Our Board

The Women in Politics Foundation is guided by a dedicated board of leaders committed to advancing women’s political representation in Missouri and Kansas. With backgrounds in public service, advocacy, education, and community leadership, our board ensures WIP’s mission stays focused, impactful, and future-driven. Together, they help prepare the next generation of women to lead.

Rebecca Richardson

President and Donor Relations Chair

Rose Marie Bell

Education and Endowment Fund Vice President

A black-and-white portrait of Dr. Gail James with shoulder-length straight hair, smiling warmly. She is wearing a light-colored blazer over a top and a thin necklace. The background is white and evenly lit, giving the image a clean appearance.

Dr. Gail James

Smithson Fund Vice President

A portrait of Regina Weir with blonde and gray shoulder-length hair, wearing black-rimmed glasses, sparkly drop earrings, and a black top with subtle shimmer. She is posed indoors against a warm-toned wooden and wallpaper background.

Regina Weir

Hurlbut Fund Vice President

Photo of Barb Shelly with short light brown hair wears drop earrings and a light pink top, posed indoors against a neutral background.

Barbara Shelly

Communication Chair

Photo of Shelly LaRose with long brown hair, two-tone glasses, and red lipstick smiles against a light gray background. She wears a burgundy top and a patterned black scarf.

Shelly LaRose

Secretary

Photo of Hon Becky Fast with long blonde hair standing outdoors, wearing a navy blazer with American flag pins, a red top, and a pearl necklace. She smiles softly at the camera.

Hon. Becky Fast

Grassroots Fundraising Chair

Photo of Hon. Judy Morgan with short, wavy auburn hair wearing a colorful floral blouse and a pearl necklace. She is posed against a dark gray background.

Hon. Judy Morgan

Grant Writing Chair

Portrait of Frenchette Anderson with short curly hair brightly smiling outdoors. She wears a polka dot blazer, a pearl necklace, and a lime green top.

Frenchette Anderson

Treasurer

Photo of Hon Ryana Parks-Shaw with shoulder-length, curled light brown hair wears a beige blazer and a gold necklace. She is posed against a soft blue background.

Hon. Ryana Parks-Shaw

Diversity Chair

Board Advisors

Photo of Laura Loyacono with shoulder-length dark brown hair smiling while posing outdoors. She is wearing hoop earrings and a dark blue blazer over a black top, with a background of bright green foliage.

Laura Loyacono

Advisor

Photo of Hon. Bonnaye Mims with short grey hair and a gentle smile. She wears gold hoop earrings, a thin chain necklace, and a dark top with a textured blazer over it, posed against a white background.

Hon. Bonnaye Mims

Advisor

Sonia Nizami

Advisor