It is truly amazing what we can achieve when we come together. Women’s Leadership Society (WLS) is a growing community of over 3,000 women who collectively give their time, talent and treasures to help people in the St. Louis region. We use the power of our community to bring driven women together to address social issues and work to create a solid foundation for our region.
By answering the call to help their neighbors in need, WLS members make a difference every day throughout our region.
Your investment directly improves the lives of thousands of local people. As a Women’s Leadership Society member, you’ll:
Our members network with fellow members through formal and informal events throughout the year. We use the power of our community to bring driven women together to address social issues.
We believe that there’s a real thrill to being part of something that helps to improve so many people’s lives in the St. Louis region. Women’s Leadership Society members gain access to rewarding opportunities to get involved in and help impact the many different issues facing our community, from education to financial stability to health.
We strongly believe that every woman can harness the skills required to lead at work, in the community, and at home. Our members come from different industries and backgrounds, and use their unique experiences to inspire and challenge one another. Through the Women’s Leadership Society, we’re working to create a solid foundation for the St. Louis region.
provides a month’s stay for a mother and her children in a domestic violence shelter
provides emergency assistance for 5 families during a crisis
helps 33 children in need with shoes and clothing for a school year
Open to women who support Women's Leadership Society's mission and make an annual pledge of $1,000 or more to United Way of Greater St. Louis.
Learn MoreThe annual membership commitment for the Women's Leadership Society is a $1,000 donation to help people in the St. Louis region live their best possible lives.
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2021 CO-CHAIRS
Margaret McDonald, HOK
Susan Stith, Cigna
CABINET MEMBERS
Sheila Alsup, ICL Specialty Products Inc.
Andrea Barry, Deloitte
Caroline Battles, Ascension
Jackie Behnen, Edward Jones
Julianne Callaway, RGA Reinsurance Company
Heather Dell, The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Karen Dupske, Daugherty Business Solutions
Julie Erickson, Center for Hearing & Speech
Shannon Favazza, Edward Jones
Mary Fernandes, Bayer U.S. LLC
Kristin Guehlstorf, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
LaVicki Hart, Coldwell Banker Gundaker
Alexis Hershey, Midwest BankCentre
Cheryl Jones, Girls Incorporated of Saint Louis
Karen Jordan, Dentons
Lori Knudson, Aegion Corporation
Michelle Ko, Edward Jones
Nancy LeVault, Programs and Services for Older Person
Angie Minges, Nestle Purina PetCare Company
Jamie Orf, KellyMitchell Group, Inc.
Christine Page, Missouri-American Water Company
Kristen Polchinski, U.S. Bank
Lindsay Rozycki, Starburst Data
Christy Sales, Edward Jones
Tracy Shepard, Edward Jones
Pam Weston, Centene Corporation
Ashley Wunderlich, Altus Properties, LLC
Mary Ann Wymore, Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C.
Patricia Zahn, University of Missouri – St. Louis
Past Women’s Leadership Society Chairs
2020: Margaret McDonald, Michelle Ko
2019: Sharon Price John, Michelle Ko
2017-2018: Ellen Theroff
2015-2016: Penny Pennington
2013-2014: Marilyn Bush
2011-2012: Cassandra Sanford
2009-2010: Deb Hollingsworth
2008: Jan Holloway
2006-2007: Ellen Sherberg
2004-2005: Merry Mosbacher
2002-2003: Patricia Mercurio
2000-2001: Linda Locke, Juanita Hinshaw
1998-1999: Francine Katz
1996-1997: Mary Ann Krey
