.
Media Inquiries:
dmc@united-we.org