On August 27, the day before the official opening of the 2021 GFWC Annual Convention, Rebecca (Becky) Whitley Watkins from Quitman, Mississippi, attended the Leadership Education and Development (LEADS) Seminar and is now a graduate of the LEADS program. Becky was selected by her State Federation as a clubwoman at the grassroots level who has the potential to assume leadership positions in GFWC beyond her club.
The LEADS Seminar in Atlanta, Georgia, covered a variety of topics that focused on leadership capabilities and the commitment necessary to serve a higher GFWC office with distinction. These topics were Body Language and Listening Skills, Building Influence, Effective Delegating & Mentoring 101, Facilitating Effective Meetings, GFWC 101: Structure & Governance, GFWC 201: Club Manual & Resolutions, Leadership & Followership, Leadership Toolkit & GFWC Member Portal, Protocol & Parliamentary Procedures, Public Speaking & Presentation Skills, Teamwork, Collaboration and Conflict Resolution, and Time Management & Goal Setting. Throughout the day, LEADS candidates were encouraged to discover the ways in which they are GFWC heroes, culminating in designing their own superhero shields.
Over the course of her time as a clubwoman, Becky served in numerous positions serving in legislative issues, advocacy for children and youth, education and support services, and presently serves as President of Quitman Woman’s Club. In addition to her local service, Becky has served as on District Committees, Chair of the Central District Convention, and presently serves on the Central District and the GFWC-Mississippi Board of Directors. While these positions had given her the confidence to pursue national office, the LEADS Seminar provided Becky with invaluable insight into how to further prepare for her leadership journey. Most of all though, the valuable contribution dedicated clubwomen make in community improvement shows in the lives of others through local, state and national volunteer service.
