Governor Nixon Signs Proclamation Recognizing 20th Anniversary
On Wednesday, May 19, 2010 Governor Jay Nixon welcomed a group of alumnae to his office to sign a proclamation celebrating our organization’s twentieth anniversary.
DST and Lathrop & Gage to Sponsor Luncheon
DST Systems, Inc and Lathrop & Gage, LLP have generously agreed to underwrite the cost of the 2010 Woman of the Year Luncheon honoring Sister Berta Sailer. This year’s luncheon will be held on Friday, June 4 in conjunction with the Kansas City Session. The event will be held at the Central Exchange.
Sailer Named 2010 Woman of the Year
The Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation has named Sister Berta Sailer as its 2010 Woman of the Year.
The Woman of the Year award recognizes a Missouri woman who has shown outstanding leadership and has served as a role model and inspiration for other women. Sr. Berta is a tireless example of a Greater Missouri woman who identifies an issue and addresses it head on. In 1971, she and Sister Corita Bussanmas recognized needs in their community and co-founded Operation Breakthrough to provide childcare and other social services for working-poor families in Kansas City. This not-for-profit agency is now the largest single-site childcare center in Missouri, caring for more than 600 children each weekday who come from homeless shelters, foster homes and struggling single parent families.
Sr. Berta has addressed the Greater Missouri class for several years, sharing compelling true stories of the low income families in the 31st and Troost neighborhood in Kansas City, and suggesting very specific steps to address those problems. She and co-founder Sister Corita have gone beyond their work at Operation Breakthrough and are licensed foster parents to and have adopted four children ranging in age from 9 to 16. “Sr. Berta is a bit of a bulldog. She knows what needs to be done and will stop at nothing to ensure it happens. She has made the children of Operation Breakthrough her life: personally and professionally. That’s why we wanted to recognize her” said Greater Missouri board president, Carol Wilke.
Upon hearing about the upcoming recognition, Sister Berta shared, “Greater Missouri brings together an incredible group of women each year. These women are just the sort of leaders we need to take up the cause of low-income children and families and work on issues that affect them. I am honored that they keep inviting me back to hear about the work that Sister Corita and I do and that they want to recognize it with this award.”
Many Greater Missouri alumnae have been motivated by Sr. Berta to act on behalf of children in the state of Missouri through grassroots action. “Our mission is to educate and inspire women leaders to make a difference,” said Greater Missouri executive director, Gretchen Pettet. “While Greater Missouri is not a political organization, one way our alumnae can and do make a difference is within the political landscape.”
Sister Berta joins a distinguished group of Greater Missouri Women of the Year, including Linda Arnold, the late Duana Dralus and Claire McCaskill. She will be honored at a luncheon on Friday, June 4 at The Central Exchange in Kansas City.
Summer Intern Joins GMLC Staff
Lindsey Shubert of Coulterville, IL has joined the staff of Greater Missouri for the 2010 Summer. Lindsey is a Senior at McKendree University pursuing a degree in Speech Communication with an emphasis in public relations. Lindsey is a dynamic young woman and we are delighted to have her on board. Lindsey can be reached at lshubert@greatermo.org.
McCaskill Luncheon
On August 26, 2009 Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation was honored to host US Senator Claire McCaskill as our keynote speaker. A sellout luncheon was held in Jefferson City celebrating her as the GMLF 2008 Women of the Year. President Carol Wilke promised the senator a kinder, gentler crowd and we were pleased to have her share words of wisdom for women in leadership. Nearly 200 people attended the event which was sponsored by The Boeing Company.
- Often, there is no way to lead without making some people mad. Respect others while having the courage to make others mad.
- Avoid the inclination to be a victim. It is impossible to be a leader and victim at the same time.
- Don’t take criticism personally.
- Risk taking is required. Do it.
- Don’t plant the flag without looking back to ensure others are following.
- Catch people being/doing good.
Final thought- we (women) are often our own worst enemies. Lift each other up when the opportunity allows.
MEDIA
RECENT PHOTOS
 |
| Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation Woman of the Year Luncheon featuring US Sen. Claire McCaskill |
 |
| 2009 Kirksville Session |
TESTIMONIALS
Click here to read about Lili Vianello’s experience as a member of GMLC Class of 2009