My heart is full and I am SO PROUD of the Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge Class of 2024. I was able to join them for their final session in St. Louis and congratulate them on their journey. I was truly grateful to be with this group of inspirational women leaders. The atmosphere was positively electric as they shared their experiences and their hopes for the future. I am inspired by everyone, willing to listen deeply and to engage openly.

As we end 2024, we are at a powerful moment in history, one that invites us to rethink and reshape the dynamics of gender and power. Many are feeling disappointment that history wasn’t made with the election of the first woman—and woman of color—to our nation’s highest office.

At this moment, we can let this disappointment fuel our determination, reminding us that we are part of the solution, and together, we can effect change. At the same time, our nation prepares for a peaceful transition of leadership while our state welcomes a new Governor. For those of you charged by recent events and are wanting to make a difference through civic leadership, the United WE Appointments Project may guide you in the direction you are seeking. We have partnered with them on this activity since the beginning and are pleased that many of our alumnae have been selected for service.

Another way we can effect change is to serve in our community.  I was privileged to recently join several of our mid-Missouri alums at our local food bank and volunteer.  I reminded our new class of Alumnae of the opportunity to serve together with other class alums in their region as well.  We can do that right now and make a difference in our local communities.

Our current Board of Directors recently met for the last time this year. I share much gratitude to our Members who are rolling off the Board after this year and thank you for your service and dedication. We will soon be welcoming new Members to the Board. Even more excitingly, we will be soon ushering a new cohort of women, who will be participating in the 2025 Challenge!

I encourage all Alumnae to enjoy this holiday season and practice self-care. We have all had a dynamic year, and I want us to all take time to relax and recharge as we head into the new year. Note our calendar and be on the lookout for 2025 events, we have much in store.

The hope I hold as our year ends – and that I hope each of you will share – is that we each have the power to make a positive impact in our communities and thus on the world.