The STL Suite wouldn’t be complete without a rundown of The 60th Women of Achievement Awards Luncheon held at The Ritz Carlton.
This year’s honorees included Carol Bartle, Lise Bernstein, Sara Burke, Maxine Clark, Betsy Douglass, Dr. Ghazala Hayat, Lee Etta Hoskins, Carol Loeb, Sheri Sherman and Pamela Talley. While all of the women honored have achieved great success in their careers, they’ve also gone above and beyond in their commitments to their community by taking volunteerism to another level.
Sarah Burke, who was inspired by Katherine Dunham and is director/owner of The City Studio Dance Center, truly inspired me during the video presentation of honorees.
Talented actress and mental health advocate Andrea Purnell, who works with Sarah, said she found herself wanting to volunteer more because of Burke’s involvement in the community.
Lise Bernstein and her Lock it Love campaign committed to gun safety was an eye opening movement and one that our city truly needs during these times. All of the women inducted this year have done phenomenal work. Being there to celebrate the women being honored was an honor in itself.
I was just as grateful to share a table with women who are also committed to various giving back outlets. Joined by Nicole Bolden, Ira Dewitt, Ethel Miller Julie Merritt, Mindy Giacin, Hasina Starks, Ellicia Qualls, Andrea Barragan – a true diverse group of women, all with the same goal of celebrating one another while making a difference in our community.
As the unofficial saleswoman for St. Louis, I find it my duty to acknowledge all of the great things about our city – and with that comes a dynamic group of women as well. I have to mention those women who I certainly respect in various ways, including Annette Slack who is new in her role as director of the Office of Community Empowerment for St. Louis County. Ms. Slack is so humble, sweet and a woman who truly wears multiples hats.
A true leader, Gwendolyn Packnett, a 2006 honoree,was there looking graceful as always. Yolanda Lankford of the Kwame Foundation looked as stunning and flawless as always as she worked the room. I was also blessed to be in the presence of ultimate socialite, Ms. Mary Attyberry Polk. She is a woman I personally look up to for her timeless style and ability to be the most elegant in the room.
Also in attendance were Naretha Hopson, Alex Stallings (who now works with the Deaconess Foundation), Nicci Roach of Webster University, Sandra Brooks, Jacqueline Vanderford and last but certainly not least, baseball legend Lou Brock with his wife Rev. Jacqueline Brock – who was in the Women of Achievement class of 2000.
Who’s Who is all new.The name and concept are familiar but this year the Inaugural Reception at Ballpark Village is being presenting as something new, more inclusive and a true celebration of people of color.
Erica Willis is taking the lead as CEO and publisher, while her husband serves as VP of Marketing and Sales. On May 14 St. Louis most definitely will see Who’s Who according to the Willis power team. I’ve had sneak peak at the list, which includes Jasmine Huda from KMOV, Harris-Stowe State University President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, Rev. Starksy Wilson and many more … including myself.
I’m looking forward to seeing Who’s Who revamped and what’s in store this year since the name change, new venue and more youthful spirit. I’m also looking forward to seeing Mrs. Willis do her “thang” because I must say she slays and serves every time I see her out so effortlessly.
Tea & Crumpets: If you’re invited to a gala (similar to the one Toni Braxton performed for) or any other event where you have no experience in attending, check the dress code. Check it again. Then check to make sure your outfit is appropriate. If you have a small doubt, then you are to go home, change, and return your Instagram boutique purchase back to your closet.
I have witnessed several fashion errors after black tie events and am on the verge of teaching a Formal Fashion 101 intensive for the repeat offenders who have attempted to upgrade their circle, but seem to have kept the club attire wardrobe in full rotation.
