The Swartz Report: Surrounded by Strong, Smart and Capable Women

By Donald Swartz, President

Recently, I attended the WIN for KC annual luncheon. The Women’s Intersport Network for Kansas City is part of the Kansas City Sports Commission and was created to “empower the lives of girls and women through advocating and promoting the lifetime value of sports and fitness, while providing opportunities for participation and leadership development”.

This year’s featured speaker was Caitlin Clark and as a fellow Hawkeye and Des Moinesian (sure, this can be a word😊), we sponsored a table for the event to hear Caitlin speak. Additionally, we went to an event the previous event to listen to a one-on-one conversation with Sophie Cunningham.

While I consider myself well versed in most matters related to sports, I will admit to the fact I was naïve to the breadth and scope of Sophie Cunningham. After the event, my wife and I called our son to tell him about the evening. “You saw Sophie Cunningham??? She is amazing!!! And the number of followers… unbelievable”.

Wow, I had no idea! However, this was just the beginning as we attended the luncheon, where we were introduced to the Kansas City area women’s high school state champions over the past year in their particular individual and team sports. This Parade of Champions was impressive. It was then followed by six recognition awards. All were truly inspiring and incredible stories. To me, these stories were as impressive (if not more impressive) then the Caitlin Clark interview. The event was so well attended, the venue was moved to the T-Mobile arena where over 4,000 people attended. What a day!

Don. What does this have to do with Swartz & Associates and Indurante & Associates?

Good question and thank you for asking!

I do not use my blog for political purposes and do not take controversial stances. However, after attending this event and listening to how these young women are learning confidence and believing there is nothing they cannot achieve, I find our current political environment very distressing in the efforts to encourage women to focus on the role of homemaker and wife.

If a woman chooses this path, I fully support her decision. My mother raised my brother and I and I believe she feels there is no more important job in the world – that was terrific for us. However, this does not imply it is for everyone and I fully support women in the workplace; voluntary, business, in an elected capacity – whatever path a woman chooses is their absolute right and no one should dictate otherwise.

I am surrounded by strong, smart and capable women.

I learned a long time ago, if you want to be successful, surround yourself with people smarter than yourself. For me, it started with my marriage 😊and continues today with my children in their professional worlds.

It very much extends to my workplaces at Swartz & Associates and Indurante. I am very fortunate to have Katy True, Deb Bartnett-Johnson, Noelle Giacomino, Kristen Canfield, Emma Danielian and Tyler Niimoto who play incredibly important roles within my companies. We would not be in business without them and the event reinforced this aspect. All are married and juggling the famous “work-life” balance and I am so appreciative of their efforts.

Looking forward to a busy and successful 2025 and I am so glad my “team” includes these strong women.

As always, please reach out to me with any questions or comments, work or otherwise – or .