Springfield, MO – Leadership Springfield is now managing Rosie, an advocate network for women who are current and prospective founders, business owners, and leaders in the Springfield region. 

Rosie was launched in 2016 by Rachel Anderson and Paige Oxendine with assistance from United WE. Rosie’s mission is to help connect, partner, collaborate, and continue to increase the support and access to resources for women as it relates to professional development, business assistance, and leadership. 

Since starting Rosie, membership has grown to over 1,000+, over 50 members have been appointed to boards, and more than 100 organizations signed on to an Equal Pay Pledge. After six years of tremendous growth and connection, they have decided to pass the torch to Leadership Springfield, a partner organization that they know and trust. 

“Rosie and its 1,000+ members have achieved a great deal over the last six years. I feel fortunate to live in a community with such a strong network of influential women and am excited for Leadership Springfield to incorporate this work into their ongoing mission to inspire, develop, and connect Springfield’s leaders,” said Paige Oxendine, cofounder of Rosie and consultant with Habitat Communication & Culture. 

Rosie has a strong local brand and has been an impactful network. 

“I’m very proud of what Rosie has been able to accomplish and the change it sparked. Leadership Springfield is the hallmark of community engagement, and this transition will provide additional support to develop and support women in leadership in our community,” said Rachel Anderson, cofounder of Rosie and director of efactory. 

The Leadership Springfield team looks forward to continuing the Rosie legacy of empowering women leaders in the Ozarks and will share future plans for Rosie after the new year. 

“We are committed to preserving the original mission and accessibility of Rosie while also leveraging Leadership Springfield's infrastructure to support this network of leaders,” said Carrie Richardson, Executive Director of Leadership Springfield.

Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates. 

About Leadership Springfield 

Leadership Springfield has been helping engage local professionals through leadership development and community connection for more than 35 years. Programs are designed to give participants a deeper understanding of their community and strengths. More than 2,500 individuals have graduated from the premier leadership program in the past three decades.