Over 40 women have been appointed to boards and commissions in Kansas and Missouri as a result of appointments project
Kansas City, MO — Women’s Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of Lauren Garrott to the Kansas City Board of Zoning Adjustment. Garrott was appointed by Kansas City Mayor Sly James, who has partnered with Women’s Foundation’s Appointments Project through his Women’s Empowerment Initiative (WE) in order to address the gender gap in city leadership positions.
“I’m pleased to appoint Lauren Garrott to the Board of Zoning Adjustment. Lauren’s experience and enthusiasm make her an excellent choice to serve, and I am grateful to her for taking on this role,” said Mayor Sly James. “I also would like to thank the Women’s Foundation for partnering with my office on the Appointments Project, ensuring outstanding women, like Lauren, are represented on boards and commissions throughout Kansas City.”
“Women’s Foundation is proud to have supported Lauren Garrott in her application process to the Kansas City Board of Zoning Adjustment and appreciates her dedication to bettering her community,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women’s Foundation. “We commend Mayor James’ continued commitment to empowering more women to serve on boards and commissions — together we are truly closing the leadership gap.”
Lauren Garrott is a Project Manager at Shockey Consulting Services. Prior to Shockey Consulting she worked in park planning, urban planning, and served as a DOI/VISTA at Heartland Conservation Alliance. She graduated from Kansas State University with a master’s degree in Regional and Community Planning. Her master’s research focused on creating opportunities for African American women to be physically active in parks. Lauren is active in a number of organizations like Environmental Professionals of Color and the Children and Nature Network. She also serves on the board for two Kansas City non-profits, Heartland Conservation Alliance and Consensus.
“The Women’s Foundation was crucial to successfully getting me on this board. Without their help or support I wouldn’t have known about this opportunity or been able to navigate the application process,” said Garrott. “I’m grateful for the Women’s Foundation Appointments Project and Mayor Sly James and I appreciate their efforts to get women on boards and commissions.”
Women’s Foundation’s Appointments Project serves as a talent bank, advisor, and advocate for women seeking opportunities to lead and works to attract diverse applicants for appointed positions on boards and commissions. Women’s Foundation guides women through the process of applying for these positions.
More than 40 women have been appointed to boards and commissions in Missouri and Kansas as a result of the Appointments Project since its launch in the spring of 2014. The Appointments Project is currently active in helping recruit and train more women to serve on boards and commissions for the States of Missouri and Kansas, St. Louis County, and the cities of St. Louis, Springfield, and Kansas City, MO, and Topeka and Olathe, KS.
Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy and policy solutions to make meaningful change. More information about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org.
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