2023 What’s Right with the Region Awards

Tickets are now on sale for the 26th Annual What’s Right with the Region Awards Celebration!

Thursday, May 11, 2023
5:00-8:00 p.m.
The Sheldon

Early-bird tickets are on sale now through March 31!

Individual Tickets
FOCUS members – $50 – be sure to log-in to take advantage of member pricing. Forgot your log-in?
Nonmembers – $60 (join/renew today to save)

Individual Sponsorships
Advocate – $250 (includes 2 tickets; will be recognized on event signage)
Friend – $100 (includes 1 ticket; will be recognized on event signage)

As a nonprofit, this event represents FOCUS’ 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.

Demonstrating Innovative Solutions

Honorees have demonstrated innovation and vision in making the St. Louis region a better place to live, work or visit.
Angels’ Arms
Arriel Biggs, Founder, Young Biz Kidz
Keyway: Center for Diversion and Reentry
National Blues Museum

Enhancing Regional Prosperity

Honorees are dedicated to the growth of the region and building a stronger workforce and economy for the benefit of all.
Ava’s Grace Scholarship, a program of the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis
Build Back Better Regional Collaboration on Advanced Manufacturing, led by Greater St. Louis, Inc. and St. Louis Economic Development Partnership
Building Union Diversity, a program of the Missouri Works Initiative
Save Our Sons, a workforce development program of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis

Improving Equity and Inclusion

Honorees have shown a commitment to promoting diversity, access, inclusion and opportunity for all.
Black Girls Do STEM
Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School
Disabled Athlete Sports Association (DASA)
Flance Early Learning Center

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.
Girls on the Run St. Louis
Kendall and Wyvetta Granger
I Define Me Movement
Nicole Nelson, Founder, Equity Legal Services

Emerging Initiatives

Honorees are promising new businesses, organizations or initiatives that are already serving as catalysts for change.
GreaterHealth Pharmacy & Wellness
Real Estate Tax Assistance Fund
Tap In Center
The Believe Projects

FOCUS St. Louis is pleased to announce that the Steward Family will be the recipients of the 2023 FOCUS Leadership Award.

“As a region, we are fortunate to have the Steward family,” says Amy Shaw, board chair for FOCUS St. Louis. “Individually and collectively, they have built a legacy of entrepreneurship, leadership and philanthropy that is felt throughout our community and beyond.”

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.

Learn more about this year’s recipients.

This year’s What’s Right with the Region Co-Chairs are:

Dr. Kristin Sobolik                            Steve Smith
Chancellor                                                Founder & CEO
University of Missouri-St. Louis         New + Found

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.

WRWR sponsorship is a unique opportunity to build stronger community ties, promote your business, and be intimately associated with one of the most well-known civic leadership organizations in the country.

Sponsorship opportunities are offered at a range of levels and with a variety of benefits. Learn more by contacting FOCUS Development Director Michelle Stevens at michelles@focus-stl.org or (314) 657-4029.

Over the past 25 years, FOCUS has had the privilege of celebrating the accomplishments of more than 500 honorees.

View our list of past honorees.