Leadership That Multiplies: Reflections from the Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge

Across the country, organizations are working to expand opportunities for women – strengthening leadership pipelines, supporting economic empowerment, and helping more voices shape the future of our communities.

By Kelsey Thompson

At Mazur & Co., we’re fortunate to work alongside many of these efforts – from civic leadership programs like the Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation to multi-state work advancing women’s economic empowerment through partners like United WE. Last week, I had the opportunity to spend several days with the Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge Class of 2026 during the program’s first session in Columbia and Jefferson City.

Mazur & Co. partners with Executive Director Katie Steele Danner to help bring this statewide leadership program to life each year. The Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge brings together women leaders from across Missouri to deepen their understanding of the issues shaping our state while building relationships that strengthen leadership across sectors.

Over several days, participants explored the institutions that shape Missouri – from visits to the Missouri State Capitol to conversations with leaders across healthcare, education, and public service. These experiences help participants better understand how policy, institutions, and community leadership intersect to influence the future of our communities.

But just as important as the institutions were the conversations happening between the leadership cohort members.

Cohort members from nonprofit organizations, government, healthcare systems, education, and the private sector came together to share perspectives on what effective leadership looks like today – and how collaboration across sectors can create stronger communities.

One highlight for me was the strengths-based leadership sessions led by Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight of The DeBruce Foundation and Carrie Collier of the University of Missouri Career Center, who taught participants to apply their strengths in both their personal and professional lives.

The most effective leaders aren’t focused only on their own success – they are focused on multiplying leadership in others.

Programs like the Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge play an important role in building those networks. They bring together leaders who may work in very different environments but share a commitment to strengthening their communities.

Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight presenting to the GMLC Class of 2026.

Carrie Collier wrapping up Session I with a reflection on strengths and leadership skills.

As someone who spends much of my time helping organizations move ideas into action through operational leadership and project management, I was especially struck by how intentional the program is about connecting leadership reflection with real-world systems.

To get from vision to impact, leadership requires understanding how institutions work, how relationships are built, and how decisions ripple across communities.

During Women’s History Month, it felt especially fitting to spend time with a group of women who are actively shaping the next chapter of leadership in their communities and across Missouri.

If this first session is any indication, the future of leadership is strong with this group of thoughtful, collaborative, and committed individuals lifting others along the way.