Established in 1990, the Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge is the marquee program of the Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation. The Challenge is a year-long statewide traveling symposium that provides women leaders with education and experiences to assist them in addressing critical issues facing our state. The sessions begin in March and conclude in November of each year.
Participants meet for four, three-day sessions combining:
- Continuing education in leadership development
- Discussion of statewide policy issues
- Exposure to the philosophies and thoughts of the state’s business, cultural, educational, and political leaders
- Expanding professional networks & channels of communication
With the wealth of talented women in the state, Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge provides an enriching experience for the participants, sponsoring organizations, and the state.
2024 GMLC Dates
2024 GMLC Dates
- SESSION 1 – MARCH 5-7 Columbia/Jefferson City
- SESSION 2 – JUNE 19-21 Springfield/Branson
- SESSION 3 – SEPTEMBER 18-20 Kirksville/N. MO
- SESSION 4 – NOVEMBER 13-15 St. Louis
2025 GMLC Dates
2025 GMLC Dates
- SESSION 1 – MARCH 11-13 Columbia/Jefferson City
- SESSION 2 – JUNE 11-13 Kansas City
- SESSION 3 – SEPTEMBER 10-12 Kirksville
- SESSION 4 – NOVEMBER 12-14 St. Louis
Who participates?
Participants represent a diverse cross-section of women from Missouri and its contiguous states. Each group is carefully chosen to reflect a balance of ethnic, cultural, geographic, career and philanthropic experiences. Applicants are selected by the organization’s board of directors. Today over 1,000 prestigious alumnae from both rural and urban areas include corporate executives, lawyers, physicians, allied health professionals, journalists, education leaders, artists, financial service industry leaders, nonprofit executives, engineers, entrepreneurs and elected officials.
Candidates with a record of remarkable professional achievement, evidence of leadership skills, a demonstrated commitment to public service, and the necessary team-oriented mindset are strongly encouraged to apply.
Tuition
Tuition for the year-long symposium is $2,900. Programming, most meals, transportation in and around the host city, and materials for each session are provided. Each participant is responsible for travel to the site and lodging expenses. A non-refundable application fee of $50 should be submitted with the application. Partial Scholarships are available to exceptional women based on clearly demonstrated financial need.
Talk to your HR team about this professional development opportunity and/or ask your accountant or bookkeeper about using our Challenge as a professional development tax write-off. It’s an investment that pays for itself.
Questions?
Contact Katie Steele Danner: kdanner@greatermo.org
How to Apply or Nominate a Participant
Applications for the 2025 challenge year are accepted through September 30, 2024. You can also nominate someone for the program and we will reach out to them. The board of directors begins approving applications in October and makes final decisions by the end of December. Applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received, so please apply early.
