Class of 2024 Session I Kicks Off on March 5

February 26, 2024

It’s been delightful meeting with Greater MO Alumnae and current challengers across the state at our Class of 2024 meet-and-greets. We held events in Columbia, Springfield, St. Louis, Kirksville, and Kansas City. Now we are excited to officially kick off Session I March 5-7 as we bring all members of the Class of 2024 together to begin their leadership journey.

The Greater MO Board of Directors sets learning objectives and goals for each session of the Challenge year. Session I is focused on cohesion of the Class cohort and learning more about government, the political process, and education. We will achieve these objectives by spending time in both Columbia and Jefferson City. Our time in Columbia will be highlighted by exposure to local government, while our time in Jefferson City will see us delving into the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. As always it will be a packed agenda. We are so appreciative of our planning teams and our sponsors for supporting this work.

Another significant component of Session I is introducing the class to their CliftonStrengths to aid each class member in learning more about their leadership style and strengths. This tool is integrated throughout our GMLC Sessions to facilitate personal and professional growth, helping us achieve the goals set during Session I.

Highlights of our Session I Agenda:

Empowering Excellence: Women in Leadership, Columbia Chief of Police Jill Schlude, GMLC Class of 2015

Connecting Communities: Exploring Missouri’s Leadership Landscape and Building Relationships, Katie Steele Danner, Executive Director, GMLF, Class of 1993

Honor the Past/Shop the Future: Introduction and tour of this new collaborative venue between the District, Columbia REDI, and Central Missouri Community Action that includes an innovative retail incubator and co-working space for entrepreneurs in Boone County. Nickie Davis, Executive Director of the Downtown Community Improvement District – The District joined by Stacey Button, President, REDI, GMLC Class of 2016, and REDI Board of Directors and Investors.

The Business of Women’s Health: Strategies and Perspectives from an Academic Medical Center
Panel Discussion facilitated by Marty McCormick, Class of 2023
Jean Goodman, MD, Chair, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women’s Health, MU School of Medicine
Laura Hesemann, MD, Chair, Department of Pediatrics, MU School of Medicine
Shelley Naydyhor, Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives, MU Health Care

Welcome, Tour and Interaction with Members of the Missouri General Assembly at the Missouri State Capitol. Legislative Visits, Missouri House of Representatives and Senate introductions.

Arrive Missouri Governor’s Mansion for Luncheon and Networking
Empowering Leadership: Navigating Challenges, Embracing Opportunities, Robin Wenneker, Managing Partner- CPW Partnership, Chair – University of Missouri Board of Curators, GMLC Class of 2016.

Overview and Tour of MO Department of Corrections – Jefferson City Correctional Center (JCCC)

Missouri Supreme Court Tour and Panel of Women Judges: History and Role of the Judicial Branch

Dinner at Lincoln University

Empowering Excellence: Women in Leadership, Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe

Cultivating Prosperity: Exploring the Economic Vitality of Boone County; Stacey Button, President, REDI, GMLC Class of 2016 and Lisa Driskel-Hawxby, REDI, Business Development Specialist, GMLC Class of 2023

Unveiling Perspectives: Navigating Bias Through Understanding and Dialogue, Nikki Carter, Director – Belonging & Community Impact, University of Missouri Health Care, GMLC Class of 2018

Connecting the Dots of Session One – Tina Olson, GMLC Class of 2010 Group discussion and reflection on experience expectations for Session II Springfield/Branson