Four Women Leaders Honored in Springfield
(Springfield, MO) – Today, the Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation honored the 2025 Women of the Year in Springfield at the Oasis Hotel & Convention Center. Honored today were:
- Community Leader of the Year – Dr. Nancy O’Reilly, psychologist, speaker, researcher, philanthropist, and founder of the WomenSpeak Project and Women Connect 4 Good, Inc.
- Inspirational Leader of the Year – Darline Mabins, Director of Community Engagement, Community Partnership of the Ozarks, GMLC Alumna Class of 2016
- Civic Leader of the Year – Zora Mulligan, Chancellor, Missouri State University – West Plains
- Alumna Leader of the Year – Thalia Cherry, Founder & CEO of Cherry & Co., GMLC Alumna Class of 2012
This event and awards have been presented annually since 2006 by the Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation to recognize prominent female citizens of Missouri who exemplify the Greater Missouri Woman. The rotating event is held across the state and in 2026 will take place in Columbia.
“A Greater Missouri Woman is recognized as accomplished in her field of endeavor. The maturity and professionalism realized by reaching her level of success are demonstrated by her leadership, civic contributions and ability to inspire and support others. She is intellectually curious, interacts well with others, and while passionate in her beliefs, is open-minded when confronted with new points of view. She is committed to a life of learning and personal growth.”
The Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation is home to the Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge (The Challenge). The Challenge is a year-long statewide traveling symposium, comprised of women leaders selected annually through a competitive application process. Missouri women are encouraged to learn more and apply for the program by September 30 at GreaterMO.org.
About Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation
The Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization that supports the Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge (GMLC). GMLC has been providing professional development for exceptional women leaders in Missouri since 1990. GMLC is a statewide year-long leadership symposium that provides a four-session program for selected women leaders. GreaterMO.org
