Special Announcement: Women's Employment Network Announces Promotion of Tonia Bomar to Chief Program Officer
The Women’s Employment Network (WEN) is proud to announce the promotion of Tonia Bomar to Chief Program Officer, effective April 1. This senior program leadership role reflects her two decades of extraordinary service to women across the Kansas City community.
Tonia has served as Director of Employment and Client Services, where she led critical employment and career readiness programs that support women in achieving economic stability and long-term success. Central to her leadership over that time has been the strong, trust-based relationships she builds with employers across Kansas City. Tonia connects job-ready candidates across multiple industries and experience levels with employers facing hiring and retention challenges, creating solutions that benefit both women and the regional workforce.
A Trusted Leader with 20 Years of Impact at WEN
Over her 20-year tenure at the Women’s Employment Network, Tonia Bomar has been a driving force behind measurable outcomes for women in Kansas City. She has witnessed and contributed to a significant increase in the average hourly wage of WEN clients, rising from $8.68 per hour in 2003 to $22 per hour in 2025.
Each year, an average of 150 jobs are reported by clients with Tonia’s direct support and expertise. By personally vetting applicants and matching candidates to employer needs, Tonia reduces time-to-hire while ensuring strong, sustainable employment placements. Her approach helps employers secure reliable talent and supports women in gaining meaningful employment with long-term potential.
Recognition for Outstanding Community Impact
In 2023, Tonia received the Beth K. Smith Award for Outstanding Community Impact, honoring her dedication, leadership, and long-standing commitment to workforce development and economic mobility for women.
Tonia is also responsible for WEN’s highly successful Connect with Employer events, which welcomed more than 100 job seekers in attendance in 2025 alone and created direct, high-quality connections between women and hiring employers.
Her work continues to strengthen families and communities throughout the Kansas City region by helping women build confidence, financial stability, and career momentum.
Leadership Rooted in Purpose and Dedication
“Tonia is a trusted leader whose work has driven measurable outcomes for women and strengthened partnerships throughout our community. Her promotion to Chief Program Officer reflects her proven leadership, deep program expertise, and her ability to move WEN’s mission forward at scale,” said Sherry Turner, President of WEN.
Tonia is a source of inspiration to staff, partners, and the women WEN serves. Her promotion reflects not only her professional excellence, but also her deep commitment to WEN’s mission of empowering women to achieve economic independence.
Looking Ahead
As Chief Program Officer, Tonia Bomar will continue to champion high-quality programs, data-informed strategies, and client-centered services that support women at every stage of their employment journey and strengthen WEN’s impact across the Kansas City region.