What's Right with the Region

Make plans to join us on May 7, 2026, at the Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. We'll kick off the evening with a networking reception with heavy hors d'oeuvres and beer/wine bar, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., followed by the awards celebration from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

What’s Right with the Region represents FOCUS St. Louis’ most important fundraising event of the year, and your ticket purchase helps to support our ongoing mission to educate and connect leaders and facilitate important conversations in our community.

Early bird tickets are now on sale through March 23, 2026!

Pricing (through March 23, 2026):

• FOCUS members - $65 (log-in to receive discounted pricing)
• Nonmembers - $75 (join/renew to save)

Tickets include access to both the networking reception and awards ceremony, as well as free parking, heavy hors d’oeuvres and open bar.

There are no physical tickets for this event. Refunds are not available, but guest substitutions are allowed.

If you’d like to attend the Start With Leadership Conference taking place immediately prior to What’s Right with the Region from 1 to 5 p.m., tickets are available here.

Demonstrating Innovative Solutions

Honorees have demonstrated innovation and vision in making the St. Louis region a better place to live, work or visit.

Gateway Arch Park Foundation
The MICA Project (Migrant and Immigrant Community Action)
Next Prep
Scott Credit Union

Improving Equity and Inclusion

Honorees have shown a commitment to promoting diversity, access, inclusion and opportunity for all.

City Academy
The Eastern Region Alliance
St. Louis Black Repertory Company
St. Francis Xavier ID & Birth Certificate Program

Promoting Community Health and Well-being

Honorees are working to improve the collective health and wellness of our region’s residents, as well as addressing the social determinants of health.

Assisi House
Crown Center for Senior Living
Just Moms STL
Pink Ribbon Good – St. Louis

Emerging Initiatives

Honorees are promising new businesses, organizations or initiatives that are already serving as catalysts for change.

Archway Refugee Connections
Brickline North Community Development Corporation
Sow Joy Peoples Fund
The People’s Response

Community Changemakers

Honorees are individuals leading and inspiring change in their organizations, their community and/or our region for the benefit of all.

Gary Huelsmann, CEO, Caritas Family Solutions
Raphael Morris, President, Greenwood Cemetery Preservation Association
Chris Ryan, Founder, STL.org, and Owner, Once Films
Lizette Smith, Ph.D., Director of Clinical Programs, Our Little Haven

FOCUS St. Louis® is pleased to announce Lesley Hoffarth, P.E., President & Executive Director of Forest Park Forever, as the recipient of the 2026 FOCUS Leadership Award.

This prestigious award, chosen by the FOCUS Board of Directors, is given annually to individuals who demonstrate committed leadership, generate a meaningful impact in the community, and encourage strong community engagement in others. The award will be presented at the 29th Annual What’s Right with the Region celebration on Thursday, May 7, at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

“Forest Park is one of the top urban parks in our country and a true treasure for our region,” said Edward Bryant, board chair for FOCUS St. Louis. “Lesley Hoffarth’s visionary leadership has transformed Forest Park Forever into a national model for public–private partnership, and ensured it will remain a beautiful and welcoming space for all visitors and residents to enjoy for years to come.”

In her role since 2010, Hoffarth has led Forest Park Forever through significant strategic growth. She negotiated a first-in-the-nation innovative agreement (and subsequent renewal and extension) with the City of St. Louis, forming a true partnership in caring for the Park. She has led the Park’s most ambitious fundraising initiatives, including the capital campaign to restore Steinberg Rink and transform its surroundings into the Glade, a destination for year-round community activity. Under her leadership, Forest Park has been voted “Best City Park” in the country multiple times in the USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, among other regional and national accolades.

Before joining Forest Park Forever, Hoffarth — a 20-year veteran of the Missouri Department of Transportation — led the $535 million New I-64 project to completion one month ahead of schedule, $11 million under budget and with a 95% public satisfaction rating.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Missouri at Columbia and is a Missouri-registered professional engineer. She is an alumna of the FOCUS Women in Leadership Program and a distinguished member of the MU Academy of Civil Engineers. Her recognitions include being named among the St. Louis Business Journal’s Most Influential Business Women, YWCA’s Leader of Distinction, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s Woman of Distinction, and St. Louis Forum’s Trailblazer Award.

All in the community are invited to join us to recognize Lesley Hoffarth, along with all the recipients of this year’s What’s Right with the Region and FOCUS Alumni Awards. Early-bird tickets are now on sale!

What’s Right with the Region has a tremendous impact on FOCUS St. Louis and on the organizations and people we honor each year, and meaningful partnerships make all the difference.

A sponsorship is a unique opportunity to participate in one of the region's best networking events, build stronger community ties and demonstrate your support for leadership. 

For more details, contact us!