Dara Webb
Vice President Patient Care Services - Women's and Children, Mercy
Leadership St. Louis
As a result of FOCUS, I now have lifelong friends that I can call on that understand the challenges of being a professional woman.
Dara Webb
Leadership St. Louis 2021-22 | Impact Fellows 2018
What prompted you to apply for your FOCUS programs? The Impact Fellows program [a past program of FOCUS] was focused on healthcare the year I participated. I was in a middle management role at the time and wanted inspiration for future senior roles. I later applied to Leadership St. Louis because I was at a new organization and wanted to get more involved with civic organizations across St. Louis. Both programs were so influential in my career and civic involvement.
What were your biggest takeaways from the programs? There is a lot of work to do in the St. Louis region but there is hope!
What impact has your FOCUS experience had on your life? I now have lifelong friends that I can call on that understand the challenges of being a professional woman. Women have the added pressure of balancing family and career. FOCUS has provided me a circle of non-judgmental/supportive friends male and female. Also, because of my involvement with FOCUS, I am now on the boards of St. Louis Integrated Health Network and Operation Food Search.
What would you say to someone who was considering applying for a FOCUS program? Just do it! You will gain lifetime friends and colleagues.
In what ways have you stayed involved with FOCUS following graduation? I’m a FOCUS member and attend programming, as I find that it keeps me engaged with St. Louis issues. Membership in FOCUS gives you access to programs, new and updates, mentor/mentee programs and Yemi!
