KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas today announced that his office has secured a $15,000 grant through the National League of Cities to help recruit women from underrepresented communities into positions of local leadership through Kansas City Boards and Commissions. With this grant, Mayor Lucas announced the creation of a Kansas City Boards & Commissions (KCBC) Women in Local Government Training Program to encourage women from all backgrounds and identities in the community to apply for positions on Kansas City's boards and commissions. 

The training sessions included in this program—cohosted with United WE’s Appointments Project®, and in coordination with Sisters’ Circle and VozKC—will provide an overview of the application and appointment process to Kansas City Boards and Commissions and provide networking opportunities with women already serving in these positions.

The first training session in this program will be virtual and is scheduled for Wednesday, April 14 at noon. Women interested in attending should register here. Women from historically underrepresented communities—women of color, women from immigrant or refugee communities, women-identifying, and LGBTQ+ individuals—are especially encouraged to apply. Individuals can also nominate women in their lives who they know to be great community leaders for this program, using the same form. 

“As someone who got their start in Kansas City public service serving on a City board, I understand the importance of boards and commissions in local government, and the importance of making sure those who serve on these boards are reflective of our community," said Mayor Lucas. "Launching this program today is great way to celebrate International Women’s Day in Kansas City, and our commitment to opening doors for women, especially women from underrepresented communities, will continue year-round.” 

"Through this program, we are actively recruiting, educating, and connecting talented women from historically underrepresented groups to create a new ecosystem of leaders—who might have otherwise not been given an opportunity to get their foot through the door," continued Mayor Lucas. "I hope all in our community will help nominate and encourage the talented, passionate women in their lives to attend this training program, to build a decision-making space that is welcoming for all in our community for generations to come." 

“International Women’s Day is a global day to celebrate women’s achievements and raise awareness about women’s equality,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of United WE. “With support and leadership from Mayor Quinton Lucas and women applying for a seat at the decision-making tables of their communities, gender parity on Kansas City boards and commissions is gaining momentum as we work to close the gender leadership gap through our Appointments Project.” 

“The Sisters’ Circle GKC is excited to partner with the office of the Mayor, VozKC and the United WE/Appointments project to identify and share best practices that assist women in navigating the culture and language of commissions and board service and to provide a runway for women interested in serving on them,” said Dr. Marjorie Williams, Co-Founder of Sisters’ Circle. 

"VozKC is excited to partner with the City of Kansas City on this important mission to improve Latinx representation on boards and commissions,” said Daniela Velazquez, VozKC Leadership Board Member. “As an often-underrepresented community, we know how much of a difference it makes to be at the decision-making table."  

To apply or nominate someone for the first installation of this training program, click here. 

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