Shalia Ford, director of Leadership Programs for FOCUS St. Louis, is one of 34 women professionals selected for the 2025 Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge.
Participants will travel throughout the state to engage in immersive sessions, tours, and discussions on community issues. This year, the class will visit Columbia, Jefferson City, Kansas City, Kirksville, and St. Louis, gaining insights into government, history, economic development, education, public policy, and more.
Ford has served FOCUS St. Louis since 2017 and leads the Women In Leadership and Youth Leadership St. Louis programs, as well as overseeing initiatives to develop diverse regional leaders.