Breaking Barriers: Exhibit Celebrates Missouri Women Pioneers in the Federal Reserve

A traveling exhibit that highlights the voices – past and present – of several trailblazing women from the two regional Federal Reserve banks in Missouri made a five-day stop earlier this month at the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business. 

The exhibit titled “The Voices of Missouri Women in the Federal Reserve” showcases the journey of 20 remarkable women who broke barriers in the traditionally male-dominated field of financial services. Their stories capture the challenges they overcame, the camaraderie and mentorship they fostered, and their contributions to increasing public awareness and understanding of the economy.

Patsy Griffith, 94, of Columbia, Missouri – the inspiration for the exhibit – stopped by to view the exhibit in the atrium with several members of her extended family. Griffith was 18 when she joined the check collections department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. She worked here until she she was six months pregnant with her first child and had to leave, per the policy at the time. The mother of three returned 15 years later, in 1969, when she was 39 and worked her way up to supervisor. In those days, there was no flexible work schedule and Griffith often worked 12-hour days. 

“When they called me back to work after 15 years, they asked me to work three days a week,” Griffith recalled. “But that soon became five days and then I became one of the first female supervisors.”

Shannon Breske, assistant teaching professor and director of study abroad, took students from her Principles of Management course to view the exhibit, which has been traveling around the state since May. 

Carlee Strauss, who is pursuing bachelor’s degrees in business and music, was inspired by the women in the exhibit. 

“The amazing women that were featured in the exhibit worked in the Federal Reserve during times of uncertainty and struggle with women in the workforce,” she said. “One struggle was the work life balance of jobs and taking care of children. Another was the lack of acceptance for women to get an education in technology, finance or economics. This was an obstacle that made it much more difficult to get a job in this realm. Overall, these women are very impressive and inspiring for young girls wanting to get involved in careers in finance and business.”