Press Release: United WE’s Appointments Project® Announces Expansion to Austin, Texas
Mayor Pro Tem Harper-Madison, Council Member Alter, Mayor Adler and United WE announce their collaborative partnership to increase the number of women on local civic boards and commissions through the Appointments Project. Started in 2014, the Appointments Project has successfully placed more than 160 women on boards and commissions, including 18% women of color.
“I’ve seen first-hand the need to have more women and women of color in leadership positions across the City,” Mayor Pro Tem Harper Madison said. “I’m absolutely excited to call others into service in this partnership to ensure that we’re drawing on the talents and diversity of all our residents.”
“My own experience serving on the Parks Board inspired my run for office,” said Council Member Alter. “As a super majority female council, we work to create opportunities for women in our community to lead. Through the Appointments Project, I hope we chart even more pathways for female leadership and service.”
“Our partnership with United WE and the Appointments Project is strengthening our city by increasing the number of women of all ages, including women of color, who are at the decision-making table for Austin,” said Mayor Adler.
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 suggests applicants for appointment.
Read the full press release here.
From Our President & CEO: A Reflection on 20 Years Since the September 11 Attacks
This year, we acknowledge that two decades have passed since an extremely dark time in our nation’s history. Following the attacks on September 11, 2001, first responders and frontline workers bore much of the brunt of the destruction impact and recovery efforts. Many of those heroes have faced a new challenge over the past two years with the widespread devastation of COVID-19. As time has passed and we have seen the tireless bravery of the frontline healthcare workers, emergency responders, hospital staff, and countless others who have faced our nation’s challenges head-on, I want to express my gratitude for their sacrifice, grace and courage.
At United WE, we make a concentrated effort to acknowledge the struggles of frontline, veteran and survivor families. We know that our work cannot replace the grief felt by the families impacted by events like September 11th or COVID-19, but we do know that policies and programs can help share the burden.
Today our policy efforts are concentrated on improving conditions for families, and we are proud of the progress we have made in Kansas and Missouri to acknowledge the service members who put their lives on the line, and their families who make great sacrifices from home. We advocate for and support programs that invest in these families’ ability to fully participate in the workforce as a small tribute to those who choose to serve their communities.
One key piece of our work is focused on education, and we have supported bills and expansions that provide the children and spouses of veterans or first responders killed or injured in the line of duty with the opportunity to pursue higher education without the burden of tuition or debt. We also advocate for occupational licensing reciprocity, knowing that women are often disproportionately affected by state-to-state regulations for service licenses and occupations. We applaud and thank leaders like Missouri Governor Mike Parson and Kansas Governor Laura Kelly for sharing our commitment to advocating for veterans and their families.
Our support of this legislation is based on objective research findings. United WE, formerly Women’s Foundation, conducted a “Project Diane” study that focused on the integration of women into leadership positions in the U.S. Army Special Forces. Additionally, “The Status of Women in Kansas” research report focused on economic development indicators and developed a baseline to monitor Kansas’ progress to advance women’s economic and civic leadership.
I want to share a few highlights from our recent and upcoming work:
The Veterans & Survivors Grant Program in Missouri
This grant was enacted to provide support to children and spouses of veterans impacted while serving in action.
The Veteran & First Responders Program in Kansas
HB 2021: adds to the Wartime Veteran and First Responder Survivors’ Educational Opportunities
This important legislation furthers our mission to advance all women’s economic leadership by expanding an education fund for spouses and family members of individuals that died, and now includes individuals injured in the line of duty. It allows for up to $350,000 to be awarded per year.
Ahead of the 20th anniversary of 9/11 next month, I will participate in a press conference with Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple to share how we need more legislation like HB 2021 that benefits the families of wartime veterans and first responder survivors, and reflects Kansas’ ongoing commitment to military families, higher education and workforce development opportunities.
We are pleased with this progress, and know that advocating for veteran families is an ongoing priority as our world continues to evolve and new challenges surface. As we observe the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and continue to battle the coronavirus, I ask you to remember those who put their lives on the line amid these tragedies. How are you supporting the veterans, survivors and families in your community? I invite you to learn more about our work here, and share the opportunity of this education benefit with the families of wartime veterans and first responder survivors.
Thank you to the women and men who serve our country. Your bravery, compassion and dedication are what make us proud to be Americans.
Kindly,
Wendy D. Doyle, President & CEO
Associated Press: 9 women now serving as governors in US, tying a record
August 24, 2021
An Associated Press article on August 24, 2021 detailed that nine women are now serving as governor in the United States. This tied previous annual records, but is still far from gender parity in government positions.
The article includes commentary from our President & CEO Wendy Doyle, who noted that one challenge is deepening the pool of women willing to enter politics. Our policy work at United WE includes the Appointments Project, our strategic program focused on providing the tools and resources for women to seek appointments at the county, city and state levels across multiple states. As Wendy, “It’s a long game. But we’ve got to build the pipeline; we’ve got to build the bench.”
Check out the full article from reporter David Lieb below.
Appointee Profile: Teresa Coyan
Teresa Coyan was appointed by Missouri Governor Mike Parson to Chair the Missouri Mental Health Commission. Teresa moved to the Springfield area in 2003 to attend Missouri State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with an emphasis in entrepreneurship (2005). Shortly after, she completed a MBA through Webster University. In 2008, Teresa began her career at CoxHealth and has had enjoyed several roles throughout her 13 years with the organization. Currently, serving as Vice President of Public Affairs, she is the liaison between CoxHealth and local, state, and federal elected officials, business leaders, and the Southwest Missouri Communities we serve. Teresa is also active in a variety of community organizations, which include serving as the Chair of the Legislative Policy Committee for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, a member of the United WE. Public Policy Coalition, board member for the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, and board member for the Missouri Chamber. Recently, Teresa was appointed by Governor Parson to serve as a Commissioner for the Department of Mental Health. She was a graduate of Leadership Springfield (class 27) and previously served as a board member for the Board of Public Utilities and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Teresa has been married for 15 years to her husband, Justin and they have two children, Connor (7) and Kinley (5).
Appointee Profile: Susan B. Wilson
Susan B. Wilson was appointed to the Jackson County, Missouri Mid-Continent Public Library Board. Susan B. Wilson PhD MBA is a licensed clinical psychologist with a multifaceted career in education, healthcare administration, consulting, clinical and media work. She currently serves as principal of Wilson and Associates, an organization that focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), training, program development and consulting. Wilson retired recently from the role of Vice Chancellor of the Division of Diversity and Inclusion. In this chief diversity officer role, she led a diversity organizational development strategy including diversity and inclusion assessment, planning and initiatives for students, faculty, and staff and community.
Wilson has over twenty years of mental health and diversity-related experience. She previously served as Associate Dean for Diversity and Community Partnership at UMKC School of Medicine. For the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC), Wilson was the Central Region’s representative for the Group on Diversity and Inclusion (GDI). She also developed a diversity training program for mid and upper management for the Central Region of the Federal Aviation Administration. During a time of racial tension, she was a consultant to four local school district superintendents to assess the diversity climate and offer training and recommendations. Wilson has also provided training and diversity consultation to many business and government organizations, and served on the Mayor’s Human Rights Commission.
Wilson attended the University of Pittsburgh, where she earned a B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology and an M.B.A. from the Bloch School of Business at UMKC. Wilson has held leadership positions in several notable health and behavioral healthcare organizations in the Kansas City area, including Swope Health Services and St. Luke’s Health System. She has also served as a consulting psychologist to the National Football League and the Kansas City Chiefs and a host and contributor of a news, culture and arts radio magazine show for KCUR 89.3 FM, the Kansas City affiliate of NPR.
An avid reader, Wilson credits libraries as serving as a “life line” and a sanctuary while growing up in the Hill District of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Wilson is also an avid enthusiast of the arts. She is an art collector, and a frequent theatre and concert-goer as well as a financial supporter of the arts.
A 2018 winner of the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce ACE Award for Diversity and Inclusion, Wilson has contributed her time and skills to numerous civic and community endeavors. Some highlights include the Jackson County COMBAT Commission, Missouri Department of Mental Health Cultural Competency Committee, and the Statewide African American Mental Health Taskforce. She is a former member of the Healthcare Foundation of Greater Kansas City and is Chair of the Prime Health Board. She also serves on the Kansas City Crime Commission. Wilson is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Links, Inc., both public service organizations.
Appointee Profile: Mary Shannon
Mary Shannon was appointed by County Executive Frank White, Jr. as a district four member to the Jackson County Ethics, Human Relations, and Citizens Complaints Commission. Mary is a small/diverse business advocator. She is the founder of Connectus Worldwide, a certified professional consulting firm that specializes in the delivery of services to Minority, Woman-owned, Veteran, and LGBTQ Business Enterprises, as well as majority organizations wanting to become more intertwined in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. She is passionate about her work and possesses decades of experience and knowledge that blends corporate strategy and business solutions with entrepreneurial spirit and personalized service. Prior to starting Connectus Worldwide, Mary managed a supplier diversity program for Hallmark Cards for several years.
Mary is on the Leadership Council for the National Small Business Association in Washington D.C., serves on the Board for the International Association of Women, KC Chapter, and the Prospect Business Association. She is a community partner with the Kansas City SCORE Community Strategic Alliance, a philanthropic member with the Sister’s Circle of Greater KC, and a Black Achiever in Business and Industry, Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater KC. She holds a Master of Arts in Management from Webster University. Mary lives, plays, works, and worships in the greater Kansas City, Missouri area.
Appointee Profile: Jacquelyn Eidson
Jacquelyn Eidson was appointed to the Jackson County Ethics, Human Relations, and Citizen Complaints Commission (District 5) by County Executive Frank White, Jr. Jacquelyn is a SBDC business counselor through the UMKC Innovation Center. Jacque's background includes strategic planning, entrepreneurship, transformational coaching, and teaching at the collegiate level. A Blue Springs resident, Jacque is actively involved in United WE, PREP-KC, KC Mom Collective, and KC Scholars. In addition to being an Organizational Psychology PhD candidate working dutifully on her dissertation, Jacque, along with her husband, is an unpaid Uber driver and cheerleader for her four children.
Appointee Profile: Joni Wickham
Joni Wickham was recently appointed by Governor Mike Parson to the Senate Independent Bipartisan Citizens Commission, tasked with redistricting Missouri Legislative maps. Joni is co-founder of Wickham James Strategies and Solutions, providing services in public and government relations, mediations, public policy, and leadership development. Prior to launching her consulting business with former Kansas City Mayor Sly James, Joni spent eight years with the mayor’s office—the majority of them serving as Chief of Staff—Joni has proven herself as an accomplished political strategist, communications expert, and organizational leader. She directed public policy initiatives, communications tactics, and administrative decision-making during her tenure, all while promoting women’s leadership and empowerment issues.
Joni has worked with the American Federation of Teachers, the Missouri Department of Transportation, and in the office of Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan. While a student at Meredith College, where Joni received her Bachelor of Arts in political studies, she studied abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia. An accomplished alumnus of University of Missouri where she earned her Masters of Arts in political science, Joni was the recipient of the 2019 University of Missouri Truman School of Public Affairs Mel Carnahan Public Service Award.
Empowerment beyond a lifetime.
United WE Donor Feature: Sherri Wattenbarger
Sherri Wattenbarger with husband, Brian Beins
In 2021, United WE is celebrating 30 years of empowering women. As part of that celebration, we are honoring 30 Founding Members into our Legacy Society and invite you to join, empowering women beyond your lifetime.
“I read an article in the newspaper back in 1998 asking for volunteers. I knew I had to get involved,” says Sherri Wattenbarger, describing how she first got involved with United WE, formerly Women’s Foundation. “The organizations’ impact on the community and the way it makes change in multiple ways really spoke to me.”
Since that destined newspaper article, Sherri has served United WE in numerous roles as an event Chair and Emeritus Chair, on the Board of Directors, as Board Chair, on the Advisory Council, Campaign Cabinet, Patron Committee, a Trailblazer, and a Legacy Society member.
“I decided at age 11 that I wanted to go into public service and have never detoured from that. After law school, I knew I wanted to use my talent and skills to make my community a better place. Supporting and empowering women became a passion.”
As a trial attorney for over 25 years with the Department of Justice, Sherri’s greatest support lies with United WE’s policy work. “How the organization approaches policy in a nonpartisan, collaborative model is amazing to me. The policy work, and the preceding research, creates the biggest area of impact. It makes lasting changes for women and creates economic equity.”
Through United WE’s Legacy Society, Sherri and her husband Brian Beins are not only investing in the future of women but continuing the work she personally has been endeavoring to achieve. “We have worked hard to support women and girls over these last 30 years, but the pandemic has set us back significantly. We need, now more than ever, our community’s support to empower women beyond our lifetime.”
“We need, now more than ever, our community’s support to empower women beyond our lifetime.”
We invite you to join Sherri and Brian and become one of our 30 founding members of our Legacy Society by including United WE in your estate plans. We thank Sherri and Brian for their on-going support and passion for empowering women and celebrate their tireless work with United WE. Thank you!
Please contact Angie Heer, Chief Development Officer at cdo@united-we.org or 816.988.2007 for further information regarding our Legacy Society.
Appointee Profile: Junetta Everett
Junetta Everett was appointed by Governor Laura Kelly to the Wichita State University Board of Trustees. Junetta, class of 79’ Wichita State University (WSU) and its first African American Registered Dental Hygienist graduate, joined Delta Dental of Kansas (DDKS) in 1987 serving as the Vice President of Professional Relations for 27 years. Recently retired after 33 years, Everett was responsible for the statewide and national relationships, recruitment, credentialing and overall support of the dental network. She is very involved in the community serving on several boards including the Kansas Health Foundation, Wesley Hospital, Equity Bank and WSU Foundation and National Advisory Council. She previously served as president on the WSU SASO Board. In 2020 she served as the first person of color and 6th female to Chair the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is currently servings as the Chamber’s Interim Director of DEI.
Junetta whose passion is intentional inclusion has been honored with numerous awards including the WSU Distinguished Alumni Recognition Award, WBJ Leaders in Diversity, Women Who Lead and Women in Business awards, and the RSCK 2020 Citizen of the Year award. In 2020 she was inducted into The Kansas African American Museum Trailblazer’s Hall of Fame.
Junetta is married to WSU 78 Alum, Victor Everett, Retired State Farm Agent and the proud parents of five sons and 8 ½ grandchildren.
Media Inquiries:
dmc@united-we.org