LadyBUGS on a mission, recruiting new members

Published 1:01 pm Monday, January 23, 2012

Serving the community by awarding Leeds and Moody High School senior girls with scholarships, the LadyBUGS organization is looking to take its club to the next level.

Standing for ladies believing, understanding, guiding and serving, LadyBUGS is a service club with a membership base consisting of professional business women.

Formerly known as BPW (Business Professional Women), LadyBUGS decided to break away from BPW to form their own local, community oriented club where the money they raise through annual fundraisers stayed in the Leeds/Moody area, to ultimately benefit local citizens.

LadyBUGS vice president Nancy Johnson has been a part of LadyBUGS for more than 10 years. Johnson looks forward to seeing their club expands its outreach efforts.

“When we go into the schools these young ladies have lots of questions on how to interview for employment. I would like to see us grow and become more active in mentoring young women,” said Johnson.

As for the impact LadyBUGS has had on her life, Johnson says she loves bonding with other women professionals.

What she wants people who aren’t familiar with the LadyBUGS’ mission to know is, “We’ve been giving scholarships out for a great many years. LadyBUGS is a good, caring organization.”

Lindsey Ryals, LadyBUGS club treasurer, has been a member for four years and was referred to the organization by other LadyBUGS’ participants.

“Most ladies have heard of us, but have no idea what it is we do other than scholarships. I would love to see our memberships continue to grow, have more success with our annual fashion show and ultimately be able to give more back to high school senior girls through our Leeds/Moody High School scholarships,” said Ryals.

Chairing the scholarship committee for the past two years (and will do so this year as well), Ryals said, “This program means the world to me. It completely opened my eyes to the needs and dreams of these young women.”

The LadyBUGS mission is, “to bring strength and vitality to the Leeds & Moody community.”

In looking for new members LadyBUGS are recruiting women who “want to give back to the community and impact the lives of women in the area. We plan to do this through scholarship programs, workshops and other community oriented events.”

LadyBUGS meet the second Tuesday of every month at Cedar Grove Baptist Church’s fireside room on even numbered months and at Moody City Hall on odd numbered months. Lunch is provided for $10 and a speaker along with club business are usually discussed. Club dues are $50 per year.

To join a group that continues making a difference in the Leeds/Moody areas contact Ryals today at lindsey.ryals@bxs.com.