Girls Inc. of St. Louis, under the leadership of President and CEO Cheryl Jones, was named the national organizations’ Outstanding Affiliate of the Year in the large budget category in 2020.
A year later, it was one of seven affiliates to share a $10 million grant by the Equality Can’t Wait Challenge, which is being directed toward its Project Accelerate program.
“We meet girls where they are,” Jones said. “We ask them what they want to do, try to get behind them and support them.”
Yet Jones says she and her organization, which serves 9,000 girls annually through after school and summer programs, will not rest on its laurels. “We also go into schools, and right now we have 72 school partners. The work is just beginning,” Jones said emphatically.
“It’s not enough. We’ve got to keep going, keep doing.” Jones has been named the 2024 St. Louis American Charitable Foundation Non-Profit Executive of the Year, something she describes as a “pinch yourself moment.”
She will be honored during the 22nd Salute to Excellence in Business Awards and Networking Luncheon at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 22, at the Ritz-Carlton St. Louis, under the theme of “Expanding Inclusive Growth.” The event is co-sponsored by the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and the Regional Business Council. I grew up reading [the St. Louis American], and know it well,” she said.
“To be recognized by your own is such an honor.” Of the girls involved with Girls Inc., many are from under-resourced, underserved areas. It is Jones’ mission to ensure that they “be strong, smart and bold with their life choices.”
St. Louis’ local Girls, Inc. affiliate offers activities and programming for young women interested in STEM, creative arts, business, and other fields. Its STEM program (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) partners with University of Missouri-St. Louis, Maryville University, Washington University, Fontbonne University, and Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Jones said the organization’s hope is to provide exposure and a glimpse into college. During their fourth and fifth year, students are expected to land internships or externships.
“Project Accelerate has been a remarkable collaboration that will change the career trajectory for young women across the country, and especially here in St. Louis,” Jones said.
“This exciting, transformational award will enable future female workforce leaders to learn from top female industry executives whose mentorship will help pave career pathways for young women who have been previously excluded from leadership opportunities.” Jones’ honor was greeted by many St. Louis leaders with enthusiasm.
“Great honor for a great leader,” Flint Fowler, Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Louis CEO wrote on Instagram. Well wishes also came from Michael McMillan, Urban League president and CEO, Kelvin Adams, president and CEO of the St. Community Foundation, Maxine Clark, founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop and former CEO, and Valerie Patton, Greater St. Louis Inc. chief DEI office president.
“We meet girls where they are,” Jones said. “We ask them what they want to do, try to get behind them and support them.” Now in her 12th year at the Girls Inc. St. Louis helm, Jones is responsible for the strategic leadership of the organization and oversight. She manages staff, program administration and relationship with the National Girls Inc. organization, and is also responsible for building partnerships with schools, government and community organizations, foundation officers, corporate and individual donors.
Cheryl Jones is everywhere and does everything for Girls Inc., but she says, “there is always more to be done.”
