UNITED WE is a NATIONAL, NONPROFIT, NONPARTISAN THINK-AND-DO-TANK DRIVING SYSTEMIC CHANGE BY FOCUSING ON WOMEN’S LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION TO STRENGTHEN THE OVERALL ECONOMY.
From the Desk of Wendy Doyle
Friends,
It is with great excitement that I welcome you to the inaugural issue of the United WE Magazine, a project that marks the start of something truly inspiring. This magazine serves as a platform to showcase the progress, process, and continued need for our work, highlighting the stories that shape our mission and impact. As you read through these pages, you’ll discover a collection of narratives from our partners, researchers, and key allies, who all play an integral role in driving change and elevating women in meaningful ways. Our sincere thanks to the DeBruce Foundation and Julie’s Fund for their sponsorship. We are proud to collaborate with them in amplifying the voices of those who shape and inform our mission.
I’m also thrilled to introduce The Studio, a new initiative that embodies the very core of United WE's work. The goal of The Studio is to deepen understanding of the importance of elevating women in the workplace and beyond. It is a creative hub designed to share our stories, explore critical research, and engage in conversations that drive forward our mission. The magazine you’re holding is just one component of this initiative, a way for us to connect with you, our community, and offer a glimpse into the work we’re doing together.
At United WE, we believe that collaboration is the key to unlocking transformative change. The Studio is where we come together to amplify women’s voices, share insights, and chart a course for progress. We hope this magazine provides you with new perspectives, sparks your curiosity, and invites you to be part of the ongoing conversation. Thank you for joining us on this journey as we elevate communities by working toward more equitable future for women everywhere.
Wendy Doyle President & CEO of United WE
Viewpoint: The DeBruce Foundation
Joining forces with The DeBruce Foundation, we’re embarking on a powerful storytelling initiative. The DeBruce Foundation, dedicated to expanding pathways to economic growth and opportunity, empowers individuals to discover their ideal career paths, and we’re excited to share those journeys.
Annalia Escalante’s Journey as a DeBruce Career Corps Member
At just the beginning of her professional career, Annalia Escalante has already established herself as a changemaker, driven by her passion for public service and advocacy. As a first-generation student at the University of Kansas, studying Public Administration and Business, Annalia embodies the spirit of civic
engagement, using her knowledge and experience to uplift her community.
Her involvement with The DeBruce Foundation, spanning nearly three years, has provided her with a platform to cultivate leadership and social impact. Through the DeBruce Career Corps, Annalia has represented the organization at major events such as the 2024 United WE Work for Change event, the Latino Coalition gatherings, and the STEM Learning Ecosystems Community of Practice convening in Chicago. Additionally, as a former DeBruce Foundation intern, she spearheaded the development of a financial literacy curriculum for youth – a testament to her commitment to equipping the next generation with critical life skills.
Annalia’s passion for civic engagement is deeply rooted in her personal
Viewpoint: The DeBruce Foundation
experiences. Recognizing the gaps in representation within corporate and civic spaces, she takes pride in using her voice to advocate for diversity and inclusion. “My identity is what has propelled me into many of the spaces I am in now,” she explains. “It’s a privilege to have access to a large network and be able to share my experiences. If I can advocate for those like me and create change, then I know I am fulfilling my purpose.”
While she aspires to one day serve on boards and commissions, Annalia remains focused on the change she can affect in the present. For her, leadership begins with self-empowerment and mobilizing others to take action. By fostering dialogue, sharing knowledge,
and bridging gaps, she seeks to inspire her peers to roll up their sleeves and be part of the movement toward progress.
Guided by the wisdom of her parents – “If you see something wrong and don’t speak up, you’re just as bad as the person doing it” – Annalia remains steadfast in her mission. As a catalyst for change, she is determined to serve, creating opportunities for underrepresented communities and ensuring that civic engagement remains a powerful tool for transformation.
With young leaders like Annalia at the forefront, the future of advocacy, public service, and civic engagement shines bright.
RESEARCH Breaking Barriers: How Researchers are Transforming Women’s Representation on Local Boards
An Interview with Notre Dame and University of Houston researchers.
Local boards and commissions wield significant influence over policies that shape communities, yet they remain an often overlooked facet of political representation. Recognizing this gap, researchers Christina Wolbrecht and Mirya Holman along with their colleague Lakshmi Iyer, partnered with United WE. The research aims to uncover disparities in gender representation and explore solutions for more inclusive governance.
The Researchers Behind the Study
Dr. Christina Wolbrecht, a political science professor at the University of Notre Dame, has dedicated her career to studying American political parties, historical political development, and the role of women in politics. Her work has extensively covered women’s suffrage and their engagement in political parties.
Dr. Mirya Holman, an associate professor at the University of Houston’s School of Public Affairs, specializes in the intersection of gender and politics. She has spent more than 15 years analyzing women’s representation in local politics, with a particular focus on appointed boards and commissions. Her upcoming book further delves into these topics, emphasizing their impact on policymaking at the local level.
Both researchers share a deep commitment to understanding the barriers that prevent women from fully participating in political decision-making and were eager to collaborate with United WE to explore these challenges.
The Motivation Behind the Research
For Wolbrecht and Holman, this research is rooted in a fundamental democratic principle: representation.
“At its core, those of us who are interested in gender and women in politics think a lot about representation–about whose views are heard and who has influence over the political system,” Wolbrecht explains. Historically, women have been underrepresented in decisionmaking roles, despite their significant contributions to society. The research opportunity presented a unique chance to study these disparities and work towards change.
Holman was particularly excited about the chance to work with a mission-driven organization like United WE. “There was so much alignment across all of the different things they do with our interests,” she notes, citing United WE’s broader efforts to address systemic barriers, such as the cost of childcare, that limit women’s participation in governance.
Key Findings: The Gender Disparity on Local Boards
The research uncovered both progress and persistent disparities in women’s representation on local boards and commissions. On average, women make up about 40% of appointed board members–a figure that, while better than their representation in Congress, still falls short of parity.
The researchers also identified a critical disparity: the type of boards women are appointed to. “Women are much more likely to be appointed to boards dealing with education, parks and recreation, the arts, and public health,” Wolbrecht explains. “Meanwhile, they remain significantly underrepresented on boards that wield economic and political power, such as taxation, development, and urban planning.”
Of the 5,125 local appointed board seats analyzed in the study, only 39% are occupied by women.*
Additionally, the study found that representation varies widely across different cities. Some municipalities have made significant strides in appointing women to local boards, while others lag behind. Understanding these discrepancies is essential to formulating strategies for greater inclusivity.
The Road to Greater Representation
Holman emphasizes that achieving gender parity in appointed positions is about more than just increasing the number of women applying. “It’s both a supply and demand issue,” she explains. “Women apply for these positions at lower rates, particularly for high-power boards. But even when they do apply, they are still appointed at lower rates than men.”
This finding challenges the notion that women lack the qualifications for these
roles. In fact, the research suggests that women who apply for appointments are often just as qualified–if not more so–than their male counterparts. The issue, then, lies in the selection process and the biases that may influence appointment decisions.
To address these gaps, United WE has implemented initiatives aimed at both increasing the number of women applying for these positions and reforming the appointment process itself. By providing training and outreach efforts, they aim to empower more women to seek these opportunities while encouraging governments to adopt more equitable selection practices.
The Impact of Research-Driven Solutions
For Wolbrecht and Holman, working with United WE has been an
enriching experience that bridges the gap between academic research and real-world impact. “We’re not just documenting disparities,” Wolbrecht says. “By partnering with an organization that is actively working to address these issues, our research has the potential to drive meaningful change.”
The implications of their work extend beyond local boards. By identifying the systemic factors that contribute to women’s underrepresentation, their research can inform broader discussions about gender parity in political and corporate leadership.
As Holman puts it, “The ultimate goal is to move closer to a full democracy – one where all voices are heard and represented. Local boards may not always be in the spotlight, but they have a profound impact on our communities. Ensuring that women have a seat at the table is not just a matter of fairness; it’s a matter of effective governance.”
Through their collaboration with United WE, these researchers are helping to illuminate the path toward a more inclusive and representative political system, proving that datadriven advocacy can be a powerful force for change.
The national “2024 Civic Engagement Research” study by United WE assessed women’s representation on local appointed boards across 98 U.S. cities, analyzing 5,125 board seats. The findings reveal that only 39% of these seats are occupied by women, despite women comprising over half of the U.S. population. Notably, women are underrepresented on Planning and Zoning, Parks and Recreation, and Housing boards, while they hold more than 50% of seats only on Library boards.
SOLUTIONS
How United WE and AARP are Opening Doors
Empowering Women Through Civic Engagement
United WE and AARP are working together to bridge the gender gap in civic leadership. Through an engaging initiative, they are inspiring and equipping working women to serve on appointed boards and commissions – bringing diverse perspectives to decision-making tables across communities.
Recently, AARP hosted two insightful sessions in partnership with United WE, designed to educate and motivate women to take on these influential roles. The events were structured to highlight national research on gender disparities in civic spaces, share inspiring personal stories, and provide a roadmap for overcoming barriers that often hold women back from seeking leadership positions.
Prabh Kaur, Director of new Affiliate Integration Services at AARP, and Felicia Brown, Senior Advisor at AARP are two program facilitators who work
with United WE for this partnership.
Why
Representation in Civic Leadership Matters
As Prabh Kaur noted, organizations and governing bodies with women at the helm often demonstrate greater financial success and a deeper commitment to inclusivity. Yet, despite these benefits, many women hesitate to step into these roles. Impostor syndrome, self-doubt, and a perceived lack of expertise frequently deter capable women from applying for positions on boards and commissions.
“A lot of times, we hold ourselves back because we don’t see ourselves in these spaces,” Felicia Brown shared. “We think we need to check every box before we even consider applying, whereas men are often willing to jump in and learn as they go.”
FELICIABROWN
Breaking Barriers and Building Confidence
One of the most valuable aspects of this initiative is its focus on demystifying the appointment process and providing hands-on support. Participants learn how to identify local opportunities, navigate the application process, and leverage available resources. More importantly, they heard firsthand accounts from women who have successfully taken this path – stories that resonated deeply and helped attendees visualize themselves in similar roles.
For many, the event sparked both excitement and apprehension. As Felicia Brown stated, one participant put it this way: “It’s one thing to talk about it; it’s another thing to actually do it. Now, there’s a game plan, and I have to follow through.” This mix of enthusiasm and apprehension is precisely what the Appointments Project aims to address—by equipping women with knowledge, confidence, and a network of support, they are far more likely to take the leap.
A Support System for Success
A key takeaway from the sessions was the reassurance that no woman has to navigate this journey alone.
United WE provides ongoing guidance through the Appointments Project to help women find the right fit for their skills and interests, answer their questions, and support them through the appointment process. “It’s not just about filling out an application and hoping for the best,” Felicia Brown emphasized. “There’s a network here to help every step of the way.”
The Road Ahead
The success of this initiative with AARP is already evident in the enthusiastic feedback from participants. Many
“It’s not just about filling out an application and hoping for the best—there’s a network here to help every step of the way.”
/ FELICIA BROWN
expressed gratitude for the insights shared and the connections made, with some even taking immediate steps to explore appointment opportunities. “What I heard from a few of the women is they were excited and scared at the same time. So, excited for the opportunity and it’s like, crap, now there’s a game plan and I got to do it. Whereas before we were just talking about it and so that was good,” said Prabh Kaur.
By continuing to foster these conversations and providing tangible support, United WE and AARP are not just encouraging women to take a seat at the table – they are ensuring they have the tools and confidence to make a lasting impact in their communities. The message is clear: women belong in leadership, and with the right support, they can and will shape the future of civic engagement.
RESULTS From the Archives: United WE See Change
Since 1991, United WE has been a beacon of hope for women of all ages, investing wisely in their success. Our research-backed, nonpartisan approach has proven to be a catalyst for meaningful change across the nation. We are a force for systemic change, tackling barriers to women’s economic growth and unlocking their potential through research, policy solutions, and civic engagement.
While our look may have evolved over the years, our unwavering commitment to empowering women remains as strong as ever. We continue to champion women’s economic participation and civic leadership, driven by the belief that when women thrive, our communities and our nation prosper.
1991 Women’s Foundation is founded
The Women’s Foundation was founded in response to a startling statistic: only 4% of Kansas City charitable giving supported women and girls. Recognizing this disparity, the organization committed to using data-driven research to advocate for change. This pillar of research continues to sustain the organization to this day.
Wendy Doyle becomes CEO of Women’s Foundation, dedicated to addressing issues affecting the economic well-being of women and their families throughout the region. Through research and policy, Women’s Foundation worked to develop solutions that result in economically selfsufficience women, leading economic growth for the nation.
2013 A Strong Foundation of Change 2020
Women’s Foundation becomes United WE
After 29 years of serving women in Kansas and Missouri as the Women’s Foundation, United WE is born. Inspired by the evidence that when women succeed, entire communities are lifted—United WE expands its mission and impact nationally. Through commissioning transformative research, supporting policy reforms, scaling its fast-growing Appointments Project® and advocating for reforms that honor the legacies of women.
2025 An Evolution of Change
United WE’s brand evolution reinforces our commitment to driving systemic change through data-driven strategies. Building on decades of experience, we continue to refine our approach of “Research. Solutions. Results,” focusing on key barriers to women’s economic advancement like childcare and civic engagement. By leveraging research and sharing impactful stories, United WE elevates our mission as a national leader in fostering women’s economic and civic participation. This revitalized brand underscores United WE’s role as a powerful “thinkand-do-tank” that translates insights into tangible results that elevate the economy overall.
Changemaking In Action Policy Watch
While policy work can be a seemingly slow process, we are encouraged by many recent happenings in the 2025 legislative session. This progress demonstrates that United WE’s approach of using credible, evidence-based research to develop common sense solutions that get results for women and families across the region is working.
Recognition for United WE’s Research on Barriers to Childcare.
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe recently recognized United WE’s research in his State of the State Address, crediting our work for highlighting the barriers to accessible, affordable childcare in the state.
Read Wendy’s op-ed in The Missouri Independent on how United WE is fueling solutions to the state’s childcare crisis.
Missouri House Passes Childcare Bills.
Today there is clear momentum behind legislation to address the critical shortage of licensed childcare providers in the Show-Me State. This week, the Missouri House overwhelmingly passed two bills aimed at expanding access to child care, including House Bill 269, sponsored by Rep. Brenda Shields, who joined United WE at our last Missouri Public Policy Coalition meeting.
Watch a recording of the meeting passcode: w##6^8Nr
Bipartisan Childcare Legislation
Introduced in Kansas.
In Kansas, where our research recently revealed that half of Kansas counties have more children under age five than there are licensed childcare slots available, bipartisan legislation has been introduced (House Bill 2294) that addresses many of the issues raised by our research. As United WE CEO Wendy Doyle noted in her testimony, this includes clarifying professional qualification requirements and developing clear career progression pathways for early educators.
United WE Testifies for Legislation to Reduce Licensing Barriers.
Meanwhile, our research on occupational licensing barriers is also spurring action in Kansas. In March, United WE CEO Wendy Doyle testified before the Kansas Senate Commerce Committee on Senate Bill 229, which would make Kansas one of 15 states that have a review process for occupational licensing requirements. By promoting transparency and informed decision-making, this bill would make it easier for Kansas women to pursue their chosen professions without unnecessary government intervention.
Save the Date
CHAMPIONS FOR CHANGE
A breakfast discussion with leaders from the NFL, MLB, and other professional sports focused on the economics of sports and the benefits of elevating women.
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
8:00am — 9:30am
Arrowhead Stadium Club
Kansas City, Missouri
united-we.org/events
All Star / $10,000
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of KC Kissick Construction Dairy Farmers of America
Global Prairie Joan Ruff Shook Hardy Bacon
Playmaker / $5,000
Clymer Giving Fund Ellen Sullivan VanTrust
Game Changer / $2,500
Henderson Engineers Centric Lisa Gioia Wickham James Strategies & Solutions
LifeBridge Health Fred & Jami Pryor
Sponsors as of March 18, 2025
Interested in sponsoring? Please reach out to cdo@united-we.org
