Lori Robertson, leadership and communication coach, gives keynote address at the 2025 Fall OWL Luncheon.

On Tuesday, Sept. 9, the Ozarks Women in Leadership luncheon took place on the campus of College of the Ozarks. Women from around the region who exemplify leadership joined to network and recognize outstanding achievements by female students and other influential women in the community.

The honored guest, Lori Robertson, founder of SpeakHer Coach, was this year’s keynote speaker. Robertson is a leadership and communication coach, keynote speaker, and story strategist who helps leaders leverage compelling communication and strategic storytelling for greater influence and impact. She brings both academic rigor and real-world experience to her work. For more than 20 years, she has helped individuals and organizations communicate with greater clarity, credibility and confidence.

On Tuesday, Sept. 9, the Ozarks Women in Leadership luncheon takes place on the campus of College of the Ozarks. Pictured (Left to Right): Laura Lacey Johnson, First Lady of College of the Ozarks; Lori Robertson; Dr. Sue Head, vice president for cultural activities and institutional advancement; Dr. Natalie Rasnick, dean of development.

“Lori Robertson offered such an encouraging reminder to our OWL community,” said Valorie Coleman, director of communications and public relations. “Her message about the mountains we face — that one day they will be far behind us, while the strength and character we build along the climb will remain forever — resonated deeply. She challenged us to surround ourselves with community, persevere with courage, and never give up. Her words were both inspiring and practical for women seeking to lead with faith and resilience.”

Robertson shared her inspiring story about her journey climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and how she was encouraged to not remain stuck in one place, but to continue moving forward.

Attendees included regional female leaders, community members, and College of the Ozarks students who gathered to celebrate and engage in meaningful discussions about leadership, legacy, and service.

Attendees include regional female leaders, community members, and College of the Ozarks students who gather to celebrate and engage in meaningful discussions about leadership, legacy, and service.

Laura Lacey Johnson, First Lady of College of the Ozarks, opened the event with a welcome and prayer. Worship followed, led by junior Sophie Harmon, family studies/social services major, and sophomore Susie Pennington, of the same program.

The Ozarks Women in Leadership awarded the OWL Scholarship to select female students for academic excellence and leadership, underscoring the College’s commitment to fostering the next generation of effective female leaders. Natalie Rasnick, dean of development, gave supporting comments and introduced the following scholarship recipients:  

• Lillian Chisum, junior English major, from Valley View, Texas
• Abigayle Jeter, senior public relations major, from Boone, North Carolina
• Brooke Williams, senior English major, from Fort Worth, Texas
• Aiyana Boyd, junior nursing major, from Branson, Missouri
• Elisabeth Sipe, junior elementary education major from High Ridge, Missouri
• Aubree Durst, junior elementary education major, from Moundridge, Kansas
• Olivia Finch, business administration major, from Shell Knob, Missouri
• Katey Kidd, junior business administration major, from Buckner, Missouri
• Natalee Koch, junior criminal justice major, from Bucyrus, Missouri
• Addison Houston, junior nursing major, from Marshfield, Missouri
• Julia Petsch, junior elementary education major, from Lexington, Missouri
• Lindsey Nichols, junior English major, from Steelville, Missouri

“I was deeply honored to be awarded the Ozark Women in Leadership Scholarship,” Jeter said. “Attending the OWL Luncheon and meeting some of the generous donors was a meaningful experience. I am incredibly grateful for this gift and for the event, both of which reflect the kind and generous leadership I aspire to demonstrate one day.”

More About Lori Robertson

Robertson received her master of business administration from Missouri State University and a certificate in Executive Women’s Leadership from Cornell University.

 Robertson blends deep expertise with a passion for empowering others. She spent a decade producing and emceeing Women of Faith, the world’s largest live event tour for women, where she witnessed the power of words and stories to transform lives.

Through keynotes, workshops, and coaching, she equips leaders to communicate with clarity and confidence, driving greater impact and results. As the founder of SpeakHer Coach, Robertson guides women leaders to craft and communicate messages that build businesses and personal brands.

For more information about Ozarks Women in Leadership, please contact Abigail Buschman, director of development, at (417) 690-2209.