People

Erica’s passion is working in communities of color to reduce inequities by developing systems that put families on the path towards achieving economic success, all while advancing self-sufficiency that creates substantive and generational impact. Erica is a forward-thinking, strategic system leader focused on social equity, justice, and cultivating collaboration to mobilize communities towards achieving their…

Michael P. McMillan is the President and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc., a nonprofit organization that has been providing social services to the metropolitan St. Louis community since 1918. The St. Louis Urban League is the largest affiliate of the NUL movement headquartered in New York City. The Urban League’s…

Maranda Richardson, MPPA, is CEO and Principal of MWR Coaching and Consulting. Mrs. Richardson earned a Masters of Public Policy with a concentration on Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the University of Missouri St. Louis and a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and Planning from Tennessee State University. Mrs. Richardson completed an approved International…

Antionette Cousins is a forward-thinking visionary who works tirelessly to develop new concepts while fulfilling her calling to serve the residents within the region of St. Louis. No problem is too small, no resident is unimportant, and she leaves no stone unturned. In March 2002, Mrs. Cousins began her journey with Riverview West Florissant Development…

After moving away to earn a Ph.D. and teach, Dr. Howard, who grew up on St. Louis’ north side, always knew he wanted to return home. But he wanted a comeback with purpose. Now, Howard has it: launching a Black-owned pharmacy and wellness center to provide culturally competent health care, scheduled to open fall 2021/spring…

Zekita Armstrong Asuquo is President of Gateway Global Data Logistics Co. and Chair of Gateway Global American Youth and Business Alliance Academies. DIVERSITY MANAGEMENT & TALENT ACQUISITION Zekita has held the position of Diversity Manager with an MBE certified IT recruiting and consulting firm where she oversaw diversity spend of $70M with more than 300+…

Veta T. Jeffery has spent her life fighting for the rights of others. She began her professional career advocating for the rights of Differently Abled individuals. Conflict Resolution education and training allowed her to serve others successfully navigating them through education, employment, building and housing issues. She went on to spend over 20 years working…

Sarah is the communications manager for the Social Policy Institute (SPI). In her role, Sarah tells stories and disseminates research that lead to social change, more equitable policies and stronger communities. Prior to joining SPI, Sarah led communications and marketing for a community foundation in Indianapolis where she applied communications strategies, evidence-based research and resident…

Michelle D. Tucker is the President and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis which hosts one of the number one annual fundraising campaigns across the country. She joined United Way from Epworth Children and Family Services, an organization focused on vulnerable youth, after serving as their first female and African American CEO in…

Andre Alexander is committed to the development and growth of people across generations in a way that is unsurpassed. His passion and dedication to meeting the needs of individuals where they are, is seen in both his professional and personal life. Born and raised in St. Louis, Andre graduated from Berkeley Senior High School in…

LaShana Lewis is a technologist working in the diversity space with over 20 years of experience. She is currently CEO of L. M. Lewis Consulting, a company which aims to make employers more diverse through recruitment, hiring, and retention best practices. She recently served as Director of the St. Louis Equity in Entrepreneurship Collective, an…

Kevin Wilson is the Executive Director of the Small Business Empowerment Center. The Small Business Empowerment Center is a Missouri 501c3 Nonprofit Organization sponsored by the Greater St. Louis Empowerment Zone to serve as is a one stop shop to help urban entrepreneurs start and grow their own business enterprise. For 20 years, Kevin has…