On May 7, 2026, FOCUS St. Louis will honor 20 individuals, organizations, and initiatives making a difference at the 29th Annual What’s Right with the Region Awards Celebration. These honorees were nominated by the public and selected by a committee of local leaders for their impact and service to the community.

FOCUS St. Louis will recognize the following outstanding honorees in five categories:

Demonstrating Innovative Solutions

Honorees have demonstrated innovation and vision in making the St. Louis region a better place to live, work or visit.

Gateway Arch Park Foundation
The MICA Project (Migrant and Immigrant Community Action)
Next Prep
Scott Credit Union

Improving Equity and Inclusion

Honorees have shown a commitment to promoting diversity, access, inclusion and opportunity for all.

City Academy
The Eastern Region Alliance
St. Louis Black Repertory Company
St. Francis Xavier ID & Birth Certificate Program

Promoting Community Health and Well-being

Honorees are working to improve the collective health and wellness of our region’s residents, as well as addressing the social determinants of health.

Assisi House
Crown Center for Senior Living
Just Moms STL
Pink Ribbon Good – St. Louis

Emerging Initiatives

Honorees are promising new businesses, organizations or initiatives that are already serving as catalysts for change.

Archway Refugee Connections
Brickline North Community Development Corporation
Sow Joy Peoples Fund
The People’s Response

Community Changemakers

Honorees are individuals leading and inspiring change in their organizations, their community and/or our region for the benefit of all.

Gary Huelsmann, CEO, Caritas Family Solutions
Raphael Morris, President, Greenwood Cemetery Preservation Association
Chris Ryan, Founder, STL.org, and Owner, Once Films
Lizette Smith, Ph.D., Director of Clinical Programs, Our Little Haven

FOCUS will also present the Leadership Award to Lesley Hoffarth, President & Executive Director of Forest Park Forever, the Legacy Alumni Award to Amy Shaw, President & CEO of Nine PBS, and the Emerging Alumni Award to Keisha Mabry Haymore, Managing Director of Per Scholas.

All in the community are invited to help recognize these outstanding leaders at the 29th Annual What’s Right with the Region Awards Celebration.

When: Thursday, May 7, 2026 – 5 p.m. Reception; 6:30 p.m. Awards Presentation
Where: Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri-St. Louis
Learn More:  Early-bird tickets are on sale now!

This year’s What’s Right with the Region Co-Chairs are:
Ray Kleeman
Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer
RGA: Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.

Mark Lindgren
Executive Vice President, Communications, & Chief Human Resources Officer
Ameren

The event Leadership Sponsors are Ameren, RGA, University of Missouri-St. Louis, and Wells Fargo Advisors. Media Partners are the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and St. Louis Public Radio. View all sponsors here.

Funds raised support the work of FOCUS St. Louis in developing leaders and building strong civic capacity.