Press Release: United WE Launches Kansas Women’s Economic Development Task Force and Town Hall Series to Unlock Kansas Women’s Economic Potential

Women-led task force of entrepreneurs and civic and business leaders will conduct statewide town halls to study barriers to women’s economic participation in Kansas

United WE, a nonpartisan nonprofit with a mission to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership, is launching a Kansas Women’s Economic Development Task Force to study issues related to women’s participation and advancement in the workforce. A Town Hall Series will be hosted across Kansas this summer by United WE and the Task Force to identify barriers impacting women in the workplace and entrepreneurship, including childcare, paid family leave, broadband access, and more. 

The strength of the Kansas economy and democracy depends upon women’s full participation. The McKinsey Global Institute found that Kansas could grow its economy by 10-15% by 2025 if women’s participation in the workforce increased. 

“There are structural barriers that are preventing women – and in turn the state of Kansas – from realizing its potential,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President & CEO. “With support from our impressive women-led Task Force, this Town Hall Series is a sharing and listening opportunity for all women and allies across the state to unite and be heard. When women succeed economically, their families succeed, their communities succeed, and their state succeeds.” 

The data collected via qualitative research during the Town Halls will culminate into a comprehensive report outlining the key barriers women in Kansas face toward economic and civic parity. The task force will also draw on existing research commissioned by United WE, including The Status of Women in Kansas research report. The Town Hall report will be released publicly in November 2022 and used to educate policymakers and influence change for women in Kansas.

The Task Force launched last week with a virtual meeting and includes 33 civic and business leaders and elected officials from across the state:

• Alise Martiny, Greater Kansas City Building and Construction Trades Council

• April Henry, Kansas Board of Regents

• Brenda Bandy, Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition

• Senator Carolyn McGinn, Kansas State Senator

• Cassie Bicknell, Mariner Wealth Advisors

• Christina Long, Create Campaign 

• Dornella Leal, Kansas Association of Counties

• Ebony Clemons-Ajibolade, Evergy

• Emily Snyder, IBEW Local 124

• Dr. Glenda Overstreet Vaughn, Kansas People of Color 

• Glenda Washington, Greater Topeka Partnership

• Hannah Larrick, Veterans United Home Loans

• Mayor Jade Piros de Carvalho, Idea Tek and Mayor of Hutchinson

• Jessica Hunt, Patterson Family Foundation 

• Joni Cobb, Center for American Entrepreneurship

• Joy Broils, Hustle & Ground

• Julie Turnipseed, Anderson County Development Agency

• Karyn Page, Envision, Inc.

• Kathy Larson, Ash Grove Cement Company

• Katie Whisman, Katie Whisman Consulting and Prairie Fire Strategies 

• Katrina Abraham, Cerner Corporation

• Kelli Cobb, HC. Cattle Company  

• Lara Krug, Kansas City Chiefs 

• Lauren Driscoll, City of Salina

• Lisse Regehr, Thrive Allen County 

• Molly Haase, AdventHealth 

• Nancy Daniels, Kansas Extension

• Paula Landoll-Smith, Landoll Enterprises

• Racquel Thiesen, Kansas Leadership Center 

• Councilwoman Sara Caylor, City of Ottawa and League of Kansas Municipalities

• Shanna Adamic, Cerner Charitable Foundation

• Sherriene Jones-Sontag, Kansas Chamber

• Sierra Bonn, Let’s Go Full STEAM Ahead! 

With leadership from the Task Force and in strategic partnership with The League of Kansas Municipalities, six town hall discussions will take place from June to August 2022. Sessions are free, open to the public, and include moderated breakout sessions led by community leaders, local journalists, and business leaders. Complimentary professional childcare (ages 0+), lunch, and a $10 gift card for participation are provided. The Town Hall series is made possible through generous funding by the Ash Grove Charitable Foundation.

The following Town Halls are planned and open for registration:

• NE Kansas (Topeka) – Thursday, June 23: Register

• NW Kansas (Hays) – Tuesday, June 28: Register

• SW Kansas (Garden City) – Wednesday, June 29: Register

• SC Kansas (Wichita) – Thursday, July 14: Register

• SE Kansas (Pittsburg) – Wednesday, August 3: Register

• Statewide Virtual – Wednesday, August 24: Register

To learn more about United WE, the Task Force and Kansas town halls, visit www.united-we.org/townhalls.

Amplifying Women’s Voices and Futures

Last year, The DeBruce Foundation sponsored 150 youth at our We Work for Change event, allowing attendees a professional development opportunity to learn from women leaders about equity and empowerment. This is just one of many ways The DeBruce Foundation supports our mission to overcome systemic barriers to women’s economic development and civic leadership.

Through our research, we found that one of the systemic barriers facing women is a lack of representation where policy decisions are made that affect our day-to-day lives. One solution to this barrier is United WE’s Appointments Project. Launched seven years ago in Kansas City, our Appointments Project has, to date, facilitated 180 women to be appointed in 34 cities, 6 counties, and 3 states nationwide. Through the program, we empower women to serve on civic boards and commissions, where they have the power to affect decisions about public health, infrastructure, economic development, schools, and more. When women are at the table, we all win.

Together, to increase gender equity on civic boards and commissions, United WE and The DeBruce Foundation are eager to announce their newest partnership: including the Agilities Framework into the Appointments Project® curriculum to further prepare women for civic leadership in 2022.

As women navigate the appointment process through a series of mentorship sessions and trainings, they will now also be learning about their Agilities. Future appointees will take The DeBruce Foundation’s Agile Work Profiler (AWP), an innovative tool that generates affirmation and awareness of one’s skills and interests. It will reinforce the strengths and skills of each woman and further define their unique skills to improve their community.

Approaching women’s economic challenges from multiple angles is the only way to truly remove them once and for all. Using the Agilities to help women leaders grow is a new angle, and one about which we are eager.

While United WE and The DeBruce Foundation are tackling root issues of gender and economic inequity, change is not possible without your action. Learn more about The DeBruce Foundation’s Agilities here and United WE’s Appointment Project® here. United, we can expand economic growth and opportunity.

Photo Caption: We Work for Change 2020 Event Leadership

L to R: Leigh Anne Taylor Knight, Linda DeBruce, Lindsey Smith (standing), Paul DeBruce and Wendy Doyle, United WE CEO.

From Our President & CEO: Allyship for Equity

Our team is always focused on allyship. We regularly talk with people who are champions for women’s equality, advocates of our work online and offline, and generous supporters of our events. But what does it mean to be an ally for women? It can mean many things. An ally could challenge state laws and policies on paid family leave, equal pay, or occupational licensing. An ally could listen to women about challenges and opportunities in their communities and across the nation. And an ally could follow us on social media to learn how our work – and the work of policymakers and inspiring champions for women – is improving lives and outcomes for families. 

I’m reminded that we have many allies at United WE. Thank you to the women – and men – who support our mission throughout the year. I want to recap a few recent highlights from conversations we’ve had with our network of allies, and inspire you to join us as we unite for change. 

United We Champion: Discussions with Allies 

From Left: Chris Long, Angie Long, Wendy Doyle, Mark Donovan; Image via Morgan Miller Photography

This week was our Champion Breakfast, an annual event where we celebrate the impact of women and men in advancing gender equity. Thank you to Bank of America, our presenting sponsor, and Kathy and Mark Donovan for hosting. Attendees learned behind-the-scenes details of the Kansas City Chiefs organization, and Kansas City Current owners Angie and Chris Long shared their amazing journey of lifting up women’s professional sports to new heights. We are thrilled that women’s professional sports are being elevated in Kansas City through the new stadium plans for KC Current; this women’s soccer team is not only raising the bar in terms of economic opportunity, but also inspiring the next generation of boys and girls in supporting women’s sports. Prior to the event, we conducted an informal public opinion poll with some future leaders and sports fans. 

Here are a few things we learned: 

• “Having a women’s soccer team shows that women can do anything men can. And it shows that Kansas City is cool enough to have something that special!” – Vivian, age 8

• “It’s cool to see people like you doing professional sports.” – Eliza, age 9

• “The matches are always interesting, because the way they play is a lot different than other teams. Also, their colors are perfect.” – Abram, age 10

Thank you to the champions who joined us for this event, and for their generous support in creating more opportunities for women to have a seat at the table – and on the field. 

United We Listen: Status of Women in Oklahoma

This week we held a virtual press conference to unveil findings from our Status of Women in Oklahoma research. For more than 30 years we’ve been making meaningful change across Kansas, Missouri and beyond. We are eager to move our mission into Oklahoma, and serve as an ally and advocate for more opportunities for women across the state.

Our key findings detail the disparities and opportunities in employment and earnings, childcare, health care, poverty and social insurance, and civic engagement. Here are a few examples:

• Women in Oklahoma earn 74.5 cents for every dollar a man earns; this is less than the national average of 80.8 cents per dollar for women. 

• Childcare is unaffordable for many families, where the average annual cost of care is more expensive than in-state tuition at a four-year public college. 

• One-fifth of Oklahoma legislators are women, far lower than the national average.

I believe it is our collective responsibility to educate elected officials and community leaders as we get to work in impacting systemic change. Take a look at the press conference recap and report findings here.

United We Lead: Join Us This September

I encourage you to join hundreds of women and allies at our signature We Work for Change event on September 21. This year marks a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear retired Lieutenant General Nadja West speak. As the first African American Army Surgeon General, the first African American woman 3-star General, and the highest-ranking woman graduate from West Point, her story will inspire you to lead unlike ever before. 

This year’s event will be held in-person at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Thank you to honorary chairs Dan Cranshaw and Mary Jane Judy for joining us as longtime supporters and allies, and to our 2022 co-chairs Jenny Housley and Qiana Thomason. 

Learn more about Nadja West and get the latest information on sponsors, tickets and details here. We look forward to seeing you in September! 

Thank you to the countless allies who remind us of the value and impact of our work. Our successes would not be possible without your support, and I look forward to forging new paths with you in board rooms, communities, and homes across the nation.

Fondly,

Wendy

Donor Profile: Ash Grove Charitable Foundation Funds Oklahoma Expansion

Mark Meads

President, Ash Grove Charitable Foundation

The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation has a long history of supporting qualifying public charities in the communities served by the Ash Grove Cement Company, one of the largest cement companies in the United States. As a supporter of United WE for nearly a decade, Ash Grove has long embraced our mission to advance opportunities for women.

“Ash Grove plays an important part in the foundation and infrastructure of our country – and this includes the advancement of women,” said Mark Meads, president of the Ash Grove Charitable Foundation.

Through his work, Mark and the Foundation have been allies in helping United WE’s mission evolve and grow. Most recently, the Foundation funded United WE’s expansion into Oklahoma (where Ash Grove has business locations and customers) by making the Status of Women in Oklahoma research possible in partnership with Oklahoma State University. “It’s exciting for me to see the expansion of United WE’s mission into more communities and the significant impact being made to advance women’s economic and civic leadership to make meaningful change,” said Meads. “United WE’s model of utilizing qualitative and quantitative research to identity barriers for women, and then define innovative solutions, works. I am confident the fruits of this research will create opportunities that will empower more women in Oklahoma.”

“We are grateful for the support of the Ash Grove Charitable Foundation,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE president and CEO. “Research is the first step to true, sustainable change, as it identifies specific barriers to women’s economic development and spurs the development of smart, practical solutions to overcome them. The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation’s support of the Status of Women in Oklahoma demonstrates the power of partnerships in transforming the futures of Oklahoma women.”

As a male ally, Mark Meads knows there is a role for all – women and men to play in the advancement of women.

“We are all responsible for recognizing the ways women are being held back and take action to correct it. When we all work together so more women can participate in the economy, our families and communities thrive.”

— Mark Meads

 You can read the recently released Status of Women in Oklahoma research here.

Press Release: United WE and Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business Unveil Research on the Status of Women in Oklahoma

Oklahoma Has Larger Gender Earnings Gap Than U.S.; If Trends Continue, Oklahoma Women Will Not See Equal Pay Until 2076 

United WE, a non-partisan nonprofit organization, held a virtual press conference today to announce findings from initial research on the Status of Women in Oklahoma. United WE commissioned the year-long study with Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business to specifically examine women’s economic status in the state and to highlight areas of possible action to economically empower women and their families. 

The research illuminates important findings, implications, and policy insights as women in Oklahoma face challenges that hinder them from achieving their full economic potential. The research shows that the gender earnings gap is larger in Oklahoma than in the United States overall. Oklahoma women earned 74.5 cents for every dollar earned by a man between 2015 and 2019, compared to 80.8 cents per dollar for U.S. women. If current trends continue, women in Oklahoma will not see equal pay until 2076. 

In addition, the research reveals that childcare in Oklahoma is unaffordable for many families. The average cost of childcare in Oklahoma is more expensive than a year of in-state tuition at a four-year public college. The typical married couple in Oklahoma spends about 11.7% of their income for infant care and 20.6% of their income for two children. Childcare is considered affordable if it costs 7% or less of a family‘s income. 

“We have a long history of commissioning evidence based research in nearby states so we are delighted to expand our efforts into Oklahoma to better understand the challenges hindering the region’s women from achieving their full economic potential,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of United WE. “It is our collective responsibility to take this research, identify innovative solutions, educate elected officials and community leaders, and unite to advance and support policies that strengthen Oklahoma women and families for the economic development of the region.” 

The Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University and the Ash Grove Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic foundation of one of the largest cement companies in the United States that serves multiple regions in Oklahoma, funded the research project. 

“We are delighted to partner with such a well-respected organization as United WE to explore the status of women in Oklahoma,” said Dr. Ken Eastman, Dean at Spears Business. “At Spears, we are committed to enhancing the opportunities of women and all Oklahomans and Dr. Ahlstrom’s research provides valuable insight on areas of needed improvements.”

The findings highlight areas of possible action to help economically empower women and their families. Findings from the research include the following:

Employment and Earnings

• Oklahoma’s gender earnings gap is one of the highest in the country. Women in Oklahoma effectively stop getting paid on September 24 (compared to October 29 for U.S. women overall) while continuing to work for the remainder of the calendar year.  

• If equal pay were a reality in Oklahoma, the poverty rate for working women would be reduced by nearly 50%, and women’s earnings would increase by approximately $5.4 billion annually. 

• If women in the state took off one day of work, the Oklahoma GDP would lose $222.4 million. 

• United WE advocates for salary history bans and has established pay equity best practice guidelines to promote equal pay for equal work. 

Childcare

• The annual cost of childcare for an infant in Oklahoma in 2020 was $8,940, or $745 a month. The typical married family with two incomes spends about 12% of their income on infant childcare compared to 40% for the typical single-parent.

• The annual cost of infant care in Oklahoma is greater than the cost of in-state tuition at a public, four-year university in the state.

• United WE advocates for 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave at 100% pay for all part-time and full-time workers. 

Health Care

• In 2019, Oklahoma was only one of two states where the uninsured rate was higher than 14% while the U.S. national average was 9.2%. The state had the second highest number of uninsured women in the United States in 2022.

• Smaller percentages of men and women in Oklahoma are enrolled in Medicaid compared to their United States peers. Among women in the United States, about 21% are enrolled in Medicaid relative to 18-19% of Oklahoma women.

Poverty and Social Insurance

• Women in Oklahoma ages 25–64 have a higher poverty rate than men in Oklahoma as well as when compared to women in the United States overall. 

• Among women who are 65-years-old and older, the share of women in poverty in Oklahoma is lower than the percentage for women in the United States as a whole.

• United WE supports policy reforms that remove barriers and leverage opportunities for women’s economic development, such as gender pay equity, which impacts retirement savings for women in the long-term. 

Civic Engagement

• About one-fifth of the Oklahoma legislators were women in 2021, a smaller share than the United States average. 

• Oklahoma women vote more than Oklahoma men, but voter turnout rates are lower in Oklahoma for both genders than for men and women in the United States overall.  

• United WE’s Appointments Project® facilitates the appointment of women to civic boards and commissions and addresses a critical gap in representation and leadership. The project is expanding to cities across the country including Oklahoma City. Free public training events for Oklahoma City are planned for April 27, 2022, and May 24, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. CT.

“Our research illuminates the challenges and inequities faced by women in Oklahoma while serving as a benchmark for tracking the advancement and progress of women in our state,” said Dr. Laura J. Ahlstrom, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics at Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business. “The data validates the importance of removing barriers and advocating for policies that support women, ultimately making families and communities healthier and the economy stronger.” 

A full copy of the report can be viewed here.

Governor Kelly signs new law removing major barrier for eyebrow threaders

SB-348 exempts hair threaders from a cosmetology license, costing more than $15,000 and 1,000 hours of training. This important bipartisan regulatory reform is another win for women across Kansas. We are grateful for Governor Kelly’s continued support of our work to remove occupational licensing barriers, allowing women to fully participate in the workforce.

Appointee Profile: Elizabeth Danforth

Elizabeth Danforth was appointed by Mayor Quinton Lucas to the Board of Commissioners for the Housing Authority of Kansas City, Missouri. As Director of Public Affairs, Elizabeth leads Evergy’s Corporate Social Responsibility including Community Relations and Customer Affairs Departments. 

Guided by shifting customer and community needs, her teams work to advance the Company’s corporate citizenship and social responsibility programs with an emphasis on improving policy and programs to assist disadvantaged customers and communities, working to establish Evergy as a leader in environmental sustainability, and helping to retain and attract business to the region. 

Internally Elizabeth has led multiple, Company-wide initiatives.  Externally, she serves on the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Reconciliation Services and Downtown Council Boards. She has also served on Missouri Energy Initiative Board, Child Protection Center Board, NonProfit Connect Board, Hospital Hill Economic Development Council, Friends of Powell Gardens Board, the Greater Kansas City Chamber’s Energy Committee and Executive Women’s Leadership Council as well as United WE’s policy and fund development committees. 

Prior to Evergy she was a development and marketing professional where she led multi-million-dollar capital, endowment, and operational campaigns, as well as comprehensive marketing communications and media initiatives.

Elizabeth lives in Kansas City, Missouri with her husband Kyle Foote, a partner at Stinson. They have two children – Bella and Piersen.

From Our President & CEO: Celebrating the Impact of Women

This Women’s History Month, we celebrated the impact of women who have come before us and the women blazing new trails. It’s so important to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of women leaders and not let them be erased by history. Doing so is an important part of empowering and inspiring women today. Our work for change is built on the shoulders of other women before us. Yet, researchers have estimated that women’s stories make up only a HALF of a percent of recorded history. 

We are stronger when we can see ourselves in the lives and legacies of those who came before us - including strong, pioneering women like Olive Boone and Annie White Baxter. Celebrating our history also creates the opportunity to share the vision for our future. Whether building on the contributions of those before us, or advancing the leaders of today and paving the way for those of tomorrow, we are united. 

And, united, you celebrated women this month with your voices and actions. You joined long-time ally and partner, Bank of America Kansas City Market President, Matt Linski, in taking the #BreaktheBias pledge with more than 35,000 others around the world, you engaged in events to expand your knowledge and hear the latest research about advancing women in civic leadership, and you supported more than 22 women owned and led businesses to further empower women. Your actions help demolish barriers to women’s economic and civic leadership.

You unite for women to strengthen this movement. United, we navigate both the progress and setbacks, but we never lose sight that we can - and must - solve the problems of gender inequity for future generations. 

I imagine the women whose historical contributions we celebrate want us to celebrate a better future that is possible for gender equity. A future where...

• A woman president is not a novelty, but completely normal.

• Elected offices are filled with as many women as men.

• Women are equally represented in civic boards and commissions nationwide.

• The pay gap isn’t even a conversation point anymore.

• Every woman and family that needs it has access to affordable, quality childcare.

• Women can be entrepreneurial and obtain professional licensing without unnecessary barriers. 

• A national paid family leave policy is in place.

• Women can achieve their full economic potential. 

If we can imagine this future, we can have this future. If we unite together, we can make this future a reality. I look forward to the Women’s History Month where we live this reality and celebrate the impact that we are making today as United WE - a more equitable, inclusive world for all. Let’s do this! 

United WE Trailblaze,

Wendy

Donor Feature: Barb Stubbendieck

Barb Stubbendieck, CEO of Helen Jon, is a proud supporter of United WE, and most recently collaborated with United WE for Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. “As a women-owned, women-managed company headquartered in the greater Kansas City area, it’s important for Helen Jon to support organizations that empower women in our local community. The mission of United WE is near and dear to our hearts.”

Barb knows how important it is for women to have a seat at the table and Women’s History Month celebrates the progress that has been made and also highlights there is more work to do. ‘Our parents’ generation blazed the trail for women and careers—it’s our mission to continue this path for our son and daughter.  My mother and her peers had to “fight to sit at the table.” My generation and I are “sitting at the table.” Our hope is that our daughter and her contemporaries will be welcomed and expected “at the head of the table”. Women in the workforce face so many barriers to success—having an organization like United WE that is focused on creating an equal playing field allows more and more women to achieve (and even surpass) their career goals.’

When Barb reflects on why she chose to support United WE, she says, “Kansas City is my home. The women United WE helps are my friends. They’re my daughter and her friends. They’re my employees. They’re the entrepreneurs whose businesses I patronize. They’re the healthcare workers who take care of our families. They’re veterans who have served to keep us safe. This shouldn’t just matter to me, this should matter to everyone.”

Thank you, Barb, for being an incredible supporter of United WE! Please consider joining Barb and make a gift of any size to celebrate the impact of women! Make your gift today. Link https://secure.givelively.org/donate/united-we For more information on ways to give and volunteer, please contact Robyn Kollar, Director of Annual Giving, at agd@united.we.org

Press Release: United WE Partners with OKC’s Latino Community Development Agency to Expand Appointments Project® in Oklahoma City

United WE and Oklahoma City’s Latino Community Development Agency (LCDA) today announce a collaborative effort to expand the Appointments Project® effort to increase the number of women on Oklahoma City’s community-wide boards and commissions. Started in 2014, the Appointments Project® has successfully placed 175 women on boards and commissions.

“LCDA is extremely excited to join efforts with The City of Oklahoma City and United WE in practicing the true meaning of Diversity and Inclusion by identifying and placing minority women in leadership positions,” said Dr. Raúl Font, LCDA President.  

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.

“We are delighted to be expanding our efforts in Oklahoma City with Mayor Holt and the Latino Community Development Agency,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President & CEO. “With the support of the National League of Cities, we are creating opportunities for women to maximize their voices in local boards and commissions and positively impact their local communities.” 

The Appointments Project® fills a critical need in creating a pathway to more equitable and inclusive representation. Approximately 16% of the Appointments Project appointees and 37% of registrants are women of color. Based on a growing number of success stories and city partnerships, the pipeline of women leaders is growing rapidly across the country. 

“We are thrilled to connect United WE and the Latino Community Development Agency to increase the positive impact we have seen to date with the Appointments Project,” said Mayor Holt. “We are always looking to engage more women in our community’s decision-making, especially women of color, so that our outcomes reflect the broadest possible spectrum of life experiences.”

United WE is partnering with the Latino Community Development Agency, a leading local organization, to provide overview webinars for interested women to learn more about how they can get involved in civic leadership.

Free public training events are planned for April 27, 2022, and May 24, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. CT.

To learn more about the Appointments Project® and to sign up for the trainings, visit www.united-we.org/ap-overview.