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.