The Spirit of Martha Award honors MU women who have distinguished themselves as leaders in their chosen profession and volunteerism. Recipients of this award exemplify the spirit of service and leadership, particularly in the furtherance of women. Mizzou alumnae, faculty, or staff members with a career of service are eligible for nomination. We are thrilled that a distinguished Greater Missouri alumna has been selected for this year’s award.

Randa Rawlins (GMLC Class of 2015) is the President & CEO of Shelter Insurance Companies; the first woman to serve in the role. After graduating from the University of Missouri School of Law in 1982, she went into private practice in Kansas City for twenty years, joining Shelter as general counsel in 2002. Locally, she is a member of the City of Columbia’s Airport Advisory Board, the Missouri Innovation Center Board and the Regional Economic Development Inc. Board.

Throughout her career, she has broken barriers; she was the first woman president of the Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers, as well as the first woman honored with the Lon O. Hocker Award, granted by the Missouri Bar to young lawyers for exemplary professionalism and high ethical conduct.

Her past civic activities include service as a member of the Board of Governors of Truman State University from 1997-2008, where she earned her undergraduate degree, and continuing service on its Foundation Board until 2014.

She also manages her family farm in Hale, Missouri, where she grew up and continues as a fifth generation farmer. She is married to Blaine Einspahr who recently retired after working in the construction business for 40 years. They enjoy traveling and playing golf, as well as being fans of the Chiefs, Royals, Cardinals and Tigers.

Through the Griffiths Leadership Society, the Mizzou Alumni Association hopes to promote the growth and education of women and to create a nationwide network of women leaders with ties to MU.

Established in 2005, the Griffiths Leadership Society connects an influential and dynamic group of women through mentorship and networking.

Members includes both undergraduates and alumnae, connected by their ties to Mizzou, and are selected by the Membership Committee each year. Griffiths members gather twice yearly for leadership conferences in Columbia focused on personal and professional development.