November 2019
Client Spotlight
Lindsey Wood
In my process of looking for employment in Kansas City I came across the Women’s Employment Network online. I really liked the focus on strong women helping women. I remember reading the word "empowerment' and it made me want to learn more about the organization and what was offered.
Initially I just wanted help with my resume and the opportunity for mock interviews, but sessions with Lynette, Tonia, and Latoya made me realize the course offered more. The encouragement and support has been an important part.
Donor Spotlight
Laura Snow
I was first connected to WEN when I met Sherry Turner through a mutual friend. Her passion for WEN was contagious as we discussed volunteer opportunities--I knew before I met Sherry that I wanted to be involved with WEN. After talking with her, I realized I could start by serving in the financial oversight of the organization.
I was thrilled to learn about WEN--to discover that Kansas City had an organization dedicated to helping women with their career path! I wish more people could know about WEN and how it helps women turn around their lives with the empowerment of employment.
Read More!
Exciting News!
We're Moving
Women’s Employment Network is excited to announce our move to a new office location. Staff will have limited office hours from Dec. 14th to Jan. 3rd — during which all client meetings will be by appointment only.
We will reopen at our new location on Jan. 6, 2020. Made possible through our partners at Country Club Bank.
Support the Success of Women in Kansas City
WEN is here; in your community. We exist to guide women on a path of self-discovery that creates self-acceptance, empowerment, and self-confidence as they establish, define, or re-define their career direction to ultimately achieve financial independence.
Your contributions have helped make WEN the strong and successful organization that it is. We are so grateful to you. We know you are just as committed as we are to changing the lives of women and their families in the Kansas City metro area. Your donation impacts hundreds of women who experience a soul-crushing loss, face an urgent need or seek to improve their quality of life.
Successful Events
KC's Got Talent 2019
Thank you to everyone who sponsored, participated in, and attended our 9th annual KC's Got Talent Corporate Talent Show at Boulevard Brewing Company! CONGRATULATIONS to all of our acts and winners:
1st place: Regina Del Carmen sponsored by Stellar Image Studios
2nd place: Korso sponsored by Lead Bank
People's Choice: Virago sponsored by Happy Food Co.
Additional thanks to:
Grammy Sponsor
Tony Sponsors
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City
- Centric
- CrossFirst Bank
- JE Dunn Construction
- Stinson LLP
- Veracity Consulting
Venue
Catering
Photos
Production
Trophies
LUNAFEST Kansas City
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Thank you to all who attended traveling film festival LUNAFEST in support of Women's Employment Network! Participants enjoyed 8 short films by, for, and about women, all while raising money to support women in our community.
Thank you to Strange Days Brewing Company for sponsoring this fundraiser. One film festival attendee said:
"I love being able to support women on a local and national scale. This event gave me an opportunity to do both at once. All the people in attendance seemed to be genuinely invested in the film and the support of women. It was also really cool to stand in a long line for the women's restroom at a brewery!"
New Faces
We're pleased to introduce the newest members of the WEN Team
Kim Barnes, Case Manager, is available to provide personalized support to women establishing, defining, or re-defining their career direction.
Rebecca Reutzel is a Client Services intern completing her BSW at the University of Kansas.
Women's Health Spotlight
Provided in partnership with
Thankful for Your Health
Being grateful can have positive benefits for your mind and body. As Thanksgiving approaches, pause for a moment and reflect on what you are grateful for. A warm home, family, friends and your health? Today, health literacy, the extent that one has the capacity to obtain, process and understand health information, plays an important role in prevention and management of your overall health.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in women 35-60 years of age. Don’t be taken by surprise! Saint Luke’s Muriel I. Kauffman Women’s Heart Center Heart offers tools to help you take a proactive role in your heart health.
Be inspired ~ call 816-932-5784 to request a Women’s Heart Health Journal and inquire about our Heart Wellness Packages or Food as Medicine Everyday series. We look forward to partnering with you and your heart!
Healthy Recipe of the Month: Creamy Fall Soup in Acorn Squash Bowls
Winter squashes, like acorn, butternut, spaghetti, and delicata, are abundant this time of year. Winter squashes are full of beneficial fiber and contain a wonderful natural sweetness.
As the temperature drops and the winter cold sets in, look to these squashes to provide a hearty and warming soup.
Ingredients:
SQUASH
- 2 medium acorn squash* (halved // optional for use as bowls)
- 1 Tbsp melted coconut oil (or avocado or grape seed oil)
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup or coconut sugar (plus more to taste)
SOUP
- 1 1/2 Tbsp coconut oil (or avocado or grape seed oil)
- 1/2 medium white or yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups cubed sweet potato, carrots, or butternut squash (or a mixture of all three)
- 1 quart vegetable broth (DIY or store-bought)
- 1 tsp fresh or dried sage, fresh or dried thyme, or 2 bay leaves (amount as original recipe is written)
- 1 cup red lentils (optional // for protein / fiber)
- Sea salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1-2 Tbsp maple syrup or coconut sugar (optional // depending on sweetness of your carrots/potato/squash)
FOR SERVING (optional)
- Sautéed kale* or Kale Chips
- Diced red onion
- Baked chickpeas
- Fresh parsley
- Pomegranate arils
- Vegan Gluten Free Cornbread
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (204 C) and use a sharp knife to carefully halve acorn squash lengthwise. Do so by inserting the tip of the knife in between two ridges and pressing all the way through, then pushing/rocking the knife to slice through one half. Repeat on the other side.
- Scoop out seeds with a spoon or ice cream scoop and drizzle with oil and maple syrup - rub with hands to distribute. Place squash on a rimmed baking sheet or 9x13 inch baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake for 30-40 minutes more, or until squash is fork tender and golden brown on the edges (baking time will vary based on size). Set aside.
- In the meantime, start soup. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add oil, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 4 minutes or until onion is softened, then add sweet potato, squash and/or carrots (I used butternut squash and carrots).
- Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper and stir. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables appear slightly softened.
- Add vegetable broth and herb of choice (I used sage and bay leaf) and bring mixture to a low boil over medium-high heat. If adding lentils, add at this time.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, or until lentils and vegetables are tender. Then use an immersion blender or transfer to the blender and blend until creamy and smooth. Return to pot if blended in blender.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding salt and pepper for flavor balance, herbs for earthiness, or a little maple syrup or coconut sugar for sweetness (I didn't find it needed it).
- Once acorn squash are baked, divide soup between the squash and garnish with topping(s) of choice - I went for sautéed kale* and red onion, but baked chickpeas, pomegranate, or cornbread (+ cornbread croutons) would work well here.