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Session 1

Women's Leadership Initiative  Program Session 1 - Mentee's

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America Gutierrez - Southwest Illinois College

My goals for the next five years are to travel the world before I dedicate myself to my job full-time. I would like to have my bachelor's degree in business. I will have this by finishing my generals at SWIC and then transferrin to a four-year college in Missouri. I would love to move to Missouri and be the owner of my own house. Have rental properties and a steady career that I love

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Anna Wolter - Red Bud HS

 In High school, I held a 4.103/4.0. I was the Junior Marshall, a member of the National Honor Society. I placed 5th in the statewide Physics competition. I was the President of the Student Council and won a scholarship from the Masonic Foundation. I am pursuing a bachelor's degree at Murray State University in Kentucky. I am still running from time to time. and still sing in church events.

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Aylah Copple - Sparta HS

I am currently at Maryville University and plan to transfer to SWIC to get an associate's degree in Criminal Justice. I am trying to become a correctional officer and eventually become a Warden. Part-time, I work at Walmart; full-time, I work at the Children's Hospital ICU. I am a milk tech. I want to be part of the process with these families. I work 3 days at Walmart to further my experience in management to become a Warden.

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Hanna Colvis - Chester HS

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Session 1 Midway Luncheon

Each session, our teams gather for an exciting chance to connect, share innovative ideas, and strategize for the upcoming period. It’s all about collaboration and inspiration as we chart our path forward!

We were honored to welcome Mayor of Red Bud as our keynote speaker for the event. She shared an inspiring story about her career and journey, which in her retirement brought her to the role of Mayor.

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Pictured Left to Right:

Cathy Dupertuis, America Gutierrez, Anna Wolter, Rebecca Cooper, Rita Sickmeyer, State Rep David Friess, Mayor Susan Harbaugh

Exciting News - 2024/25 - Sesson 2 Calendar 

Exciting news, WLI awards five outstanding students. Each received their Certificates of Completion at our Annual Success Dinner. We were thrilled to welcome Mayor of Red Bud, Susan Harbaugh as our speaker. She shared the story of where she originated and how she became the mayor.

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America Gutierrez of SWIC and her mentor Rebecca Cooper, Attorney/Partner, Cooper, Gilbreth & Doyle Law Offices

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America Gutierrez of SWIC and Anna Wolter of Red Bud High School, 

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Cathy delivered Certificate to Hanna Colvis at Chester High School, Vice Principal, Robin Barton and Principal, Jeremy Blechle  on the Right

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Aylah Copple of Sparta High School- Receiving her Certificate - Pictured Right, Former Principal - Scott Beckley

Contact Us

143 South Main Street | Red Bud, IL 62278

repfriess.com

618.282.7284

© 2026 by State Representative David Friess

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