Appointee Profile: Angela Crawford

Angela Crawford was appointed by Mayor Quinton Lucas to the Kansas City Climate Protection Steering Committee.  Angela is in the business of content: What works, where it works and why, who is consuming the content, and what makes it shareable. The Kansas City-area native, with more than a decade of experience in strategic communications, currently serves as Marketing Director for The Builders’ Association.

Her broad range of experience has aided political campaigns, nonprofits, marketing agencies and private corporations in developing content to tell their stories in innovative and compelling ways.

Crawford holds a Master’s degree in Communication from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication, Public Administration from Truman State University. She previously served as a Communications Consultant for Lockton Companies, developing marketing solutions for internal stakeholders and shaping digital communication initiatives.

Crawford lives in the heart of Kansas City with her beloved dogs Tommy and Mikey. A dedicated volunteer, she has served as President of the Truman State University Kansas City Alumni Chapter since 2014. She provided strategic planning and public relations support for Community LINC, a nonprofit group providing transitional housing for homeless Kansas City families; mentored elementary students for the Kansas City MLB Urban Youth Academy’s Raising Royals After School program; and for nearly a decade she served as a Big Sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas.

Crawford is a member of the Kansas City Lyric Opera Guild, the Society for Marketing Professional Services and Friends of the Kansas City Public Library, and she serves as a United WE Ambassador.

Press Release: Kansas Governor Laura Kelly Expands Parental Leave Policy for State Employees

United WE commends Kansas Governor Laura Kelly on the issuance of Executive Order 21-24, which expands parental leave benefits to primary caregivers, secondary caregivers, and foster parents.

Paid family leave allows new parents to spend more time bonding with their children, improving overall health and education outcomes. Paid family leave policies are also good for business; research shows that employees are more productive and motivated, and retention is higher.

The new policy, detailed in a press release linked here, is as follows:

• Primary caregivers receive eight weeks of leave (an increase of two weeks from the original policy);

• Secondary caregivers receive four weeks of leave (an increase of one week from the original policy);

• Foster parents are now eligible for parental leave, with primary caregivers receiving eight weeks of leave and secondary caregivers receiving four weeks of leave;

• Parental leave can now be used thirty days in advance of the birth date, adoption, or fostering of a child or children per calendar year;

• New State employees become eligible after 180 days of employment. Current employees will not be subjected to this requirement.

“Paid family leave is a win-win for both families and employers. Policies like this that expand these benefits to women and their families bolster economies, improve health and education outcomes and strengthens business through a stronger employee workforce. We applaud Governor Kelly’s action today and urge other states without paid family leave policies to consider the research-backed benefits of strong economic policies that support employees and their families.” - United WE President & CEO Wendy Doyle

Thank you, Governor Kelly, for your support of families across Kansas. Read the full press release here.

Appointee Profile: Anne Spenner

Anne Hartung Spenner has been appointed to the Community Engagement Taskforce in Shawnee, Kansas. The role of this taskforce is to provide strategic direction, advice, and recommendations to the City of Shawnee’s governing body on all aspects related to community engagement, including marketing and public communications, engagement opportunities, inclusivity and diversity, and employee recruitment/retention.

Anne is Vice Chancellor for Strategic Marketing and Communications at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, leading a team of marketing, media relations, creative, web and digital communicators to tell the story of Kansas City’s public research university. She also oversees KCUR 89.3, Kansas City’s National Public Radio station. In her prior life as a journalist, she worked as a reporter, editor and senior newsroom leader at newspapers in Upstate South Carolina, Charlotte, N.C., and the Kansas City metro. The common denominator across her professional life has been the opportunity to tell stories that change lives and make a difference in the communities she has lived in. That work continues in her new board appointment.

Anne earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism in Columbia, Mo., and an Executive MBA from the Bloch School of Management at UMKC. She is a past Salzburg Global Seminar Knight Fellow and a Harvard University Nieman Narrative Fellow.

Outside work, Anne dedicates time to a number of passions including church choir, United WE Groundbreakers, Harvesters, United Way and the UMKC Women’s Council Graduate Assistance Fund. She also is a past board member of the Urban Neighborhood Initiative.

Appointee Profile: Susan Tolleson

Susan Tolleson was appointed to the Shawnee (KS) Community Engagement Task Force, Ward 1.  Susan has lived in Shawnee 14 years and in the metro area for 31.  She has more than 30 years of experience in marketing communications and public involvement. She currently is a senior marketing writer at Johnson County Community College and has held communications roles with HNTB, Burns & McDonnell, Greater KC Community Foundation and the Kansas City Zoo. She has run a freelance consulting business for 17 years and has managed volunteers at Shawnee Town 1929 Museum and Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. She has a master’s degree in strategic marketing communications from KU. She is married and has a daughter who will attend KU in the fall.

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,

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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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