The experience of a natural disaster, particularly a tornado, was lost on many St. Louis natives until May 16th 2025. What started as an ordinary Friday turned into an afternoon of destruction as an EF-3 tornado ripped through the area, causing an estimated $1.2 billion worth of damage. The brunt of the damage took place in historically Black neighborhoods. Though it is easy to feel hopeless, solace can be found in knowing St. Louis is equipped with a generation leading charge in rebuilding St. Louis. This was made more apparent through the twenty individuals honored at the St. Louis American’s 14th Annual Salute to Young Leaders Awards Ceremony and Networking Reception Thursday evening at The Four Seasons.
“Anyone that knows St. Louis knows that it is fueled by grit, generosity and bold ideas… And tonight’s honorees are proof that anything is possible when passion meets purpose.”
The Salute to Young Leaders Mistress of Ceremonies Melanie Johnson
“In the aftermath it’s been incredible to see so many of this year’s honorees already out in the field, joining relief efforts,” said Raven Whitener, Director of The St. Louis American Foundation, as she opened the awards ceremony of the program. “This moment has reminded us of the deep resilience of the people that live in this city.”
Through past and present endeavors, this class of Young Leaders have demonstrated their commitment to the region.
“Everything that is happening is just even more of an opportunity for us to take the lead and be those change makers in the city,” Whitener said before she introduced Michael McMillan, CEO of Urban League Metropolitan St. Louis, to deliver remarks.
His address reiterated the need for community throughout the process of picking up the pieces. “This is the greatest crisis we have ever seen and only by us coming together for ourselves will it be fixed,” McMillan said as he spoke on behalf of the sponsors – which included Midwest BankCentre, World Wide Technology, Ameren Missouri along with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.
As the Young Leaders – and the audience who came to support them – nodded in agreement, it became clear by way of mistress of ceremonies Melanie Johnson that many of them are already in the trenches helping to put impacted parts of the city back together again.
There are leaders like Samantha E. Williams, Manager of Community Relations for Ameren Missouri. She has been busy overseeing the restorations of power lines and electricity to thousands of customers. There is also Morgan Casey, Founder of Date Ideas and Things to Do. She has been a beacon of hope for small businesses in the region through her relief efforts. Casey has been in the community since Friday evening delivering meals and other essential items to those in need.
Lumberjack Jeff Bailey Jr. has been in the impacted area with boots on the ground as well. His business, Econotree, has been clearing fallen trees from yards – lifting that burden for those who face the long road of rebuilding. Dr. Kenneth Powell, co-founder and Chief Pharmacist at GreaterHealth Pharmacy & Wellness – the only Black owned pharmacy in Missouri – hand delivering vital medications to those with obstructed access due to the storms.
Gallery: 14th Annual Salute to Young Leaders:
Prior to the award distribution, a keynote address was provided by Brandon Williams, the recently appointed President and CEO of The Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis.
“To me, leadership is the capacity to influence others with inspiration,” Williams said. “[Leadership is] motivated by a passion, generated by a vision, produced by conviction but ignited by your purpose. We need leadership – more specifically, your leadership.”
Johnson, a 2023 Young Leader honoree, heaped praise on the Young Leaders, and the city as a whole, as she shared the accomplishments of the 2025 cohort.
“Anyone that knows St. Louis knows that it is fueled by grit, generosity and bold ideas,” Johnson said. “And tonight’s honorees are proof that anything is possible when passion meets purpose.”
She highlighted the achievements of community leaders like Caressa J. Davis, Director of Community Partnership at St. Louis Development Corporation; Jonathan C. Pulphus, Director of Grant Initiatives for Area Resources for Community and Human Services and Mikael “Mick” Austin, Director of Development at Urban League Metro St. Louis. They are all bridging the gap between corporations and organizations that reach out and give back.
The 2025 cohort included rising financial leaders – Brandi Harris, a BankCentre Leader at Midwest BankCentre; Jonathan Kennedy, Financial Advisor at Quantum Wealth Management, and Eric C. Rhone II, Business Banking Relationship Manager for PNC Bank.
Johnson, a fellow media personality, commended 2025 Young Leader and 96.3 The Lou on-air talent Tierra “Tee” Parks for her coverage in the wake of the storm.
“You delivered the news on the radio waves so gracefully,” Johnson said. “While also letting the people know that you have not forgotten about them – and giving them the services they need in real time.”
The remainder of The St. Louis American Foundation’s 2025 Salute to Young Leaders honorees are as follows:
Quiara Burris-Boone – Director of Graphic Design, United Way of Greater St. Louis
Christopher Carr – Perinatal Community Health Work Manager, Affinia Healthcare
Juan V. Lewis –Business Development Officer, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership
Isaac Singleton Jr., Esq. – Attorney, Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard P.C.
Jordan “Shorty” Johnson – Artist/ Actor/ Ambassador
Ray L. Claybrooks Jr. – Manager of Engineering, Toyota Motor Manufacturing
Brandi Brooks – Director /MECCA, Harris Stowe State University
Jonathan McGee – Owner / Operator, McGee Masonry LLC.
Ciera L. Simril – Project Coordinator, US Bank