The Power of Women Expo begins at 10 a.m. The expo hosts local businesses and community groups, along with campus organizations. The luncheon will take place at 11:45 a.m.

“Since the launch of the Power of Women initiative we have experienced the strength of thousands of women joined in unity,” said Amanda Lincoln, assistant vice president of Advancement at Southeast and event chair. “We have learned together, and we’ve made invaluable connections as part of the Power of Women initiative. What’s most exciting is that where we go next is limitless, unstoppable, and completely inspiring.”

The 2023 keynote speaker for the Power of Women luncheon is Molly Eggleston. Eggleston is a graduate of Southeast and was one of the first recipients of a Power of Women scholarship. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing and has worked at Mercy Hospital Saint Louis in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit as a registered nurse and adult ECMO specialist. She earned the 2018 Saint Louis Magazine Cardiovascular Nurse of the Year recognition and the 2019 Missouri March of Dimes Critical Care Nurse of the Year award. 

Eggleston has served as an adjunct faculty instructor at Maryville University and the University of Missouri-Saint Louis. She is a leader in the nursing field, currently working as an acute care nurse practitioner in criitical care medicine. She also serves on the Southeast Missouri State University Foundation Board.

“Molly exemplifies the qualities we look for when we choose the Power of Women scholarship recipients and has continued to be a great role model for women,” said Lincoln. “She has made huge positive impacts after receiving her education and continues to help the future generation of women.”

The Power of Women program at Southeast began in 2012. It is designed to encourage women throughout the region to support the University through service and philanthropy, including local businesswomen, alumni, and students. 

The program also connects female students with financial resources and role models throughout the area to help support their education. This is done through scholarships, mentorships, internships and service projects.

The annual luncheon and expo brings groups of women together to celebrate and enhance the future generation of women. A portion of the proceeds from the ticket sales goes toward the Power of Women scholarship program. There have been more than 70 scholarships awarded since the initiation of the program. 

Tickets for the expo and luncheon are available for purchase at the Power of Women event page. Individual tickets are $35 a piece and table packages are $200.