It was a casual but informational setting — high school students seated at round tables with entrepreneurs and professionals under 40, talking openly about their ambitions, dreams, fears and doubts. Those not far removed from those same feelings listened closely and offered heartfelt, practical responses.
That was the scene last week at College Bound, where the St. Louis American Foundation partnered with the nonprofit for a career networking event connecting students with alumni of the foundation’s annual Salute to Young Leaders program.
Fifteen young professionals representing a range of industries shared their career journeys, offered practical advice and engaged students in meaningful conversations about leadership, education and navigating early career decisions.
College Bound is dedicated to empowering first-generation college students for choice and opportunity while helping maximize their growth and shape their futures. The organization’s 7- to 9-year relationship with students begins in high school and continues through college graduation, offering academic support, ACT preparation, pre-college credits, application guidance, mental health services, career readiness and scholarship assistance.
Jalise Jones, 18, who is interested in film production, had a one-on-one conversation with Tierra Parks, a radio host for 96.3 R&B, and Melanie Johnson, a reporter and anchor for KSDK.
“I talked about being intentional in her journey and connecting with people who are in line with her true passions,” Parks said. “Don’t let anyone take that away from you because, at the end of the day, that’s all you got — your passion.”
Johnson stressed the importance of building “a foundation of integrity” and purpose.
“Oftentimes, people want to be famous or known very quickly, but it takes a lot of work and dedication to make sure that you’re in the right space to receive the right things at the right time,” Johnson said.
Raven Whitener, director of the St. Louis American Foundation, said she hoped students would walk away with “real world experiences from real world conversations” about the fields they are interested in.
“Because sometimes you think you want to be something, but you don’t know exactly what goes into that,” Whitener said.
At another table, hip-hop dancer Anthony “Redd” Williams, owner of Kode Red Dance Studio in University City, spoke candidly about opening his studio without knowing much about permits, licenses or the practical side of running a business.
“I wish I had someone to tell me those things, like you all do,” Williams said.
Johnson echoed that sentiment.
“I wish I had this,” she said. “When you come from a family where they don’t know how to get to certain levels of success, you’re on your own. So, to have these young people have resources to ask for help, role models or somebody who’s tangible to lead them in ways I didn’t see for myself, it’s a blessing.”
Morgan Casey, founder of Date Ideas & Things, said she hoped to inspire students and provide “reassurance and confirmation regarding their career choices.”
Nevaeh Daniels, 22, an educator and College Bound alumna, said she attended to inspire students while also gaining motivation and networking opportunities for herself.
Observing the interactions, College Bound CEO Melton Mitchell said the goal of exposing students to young professionals from “a variety of different fields” had been met. He was especially pleased students heard authentic stories about the realities of different careers.
“It’s a time of connection,” Mitchell said.
Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.