2007 Most Influential Women Honoree: Gwen Beebe

For Gwen Beebe, executive director of business development with Integrity Home Care, a career in health care has provided numerous leadership opportunities. Beebe was introduced to advocacy for senior citizens eight years ago.

“From 2001 to 2004, I worked for the Southwest Missouri Office on Aging,” Beebe said. “Initially, this is when I began to understand my passion for the aging population.”

In 2004, Beebe joined Integrity Home Care, a division of Integra HealthCare Inc., becoming its first field marketing liaison. For the last three years, she has lobbied on behalf of seniors at the local and state levels, stepping up to lobby at the national level for the last two years.

Beebe takes pride in her education, and citing a moving moment following her student address during graduation from Missouri State University, where she earned a master’s degree.

“After I finished speaking, a woman with tears in her eyes came up to me,” Beebe said. “She said, ‘You are such an inspiration. I have been in turmoil, and I just didn’t know if I could continue school and care for my family, but if you can do it, I can, too.’ I was surprised to think that I had influenced a stranger to that extent in a matter of minutes.”

Beebe has been a Rotarian for more than five years in two clubs, Springfield North and Springfield Sunrise. She is an active member of the Missouri Council for In-home Services, serving on the legislative committee. She also works with the Missouri Alliance for Home Care, the National Association for HomeCare and Hospice and the GYN Cancers Alliance Board of Directors.

Still, it’s not her work that makes her most proud.

“On a personal level, raising my son of 22 years as a single parent to be a confident, responsible, compassionate man is by far the most important accomplishment in my life,” Beebe said.

One-on-one with Gwen Beebe

What advice do you have for young women preparing to enter the work force?

Remember the words determination, patience, work ethic, and most of all “do the right thing.” Remember that you are only as good as your actions and be a woman of your word. Invest in yourself by listening with intent and acting strategically.

When you were young, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to make a difference even as a young girl – but in the high school time capsule, I put that I wanted to be a police officer, a singer and an actress.

What is something about you that most people don’t know?

I have some research work that was published. I love fast cars, and I do have my shy moments.

What books have you read lately?

“The Purple Cow,” by Seth Godin and “The Starbucks Experience,” by Joseph Michelli.

Please tell us about your family.

I am one of 12 children, the youngest girl. I lost my dad in November to cancer and it broke my heart, but I know he is in a better place. My mother, Collette is amazing … I do believe she has the biggest heart I have ever seen. Last but certainly not least, is my fantastic son, Josh. He has been the center of my life and is the most rewarding part of who I am. … He is 22, will be graduating from MSU next year and works for Stone Ridge Carpets. I am also honored that he is giving me a daughter in-law, Kallie Howard, in November. Kallie is a teacher in Reeds Spring.

Information accurate at the time of the honor.