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.