Press Release: Top National Football League Leaders Advance Conversation about Women’s Equity During Draft Week

Dasha Smith, Sam Rapoport and Kimmi Chex to Headline United WE’s 2023 Champion Breakfast

Kansas City, MO – April 13, 2023 – During Draft Week on April 28, three top leaders from the National Football League (NFL) will discuss their commitment to advancing opportunities for all women. Dasha Smith, Sam Rapoport and Kimmi Chex will speak about diversity, equity and inclusion and how male allies and women can champion these efforts in their own communities and workplaces. 

The conversation is taking place during United WE’s 2023 Champion Breakfast, which brings together all allies to raise funds and awareness for the advancement of women’s economic and civic leadership. Presented by Bank of America and co-hosted by Kansas City Chiefs President Mark Donovan and United WE board member Kathy Donovan, the event will inspire attendees and organization leaders as they hear from three trailblazing leaders. 

Dasha Smith oversees all administration for the NFL including HR, technology, data & analytics, strategy and business intelligence, diversity and inclusion, social responsibility, and philanthropy. 

“Diversity and inclusion is a top priority for our league and we are committed to advancing opportunities for all women,” said Dasha Smith, NFL EVP & Chief Administrative Officer. “Until we reach a gender-equitable world, we will continue to use our voice and platform to help pave a smoother path for future generations.”

A former professional American Football player, Sam Rapoport has been named to People Magazine’s “25 Women Changing The World” and named one of Sports Illustrated’s Most Powerful, Most Influential and Most Outstanding Women in Sports. 

“Both on or off the field, advancing girls and women is a critical priority for the League and a personal passion of mine in my role at the National Football League,” said Sam Rapoport, NFL Senior Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “Dasha and I look forward to sharing the initiatives, procedures, and steps we’ve taken to create even more gender equity in hopes of inspiring other companies to do the same.” 

Champion Breakfast moderator, Kimmi Chex, is an on-air host for NFL Network and NFL Media. As a full-time personality for the league, she uses her voice to raise awareness of issues Black and Brown communities are facing, liaise with League leadership and advocate for programming that reflects the population of the players in the league.

“As a Kansas City native, I’m proud to see my hometown and United WE stepping up as a national leader for the advancement of all women,” said Kimmi Chex, NFL Network On-Air Host. “It will take all of us to reach gender equity and these types of transparent conversations with male allies and women are an example of the forward momentum that should be replicated across the nation.”

The event will take place on Friday, April 28, 2023, from 8:00 – 9:30 a.m CT. This event will be hybrid, with attendance available both in-person at the North Club at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium and through a virtual live stream.

Press Release: NAWBO and United WE Launch Partnership to Educate and Empower Women to Serve in Civic Leadership

Programming will empower women to effectively serve their local communities

Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and United Women’s Empowerment (United WE) are proud to announce a new partnership that will educate women on how to make a positive impact and build skills that will benefit their communities and businesses. Together, they will provide virtual programming with a focus on civic leadership and community service, along with relevant policy topics and important professional skill development.

This affiliate partnership joins together two strong national women’s organizations with rich histories of advancing women’s business and civic interests.

“We are excited about our partnership with United WE as it strengthens our advocacy foundation and efforts to propel women entrepreneurs into economic, social, and political spheres of power, with a unique focus on local civic leadership,” said Jen Earle, NAWBO National’s CEO. “So many of our thousands of NAWBO women business owners are servant leaders in addition to business leaders, wanting to positively impact their communities through increased representation on public boards and commissions.’’

United WE’s ongoing research with the Universities of Notre Dame and Tulane show women make up approximately 40% of civic board appointments, with some cities having over 75% of boards with zero or one-woman representation. Increasing the number of women at decision-making tables, like public boards and commissions, can bolster effectiveness, build public trust, and improve the lives of all residents, according to United WE’s research. The NAWBO and United WE partnership will provide free, valuable webinars and skill-building audio vignettes that will prepare women to serve in these important local positions.  

“Women business owners can bring a rich diversity of skills and talent needed to best serve their communities by their involvement on local boards and commissions,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President & CEO. “We are thrilled that this partnership with NAWBO will empower many talented women to build upon their skills and to bring their unique experiences to their communities in civic leadership positions.”

The planned webinars and audio vignettes include how to deal with burnout, improving executive presence, negotiating techniques, presentation tips and more. The first webinar, titled “Advocating for You, Your Business and Your Community,” will take place on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 9 a.m. PT/11 a.m. CT/12 p.m. ET. Register here.

Wendy Doyle Testimony on Missouri House Bill 870

Madam Chair, Members of the Committee:

My name is Wendy Doyle, the President and CEO of United WE, and I’m here to support House Bill 870, as a step forward in the work to increase Missouri families’ access to childcare. As you may recall, the mission of United WE is to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership. When we talk about barriers to women’s economic and civic leadership, childcare is one of those issues that is multifaceted in its impact and transcends both of our focus areas.

United WE is proud to present nonpartisan quantitative and qualitative research that policymakers, like yourselves, can draw upon when making public policy. To that end, the Status of Women in Missouri tells us that Missouri families struggled to find affordable childcare long before COVID. However, the pandemic created what many call a “cascading crisis” when it comes to childcare. According to our research, 14% of the state’s labor force have children under age six, making the ability to access childcare a necessity for working families. We also know that childcare is a significant expense for many families, averaging 12% of a married couple’s income. Single parents in Missouri on average spend 40% of their income on center-based infant care and married couples at the poverty line spend an average of 67% of their income on center-based care.

Additionally, during our 2021 town halls across Missouri, we heard from women of all backgrounds about their childcare struggles. The stories we heard told a bleak story:

• The supply of childcare providers does not meet demand.

• Staff shortages occur because of barriers for workers, who must have a certificate or specialized degree and are often paid low wages.

• Accredited childcare facilities in rural areas don’t accommodate non-traditional work hours, some even close before the end of the typical workday.

• Social norms often dictate that women take on the responsibility for planning or providing childcare.

• State funding for childcare providers is unpredictable and can cause providers to close or reduce services unexpectedly.

We understand that fully addressing the childcare crisis will take a variety of solutions. However, the Childcare Contribution Tax Credit is a meaningful step forward. This legislation addresses many factors within the childcare landscape, including the cost of care, workforce and entrepreneurship challenges, and bricks and mortar costs.

Thank you for your time and attention to this issue. Feel free to contact me if I can provide any additional information.

Sincerely,

Wendy D. Doyle

President and CEO

United WE

Wendy Doyle Testimony on Kansas Senate Bill 63

SB 63 would expand the scope of uses of campaign contributions to allow for the cost of childcare and other family caregiving services. The hearing for SB 63 took place in the Senate Transparency and Ethics Committee on February 8, 2023.

Below is Wendy’s testimony:

Mrs. Chair, Members of the Committee:

My name is Wendy Doyle, the President and CEO of United WE, and I’m here to applaud Senate Bill 63 as a critical solution that could encourage more women to run for office. As you may recall from previous sessions, the mission of United WE is to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership. When we talk about barriers to womens’ economic and civic leadership, childcare is one of those issues that is multifaceted in its impact and transcends both of our focus areas. 

United WE is proud to present nonpartisan qualitative and quantitative research that policymakers, like yourselves, can draw upon when making public policy. To that end, the Status of Women in Kansas tells us that Kansas women vote at a higher rate than men, yet make up only about 28% of the state legislature. Clearly, there is more work to be done in eliminating barriers that keep women from running for office. 

Additionally, during our town halls across Kansas this summer, we learned that childcare is a specific issue that inhibits womens’ interest and ability to run for office. Allowing campaign funds to be spent on childcare would certainly be a transformative step forward in leveling the playing field for women to serve their communities in elected office.

Thank you for your time and attention to this issue. Feel free to contact me if I can provide any additional information. 

Sincerely,

Wendy D. Doyle

President and CEO

United WE 

Wendy Doyle Testimony on Kansas House Bill 2123

House Commerce Committee

Dear Mr. Chairman, Members of the Committee:

My name is Wendy Doyle, and I am the President and CEO of United WE. As you may recall from previous sessions, the mission of United WE is to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership.

It’s my honor to submit this written testimony for your consideration in support of House Bill 2123. Our organization feels strongly that fostering entrepreneurship is a key strategy in unlocking womens’ economic potential. To that end, the Status of Women in Kansas illuminated a stark fact that Kansas women have lower rates of self-employment compared with the national statistics. The report also tells us that women bring tremendous value to state economies:

“McKinsey and Company estimates that 25% of the growth in U.S. GDP between 1970 and 2009 can be attributed to women’s increased labor force participation. GDP growth is fueled by an expansion of the labor force and increased productivity, and women can contribute both key ingredients to economic prosperity.”

Focusing on entrepreneurship is an effective way to engage women in the state’s workforce. During our town halls across Kansas this summer, we learned that women cited reasons such as flexibility with children and the need for additional income as reasons for starting their own full-time or part-time businesses. In addition, women told us that limited business resources, connections and networks have negatively impacted their business endeavors. Addressing these issues could provide short-term and long-term economic impact to the state.

Prioritizing entrepreneurship by creating this office is innovative and strategic. We would be happy to work with policymakers to define the Office of Entrepreneurship’s focus on women entrepreneurs as this legislation is further considered.

Thank you for your time and attention to entrepreneurship in the State of Kansas. Feel free to contact me if I can provide any additional information.

Sincerely,

Wendy D. Doyle
President and CEO
United WE

Wendy Doyle's Reflection on Missouri Governor's State of the State Address

This afternoon, Missouri Governor Mike Parson delivered his State of the State Address, which highlighted a plan to address the childcare crisis in Missouri. He is proposing a budget investment of $134 million in childcare and three new tax credits that will improve childcare facilities and services, improve benefits to employers who provide childcare assistance to their employees and assist childcare providers with payroll costs. 

”Together, these supports will help serve more Missouri families by enabling more childcare providers to remain in business, start their business and expand their business,” said Governor Parson. 

United WE commends Governor Parson for prioritizing childcare in the 2024 fiscal budget proposal for Missouri’s economy, women, and families. We have been a leader in these policy discussions and our work over the past three years, including a 2-year national childcare licensing study, the Status of Women in Missouri report, and the Missouri Town Hall report; as well as our collaborations with partners like Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe and the Missouri State Chamber have positioned Missouri to serve as a national leader in childcare with key research findings and effective childcare solutions.

While childcare disproportionately impacts women, it is more than a women’s issue. It is an economic and workforce development challenge that has cost an estimated $1.35 billion annually to Missouri’s economy, according to research by the U.S. and Missouri Chambers of Commerce. We know the childcare issue is complex and requires a long-term, multi-prong approach. The childcare tax credits highlighted by Governor Parson are important examples of sustainable private and public sector partnerships that provide relief to families.

Our data shows more than 400 childcare entities closed during the pandemic with no plans to reopen, leaving 41% of counties without accredited childcare facilities. As supply dwindled, immense pressure has been placed on the workforce, with more women leaving their jobs every day due to the inability to access affordable childcare. According to McKinsey and Company, the Missouri economy stands to grow by as much as 15% if women’s participation in the workforce is boosted. United WE will continue to support solutions that address the supply of childcare in Missouri to ultimately allow more women and men to remain in the workforce and reach their full economic potential.

While there is more work to be done, today marks important progress for Missouri’s economy, women, and families. Together, with the use of evidence-based research, private and public partnerships, and innovative solutions, we can solve the childcare crisis in Missouri.

Let’s get to work!

Sincerely,

Wendy Doyle, President and CEO

Are you motivated to make change for all women? Become an Ambassador and start taking steps toward gender equity. 

Press Release: Young Leadership Council and United WE Partner to Appoint More Women to Boards and Commissions

United WE’s Appointments Project® Announces Expansion to New Orleans 

Kansas City, MO – Young Leadership Council and United WE today announce their collaborative partnership to increase the number of women on local boards and commissions through the Appointments Project®. Started in 2014, the Appointments Project® has successfully placed more than 180 women on boards and commissions. 

“I’ve seen first-hand the need to increase leadership opportunities in civic leadership to ensure that we’re drawing on the talents and diversity of all members,” said Camille Sumner, Executive Director of New Orleans’s YLC. “Our partnership with United WE and the Appointments Project® is strengthening our organization’s commitment to increase leadership positions for young professionals with a focus on increasing the number of women who are at the decision-making table of their communities.”

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.

“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 New Orleans Young Leadership Council and the National League of Cities, we are addressing the gender disparities in local leadership and able to make real changes in our communities.” 

The Appointments Project® fills a critical need in creating a pathway to more equitable and inclusive representation. Approximately 42% of the Appointments Project 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. 

“A public training event is planned for February 9, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. CST. We encourage and invite everyone to learn more and join us in unlocking women’s potential for civic leadership,” Sumner said.

To register for the virtual training event on February 9, 2023, visit here. To learn more about the Appointments Project® visit www.united-we.org/appointments-project.  

Press Release: North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership and United WE Partner to Appoint More Women to Boards and Commissions

United WE’s Appointments Project® Announces Expansion to North Carolina 

Kansas City, MO – North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership (N.C. IOPL) and United WE today announce their collaborative partnership to increase the number of women on local boards and commissions through the Appointments Project®. Started in 2014, the Appointments Project® has successfully placed more than 180 women on boards and commissions. 

“With our Woman on Board initiative, we focus our nonpartisan leadership training on increasing gender parity in public service and ensuring that we’re drawing on the talents and diversity of all our residents,” said Brad Young, Executive Director of N.C. IOPL. “Our partnership with United WE and Appointments Project® is strengthening our effort by increasing the number of women who are at the decision-making table of their communities.”

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.

“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 N.C. IOPL, we are addressing the gender disparities in local leadership and able to make real changes in our communities.” 

The Appointments Project® fills a critical need in creating a pathway to more equitable and inclusive representation. Approximately 42% of the Appointments Project® 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. 

“A virtual public training event is planned for January 24, 2023, at 12 pm. EST. We encourage and invite everyone to learn more and join us in unlocking women’s potential for civic leadership,” said Brad Young.

To register for the virtual training event on January 24, 2023, visit here. To learn more about the Appointments Project®, visit www.united-we.org/appointments-project. 

United WE, Lieutenant Governor Kehoe, and Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry Spotlight Benefit Plan Resource for Childcare Providers

Research, Listening Session Point to Lack of Healthcare Benefits as Barrier to Childcare Workforce Recruitment and Retention

KANSAS CITY, MO – December 15, 2022 – Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe, United WE and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry today held a press conference to spotlight issues related to the childcare workforce crisis and resources that can help, such as the Chamber Benefit Plan, a healthcare insurance opportunity for some childcare providers. 

Research jointly released last year by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Missouri Chamber — and in partnership with United WE — revealed that childcare challenges are costing Missouri an estimated $1.35 billion annually for the state’s economy. 

In addition, United WE’s Status of Women Report along with town hall meetings across the state, pointed to lack of quality childcare as a major barrier for women to enter or re-enter the workforce. The report also found that since COVID, more than 400 childcare providers in Missouri have closed with no plans to reopen, exacerbating what was already a supply and demand issue.

In response to these data, and at the request of Lieutenant Governor Kehoe, United WE partnered with the Missouri Department of Early and Secondary Education to facilitate a listening session with employers, childcare providers, insurance providers, and policy experts to better understand the childcare workforce development challenges. The listening session revealed that one of the greatest barriers to recruitment and retention of the childcare workforce is affordable healthcare benefits.  

“Without a workforce to care for our children, we can never fully address this crisis,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of United WE. “We’re here to raise awareness of how the childcare crisis is impacting women and our economy, to continue the conversation of how to keep removing barriers, and to make sure people are aware of some resources available.”

“When it comes to being able to attract and retain a childcare workforce, benefits like health insurance are really important,” said Daniel Mehan, President and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “One of the ways we can help is by getting out the word on resources that are currently available to childcare providers, like the Chamber Benefit Plan. The Chamber Benefit Plan gathers thousands of Missouri’s small employers in one purchasing group, thereby driving down costs.”

“It will take partnerships and practical solutions to solve Missouri’s childcare crisis. Our office is committed to continue working with United WE, the Missouri Chamber, and our partners to assist childcare providers,” said Missouri Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe. “The Chamber Benefit Plan is another tool for childcare providers to recruit and retain a quality workforce, ultimately helping Missouri reach its full economic potential.”

The Missouri Chamber offers the Chamber Benefit Plan for small group employers in Missouri who are members of a qualifying chamber of commerce and have 2 to 50 eligible employees. The Chamber Benefit Plan offers one possible solution for childcare providers and is just a first step for identifying solutions amid the childcare crisis. To learn more about the Chamber Benefit Plan, visit chamberbenefitplan.com.

About United WE

United Women’s Empowerment, or United WE, is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership. Since 1991, United WE has overcome systemic barriers to women’s economic development and civic leadership by investing in research, advocacy, and policy solutions. We have conducted 24 meaningful research studies, advocated for issues resulting in 55 policy actions, and supported more than 185+ civic appointments. Our work positively impacts hundreds of thousands of women and families by commissioning transformative research, scaling our fast-growing Appointments Project®, advocating for reforms that honor the legacies of women, and contributing to policy solutions that advance equal pay, paid family leave, affordable childcare and occupational licensing; and aid in fighting against sexual harassment. Unite with us. Visit www.united-we.org and connect with @UnitedWeEmpower on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

About Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the largest business association in Missouri. Together with the Missouri Chamber Federation, the Missouri Chamber represents more than 75,000 employers. To learn more, go to www.mochamber.com.

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United WE Reveals Findings from Kansas Town Hall Series Studying Women’s Economic Potential

Research report data highlights barriers impacting women’s workforce participation in Kansas and key opportunities for impacting change 

KANSAS CITY, MO – November 15, 2022 – Today, United WE revealed findings from its Kansas Town Hall series, a sharing and listening initiative to identify barriers impacting women in the workplace and entrepreneurship. The research report features experiences from women across Kansas and will be used to educate community leaders and policymakers and influence change. 

With leadership from the Kansas Women’s Economic Development Task Force, a group of 34 civic, business leaders and elected officials, and strategic partner Kansas League of Municipalities, United WE invited women and allies to participate in seven town hall discussions across the state between June and August. Sessions included in-person and virtual discussions, surveys and anonymous polling to gather both qualitative and quantitative data, with more than 500 people attending from diverse industries and backgrounds. 

“The goal of the Town Halls was to embed stories from real women in Kansas into our bipartisan policy reform efforts,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President & CEO. “Thanks to our  dynamic Task Force and our generous partners, these sessions allowed us to actively listen and amplify women’s voices. We are now uniquely positioned to advocate for change on the greatest workplace and entrepreneurship barriers Kansas women are facing.” 

The initiative was made possible by sponsors, including the Ash Grove Charitable Foundation, Bicknell Family Foundation, The Patterson Family Foundation and United Healthcare. “United WE’s research-based approach to improving economic opportunities for women is important to our organization. We know when women succeed, entire communities are improved,” said Mark Meads, president of the Ash Grove Charitable Foundation. 

Through this effort, seven areas were identified as key opportunities for impact:

• Childcare

• Broadband Access

• Entrepreneurship

• Occupational Licensing 

• Healthcare

• Paid Family Leave & Family-Friendly Policies

• Pay Equity & Financial Stability 

“I left the workforce after I had my second child and didn't return until after my 4th child went to preschool because it was too expensive to pay for childcare,” said one Kansas woman. Childcare is one area where United WE is uniquely positioned for impact; the Kauffman Foundation has funded the Women’s Entrepreneur Childcare Project, a multi-pronged effort to eliminate childcare barriers in Kansas and on a national level.

Additional Community partners included Fort Hays State University, Garden City Community College, Pittsburg State University and Wichita State University. 

With the research release, United WE will use the data and stories collected to educate and advocate for opportunities that increase women’s ability to participate in the workforce. 

To see the full research release and learn more about United WE, visit www.united-we.org/townhalls.

About United WE

United WE (United Women’s Empowerment) is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership. Since 1991, United WE has overcome systemic barriers to women’s economic development and civic leadership by investing in research, advocacy and policy solutions. We have conducted 21 meaningful research studies, advocated for issues resulting in 52 policy actions and supported more than 180 civic appointments. Our work positively impacts hundreds of thousands of women and families by commissioning transformative research, scaling our fast-growing Appointments Project®, advocating for reforms that honor the legacies of women, and contributing to policy solutions that advance equal pay, paid family leave, affordable childcare and occupational licensing, and aid in fighting against sexual harassment. Unite with us. Visit www.united-we.org and connect with @UnitedWeEmpower on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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