FOCUS St. Louis

Next week, our FOCUS Director of Leadership Programs Shalia Ford will be presenting at a Young Professionals Workshop hosted by Miriam School and Learning Center. Learn how you can build your own personal board of directors and get connected to some great young professionals groups in the area! Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/eWMZHePc

There's still time to reserve your spot for next week's forum, where we'll explore the role of Third Places in our region. In an increasingly digital world, physical spaces that foster community interaction, such as parks, museums, and public spaces, serve as vital hubs where individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together, share experiences, and build stronger, more cohesive communities. Hosted in partnership with the Missouri Historical Society, this event is free to attend. Reserve your spot: https://lnkd.in/enCJNhup

Our Leadership St. Louis cohort recently had the unique opportunity to plan and execute their own program day exploring education and workforce development in the region. Thank you to Julie Fickas and Erika Malone of St. Louis Community College, Jesse Dixon of The Opportunity Trust, Lubabalo Mntanga of the International Institute of St. Louis, and Marlana Hairston of the Higher Education Consortium STL for supporting the group’s learning, and to BELIEVE STL Academy, Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation FAN Innovation Center and St. Louis Community College at Forest Park for hosting the cohort.

Elections often bring about a range of emotions and responses. For some, today may be a time to reflect, while for others, it’s a moment to unplug and focus on self-care. Today, our Emerging Leaders cohort came together at FOCUS for their program day. As a team, we thoughtfully considered months ago whether to hold a session right after the election, how much space to create for dialogue, and how best to support their growth. Though we were prepared, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, and I imagine some of our participants arrived feeling similarly, perhaps still processing the election’s impact. Yet, they came ready to collaborate on Civic Action Projects, practice courageous conversations, and explore the social change wheel. They came with a willingness to learn, to listen, and to lead. In moments of uncertainty, I only have to look at our FOCUS-trained leaders to feel grounded in the significance of our mission. Whatever you may be experiencing, FOCUS St. Louis remains committed to fostering spaces for learning, engagement, and respectful, open conversations. This is the essence of our work, and it is as essential as ever. Together, let’s continue building a community rooted in dialogue, resilience, and forward movement. Thank you for being a vital part of this mission. Beth Casagrand #FOCUSStLouis #EmergingLeaders #CivicLeadership #CommunityBuilding #ResilientCommunities #SocialChange #ElectionReflection #TogetherWeLead #LeadershipInAction #EngageEducateEmpower #CivicEngagement #BuildingCommunity #FutureLeaders J. Nicole Redd M.A.

Your vote matters! Check out this reminder from our FOCUS President & CEO Yemi A. and view the full links here: https://lnkd.in/eTX9nmTf.

Have you ever considered applying for our Leadership St. Louis program? Join us on Jan. 16 to get all your questions answered and hear from past participants! Register now: https://lnkd.in/eADapEB8

Ready to lead with purpose? Applications for our next Women In Leadership cohort are being accepted through Dec. 14. Embrace the opportunity to strengthen your personal, professional, and civic leadership skills, all while connecting with dynamic women from diverse backgrounds! Learn more and apply today: https://lnkd.in/e5mFp8u7

Congratulations to FOCUS Leadership St. Louis alum Anthony Thompson of Kwame Building Group, who was recently recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the St. Louis Construction Consortium!

Civic Action Projects provide a valuable opportunity for our Emerging Leaders participants to team up with community partners to apply the leadership skills they’re developing in the program. With Greater St. Louis Honor Flight as one of this cohort's CAP partners, some of our Emerging Leaders also had the once-in-a-lifetime experience of accompanying veterans on their trip to Washington, D.C., and being part of the welcome home parade crew. Thank you to AJ F., Mary Petropoulos, Tony Ballard, and Allison Wargel, CISA, ABCP for volunteering, and to everyone at Greater St. Louis Honor Flight for making this possible!

Always great to start the day with a FOCUS forum! This morning we welcomed Mike Miller of St. Louis Magazine, Bill Freivogel of Gateway Journalism Review/St. Louis Journalism Review, Art Holliday of KSDK - 5 On Your Side, Donnell Probst of the National Association for Media Literacy Education and Julie Smith of Webster University for a timely and compelling conversation on media literacy and how we can be more discerning and responsible consumers, creators and sharers of content. Special thanks to FOCUS Board Member Steward Stiles III for kicking us off!