FOCUS St. Louis, the region’s premier leadership organization, is pleased to announce the promotion of several staff members to new roles. Shalia Ford has been named as Director of Leadership Programs, where she will assume additional oversight for FOCUS’ programs as well as serving as Director of Women In Leadership (WIL) and Youth Leadership St. Louis (YLSL). Shalia joined the … Read More
What I’m Thankful For
This year has challenged us all – as individuals, as families, as organizations, as a community, and as a nation. I continue to be awed by the way I’ve seen our FOCUS-trained leaders step up, from working on the front lines of the pandemic to looking out for the most vulnerable in our community to continuing the fight for equity … Read More
Your Vote Matters
At FOCUS, we believe that informed and engaged civic leaders are essential for our region to thrive. Voting is one opportunity to support your community and have a say in its future. If you haven’t already cast your vote, here are some tools and resources to explore before you head to the polls on Nov. 3. Be Prepared and Vote Safely … Read More
Meet the Fall 2020 Cohort of Coro Women In Leadership
FOCUS St. Louis® is pleased to announce the 20 outstanding individuals selected for the fall 2020 class of Coro Women In Leadership. The Coro Women In Leadership program offers professionals the opportunity to refine their leadership competencies, gain a deeper understanding of the St. Louis region, and connect with other women from diverse backgrounds during this three-month program, held each … Read More
Introducing the 2020-21 Cohort of FOCUS Impact Fellows
FOCUS St. Louis is pleased to announce the 19 individuals selected for the 2020-21 cohort of FOCUS Impact Fellows. Launched in 2016 and now entering its fifth class, the program represents FOCUS’ most advanced offering and gives leaders the opportunity to work together to address a specific issue in the St. Louis region through a rigorous racial equity and justice … Read More
Announcing the Fall 2020 Class of Emerging Leaders
FOCUS St. Louis® has selected 31 talented young professionals for the Fall 2020 cohort of Emerging Leaders. This competitive program provides participants (ages 22-35) with an increased sense of engagement in the region, as well as the tools to take an active role as the next generation of St. Louis regional leaders. Since its launch in 2012, the FOCUS Emerging … Read More
Congratulations to our FOCUS 2019-20 Graduates!
This year, 286 leaders – from high school students to CEOs – graduated from a FOCUS program. While we couldn’t have predicted how this program year would turn out, we couldn’t be prouder of all our FOCUS graduates and the resilience, adaptability and leadership they have demonstrated. Please join us in welcoming them to the FOCUS alumni community of more … Read More
Meet the 2020-21 Class of Leadership St. Louis
FOCUS St. Louis has selected 58 outstanding individuals from the private, public and nonprofit sectors for the 45th Leadership St. Louis (LSL) class. These participants join a prestigious group of nearly 2,500 leaders who have graduated from the LSL program since its inception in 1976. Leadership St. Louis is a highly respected program for experienced leaders who have demonstrated a … Read More
Racial Equity and Anti-Racism Resources
Racial equity training, tools and discussion are woven into the curriculum for each of our FOCUS leadership programs, but the road to understanding is an ongoing journey. While far from an exhaustive list, here are some reads and resources to help continue, expand or inform your learning and action. Articles/Posts Our liberation is bound together – Embracing Equity / Medium U.S. … Read More
A Message from FOCUS President & CEO Dr. Yemi Akande-Bartsch to Our Alumni
The recent deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd have once again shown the tragedy and injustice that results from racism – individual, institutional and systemic. If there’s one lesson that should have been learned from the events surrounding the death of Michael Brown and other Black Americans across our nation, it’s that there is no room for silence. We each … Read More