Young Leader Profile: Marcel Scaife

Marcel Scaife

Manager Safe and Thriving Communities                 

Ready By 21  

St. Louis

St. Louis Career Academy

Webster University, MA

St. Louis Promise Zone Young Professionals

In short, what do you do?

I work for a collective impact located inside the United Way.  In 2017 the City Health Department and the Youth Violence Prevention Partnership received a grant for the Dept. of Justice to create a strategic plan to reduce gun and gang violence. I was hired to manage the grant and the lead the YVPP through the strategic planning and implementation process.

Tell us about some of the partnerships you’ve built around violence prevention efforts.

Leading the YVPP I was able to grow our collaboration and with the grant funding we were able to work with local non- profit to increase violence prevention efforts. We worked with Mission STL to create the beyond music program we built a music study so youth will have a safe space to express themselves. We are also working with University of Missouri Extension and Northside community Housing to create the Youth empowerment Program, a nine-month youth fellowship to teach them advocacy

Much of your work involves young people. Are there any key pieces of wisdom you try to impart when you interact with them?

I work a lot with African-American youth. I always remind them it’s okay to be different. It’s okay to be smart. Books are cool. Our ancestors fought and died for us to have this opportunity and we must take full advantage of it.

What experiences serving in the U.S. Army have helped you in your current professional work?

The Army taught me to always have a plan B and C working. In the community, things are changing every day and you must adjust. In the military, you’re constantly learning and being placed in situations that take you out of your comfort zone.  This has helped me. I can adapt to many situations.

You grew up in North County, attended school and college in St. Louis and have remained here. Talk about your commitment to staying here and serving our community. 

The military took me around the world, but St. Louis is home. My family is here and friends I have known since elementary school are here. I am committed to making St. Louis a place where every kid can thrive and live to see their full potential.

What are your favorite St. Louis destinations for weekend fun?

Montrey’s Cigar lounge in Ferguson, a trip to the Record Exchange on South Hampton, getting ice cream from Velvet Freeze located in Jennings… my hometown