On this week’s episode of Women Speak — a segment on Northeast Newscast — hosts Northeast News Editor-in-Chief, Julia Williams and former Missouri House Representative for District 19 Ingrid Burnett sat down with Judy Ancel — labor educator formerly with the University of Missouri Kansas City Institute for Labor Studies, executive producer of The Heartland Labor Forum Radio Show on KKFI 90.1 FM and president of Cross Border network — to continue our series on women in education.

Throughout this episode, Ancel delves into how she landed her show on KKFI as well as how she became involved in labor education, which she refers to as her “dream job.” She shares her introduction into activism, which began when she was a junior in high school. Ancel goes on to mention how her passion for activism continued through her years as a student at Stanford University in Stanford, Calif., and eventually led her to her career in labor and labor education in Kansas City. Ancel goes on to discuss what she is most proud of in her journey so far and some people who have inspired her along the way.

Williams shares a brief history and statistics of women involved in radio throughout the years and Ancel includes how those numbers are reflected through local radio today. Ancel discusses ways the community can volunteer and get involved with KKFI for those interested. Williams goes on to mention the woman who is considered the first lady of radio including her background — inclusive of Missouri roots — and industry influence. Ancel shares with Williams and Burnett how some of these influences are prevalent in Kansas City’s radio and broadcast world today.

Music used within this Women Speak episode is a song called “I Wish I Knew You Then” by Kansas City local artist Honeybee and the group’s lead female vocalist, Makayla Scott. 

“I Wish I Knew You Then” is a recent single, which Honeybee released in March 2025.  

Honeybee’s latest single “Lindenlure,” was released on May 30 and is now available on its streaming platforms. 2025 singles “I Wish I Knew You Then,” “Charmed Life” and “Lindenlure” as well as additional Honeybee tracks are available on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, TIDAL and Youtube Music. 

*Disclaimer* I Wish I Knew You Then and any previous or future Honeybee songs used by The Northeast News within the Women Speak podcasts are courtesy of and approved by Makayla Scott and Honeybee under proper copyright law. Honeybee songs are not royalty-free nor subject to free use and should not be used by additional publications or organizations without proper consent. 

This podcast as well as all Women Speak episodes are made possible by The Northeast News, Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and Independence Avenue Community Improvement District. 

*Disclaimer: Ingrid Burnett is a board member for Historic Northeast Media, Inc*

On this week’s episode of Women Speak — a segment on Northeast Newscast — hosts Northeast News Editor-in-Chief, Julia Williams and former Missouri House Representative for District 19 Ingrid Burnett sat down with The Arts Asylum Executive Director and Paseo West Neighborhood Association President Evie Craig to continue our series on women in education.

Throughout this episode, Craig delves into her background including her journey of how she got to where she is today. She discusses her upbringing in Indiana and her initial involvement in theatre programs there, which is where her passion for the arts originally began. She goes on to mention her experience as a performer including her most recent — and last — performance in May, which she shared was her first time on stage in nearly 47 years. She additionally provides advice for students interested in pursuing degrees and careers in arts as well as shares those who have inspired her along the way. 

Williams shares a brief history and statistics of women involved in various theater roles from the 1960s up to the present in the U.S., including how these numbers have shifted over the years. 

 Craig discusses partnerships The Arts Asylum has acquired including one with Starlight Theatre and with South Kansas City Performing Arts Academy to develop tech theater education for youth. She additionally shares how Missouri film tax credits have contributed to young women’s involvement in Kansas City theater. Burnett and Williams  go on to discuss women who pioneered early theater production and the theater industry including the first female playwright, the first female actress and two women in the U.S. who worked to tell their story and shift the narrative for future generations. Craig goes on to discuss ways for Kansas Citians to get involved with theater production on a local level through The Arts Asylum as well as additional opportunities throughout the metro. In this section, Craig also discusses federal funding, which various art programs across the country lost this year including The Arts Asylum’s “Our Town Grant.”

Music used within this Women Speak episode is a song called “I Wish I Knew You Then” by Kansas City local artist Honeybee and the group’s lead female vocalist, Makayla Scott. 

“I Wish I Knew You Then” is a recent single, which Honeybee released in March 2025.  

Honeybee’s latest single “Lindenlure,” was released on May 30 and is now available on its streaming platforms. 2025 singles “I Wish I Knew You Then,” “Charmed Life” and “Lindenlure” as well as additional Honeybee tracks are available on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, TIDAL and Youtube Music. 

*Disclaimer* I Wish I Knew You Then and any previous or future Honeybee songs used by The Northeast News within the Women Speak podcasts are courtesy of and approved by Makayla Scott and Honeybee under proper copyright law. Honeybee songs are not royalty-free nor subject to free use and should not be used by additional publications or organizations without proper consent. 

This podcast as well as all Women Speak episodes are made possible by The Northeast News, Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and Independence Avenue Community Improvement District. 

*Disclaimer: Ingrid Burnett is a board member for Historic Northeast Media, Inc*

On this week’s episode of Women Speak — a segment on Northeast Newscast — hosts Northeast News Editor-in-Chief, Julia Williams and former Missouri House Representative for District 19 Ingrid Burnett sat down with Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Museum of Kansas City, Anna Marie Tutera to continue our series on women in education.

Throughout this episode, Tutera delves into her background, her journey back to Kansas City from New Mexico — where she lived for several years — and how she stepped into the role she is in now. Tutera shares what is to come at The Museum of Kansas City, including a teaser involving clothing, textiles and costumes with pieces from the former Garment District Museum at 801 Broadway Blvd. She additionally discusses future opportunities in the works for adults and youth at The Museum — one being its Workforce and Career Development Program, which it is working toward with funding assistance from The Kauffman Foundation. She shares a bit of her family history as well as those who have inspired her along the way. Another update The Museum is working toward that Tutera highlights is a renovation of its carriage house, which is currently in the early stages of the planning process. This will feature Kansas City’s agriculture, equestrian and transportation history as well as tales of Kansas City residents' migration journeys.  

Williams shares a brief history and statistics from the Association of Museum Art Directors on the percentage of women involved in the museum field within the U.S. — as well as a dive into early women in the museum field. This includes the very first museum founder and curator during the year 530 BCE (correction: during the podcast, Williams mentions the year on first reference as 430 BCE. This was the year 530 BCE) along with influential women during the 18th century within the museum field. Williams and Tutera additionally discuss ways for the community to get involved and engage with museums from The Museum of Kansas City’s foundation board to the Northeast Kansas City Historical Society. 

Music used within this Women Speak episode is a song called “I Wish I Knew You Then” by Kansas City local artist Honeybee and the group’s lead female vocalist, Makayla Scott. 

“I Wish I Knew You Then” is a recent single, which Honeybee released in March 2025.  

Honeybee’s latest single “Lindenlure,” was released on May 30 and is now available on its streaming platforms. 2025 singles “I Wish I Knew You Then,” “Charmed Life” and “Lindenlure” as well as additional Honeybee tracks are available on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, TIDAL and Youtube Music. 

*Disclaimer* I Wish I Knew You Then and any previous or future Honeybee songs used by The Northeast News within the Women Speak podcasts are courtesy of and approved by Makayla Scott and Honeybee under proper copyright law. Honeybee songs are not royalty-free nor subject to free use and should not be used by additional publications or organizations without proper consent. 

This podcast as well as all Women Speak episodes are made possible by The Northeast News, Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and Independence Avenue Community Improvement District. 

*Disclaimer: Ingrid Burnett is a board member for Historic Northeast Media, Inc*

On this week’s episode of Women Speak — a segment on Northeast Newscast — hosts Northeast News Editor-in-Chief, Julia Williams and former Missouri House Representative for District 19 Ingrid Burnett sat down with Chancellor for Metropolitan Community College (MCC) Kim Beatty (P.h.D.) to continue our series on women in education.

Beatty delves into current internal operations for MCC and how the education system has evolved over the last few years. Throughout the episode, she additionally discusses career paths that MCC offers from nursing degrees to customized training for companies. Programs, which MCC provides are also discussed including the A+ Program as well as dual credit course options for high school students prior to graduation. She goes on to share her professional background and the path that led her to her position today. Beatty also mentions a few people who have inspired her along the way along with what she considers her proudest accomplishments. 

Williams shares a brief history and statistics from Pew Research Center — a nonpartisan, social science research organization based in Washington, D.C., according to its website — on the number of women in the U.S. who have obtained their bachelor’s degree over the past 30 years. Beatty expands on this to mention how these national trends are reflected on the local level. Williams additionally discusses a few women who pioneered higher education and who have paved the way for women in post-secondary education today. This includes some of the first universities to allow female admission as well as some of the first females to graduate from those universities and continue to make a difference after receiving their degree. Beatty, Burnett and Williams additionally discuss ways to get involved within higher education including boards, commissions, foundations and mentoring service opportunities. 

Music used within this Women Speak episode is a song called “I Wish I Knew You Then” by Kansas City local artist Honeybee and the group’s lead female vocalist, Makayla Scott. 

“I Wish I Knew You Then” is a recent single, which Honeybee released in March 2025.  Honeybee’s latest single “Lindenlure,” was released on May 30 and is now available on its streaming platforms. 2025 singles “I Wish I Knew You Then,” “Charmed Life” and “Lindenlure” as well as additional Honeybee tracks are available on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, TIDAL and Youtube Music. 

*Disclaimer* I Wish I Knew You Then and any previous or future Honeybee songs used by The Northeast News within the Women Speak podcasts are courtesy of and approved by Makayla Scott and Honeybee under proper copyright law. Honeybee songs are not royalty-free nor subject to free use and should not be used by additional publications or organizations without proper consent. 

This podcast as well as all Women Speak episodes are made possible by The Northeast News, Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and Independence Avenue Community Improvement District. 

On this week’s episode of Women Speak — a segment on Northeast Newscast — hosts Northeast News Editor-in-Chief, Julia Williams and former Missouri House Representative for District 19 Ingrid Burnett sat down with CEO of Early Start, June McDaniel to kick off a new series, where we highlight women in education.

Throughout this episode, McDaniel discusses her journey of how she went from working a professional career in human resources (HR) to shifting into early childhood education — including how her previous skills have transferred into her current work. She delves into some particulars of Early Start and how the program works to best serve its students. McDaniel goes on to discuss her personal background as a Kansas City native and how her personal experiences have helped her build connections with students and families today. 

Williams shares a history of a few women who pioneered early education — leaving an impact on what it is today. This includes an education system — The Montessori Theory — which was developed in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries that is still utilized in many early childhood institutions today, including Early Start. Burnett and McDaniel how these systems have and are currently working in the education system. Cohosts and McDaniel additionally discuss ways for community members to get involved in early childhood education through City, County and State boards and commissions. 

Music used within this Women Speak episode is a song called “I Wish I Knew You Then” by Kansas City local artist Honeybee and the group’s lead female vocalist, Makayla Scott. 

“I Wish I Knew You Then” is a recent single, which Honeybee released in March 2025.  Honeybee’s latest single “Lindenlure,” was released on May 30 and is now available on its streaming platforms. 2025 singles “I Wish I Knew You Then,” “Charmed Life” and “Lindenlure” as well as additional Honeybee tracks are available on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, TIDAL and Youtube Music. 

*Disclaimer* I Wish I Knew You Then and any previous or future Honeybee songs used by The Northeast News within the Women Speak podcasts are courtesy of and approved by Makayla Scott and Honeybee under proper copyright law. Honeybee songs are not royalty-free nor subject to free use and should not be used by additional publications or organizations without proper consent. 

This podcast as well as all Women Speak episodes are made possible by The Northeast News, Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and Independence Avenue Community Improvement District.

On this week’s episode of Women Speak — a segment on Northeast Newscast — hosts Northeast News Editor-in-Chief, Julia Williams and former Missouri House Representative for District 19 Ingrid Burnett sat down with Chair of Gender Equity Task Force of Kansas City Human Rights Commission Alice Kitchen to wrap up our series on women who influence policy.

This marks the 10th and final episode of the women who influence policy series for Women Speak. Following this episode, this segment will introduce a new series where Burnett and Williams highlight the history of women in their fields.  

Throughout this episode, Kitchen delves into the Gender Equity Task Force Commission in Kansas City, how she got involved and how the commission has evolved over the years into what it is today. She discusses policies and resources the Task Force has worked on and is currently working on including hosting an upcoming listening session in October, which will include data collected from the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office on domestic violence prevention. Kitchen also shares important women in her life who have inspired and motivated her along the way. 

Burnett, Williams share final conversations on happenings in the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. Burnett discusses the Missouri Ethics Commission and its lack of quorum, which has remained since January when former Missouri Gov. Mike Parsons withdrew two appointed Ethics Commission Members. Now Gov. Kehoe has yet to fill those vacancies, but has begun interviews with potential candidates. Kitchen goes on to mention that the Missouri Ethics Commission is not the only commission in Missouri that has vacant seats. This includes various spots in Kansas City to which many people have applied, but appointments have yet to be made. 

*This episode was recorded on June 24. The Missouri Ethics Commission has six seats, which are appointed by the Missouri Governor. To have a quorum, four of those six seats must be filled. While on June 16, 2025, Governor Mike Kehoe appointed five new members to various boards and commissions throughout Missouri, he has not yet appointed any additional members to the Missouri Ethics Commission.*

Music used within this Women Speak episode is a song called “I Wish I Knew You Then” by Kansas City local artist Honeybee and the group’s lead female vocalist, Makayla Scott. 

“I Wish I Knew You Then” is a recent single, which Honeybee released in March 2025.  Honeybee’s latest single “Lindenlure,” was released on May 30 and is now available on its streaming platforms. 2025 singles “I Wish I Knew You Then,” “Charmed Life” and “Lindenlure” as well as additional Honeybee tracks are available on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, TIDAL and Youtube Music. 

*Disclaimer* I Wish I Knew You Then and any previous or future Honeybee songs used by The Northeast News within the Women Speak podcasts are courtesy of and approved by Makayla Scott and Honeybee under proper copyright law. Honeybee songs are not royalty free nor subject to free use and should not be used by additional publications or organizations without proper consent. 

This podcast as well as all Women Speak episodes are made possible by The Northeast News, Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and Independence Avenue Community Improvement District. 

On this week’s episode of Women Speak — a segment on Northeast Newscast — hosts Northeast News Editor-in-Chief, Julia Williams and former Missouri House Representative for District 19 Ingrid Burnett sat down with Owner of LIA (Life is Amazing) Inspiration and Member of Independence Plaza Neighborhood Council (IPNC) Laura Palacios to continue our series on women who influence policy. 

Throughout this episode, Palacios discusses her political science background, her activist journey and the steps that have led her to her current work today — particularly in the Historic Northeast. Palacios delves into the various boards she has served on over the past 15 years, including the Missouri Chapter of the National Women’s Political Caucus and her experiences as one of the few Latina members among these boards at the time. 

Burnett, Williams and Palacios discuss happenings within the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson city including a special session request for the legislature from Gov. Mike Kehoe. Within the special session call, three items are proposed for approval including Kansas City Stadium subsidies at Truman Sports Complex, relief aid for Missourians impacted by the storms and capital projects from Missouri House of Representatives Bill 19. These bills are discussed in length as well as a lawsuit, which the Missouri Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has filed against Missouri Attorney General, Andrew Bailey and the University of Missouri. 

*This podcast was recorded on Wednesday, May 28. Since its recording, this Special Session — which Burnett, Palacios and Williams discuss in this episode — ended on Wednesday, June 11. The Missouri House of Representatives approved $1.5 billion in funding for Kansas City sports stadiums as well as $125 million to aid areas of St. Louis, which faced severe weather damages, according to an article by the Missouri Independent. All three of these bills were previously approved in the Missouri Senate and made their way to the Governor’s desk, which he signed into law on Saturday, June 14.*

Music used within this Women Speak episode is a song called “I Wish I Knew You Then” by Kansas City local artist Honeybee and the group’s lead female vocalist, Makayla Scott. 

“I Wish I Knew You Then” is a recent single, which Honeybee released in March 2025.  Honeybee’s latest single “Lindenlure,” was released on May 30 and is now available on its streaming platforms. 2025 singles “I Wish I Knew You Then,” “Charmed Life” and “Lindenlure” as well as additional Honeybee tracks are available on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, TIDAL and Youtube Music. 

*Disclaimer* I Wish I Knew You Then and any previous or future Honeybee songs used by The Northeast News within the Women Speak podcasts are courtesy of and approved by Makayla Scott and Honeybee under proper copyright law. Honeybee songs are not royalty free nor subject to free use and should not be used by additional publications or organizations without proper consent. 

This podcast as well as all Women Speak episodes are made possible by The Northeast News, Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and Independence Avenue Community Improvement District. 

On this week’s episode of Women Speak — a segment on Northeast Newscast — hosts Northeast News Editor-in-Chief, Julia Williams and former Missouri House Representative for District 19 Ingrid Burnett sat down with Superintendent of Kansas City Public Schools Jennifer Collier (Ph.D.) to continue our series on women who influence policy. 

Throughout this episode, Collier discusses what led her to her current role including previous career paths she considered prior to her time with Kansas City Public Schools. She mentions how her background and passion with art and music has influenced public school programs within Kansas City as well as those who have influenced her along the way.

Burnett and Williams discuss happenings within the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson city. This episode delves into recent bills passed through Missouri congress, which are focused on education. Of these includes the budget and the Missouri Education Funding Formula or the “Foundation Formula.” Burnett, Williams and Collier discuss this Formula and how it is not only impacting Kansas City public schools but also metro tax payers. Property taxes for senior citizens and its impact on Kansas City Public Schools as well as technology usage in Missouri public schools are also mentioned. 

Music used within this Women Speak episode is a song called “I Wish I Knew You Then” by Kansas City local artist Honeybee and the group’s lead female vocalist, Makayla Scott. 

“I Wish I Knew You Then” is a recent single, which Honeybee released in March 2025.  Honeybee’s latest single “Lindenlure,” was released on May 30 and is now available on its streaming platforms. 2025 singles “I Wish I Knew You Then,” “Charmed Life” and “Lindenlure” as well as additional Honeybee tracks are available on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, TIDAL and Youtube Music. 

*Disclaimer* I Wish I Knew You Then and any previous or future Honeybee songs used by The Northeast News within the Women Speak podcasts are courtesy of and approved by Makayla Scott and Honeybee under proper copyright law. Honeybee songs are not royalty free nor subject to free use and should not be used by additional publications or organizations without proper consent. 

This podcast as well as all Women Speak episodes are made possible by The Northeast News, Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and Independence Avenue Community Improvement District. 

On this week’s episode of Women Speak — a segment on Northeast Newscast — hosts Northeast News Editor-in-Chief, Julia Williams and former Missouri House Representative for District 19 Ingrid Burnett sat down with Pastor of Independence Boulevard Christian Church and Executive Director for Intersect KC, Rev. Mindy Fugarino to continue our series on women who influence policy. 

Throughout this episode, Rev. Fugarino discusses her background — including growing up in Texas and her move to Kansas City. She delves into her mission and practices she had worked to implement at Independence Boulevard Christian Church (IBCC), 606 Gladstone Ave., as well as programs she has created including Intersect KC and The Micah Ministry. Pastor Mindy goes on to mention what has continued to influence her work as well as individuals who have driven her along the way. 

Burnett and Williams discuss happenings within the Missouri State House in Jefferson city. This episode includes a recent close to legislative session, which left many senators unsatisfied with the outcome. Burnett goes on to describe these bills, which will appear on future Missouri ballots including abortion and Proposition A that Missouri voters passed in the November 2024 election highlighting paid sick leave and minimum wage. Resources are additionally provided for voter registration. 

Music used within this Women Speak episode is a song called “I Wish I Knew You Then” by Kansas City local artist Honeybee and the group’s lead female vocalist, Makayla Scott. 

“I Wish I Knew You Then” is a recent single, which Honeybee released in March 2025.  Honeybee’s latest single “Charmed Life,” was released on April 25 and is now available on its streaming platforms. “I Wish I Knew You Then,” “Charmed Life” and additional Honeybee tracks are available on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, TIDAL and Youtube Music. 

*Disclaimer* I Wish I Knew You Then and any previous or future Honeybee songs used by The Northeast News within the Women Speak podcasts are courtesy of and approved by Makayla Scott and Honeybee under proper copyright law. Honeybee songs are not royalty free nor subject to free use and should not be used by additional publications or organizations without proper consent. 

This podcast as well as all Women Speak episodes are made possible by The Northeast News, Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and Independence Avenue Community Improvement District. 

On this week’s episode of Women Speak — a segment on Northeast Newscast — hosts Northeast News Editor-in-Chief, Julia Williams and former Missouri House Representative for District 19 Ingrid Burnett sat down with Former Superintendent for the Municipal Correctional Institute (MCI), Nancy Leazer to continue our series on women who influence policy. 

Throughout this episode, Leazer delves into her career at Kansas City’s Municipal Correctional Institute (formerly located near Truman Sports Complex), which she began in 1995 as a social work manager and finished as the superintendent when MCI closed its doors in 2009. She highlights various programs that were available throughout her work at the facility and how Jackson County Corrections (1300 Cherry St.) differs from the services MCI offered. 

Burnett and Williams discuss happenings within the Missouri State House in Jefferson city. This episode discusses a new electric facility from Evergy, which was approved by Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, Farm Bureau health plans, current changes to 2024 general election ballot measure: Proposition A and a new caucasus within the Missouri House. Burnett additionally mentions vacant seats in several Ethics Commissions across the State. 

Music used within this Women Speak episode is a song called “I Wish I Knew You Then” by Kansas City local artist Honeybee and the group’s lead female vocalist, Makayala Scott. 

“I Wish I Knew You Then” is a recent single, which Honeybee released in March 2025.  Honeybee’s latest single “Charmed Life,” was released on April 25 and is now available on its streaming platforms. “I Wish I Knew You Then,” “Charmed Life” and additional Honeybee tracks are available on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, TIDAL and Youtube Music. 

*Disclaimer* I Wish I Knew You Then and any previous or future Honeybee songs used by The Northeast News within the Women Speak podcasts are courtesy of and approved by Makalya Scott and Honeybee under proper copyright law. Honeybee songs are not royalty free nor subject to free use and should not be used by additional publications or organizations without proper consent. 

This podcast as well as all Women Speak episodes are made possible by The Northeast News, Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and Independence Avenue Community Improvement District.