Leadership for Changing Times
For 25 years, our FOCUS programs have challenged leaders - to think differently, to seek out new perspectives, and to take action.
The past year challenged us at FOCUS to do the same. We are always working on innovative ways to educate and connect leaders, and the pandemic presented an opportunity to reimagine everything that we do - from how we work to how we recruit to how we bring leaders together. We continued to break barriers, build bridges, redefine and expand what civic leadership and civic engagement mean. We pivoted and had deeper conversations to reach new levels of understanding and impact. True growth only happens when you step outside your comfort zone, and this year is a testament to that.
I'm inspired by what we've achieved in the face of unprecedented challenges, and all the more appreciative to the supporters who've helped to make it possible, including our board, donors, program participants, event attendees, members and community partners.
An annual report is just a small snapshot of the work that goes on in a year, but we hope it gives you a picture of where we've been - and inspires you to join us for the journey ahead.
Dr. Yemi Akande-Bartsch
President & CEO
FOCUS St. Louis
The Year in Numbers
Serving a continuum of leaders from high school students to senior executives
Coming together from 161 organizations and 74 ZIP codes across the region
Incorporating interviews with regional leaders, simulations, discussion and reflection
Including workshops, issue forums and our signature What's Right with the Region Awards
Joining us from all sectors and industries for learning, networking and discussion
Broadening our reach through custom programs and community trainings
A Few Highlights of Our Year
Learning and Connecting in New Ways
FOCUS Launches Virtual Campus
FOCUS programs successfully transitioned to virtual at the start of the pandemic. Then in January 2021, we introduced a next-level online user experience. The FOCUS Virtual Campus provides a unique digital space to bring our leaders together and facilitate their learning. With a single sign-on platform, participants can navigate their program curriculum, measure progress, access additional resources and materials and engage in discussions with their cohort.
The response has been overwhelming, with participants consistently reporting a positive experience and other organizations reaching out to learn how they can use the platform.
Collaborating for Action
Cohorts Tackle Projects to Improve the Region
In addition to the rich learning and discussions that take place in all of our programs, our Impact Fellows, Emerging Leaders and Youth Leadership St. Louis cohorts put their experience to work with action projects designed to address issues in our community (or in the case of YLSL, their schools.)
These projects not only give participants the opportunity to stretch their creativity, problem-solving and collaboration skills, they also give these leaders the chance to connect with community partners and stakeholders, while leaving a lasting impact.
Bringing Our Community Together
FOCUS Hosts Record Number of Events
The pandemic did not stop FOCUS from carrying out our role as a convener and connector. Transitioning to virtual events and trainings not only allowed us to keep the discussions going but also to reach new audiences.
From alumni dinners to a mayoral forum to speed-mentoring, this year's events provided opportunities for our regional leaders to learn, to stay on top of important issues and to connect with each other. We wrapped up the year with another successful What's Right with the Region Awards, as more than 300 tuned in (virtually) to help us celebrate 23 individuals and organizations making a difference.
The Year in Their Own Words
Program Highlights
Our 2020-21 class of Leadership St. Louis brought together 56 experienced leaders from across all sectors to gain a deeper understanding of the St. Louis region, explore collaborative civic leadership and build connections. Program day topics included health care, criminal justice, economic development, racial equity, education, urban planning, quality of life, education and more, in addition to open and closing retreat.
What participants said:
- "I was told LSL would be life changing and transformational and indeed it was. I will likely never know the extent that it helped me get through this year in particular and how much more life affecting it was to have occurred in such a pivotal time in our world's history, let alone the St. Louis community."
- "Going into this program, I understood that the St. Louis region has deep structural problems that have bedeviled the region for generations. However, this program helped me realize that this is not an excuse for inaction, and that there are tangible acts we can all take to improve our region that will absolutely make a difference in peoples' lives, and can be a catalyst for systemic changes."
- "LSL helped me lose the tunnel vision of just being a leader in my sector and focus on being a leader in the community as a whole."
Thank You to Our 2020-21 Supporters!
The listing below reflects all membership and donation gifts recorded between July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021. If you have a question or need to make a change to how you are listed, please contact Kayla Dix at kaylad@focus-stl.org.
Financials
*Unaudited financials
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