The success of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ annual gala, honoring an exceptional group of women in leadership, speaks to the reason the organization has received the National Urban League’s Five-Star Status certification.
The National Urban League doesn’t rank its affiliate chapters from “best to worst.” It assesses local chapters based on key indicators of success, including governance, fiscal accountability and program execution. The St. Louis chapter has been recognized as a top-performing affiliate, earning Five-Star Status for more than 20 consecutive years.
Although the national organization’s assessment doesn’t include “class,” it was on full display Saturday night, beginning with the choice of honorees, who included Pam Grier, Jayne Kennedy and Dr. Aysha Mubarak. The Salute to Women in Leadership Gala recognizes women from various professions who are making a major difference across the region and beyond.
The sold-out event at the Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel downtown attracted a room full of elegantly dressed supporters and big-name sponsors, with musical entertainment by “American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard.
Daphney Williams, an Edward Jones employee, shared what she liked most about the night.
“I really enjoyed seeing the women being honored and hearing about the things they’re doing in the community and across the country.”
Courtney Bond, also with Edward Jones, agreed with Williams but added another reason for attending.
“Yes, I’m looking forward to seeing all these fabulous women being honored but I’m also here to network with people out here in the St. Louis community,” Bond said.
Michael McMillan, president and CEO of the local Urban League, shared his enthusiasm for the evening.
“The individuals here tonight were able to see, hear and touch these amazing women locally, nationally and even one internationally from the Kingdom of Bahrain (Dr. Aysha S. Mubarak), who flew all the way from the Middle East to highlight the work she’s done on humanitarian work, women’s rights and how to bring people together on racial unity.
“So, when you look at the careers and the various ways these women have impacted society, it’s just been an amazing blessing, and we were blessed to honor them.”
Speakers and honorees spoke from a large stage with a backdrop of red and gold drapery. Monitors on either side of the stage highlighted the organization’s activities in the city, from food drives and utility bill assistance to the unprecedented aid it provided tornado victims after last year’s devastating tornado.
In a written statement shared with attendees, National Urban League President Marc R. Morial congratulated the organization’s “five-star” affiliate for its “outstanding work and transformative impact throughout the region.” He also spoke to the power of the gala.
“Tonight’s celebration pays tribute to extraordinary women whose resilience, dedication, service and visionary leadership have left an indelible mark on our communities,” Morial wrote. “Their tireless commitment continues to inspire us all and illuminate the way toward a brighter, more equitable future.”
Local awardees included Robin Carey-Boyd, president of the East St. Louis branch of the NAACP; Sheila Forrest, community leader and president of Afro World Hair & Fashion Company; Stephanie Vojicic, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield among several other local leaders.
Sisters Jala and Jenae Christmas said they believe in the importance of honoring women in leadership because they, too, “aspire to be leaders” in their communities.
Ameren employee Ray Sims said he came out to support his colleague, Constance Taylor, Ameren’s director of community engagement and impact, another Salute to Women in Leadership honoree.
JR Ford, who returned to St. Louis after 20 years to explore the possibility of expanding his tech company, Payken, in the region, said he attended for one specific reason.
“I’m hoping to make a donation tonight,” Ford said. “We’ve been blessed, and we’re really trying to put money back in St. Louis.”
James Clark, vice president of the Urban League’s division of public safety and community response, strutted proudly among the crowd. He said he couldn’t be prouder of the night’s turnout.
“St. Louis is represented here with all social, economic positions throughout the metropolitan area. You have barbers, nightclub owners and corporate executives all under the same roof,” Clark said. “It’s a testament to Mr. McMillan’s leadership and his fervor to recognize the fact that we’ve got to take a deep dive.
“We deal with the people’s needs every day,” Clark continued.
“There’s not a day that goes by that we don’t service thousands of people who find themselves with immediate needs. That’s our secret sauce.”
Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.