Greater Missouri is an annual traveling symposium designed to bring together women leaders from global corporations, small business, academia, government agencies and non-profit organizations. Through the course of the year, the group is exposed to critical issues confronting their communities, state and nation.
This type of leadership program was originally designed in 1982 by Governor Ann Richards of Texas. At that time, Governor Richards was unable to find qualified women leaders to appoint to various state positions, commissions and boards. In order to fill the void, Governor Richards helped to establish a women’s leadership training program targeted at mid-career professional women to specifically prepare them for state leadership positions. This later became known as “Leadership Texas.” Southwestern Bell Corporation (Texas) was one of the organizations primary sponsors.
In the late 1980′s, Southwestern Bell employees who were graduates of Leadership Texas transferred to St. Louis, Missouri and founded the Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge.
“I can’t decide which is more important, the great programs Greater Missouri provides for its participants or the strong relationships which form amongst the powerful women throughout the state.”
— Claire McCaskill, U.S. Senator, Missouri