Long before Sheryl Sandberg said, “Lean In,” local leaders recognized that a gap in leadership diversity existed in public service at the national and local levels.
- Only 26% of Senators are women.
- Kansas has only had 9 female mayors out of more than 63 cities.
- Of more than 300 COVID Taskforces, in 163 Countries, women make up 27% of taskforce membership (and make up only 18% of leadership roles within these taskforces).
The world needs more public servants and more diversity in public leadership.
In 2010, several female leaders in public administration decided to create a space and a group to support women in local government. The organization has since expanded to include all public servants: Women in Public Service (WPS). WPS includes everyone from higher education, public heath, engineering, public works, finance, nonprofits, and others who are supportive of this important work.
Only by working together can we create an environment where women can flourish and help one another make a change in our communities.
From all of us at the PPMC and WPS: you are welcome here.
WPS is a place where we inspire current and future generations by addressing topics relevant to women in public service, while instilling knowledge through education, networking, and professional development that strengthens the leadership in our local governments, nonprofits, and communities.
Launching into 2022, we encourage you to begin (or continue) your journey with WPS. We will continue to have our bi-monthly luncheons, membership meet-ups, mentoring opportunities, and our annual conference.
Join us as we hear from those around us – women who are leading and making our communities stronger.
In 2022, we’re working through The Person You Mean to Be, by Dolly Chugh. Thanks again to the Kansas Health Foundation for gifting a copy to attendees of the 2021 Annual Celebration!
Chugh writes, “While no individual action is a revolution, the sum of their daily efforts leads to real revolution.” We are fortunate to see the sum of daily efforts of this group and there is still more to do. Kansas has had only 3 female governors. How can we inspire the next generation?
WPS members said yes. They took the job. They continually step up, step out, and do important work for our communities.
This is your invitation to join us.
Membership to WPS is $100 for the calendar year and $60 for new professionals. Learn more about membership options on the WPS main page. Events are open to both members and non-members, but members get exclusive perks.
Learn More
- Exploring Public Service Careers for Women from Fire Science
- Women’s Leadership and Political Participation from UN Women
- Women in Federal Service from U.S. Office of Personnel Management