Menu
Cottey College recognized by Women's Foundation of Greater Kansas City
Nevada Daily Mail
Fourteen hundred individuals gathered over the holidays in Kansas City for the annual luncheon of the Women's Foundation of Greater Kansas City, at which Cottey College was recognized for its partnership with the Foundation.
The keynote speaker for the luncheon was former Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright.
In 2014, Cottey formed a partnership with the Foundation to assist in revamping its granting program for high school girls to include a broader focus on leadership. One of the activities of the program, now called the Girls' Leadership Program, was a day-and-a-half leadership retreat on the Cottey campus in November.
Former Kansas Sen. Barbara Allen, honorary co-chair, presented welcoming remarks, along with former Kansas Sen. David Wysong. Highlighting the work of the Women's Foundation in 2014, Allen said, "The Women's Foundation also supports the next generation of women leaders through the Girls' Leadership Program.
"In partnership with Cottey College, the Girls' Leadership Program develops girls into leaders by teaching area young women all aspects of philanthropy, including grant making, fundraising, leadership, team building, program evaluation, and budgeting.
"Together we are cultivating our next generation of leaders to work for change in both the public and private sectors."
Dr. Judy Rogers, president of Cottey College, stated, "Cottey celebrates the partnership formed with the Women's Foundation this year. We share the goals of promoting equity and opportunity for all women and are pleased to have helped reshape the Foundation's Girls' Leadership Program.
"We look forward to strengthening this relationship as we strive to help every woman find her voice."
In Dr. Albright's speech, she focused on the need for more women in leadership roles in society. She stated, "It took me quite a long time to develop my voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent."
Dr. Albright was the 63rd Secretary of State of the United States. In 1997, she was named the first female Secretary of State and became the highest ranking woman in the history of U.S. government.
Currently, Dr. Albright is the chair of Albright Stonebridge Group, a global strategy firm, and chair of Albright Capital Management LLC, an investment advisory firm.
"The one thing I refuse to do is to become silent. Because when I look around the world, I can see that we need every available voice speaking up for democracy and tolerance, human rights and peace.
"And whether here in Kansas City or in nations abroad, we need every voice encouraging young women and girls to believe they can be anything they want to be as long as they are willing to work hard," added Dr. Albright.
The luncheon also marked the launch of the "Will Work for Change" campaign by the Women's Foundation. The Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women and girls.
Dr. Rogers is a member of the Women's Foundation Advisory Council.