The League of Southwest Missouri hosted the statewide League of Women Voters Spring Conference April 30 at Schweitzer Brentwood Library, Springfield.
Southwest Missouri League co-presidents Julie Steiger and Jill Smull worked with the conference planning team to arrange a stable of outstanding speakers on public school issues, ranked choice voting and diversity, equity and inclusion:
- Grenita Lathan, superintendent, Springfield Public Schools with Dr. Denise Fredrick, SPS board member
- Caitlin Davies, assistant professor of political science, Missouri State University
- Jerry Williams, DEI professional, O’Reilly Auto Parts with Krista Moncado. program coordinator, Community Foundation of the Ozarks
Congratulations to CoxHealth CEO Steve Edwards who received the Rachel Farr Fitch Health Care Award. Steve was on hand to accept the award, named for the longtime League member who left a lasting impact on health care reform and public health advocacy when she died in 2013.
SWMO League board member Anissa Barber wrote the nomination of Edwards, citing his leadership in the Covid pandemic, as he became a trusted source both locally and nationally. Also cited was his advocacy for passage of Medicaid expansion in Missouri.
The Fitch Health Care Award is presented every other year by the League of Missouri. Also receiving the 2022 award was Joel Ferber, advocacy director for Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, St. Louis.
More than 75 League members from across Missouri participated in the hybrid conference, and many SWMO League members were involved in the planning and production.