IN THIS ISSUE:
- – A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT
- – A NOTE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – YOUR “ONE WORD”
- – GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF A LIFETIME!
- – AND THE GAVEL GOES TO
- – GMLC 2016 KICKS OFF
- – IN THE SPOTLIGHT – GMLC ’16
- – SAVE THE DATE – WOMAN OF THE YEAR
- – WELCOME ABOARD
- – LINKEDIN AND LOVIN’ IT
- – LET’S CELEBRATE YOU!
A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Dear Friends of Greater Missouri Leadership,
It’s my honor and privilege to serve as the President of the Board of Directors for the Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation. I first became aware of Greater Missouri in 2000 while working at State Farm Insurance when we were asked to sponsor the program. We did, and we also put two high potential women in the program each year. I was not in a position to personally commit to the program until 2004, but I’m so glad I did. Greater Missouri was the single most beneficial professional development experience I’ve had to this day.
Later, I transitioned from State Farm yet stayed involved with Greater Missouri. I served as the interim executive director, served on the board and now have the incredible honor to follow in the steps of my mentors as the current board president.
I’m pleased to share that our foundation is as strong as it has ever been. Our organization has a lot to be proud of:
- – An experienced and dedicated Executive Director in Jan Grossmann
- – An income statement well in the black
- – Dedicated companies to sponsor and support our efforts
- – Engaged volunteers and regional planning teams
- – A 2016 (GMLC ’16) class filled to capacity, and we already have several women signed up for GMLC ’17!
This is the first time in my memory that we have had a class so full that we simply could not accommodate all the amazing nominees without changing the dynamics of the program. This is a great “problem” to have, as our program becomes increasingly prestigious and sought out through word of mouth.
March is an exciting time as we launched our first session for the Class of GM16, and as always, the caliber, diversity and backgrounds of the women in this class are amazing. Our first session kicked off in Columbia/Jefferson City March 8 – 10. The class examined higher education, state government and the judicial system. Beyond the first session, we have an exciting year planned. GMLC ’16 will road trip to Kansas City in June, Kirksville in September, and St. Louis, for the final session and graduation in November.
Last, please mark your calendars for May 17 and make plans to join friends of Greater Missouri in Kansas City as we celebrate our 2016 Woman of the Year. We’re pleased to announce that we will be recognizing Dr. Bridget McCandless, MD, MBA, and FASP, President and CEO of Healthcare Foundation of Greater Kansas City.
This is a great time for Greater Missouri! Thank you for your continued support and involvement. If you have news to share, we want to celebrate and hear from you. Please submit it to our new communications director, Sarah Wehde at sarahwehde@gmail.com.
Also, we’re social – stay connected! @GreaterMissouri | Facebook | LinkedIn
Suzanne Rothwell (GMLC ’04)
President, Board of Directors Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation
Executive Director, Advancement Division, Columbia College
A NOTE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Alumnae, do you remember the first day you walked into Session 1 of GMLC? What came to mind as you heard the agenda for the week? Or read the bios of all of the talented women sitting around you that would be in your class?
Last week I kicked off our 2016 class by asking each of our Challengers to sum up just how they were feeling after they first arrived in just ONE word. Grateful, Overwhelmed, Open, Inspired, Empowered… the list went on and on. Challengers saw these words come to life over our three days together.
I think it is important to reflect on your own Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge experience. What ONE word comes to mind about your journey? My ONE word is Today. For 27 years, the Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge has brought together top female leaders from across the state. I encourage you to stay connected and engaged Today with this powerful network of women before you! Let us support each other TODAY and always!
Jan
GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF A LIFETIME!
A Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation Lifetime Membership goes far beyond a one-time transaction. It lasts a lifetime! Your membership establishes a Lifetime connection between Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation and 27 years of successful female leaders in Missouri. Whether it has been days or decades since you have been part of Greater Missouri, don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity.
For the month of March, we are giving away a very special gift to any Greater Missouri Woman who signs up as Lifetime Member. In addition, all Lifetime members will be prominently listed on our Greater Missouri website. We appreciate your support and legacy for GMLF!
For additional details regarding your Lifetime Membership, contact Jan Grossmann today at 573.489.4324 | jgrossmann@greatermo.org
AND THE GAVEL GOES TO…
At our January Board of Director’s Meeting, former Board President, Tina Workman, was presented with a “gavel plaque” of appreciation as she completed her three year term as President of the Board for Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation. Executive Director, Jan Grossmann said, “It has been a pleasure to work with Tina. GMLF has progressed significantly under her leadership, making a positive difference in the lives of many women leaders!” Thank you Tina!
GMLC CLASS OF 2016 KICKS OFF!
The Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge Class of 2016 kicked off last week with our largest class yet, 44 amazing women, from across the state. Session 1 provided a fantastic overview of Missouri and gave our Challengers a broad understanding of the current demographics and at times, an eye opening view of issues affecting our state.
This session was a great foundation to the next 3 sessions that will take place throughout the year. Challengers were left with the question…how can and will they “Connect The Dots”?
2016 Symposium Dates: Columbia/Jeff City: March 8 – 10| Kansas City: June 8 – 10 | Kirksville: September 14 – 16| St. Louis: November 2 – 4
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Get to know our GMLC Class of 2016! Each month we will highlight some of our amazing women from this year’s class. Click on our Challenger’s “In the Spotlight” below to learn more and then “connect” with them via LinkedIn!
GREATER MISSOURI WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Our Greater Missouri Woman of the Year luncheon is right around the corner and will take place in Kansas City this year! Save the date for this one of a kind event that will honor this year’s recipient, Dr. Bridget McCandless, M.D, MBA, FACP on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 | 11:30 a.m.| Marriott Country Club Plaza | Kansas City, Missouri
The Woman of the Year Luncheon is GMLF’s main fundraiser, please consider a corporate sponsorship to support our Womean of the Year and the future of Greater Missouri!
Contact Jan Grossmann today for sponsorship details – 573.489.4324|jgrossmann@greatermo.org
WELCOME ABOARD
The Greater Missouri Board of Directors proudly welcomes two new members from Ameren in St. Louis, Missouri. LaDawn Ostmann (GMLC ’14), Director of Labor Relations and Training and Krista Bauer (GMLC ’12), Assistant Vice President, Corporate Human Resources. We are thrilled to have LaDawn and Krista share their talent on our 2016 Board .
LINKEDIN AND LOVIN’ IT!
With over 10 million users, LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool to connect business professionals around the world. It is also a great way you can connect and learn about other Greater Missouri Leadership Challengers, past and present, and promote your involvement with Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation to those in your Linkedin network.
Help us spread the “love” and boost your own profile while your at it. If you haven’t done so already take a minute to:
– List your involvement with Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation on your profile (For example, place under: Experience, Organizations, Awards)
– Double check that you are part of these 2 LinkedIn Groups: Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge Alumnae and Friends of Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge
– Last, make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and reflects you! Need help? Here is a great article to get started or contact Communications Director, Sarah Wehde for a personal profile makeover.
LET’S CELEBRATE YOU!
Your voice is what powers our efforts here at Greater Missouri and we want to celebrate you! Please let us know of any recent achievements, promotions, publications, family news, career news or anything you want to share. Use this form, or email our Communications Director, Sarah Wehde, directly at: sarahwehde@gmail.com. You may just see your name in lights in one of our upcoming publications or social media posts.