Here we are again…embarking upon another beautiful Missouri autumn. I do love fall! I hope you are savoring the start of this splendid season.
It’s hard to believe that in just a couple of weeks, I will be presiding over my final Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation (GMLF) Board meeting on October 19. What an immense honor to lead this remarkable group of GMLF alumnae who serve on the Board. These dedicated women leaders generously volunteer their time and expertise to ensure the continued success of the Foundation’s flagship program, the Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge. Their efforts continue to inspire, educate, and empower women leaders throughout our state. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to each and every Board member for their unwavering commitment to Greater Missouri. While I remain on the board as the immediate past president, I have confidence that the incoming board will continue to soar. An incredibly special thanks to Carolyn Chrisman, Sarah Dubbert, and Shawn Knauts Ricks whose terms require them to rotate off of the board. Their combined talents and extended calls to hold “just one more term” have been invaluable to our organization. Be watching as we introduce you to the new board members who begin their term in January.
I am proud of all that we have accomplished this year and the hard work we’ve invested in securing GMLF’s future stability for years to come. We are doing everything we said we would do at our January retreat and strategic planning session in St. Louis. Key plans emerging from the retreat are currently in action. We have successfully updated and enhanced the Greater Missouri website, conducted our most lucrative fundraiser to date with the 2023 Women of the Year luncheon, and, of course, educated our 35th GMLC class with the 2023 cohort. Greater Missouri is on a trajectory for sustained growth in the years ahead!
One specific feature on the website I would like to draw attention to is the Alumnae Home. You can log in here to keep your contact information current. Maintaining up-to-date information is crucial for us to stay connected with you through life’s various transitions. Please remember to update your details as you move forward. This also provides a way for your challenge class cohort members to stay in touch with you and for our growing alumnae base to reach you for networking to include career and personal advice.
I am deeply grateful for all that Greater Missouri has provided me since my own Challenge year in 2013. I want to thank Jan Grossmann and Katie Steele Danner for their tremendous service and dedication as the visionaries and Executive Directors of our foundation during my ten years of service. This organization consistently fills my heart as I connect with my fellow class members, alumnae, and Challengers (the ABUNDANCE of you is too many to call out by name). Thank you for your enthusiasm and your tireless efforts to support and uplift women leaders! Together, we achieve so much more!
Roz