[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 134 (Wednesday, October 6, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2040]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING LINDA DOOLIN WARD, CENTRAL EXCHANGE 1999 WOMAN OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 5, 1999

  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an 
exceptional leader and friend to our Kansas City community. Today Linda 
Doolin Ward will be honored as the 1999 Woman of the Year by the 
Central Exchange. Linda Doolin Ward has an extensive history with 
Kansas City and has shown outstanding leadership in her career and 
contributions to our metropolitan area. This prestigious award 
recognizes her commitment to gender concerns and her desire for 
equality in the workplace and society.
  She is currently President of the Women's Foundation, a local 
organization dedicated to funding programs and services which assist 
women. I am especially impressed with her work at the Women's 
Foundation to establish grants to help meet the health care, 
employment, and educational needs of women. This year the Foundation 
will announce $125,000 worth of grants addressing domestic violence, 
parenting, and professional development skills.
  Serving on numerous boards, Mrs. Doolin Ward has demonstrated her 
significant presence as a catalyst for change. She was the first woman 
to be Board President and Chairperson of the Boys and Girls Clubs of 
Greater Kansas City and served as the Executive Director of the Central 
Exchange. She is the Co-Chair of the FOCUS strategic planning project, 
was recently appointed to the Port Authority of Kansas City, and serves 
as a Committee Chairwoman for the Partnership for Children.
  Linda Doolin Ward's career is just as impressive as her record of 
volunteerism. For 15 years she worked as an executive with Payless 
Cashways, Inc., and is now Vice President of Investor Relations and 
Corporate communications with the American Italian Pasta Company. In 
addition to these achievements, she is married to her high school 
sweetheart, Terry Ward, and a devoted mother to her son, Jason. As a 
role model for women across the nation, Linda Doolin Ward has shown us 
how to balance family life with work and still make room to contribute 
to the people in our community.
  I am honored to acknowledge Linda Doolin Ward for her successful 
efforts to promote equity and opportunity for women and her commitment 
to making our community a better place. Mr. Speaker, please join me in 
congratulating the Central Exchange 1999 Woman of the Year, Linda 
Doolin Ward.

                          ____________________