Leading Ladies Luncheon

Description

Sunday, April 7, 2024 from 1:00 pm -2:30 pm – Doors open at 12:30 pm

History Museum on the Square – Voices of History Gallery 154 Park Central Square

Admission: $20 per person, includes light box lunch, program, and general admission to the museum.

The Leading Ladies Luncheon is a vibrant celebration and insightful discussion dedicated to recognizing and promoting the achievements of professional women in the Springfield area. Through an engaging panel featuring successful women from diverse fields, our event aims to illuminate their unique career trajectories, highlight the challenges they have overcome, and provide a platform for discussing the triumphs and tribulations of navigating the professional landscape.

The following Leading Ladies on the panel will share their experiences:

Kitty Ledbetter: Katheryn “Kitty” Ledbetter blazed trails as Springfield’s first female disc jockey on KTTS radio. Following her pioneering work in radio, she pursued a scholarly path, earning a PhD in English and dedicating 24 years to teaching at Texas State University. Now retired, she holds the title of professor emerita. Recently, she collaborated with Scott Foster Siman to co-author “Broadcasting the Ozarks: Si Siman and Country Music at the Crossroads.”

Diane Homan: Diane Homan has been an integral part of the trust and investment management industry since 1986. At Central Trust Company, she serves as the leader of the Springfield office, where she oversees various client relationships. Her responsibilities include providing comprehensive wealth advisory services, implementing tax and estate planning strategies, and offering fiduciary services. Diane cherishes the meaningful connections she has forged with her clients and their families throughout her career. Committed to both her profession and community, she actively participates in organizations such as the Greene County Estate Planning Council, the Professional Advisors Council of the Community Foundation, and the Cox Children’s Miracle Network Campaign Committee. She has also chaired the Springfield American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” campaign.

Rachael “Dami” Odunewu: Driven by her calling as a medical missionary, Racheal “Dami” Odunewu founded Divine Missions Health Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing healthcare access in underserved communities locally in Southwest Missouri and abroad in third-world countries.

Brandy Harris:  Brandy began her career as a teacher before transitioning to various roles within the Boys and Girls Club. With degrees from Drury University and Missouri State University, she’s deeply engaged in philanthropic work, receiving awards like the Springfield Public Schools Hall of Fame induction and the 2021 Virginia Fry Rising Star Award. She’s passionate about advocating for children, especially underrepresented communities. Living in Springfield with her husband, Brandy enjoys board games, movies, and creative pursuits like painting and poetry.

The luncheon seeks to inspire attendees by fostering an environment of inspiration, empowerment, and connection. It also aims to foster a community that supports and uplifts the aspirations of women in our vibrant and diverse community.

Free parking is located at the corner of Olive & Boonville. These reservations are non-refundable.