Award of Distinction
| Each year, the Missouri Women's Council solicits nominations of individuals and/or organizations that have made a significant impact upon women and their families. Many outstanding individuals and organizations have helped shape Missouri and continue to contribute their talents and skills to improve and enhance the quality of life in the state. The council has established the Award of Distinction to recognize, honor and celebrate these achievements. To nominate someone for this award, go to the nomination form link below. A silent committee will review completed nominations and the award will be presented at the Governor's Conference on Economic Development this fall. Award of Distinction Nomination Form | |
| 2008 Award of Distinction Dr. Jacqueline Snyder | |
| Dr. Jacqueline Snyder Chancellor, Metropolitan Community College As the first woman Chancellor of the Metropolitan Community College in its 92 year history, Dr. Jacqueline Snyder is a powerful and unique role model for women not only in Kansas City but also throughout Missouri. From the beginning, Dr. Snyder focused on working with and for women. She taught at several different levels including junior high, high school and college classes. While at Johnson County Community College she developed the program “Women in Business Ownership,” which supported women developing entrepreneurial skills. She was recognized for this program by serving as Community College Fellow in the League for Innovation in Community Colleges. Dr. Snyder continued her career as the Chancellor of the Metropolitan Community College, focusing on training, employment, education and career advancement for women who are MCC students. Dr. Snyder also dedicates a generous portion of her time to community service serving on several boards of directors including the American Association of Community College Women’s Network, Women’s Employment Network and Adult Basic Education in Kansas City. She has also served as a mentor to women in the National Institute of Leadership Development in Community Colleges program. Dr. Snyder is known for her integrity, her ability to provide positive leadership in a collaborative working environment, and her dedication to excellence in all that she does. She continues to be both a role model for women and one who has opened countless doors of opportunity for the women of Kansas City and Missouri. |
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| 2007 Award of Distinction Kathy Lambert | |
| Kathy Lambert Connections to Success In May of 1998, Lambert opened the first boutique of Dress for Success Midwest. This program provides women returning to the work force with interview appropriate clothing. Dress for Success Midwest received the 1999 PROUD Award for Charity of the Year St. Charles County. Under Lambert’s leadership the organization has grown and expanded into Connections to Success. In an effort to meet the needs of families moving from poverty to self reliance, Connections to Success developed additional programs. They include Faith and Family Connections, Wheels for Success, The Professional Women’s Group and the Real Men’s Group, Wheels of Hope, and Pathways to Success. Faith and Family Connections is a faith-based mentoring program. Mentor teams provide individual participants with emotional and social support. Wheels for Success accepts donated vehicles and awards them to qualified program participants. The Professional Women’s Group and Real Men’s Group are job retention programs. They address social and economic needs in relation to work, home and community. Wheels of Hope is an outreach vehicle for Connections to Success. The mobile trailer takes the program to the areas of greatest need. Pathways to Success is a transition program for individuals returning to the community from the judicial system. Lambert has received recognition from The U.S. Senate, the U.S. Department of Labor, Women’s Bureau, the U.S. House of Representatives, the State of Missouri Senate, and the State of Missouri House of Representatives. The Faith Based office of the U.S. Department of Labor awarded Connections to Success the “Touching Lives and Changing Communities” Award. Lambert also received The 2005 ATHENA Award. |
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| 2006 Award of Distinction Roseann Bentley | |
| Roseann Bentley Greene County Commissioner 2nd District Roseann Bentley’s exceptional contributions to the cause of women and children have had a significant impact locally, state-wide and nationally. She has been tireless in her efforts to make a difference over many years and through a variety of ways. Roseann was the first woman elected to the Missouri Senate from Southwest Missouri. She helped set up a Take Your Daughters to Work Day in the State Capitol and gave keynote addresses to approximately 100 girls for several years. Roseann sponsored legislation which was amended onto House Bill 1519 which took thirty million dollars from the gaming boat entry fees and used it to fund better early childhood education. This bill set up programs for more quality child care, for parenting education and for developmentally appropriate activities taught to childcare providers and to stay at home moms. She chaired the Children’s Services Commission for three years. This commission discussed and analyzed how their actions and legislation affected families. She was co-founder of the United Way Day of Caring fourteen years ago. This event has become an annual event in Springfield. She has seen thousands of volunteer hours given on behalf of women and children. She served as the President of the Junior League of Springfield. The year she served, the League started a thrift shop which has given three million dollars back to the community from the profits the shop has generated. She was awarded the Association of Junior Leagues’ International Mary Harriman Award for her work on behalf of women and children. She co-sponsored the bill that set up the first Missouri Office for Women’s Health. Her insights and far reaching efforts are a tribute to a woman who has made significant contributions to the cause of women and families. Her dedication and focus are truly amazing. |
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