UMKC Women's Council

06/19/2025

On Tuesday, we were thrilled to welcome past and present board members, recipients, and donors for a special Graduate Assistance Fund Reunion!

This gathering celebrated and connected those who have given and received support through the GAF. Together, we shared stories, renewed friendships, and honored the power of education and community. The UMKC Women's Council awarded $131,000 to 105 women enrolled in graduate programs at UMKC this academic year.

We extend our gratitude to the generous donors of the following awards: the Linda Herner-Barrick Kansas City Young Matrons Award, the Zonta Club of Kansas City, Missouri II Award, the Soroptimist International of Kansas City Award, and the Junior League of Kansas City, MO, Inc. Award.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the GAF. Your generosity shapes futures and inspires future leaders. A special thanks to Buttonwood Financial Group, LLC for hosting us.

04/04/2025

Yesterday, UMKC graduate students joined Associate Professor of Theatre Carla Noack in a workshop on body language hosted by the UMKC Women's Council. The workshop, Body Language: Harnessing Non-Verbal Communication Skills, highlighted exercises students can use to prepare for presentations, interviews and networking events. Thank you to Professor Noack and all who attended this event.

03/20/2025

Attention to all UMKC Graduate Students!

Join the UMKC Women’s Council for a workshop in Body Language. As you engage with others professionally — in meetings, presentations, classrooms, interviews, etc. — what stories are your face, voice, and body sharing that can support and enhance your connection to your audience? This session for all UMKC graduate students will introduce the fundamentals of non-verbal communication and offer tools for self-awareness, self-expression, and connection.

April 3 at 3:30-4:30 pm in the Student Union, Rm 302.
Register today by emailing your name and area of study to [email protected].

03/13/2025

Thank you to our generous 2025 GAF Reception Sponsors who helped make this year's event extra special. Through their support, we were able to honor more than 60 tenacious, smart, talented women graduate students at tonight's annual reception.

03/08/2025

Happy International Women's Day!
This year, we're honored to recognize more than 60 tenacious, strong, resilient women as recipients of a Women's Council Graduate Assistance Fund award.

We take great pride in supporting passionate individuals like our honorees. Their ability to break barriers and inspire change speaks volumes, and we recognize their profound impact on our future in various fields. We are truly humbled to play a small part in helping them pursue their goals and dreams, and their dedication and courage inspire us.

03/05/2025

This UMKC Giving Day, we invite you to join us in supporting the UMKC Women's Council. Your generous donation will help empower young women across a wide range of fields, providing them with essential resources to become tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and change-makers.
Donate before noon TODAY to take part in this important day: https://www.givecampus.com/schools/UniversityofMissouriKansasCity/giving-day/pages/success/womenaid

Join me this Giving Day in supporting women in graduate programs with immediate aid!

03/04/2025

UMKC Giving Day kicks off TODAY at noon, so don't miss your chance to make an impact: https://giving.umkc.edu/schools/UniversityofMissouriKansasCity/giving-day/pages/success/womenaid

Hear from Dr. Sally Ellis Fletcher, Associate Dean for Students, School of Nursing and Health Studies and past Women's Council Graduate Assistance Fund recipient.

"I received a Women's Council Graduate Assistance Fund (GAF) while pursuing my degree toward a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). I applied for funding to purchase pamphlets for recipients who participated in my thesis," Ellis Fletcher said.

"I still recall the joy I experienced when I was notified that I’d been awarded $500. Your gift on UMKC Giving Day to the Women's Council Graduate Assistance Fund (GAF) can make a lasting impression. My award allowed me to complete my thesis and begin practicing as an advanced nurse in women’s health care. That $500 investment allowed me touch far more than 500 individuals and families. Your gift does make a difference."

Join me this Giving Day in supporting women in graduate programs with immediate aid!

03/03/2025

UMKC Giving Day begins tomorrow – March 4th! Take part in this 24-hour stretch of generous giving to raise funds for transformational opportunities for women in graduate programs at UMKC. No donation is too small. Set an alarm to donate, as it closes at noon on March 5. Go here to donate: https://www.givecampus.com/schools/UniversityofMissouriKansasCity/giving-day/pages/success/womenaid

Join me this Giving Day in supporting women in graduate programs with immediate aid!

03/02/2025

Save the date for March 4, and get ready to create a lasting impact. UMKC Giving Day is all about supporting causes that help UMKC students and programs succeed. Donating to the Women's Council Graduate Assistance Fund (GAF) provides financial support to outstanding women in graduate programs at UMKC.

https://giving.umkc.edu/schools/UniversityofMissouriKansasCity/giving-day/pages/success/womenaid

Join me this Giving Day in supporting women in graduate programs with immediate aid!

03/01/2025

The Countdown to Giving Day Has Begun! We’re just 4 days away from a day that’s all about making a difference! UMKC Giving Day is your chance to create an impact on campus, in your community and beyond. Mark your calendars for March 4: https://giving.umkc.edu/schools/UniversityofMissouriKansasCity/giving-day/pages/success/womenaid

Join me this Giving Day in supporting women in graduate programs with immediate aid!

02/27/2025

We're less than two weeks away from our annual Graduate Assistance Fund Awards Reception on March 12! It's not too late to become a sponsor, make a donation or register to attend.

This year, we are thrilled to be awarding more than $100,000 to 67 incredible female graduate students. We'd love for YOU to be part of this very special event.

Sponsorship levels start at the $100 Patron level and go up to the $5,000 Presenting level. If you're interested in sponsoring this incredible event at any level, visit https://www.umkcwc.org/s/1236/bp20/interior.aspx?sid=1236&gid=3&pgid=5637&content_id=7811

02/07/2025

Meet Shapree' Marshall, one of our inspiring grant recipients who was able to attend 2024 Kingsport Office of Small Business Development and Entrepreneurship Awards thanks to the support of our Graduate Assistance Fund program.

"I am truly grateful for the support I received, which enabled me to present my company, A Traveled Path Homes. Thanks to that assistance, I was honored to be awarded both funds and an award for my efforts."

We are proud to support passionate individuals like Shapree and can't wait to see what she does next! If you'd like to be part of supporting the work of women like Shapree, consider sponsoring our upcoming Graduate Assistance Fund Awards Reception: https://tinyurl.com/UMKCGAF.