There’s an energy permeating through the room that words can’t quite define when honorees and supporters gather each year for the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Young Leaders Networking Awards Reception at The Four Seasons.
The closest one can get is to liken the experience to a bite-sized HBCU graduation. Family, friends, coworkers, frat brothers and sorors raise the roof to support the awardees and their accomplishments – and their service to the St. Louis region. There is also the pride of answered prayers.
“You are truly living out your ancestors’ wildest dreams,” said KMOV-TV 4 reporter/anchor and 2023 Young Leader honoree Melanie Johnson. She served as mistress of ceremonies for this year’s program. “We are sitting where Dred Scott was declared property. But if you look around this room, you will see that everyone is a change-maker and a change agent. Thank you for being the change we want to see.”
Twenty individuals under the age of 40 were recognized for their contributions in an array of fields and concentrations.
“They represent a diverse cross-section from the worlds of business, nonprofit, education, entrepreneurship, media, technology, politics, and so much more,” Johnson said. “They have chosen to be a part of the fabric of St. Louis. Anyone that has spent time in St. Louis can tell this city is powered by optimism, tenacity and support.”
The 2024 cohort of Young Leaders include: Maurice Allen, Regional Community Development Relationship Manager for Midland States Bank; Priestess Okunsola M. Amadou, President and CEO, Jamaa Birth Village & Okunsola’s School of Traditional Midwifery; Trish Boyle, CEO Sophia’s Crowns Flower Shop; Richard Keith Davis, II, Director of Multimedia Marketing & Design, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis; Daysha R. Gathing, Project Cost Analyst, Ameren; Talana Hardin, Business Development Leader, Midwest BankCentre; Jazminique Holley, Head of Schools, St. Louis Voices Academy of Media Arts; Aaron A. Hollis, Junior Credit Analyst, Royal Banks of Missouri; Rodney Humphries, Communications Specialist, United Way of Greater St. Louis; Lea Johnson, MD, Family Medicine Physician, BJC Medical Group, Jonathan Lee, Senior Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager, U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management; Tanisha Luckett, Senior Application Analyst, St. Charles Health System and Founder, HenRose Cares; Robert Terry Mason II, Founder and CEO DoubleWolf Enterprises LLC; Fredrecka S. McGlown, Executive Director, St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (City of St. Louis SLATE); Rosetta Okohson Murray, CEO and Managing Partner, Meyers Okohson Political Consulting; Joshua Peters, Senior Manager, Social and Community Impact – North Central Americas, Nike, Inc.; Kiland Sampa, Peer Service Specialist, Paraquad; Dr. Justavian D. Tillman, Senior Manager, Medical Education Programs and Director DEI Programs, Washington University in St. Louis; Dr. Cierra M. Wourman, Lead College and Career Counselor, Confluence Preparatory Academy.
“We are putting our Black excellence on display tonight,” said St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “I want to thank the St. Louis American Foundation for recognizing that we have people in our midst every year who deserve their flowers.”
Ashley O’Neal, a 2020 awardee, echoed Jones’ sentiments when she delivered remarks on behalf of title sponsor Midwest BankCentre.
“After tonight, there will be 275 individuals who bear the title of young leader,” said O’Neal, who serves as Midwest BankCentre’s Senior Vice President of Retail Banking. “Do you know how powerful that is? Your leadership is key to ensuring that we attract, grow and retain talent in the St. Louis market.”
In addition to Midwest BankCentre, event sponsors for the 2024 Salute to Young Leaders included Webster University, Benjamin F. Edwards, Regional Business Council, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and Edward Jones.
“Your voice matters as a leader in this community. Use it. You have a platform,” O’Neal said. “Don’t let anyone take that away from you. Use it wisely – and use it to make us all better. Someone saw potential in you, and there are those who see your success. Be sure to pass your knowledge on to others. Serve as their mentor. Answer the phone when they call. Respond to that email.”
She challenged them with the responsibility of developing the next generation of young leaders.
“We must set an example for the future leaders in our community,” O’Neal said.
Johnson, who came to St. Louis in 2022 to report and anchor for KMOV, told the packed ballroom that becoming a young leader motivated her to broaden her horizons.
“Being a recipient last year fueled me to do better,” Johnson said. After being recognized with the 2023 cohort, Johnson said she was compelled to expand her media footprint to also include radio.
“This is not the end of your journey,” Johnson said. “This is only the beginning.”
Next up in Salute programming is the St. Louis American Foundation’s 37th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala on Saturday, Oct. 12, at America’s Center. For more information, visit www.stlamerican.com or call 314.533.8000.