Each year our branch recognizes a woman for her outstanding contributions to the Independence Community. The recipient of the 2024 Woman of Achievement Award is        Barbara Leabo.

The Independence Branch honored Barbara Leabo posthumously as our Woman of Achievement at our  May 11, 2024 meeting. Seven members of Barbara’s family were present. Barbara, who passed away on April 6, 2024, served faithfully not only as a passionate member of AAUW but also as recording secretary, corresponding secretary, and most recently as Membership Vice President and College and University Chairperson for the Independence Branch. She was a Branch Century Club Member. Barbara truly loved going to the campus at Blue River Community College and registering young voters. Barbara’s granddaughter, Addie, shared that her grandmother taught her “to help your community and make a difference. . . . to VOTE because you have the right to and not every woman who came before you was that lucky.” Barbara was a long-time teacher in the Blue Springs School District where she influenced hundreds of students. Her son, Todd, stated that he still meets people today who remember her as an amazing teacher and tell of her positive impact on their lives. After retiring from teaching, she remained active in the Independence community working at Scandinavia Place and at the Mid-Continent Public Library. She also served in Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Boys Scouts, and Junior Service League. Barbara was a great friend to her Kappa Alpha Theta sorority sisters from her alma mater, Washburn University. Barbara was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Daughters of the King, Altar Guild, and volunteer at the Mustard Seed Thrift Store. The branch presented Barbara’s family with a set of wind chimes in her memory. As member Sue Raymond said, “We will miss her but remember her with joy.”

We congratulate Barbara as an outstanding member of our community and our                        2024 Independence AAUW Woman of Achievement.