First-of-its-kind research shows gender gaps on appointed boards and commissions nationwide KANSAS CITY, MO – March 20, 2024 – Today, United WE announced the results of its National Civic Engagement Research commissioned to collect data and analyze women’s participation on local appointed boards and commissions across the U.S. Of the 5,125 board seats analyzed, only 39% are occupied by women even though women make up just over half of the U.S. population, according to the research conducted by Openfields.  As the first national study of its kind, the National Civic Engagement Research is ..read more

Joan Ruff Chair of the United WE Board of Directors Joan Ruff, Chair of the United WE Board of Directors, provided testimony in support of House Bill 2818 to the Kansas House Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development. Here is her full testimony: My name is Joan Ruff and I am Chair of the United WE Board of Directors. As you may recall from previous sessions, the mission of United WE is to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership. On behalf of United WE, I’m pleased to testify today in support of HB 2818 and propose that an occupational regulation is carefully considered ..read more

Ebony Reed, Chief Strategy Officer at The Marshall Project and United WE board memberPhoto Credit: Chichi Ubina Income gaps impact all women. But Black and Latino women have the greater burden of more often coming from families that trail in wealth, meaning they have less of an economic safety net.  One proposed idea to address this inequity comes from Janelle Jones, the first Black woman to have served as chief economist at the U.S. Labor Department. Jones proposed a framework several years ago named Black Women Best: The Framework We Need for An Equitable Economy. The core of the frame ..read more

United WE is proud to join Engaged Kansas, a coalition of organizations that are encouraging and supporting civic-minded individuals to consider local public service. "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 and CEO. "Being a part of the Engaged Kansas Coalition, we look forward to furthering our work to address the gender disparities in local leadership and are able to make r ..read more

By: Wendy Doyle, President & CEO at United WE In business, relationships matter. This is the case for any organization, including small businesses, but the magnitude cannot be understated for women business owners. The impact of relationships is so vital, the creation of a small business hinging on a banking institution loaning money to get the business off the ground.  Women business owners face this type of barrier every day. We know this – because at United WE, we talk to them – but more importantly, we listen. Recently, a woman entrepreneur told our organization she was turned dow ..read more

Initiatives to lead efforts that propel United States to next generation of childcare policy solutions As part of the National Women’s Entrepreneur Childcare Project, United WE today announces a childcare commission of national leaders and a nationwide survey of mothers who are entrepreneurs. The United WE National Commission on Childcare and Women’s Entrepreneurship is a critical component of the National Women’s Entrepreneur Childcare Project, an effort funded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, that will generate new policy ideas in the heartland to reduce the childcare barriers limiti ..read more

United WE Institute is first-of-its-kind centralized hub for research and policy work KANSAS CITY, MO – September 26, 2023 – Today during United WE’s annual We Work For Change event, President & CEO Wendy Doyle announced the launch of the United WE Institute, a first-of-its-kind centralized hub for research and policy work across the Midwest and beyond. Building off years of robust research, the United WE Institute will house national data and research on women’s economic participation and civic leadership and will formalize a Midwest Policy Lab that elevates the voices of women and advanc ..read more

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 fu ..read more

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 n ..read more

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-em ..read more