Dressed in
a striking red spring dress, Serena J. Gregory is a molecular
research biologist at Monsanto Company.
“font-family: Verdana; color: black;”>Tall and statuesque, Darryl L. Taylor is a vice president at Regions Bank.
Fond of
glamorous earrings and pumps, Latriece Kimbrough is the chief
financial officer of YMCA Metro St. Louis.
One by one, 20
stylish and exceptional professionals under the age of 40 arrived
at the St. Louis American Foundation’s inaugural Salute to Young
Leaders Networking Awards Reception, presented by Emerson, last
Thursday.
Within minutes
of starting, the awards reception had everyone – including a crowd
of more than 500 supporters – talking about the coming of a new St.
Louis.
“You can’t help
but be energized by what the young leaders are doing and what’s to
come,” said Amanda Gioia, senior business leader at MasterCard, a
Partner Sponsor of the Salute to Young Leaders.
In addition to
spanning a wide range of leadership in fields from science and
finance to technology and community development, those awarded have
gone out of their way to make a positive difference in their
communities.
Through
personal counseling and ministry alone, awardee the Rev. Dietra
Wise serves 3,000 juveniles a year.
When this fact
was announced, the crowd of professionals cheered and raised their
hands in the air.
The Salute to
Young Leaders offered a strong dose of high-energy hope for
all.
“You come to an
event like this and see there are a lot of African Americans doing
good things,” said Daniel R. Brown, an attorney at Bosley and
Associates. “I’m excited!”
For two hours,
people swapped business cards, networked and talked about the need
for young leaders to unite and encourage one another’s work.
“St. Louis is
doing a better job of cultivating young talent,” said Isaac Butler,
an award recipient and the director of clinical program management
at Express Scripts. “More companies are investing in the youth.”
Inside the
sparkling Chase Park Plaza ballroom, there was standing-room-only
and only room for positive reflection. During the brief awards
ceremony, the crowd expressed passion and high hopes.
“font-family: Verdana; color: black;”>Kel K. Ward, the community relations manager at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, received his award to a fraternity house chorus of manly hoots and cheers.
When Rachel
Lockhart-Korris approached the stage to get her award, sounds of
rejoicing hit the roof. The civic relationships manager at Wells
Fargo Advisor was all smiles.
Kira Van Niel,
a facilities engineer with The Boeing Company, tossed up victory
fists wearing a slim blue dress with stylish nerve and flair.
Hopping on
stage with crutches and a foot cast, Shawni Jackson-Triggs, an
assistant professor of business administration at Harris-Stowe
State University, showed real determination.
“She’s
definitely a leader,” said emcee Rebeccah Bennett Kenyatta, founder
of Inpower Institute. “When one foot is out, get crutches.
Leadership does not stop!” Shouts greeted Stan Williams Jr., a vice
president at AXA Equitable, as he grabbed his award. “Stan is the
man with the plans and some fans,” Kenyatta cheered.
Looking out at
the stirred-up supporters, Kenyatta then cooed, “I love this group.
Can I take you to other receptions?”
Mable Johnson,
the mother of Bethany Johnson-Javois – CEO of St. Louis Integrated
Health Network – was pleased to support her award-winning
daughter.
“It means a lot
to encourage our children to try their hardest,” she said. “We have
to tell them, ‘You can do it. You’re going to make it. Do the work
and I’ll pray.’”
Richard Mark,
senior vice president of customer operations for Ameren, was also
among the big grateful group of attendees. His son, Joseph Mark, a
finance manager at Nestle Purina Petcare, stood among those awarded
that night.
“Retaining
young leadership is vital – this is how you grow,” Mark said
following the event. “You have 500 people here tonight, and you see
a vibrant group of professionals. Atlanta has that reputation, but
look at tonight – St. Louis has the vibrancy.”
