In February of this year, the Womentum Board of Directors and I gathered to outline a strategic plan for the next five years. Womentum has grown tremendously since 2018, when Caryn Flanagan, now Board member, passed the Executive Director title on to me.
During my 5-year tenure, Womentum has grown to reach approximately 1,000 women a year through our programs — all while staying true to our roots and maintaining Womentoring, our signature 9-month mentorship program. Our annual Leadership Summit, Speaker Series, and public workshops have expanded our network in ways beyond our imagination. Nationally, statewide and locally, we have increased our diversity and outreach.
Womentum’s mission is inspiring and connecting women to thrive as leaders. To say that Womentum has been an inspiration for me, is an understatement. I have learned something special from every one of the 200 women who have participated in Womentoring during my leadership, as well as many of the 300 more alumnae I have come to call friends and personal mentors. I have seen nonprofit organizations and businesses develop from ideas into thriving community offerings and facilities. I’ve witnessed the courage of running for and serving as public officers. I’ve delighted in hearing about engagements, marriages, and pregnancies. I’ve witnessed the resilience needed to navigate the challenges of juggling career and family, health issues, loss of loved ones, and the frustrations of the housing crisis in our community. I have been awed by the unwavering pursuits of passions and women stepping into their power to make a difference in Jackson Hole and beyond. More than anything, I’ve learned that when women consciously commit to being there for one another, solutions — and often miracles — happen.
With this, it feels time for me to pass the baton on to new leadership for Womentum. I plan to stay in this position until it is filled and look forward to supporting a new leader. Once the new Executive Director is in place, Womentum will begin hiring for a second position, that of a Program Director. With two full-time staff members at the helm, I cannot wait to see what Womentum will be five years from now.
I’d like to thank the Womentum Board of Directors — Chair Elisabeth Rohrbach, Vice-Chair Ponteir Sackrey, Treasurer Lexey Wauters, Stephanie Brennan, Lina Collado, Caryn Flanagan, Kristen Fox, Augusta Friendsmith, Leslye Hardie, Melinda Lee and Samantha Simma — and Director of Communications Melissa Cassutt, for their vision and kindness as I’ve made this bittersweet decision.
I also thank you for being an integral part of Womentum. Your participation, financial support, and belief in female leadership and women supporting women has impacted not only the women in our local community, but the thousands of people and causes they have served through their endeavors. I hope you will continue to support us as we grow into our next chapter.
With tremendous appreciation, Sam