2021 What’s Right with the Region Awards

The 24th Annual What’s Right with the Region Awards were hosted virtually on May 13, 2021. Thank you to all who joined us to celebrate!

Download the program from the evening..

Congratulations to our 2021 honorees!

Demonstrating Innovative Solutions

Honorees have demonstrated innovation and vision in making the St. Louis region a better place to live, work or visit.
HOME WORKS! The Teacher Home Visit Program
Sri Jaladi, Founder of Nanolending
UMSL, MU Extension & St. Louis Promise Zone Neighborhood Leadership Fellows
Wyman Center’s Teen Connection Project

Fostering Creativity for Social Change

Honorees have harnessed the power of the arts and imagination to bring about change in the region.
Britt Tate-Beaugard, Art Teacher, St. Louis Public Schools
Dance the Vote
Faces Not Forgotten
Hope Creates

Improving Equity and Inclusion

Honorees have shown a commitment to promoting diversity, access, inclusion and opportunity for all.
Computer Village
Construction Career Development Initiative
Jamaa Birth Village
The SoulFisher Ministries

Promoting Stronger Communities

Honorees have worked to address problems, develop initiatives, or make lasting improvements that result in stronger, more stable communities.
Concordance Academy of Leadership
Employment Connection of St. Louis
Eye Thrive
Gateway Pet Guardians

Emerging Initiatives

Honorees are new organizations that are developing practical solutions, responding to identified needs and serving as catalysts for change.
Dasha Kennedy, Founder, Broke Black Girl
Navigate STL Schools
Racial Healing + Justice Fund
St. Louis Teacher Residency

All honorees were selected from nominations submitted by the community and chosen by a committee of regional leaders.

The prestigious FOCUS Leadership Award, is given annually to individuals who demonstrate committed leadership, generate a meaningful impact in the community, and encourage strong community engagement in others. The recipients of this award are selected by the FOCUS Board of Directors.

Congratulations to our 2021 Leadership Award honorees!

Learn more about this year’s honorees.

Each year, we present FOCUS Alumni Awards to graduates of our leadership programs for their continued accomplishments and contributions to our region.

These award recipients are selected by the FOCUS leadership.

Thank you to our 24th Annual What’s Right with the Region Co-Chairs!

2021 Selection Committee

Nicole Amling
Villie Appoo
Stephanie Boyd
Rebecca Beull
James Brasfield
Sandy Brooks
Dorothy Carlin
Antionette Carroll
Molly Cline, Ph.D.
Paul Costigan
Ken Crabiel
Patty Croughan
Emily Dai
Major DeBerry
Michelle Fassler
Christopher Floyd
John Glenn
Shannon Grass
Sharon Harvey Davis
Christie Hill
Leslie Holloway
Amanda Honigfort
Lynn Huelsmann
Karen Kalish
Steve Knight
Takisha Lovelace
Julie Lock
Pamela Mandelker
Michelle Martin Bonner
Brett Moorehouse
Eric Moraczewski
Nina Needleman
Lindsay Newton
Adriana Osorio
Ryan Paige
Devin Price
Kimberly Rayford
Melanie Renken
Kristen Sorth
Ellen Soule
Nancy Spargo
b.Marcell Williams

For 23 years, FOCUS St. Louis has honored the individuals, initiatives and organizations helping to shape and improve our region.

View Past Honorees

You can also check out videos of recent award recipients on the FOCUS YouTube channel.