29th Annual What’s Right with the Region Awards


When

May 7, 2026
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Where

Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri-St. Louis

Register

Each year, FOCUS applauds the efforts of the individuals, organizations and initiatives making a positive difference in the St. Louis community with our What’s Right With the Region Awards. All in our community are invited to join us for this inspiring evening of celebration and networking!

Mix and mingle at our networking reception from 5 to 6:30 p.m., followed by the awards celebration in the Anheuser-Busch Performance Hall from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Get your ticket today!

What’s Right with the Region represents FOCUS St. Louis’ most important fundraising event of the year, and your ticket purchase helps to support our ongoing mission to educate and connect leaders and facilitate important conversations in our community.


Tickets

Tickets include access to both the networking reception and awards ceremony, as well as free parking, heavy hors d’oeuvres and beer/wine bar.

Pricing:

If interested in purchasing 10+ tickets, please contact Becky Rasmussen at beckyr@focus-stl.org for group pricing.

There are no physical tickets for this event. Refunds are not available, but guest substitutions are allowed.

If you’d like to attend the Start With Leadership Conference taking place immediately prior to What’s Right with the Region from 1 to 5 p.m., tickets are available here.


Honorees
Demonstrating Innovative Solutions

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

Improving Equity and Inclusion

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

Promoting Community Health and Well-being

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

Emerging Initiatives

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

Community Changemakers

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

Emerging Alumni Award

Keisha Mabry Haymore, Managing Director, Per Scholas (Emerging Leaders 2013)

Legacy Alumni Award

Amy Shaw, President & CEO, Nine PBS (Leadership St. Louis 2013)

FOCUS Leadership Award

Lesley Hoffarth, President & Executive Director, Forest Park Forever (Women In Leadership 2004)


Co-Chairs

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


2026 WRWR Sponsors