Ozarks Women in Leadership luncheon: Community for a cause

On Thursday, April 9, the College of the Ozarks hosted the Spring Luncheon of the Ozarks Women in Leadership, in the Silver Dollar City Parlor of the Keeter Center. 

Ozarks Women in Leadership exists to encourage women leaders and promote unity between the schools, churches, businesses, nonprofits, ministries and entertainment industry in the Ozarks. The biannual luncheon meetings bring together past, current, and future women leaders, ranging from recent college graduates to current business owners to retirees from all of these areas, to enjoy a delicious meal along with fellowship, connection and mutual encouragement. 

Featured speaker for the luncheon was Trudy Cathy White, daughter of Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy. Now a respected leader and author in addition to serving as an ambassador for the company, White’s presentation described the impact of her parents’ hard work, but even more, the impact of their values. She stressed the importance of identifying those values and making a conscious decision to preserve them for future generations. “How you live is more important than your name,” said White. “It’s never too late to be intentional with your values. The legacy you will leave is the life you are living right now.” 

Before White spoke, students from the School of the Ozarks laboratory school on the C of O campus presented a special musical number, composed just for the occasion in honor of her dedication and accomplishments. 

Ozarks Women in Leadership luncheons also include information about the OWL scholarship fund and an opportunity to participate. The fund helps create margin for female students to participate in internships and other enhancements to their education without the stress of working during the summer to pay for their room and board or for books. The 2026 Immediate Impact OWL Scholarship was awarded to Serenity Porch, who will be participating in an internship with Concerned Women for America; and the Endowed Scholarship for 2026 will go to Melaina Wilson, who will do an internship with Springfield’s Dickerson Park Zoo. 

Another highlight of the luncheon was the presentation of the 2026 OWL Leadership Award to Becky Gideon Roberts. Becky’s grandfather, Joe Gideon, was the first graduate from the School of the Ozarks’ original location in Forsyth, and she has continued his legacy with her many contributions to helping others succeed. 

To get involved in future Ozarks Women in Leadership events and enjoy some great Christian fellowship while helping encourage future women leaders, visit  https://ozarkswomenleadership.com.