March 2019
Phyllis Collins to Receive 2019 Beth K. Smith Award
KANSAS CITY, MO, March 13, 2019 — Phyllis Collins, Chief Engagement Officer for The Collins Network, has been selected to be the 2019 Beth K. Smith Award recipient. As the 10th recipient of the award, she will receive the distinguished honor at the Women’s Employment Network (WEN) Annual Luncheon on April 18, 2019 at the Sheraton Crown Center.
The Beth K. Smith Award, named after one of WEN's co-founders, was created a decade ago to recognize an individual or organization who shares a common vision of supporting women in our community and who are committed to advancing the mission Women's Employment Network.
“We are pleased to announce Phyllis Collins as our 2019 Beth K. Smith award recipient because of her dedication to WEN in so many meaningful capacities over the last 9 years and her outstanding commitment to our mission,” said Sherry Turner, President and CEO of WEN. “Phyllis has been instrumental in future planning of WEN by mapping out the Signature Program and to help to identify the secret sauce that makes WEN stand out in the community.”
Since 2010, Collins has presented workshops at WEN, including a client favorite “Facing Your Fears” which takes place during the final week of the five-week curriculum. Collins supports WEN clients as they learn to acknowledge their specific fears and begin to take a more meaningful approach to finding employment.
As a valued member of the board and current WEN Board Secretary, Collins is able to bring the perspective of someone who has worked directly with the clients and staff of WEN. She shows a deep and true understanding of the mission and vision of WEN and the clients we serve.
"As the old story goes, when we engage in the lives of others and we think we are helping them,” said Collins. “It starts to become hard to determine who is actually helping whom? Is it the one who openly receives? Or is it the one who openly gives? I think I have discovered the answer!"
The WEN Luncheon, which helps raise awareness and funding for the organization, will be held this year on Thursday, April 18th at the Sheraton Crown Center, Grand Ballroom (2345 McGee Street), beginning at 11:45 a.m. The Luncheon is co-chaired by Joshua C. Rowland, Vice Chairman and CEO of Lead Bank and Andy Fromm, Chairman and CEO of Service Management Group (SMG).
*Press release available in downloads
Defining Moments: WEN Annual Luncheon | Thursday, April 18 | 11:45am-1:00pm
Sheraton Crown Center
Our 2019 co-chairs, Joshua Rowland and Andy Fromm, invite you to join us at our annual luncheon!
Since 1986, WEN has helped women reach and realize the defining moments of their lives. We invite you to join us as a sponsor to honor the legacy of WEN in our community and hear personal stories of triumph and success from our clients and graduates.
Sponsorship and Tickets Still Available!
Client Spotlight
I chose WEN primarily because it was affordable (free) and I needed help finding employment. A Facebook post for WEN appeared in my thread briefly describing the Signature Program and what this program could do for women. The post also mentioned there would be no cost. I thought, “what’s the catch” and went to the WEN website to investigate the “catch”. The first thing that caught my attention was “Changing the Lives of Women” in bright blue lettering. At this point in my life, I needed a change as I felt deflated and my self-esteem was at an all-time low after continually getting passed over for jobs only to find out an employee was hired from within (understandable) or someone was hired because they had great connections. My final breaking point was when I was chosen to temporarily fill a position, being told I was doing a great job and then being passed over for someone who had a lengthy relationship with the hiring manager, but no experience using their software and very basic computer skills. What was worse was I was still filling the temporary position when she started, and I helped train her.
After reading about the Signature Program, I thought, “this is what I need”. However, after reading that WEN creates positive change in the lives of women who struggle with social, economic and educational barriers to employment, I felt sad thinking this program was meant for a different demographic. I closed the website, but WEN kept popping up on my Facebook thread and since I believe in signs, I made a call. The person on the other end had a kind and soothing voice. She let me know the program was for everyone, so I signed up. This has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time.
The program has helped me gain self-confidence and I started believing in myself again. I am cognizant to be “nice” to myself and reign in self-doubt. I felt an almost instant connection to all the women in the class despite our varied backgrounds. This connection really allowed me to be myself and open up. I am usually the person in the back of the room that you may never know existed, but in this program, I am present and wanting to do whatever is needed to heal and find my self-worth. I feel like I hold my head up high as opposed to my head hanging low when I’m walking.
My take-away is that healing takes time and something that has been drilled into our heads from Day 1 is that WEN never closes a file. It has been great seeing people from the most recent class to classes from years ago because truly we will be welcomed back should the need arise. The help I have received with resumes, interviews, self-help, self-care, the information from workshops and financial coaching have had a significant impact in my life. As the program ends and I go back to review what I have learned, it will continue to impact my life.
My goal is to eventually find full-time employment with a company that “fits” and doing a job I love. This may mean taking many temporary positions. I am okay with this because it will get me closer to figuring out exactly what I’m looking for. Thank you for crafting this program to help women like me heal from the inside out and determine our self-worth.
Upcoming Events
WEN's Signature Employment & Career Transition Program | Monday - Friday | 9:00am-12:00pm
View the full 2019 Schedule
Our next class begins April 1
Last day to pre-register is March 28
WEN’s Signature Programming is uniquely structured to meet the varying needs and skill levels of women in all stages of employment: those who are unemployed, underemployed, laid off, new to the job market or seeking to re-enter the workplace.
Spring KC Job Fair
Monday, May 6 and Tuesday, October 8
Sheraton Crown Center | 1-4pm
Employers: Contact Ashley Williamson at awilliamson@kcwen.org or 816-595-1299 to inquire about vendor space.
Job Seekers: This is a FREE event that is open to both men and women. For free registration, click here!
For more information, to register as a featured employer, or become a sponsor, please call 816-595-1299 or email Ashley Williamson.
Save the Date for More 2019 Events:
- Thursday, November 14 - KC's Got Talent
Women's Health Spotlight
Provided in partnership with
For upcoming Food as Medicine Everyday (FAME) program dates, click here!
Five Tips and Strategies to Build a Healthier Diet
This March join Saint Luke’s Muriel I. Kauffman Women’s Heart Center by celebrating National Nutrition Month. Eating healthier doesn’t require a complete overall of your diet. Small changes can make a big impact. Apply these five tips and strategies TODAY to build a healthier diet.
- Read the Ingredients List – You can learn a lot about what is in your food by reading the ingredients list. There are three important things to assess. 1) Length of the list – a longer list typically indicates a more heavily processed food. 2) Ingredient’s names – you should recognize the ingredients as real food. 3) Order of ingredients – ingredients are listed highest to lowest; avoid foods with sugars or vegetable oils as the #1 or #2 ingredient.
- Eat More Fiber – Fiber is essential for optimal health. This nutrient aids in weight loss and supports digestive and cardiovascular health. Sources include ALL vegetables; whole fruits; beans & legumes; nuts & seeds; and whole grains. Aim for a minimum of 30g of fiber per day.
- Ditch the Artificial Sweeteners – Even though those artificial sweeteners don’t include any additional calories, they may still be hindering your health goals. Artificial sweeteners are hundreds of time sweeter than table sugar and repeated intake may cause increased cravings for highly sweet foods. These sweet foods ARE full of calories and generally not nutritious.
- Include More Fats and Protein – Avoid needing to reach for a snack in between meals by including healthy fats and protein with every meal. These macronutrients are digested slowly keeping you feeling full, longer. Fat sources include avocados, nut butters, nuts & seeds, olives & olive oils. Protein sources include poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, nuts, quinoa, and lentils.
- Breathe Before You Eat – Take the time to chew and enjoy your meals thoroughly. Eating too quickly hinders your digestive system’s ability to absorb nutrients and most likely will cause you to overeat. Support your body by taking five deep breaths before you begin to eat your meal. When you take a bite, put your utensil down and savor the wonderful flavors and nourishment your food is providing.
Healthy Recipe of the Month: Tomato Basil Avocado Toast
Ingredients:
- 2 slices whole grain, sourdough, or rye bread
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 tomato slices
- 4 basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Directions:
- Toast the bread until brown and crisp.
- Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit and scoop out the flesh into a bowl.
- Add salt and pepper, then mash with a fork until mixed thoroughly.
- Rub one side of each slice of bread with the cut side of the garlic until well coated and fragrant.
- Brush the toasts with olive oil.
- Divide the mashed avocado evenly among the toast.
- Top toast with two basil leaves and two tomato slices, in that order.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar on top.