A tribute to community leader, Joan Riehm

Portions of this article excerpted from Christine Johnson’s op-ed article, “Nurturing women as leaders” from the Jan. 18, 2008  Courier-Journal. Former Louisville deputy mayor Joan Riehm passed away on Jan.20.

Joan Riehm was chosen as one of six women in the first Leadership Louisville class.

It was 1979, and few women held leadership positions in business or government. But Joan's energy and optimism, passion for the community and superb intellect brought her to the attention of Leadership Louisville's founders.

Over the next 30 years, Joan proved that this early vote of confidence in her future leadership would return rich dividends for the city and state she loved so dearly.

Before Joan passed away on Jan. 20, she said, "I know there are young leaders who care about the issues I have cared so much about. They won't do things the same way I have, and that's good. But I know that this new group coming along will be successful and do it their way. I know it's OK for me to leave it to them."

And that’s just the same way that earlier generation of Louisville’s leaders felt about putting their trust in Joan Riehm.

Fund honors Joan as role model for women leaders

Joan's achievements and her tireless contributions to civic life brought her acclaim from the Leadership Louisville Center. As one of the board members said, "Joan Riehm set the standard for women in civic leadership even before we really knew what it was."

To enable more of today's young women to follow in Joan's footsteps, the board recently honored her by creating the Joan Riehm Women's Leadership Fund. The fund will help emerging women leaders attend Leadership Louisville Center programs.

Joan's parting words to community..."Build the Bridges!"

The following message from Joan Riehm was read at her memorial service on Jan. 30.

"Dear Everyone -

     You didn’t think I would miss this chance to have the last word, did you?

    One of the many, many blessings that have come from this illness for me is the realization of how close and strong a community of friends, family and colleagues can be.  To see with my own eyes - hundreds of cards and gifts and calls and visits and prayers and well wishes... Well, let me just say I’m glad you didn’t wait ‘til I was dead to show how you care, and that’s a lesson for all of us, isn’t it?

     Thank you again.
     Be Well.
     Go Cards!
     Be Peace.
     Build the Bridges!”

 - Joan Riehm