2023 What's Right with the Region Awards

Demonstrating Innovative Solutions

Honorees have demonstrated innovation and vision in making the St. Louis region a better place to live, work or visit.
Angels’ Arms
Arriel Biggs, Founder, Young Biz Kidz
Keyway: Center for Diversion and Reentry
National Blues Museum

Enhancing Regional Prosperity

Honorees are dedicated to the growth of the region and building a stronger workforce and economy for the benefit of all.
Ava’s Grace Scholarship, a program of the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis
Build Back Better Regional Collaboration on Advanced Manufacturing, led by Greater St. Louis, Inc. and St. Louis Economic Development Partnership
Building Union Diversity, a program of the Missouri Works Initiative
Save Our Sons, a workforce development program of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis

Improving Equity and Inclusion

Honorees have shown a commitment to promoting diversity, access, inclusion and opportunity for all.
Black Girls Do STEM
Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School
Disabled Athlete Sports Association (DASA)
Flance Early Learning Center

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.
Girls on the Run St. Louis
Kendall and Wyvetta Granger
I Define Me Movement
Nicole Nelson, Founder, Equity Legal Services

Emerging Initiatives

Honorees are promising new businesses, organizations or initiatives that are already serving as catalysts for change.
GreaterHealth Pharmacy & Wellness
Real Estate Tax Assistance Fund
Tap In Center
The Believe Projects

FOCUS St. Louis is pleased to announce that the Steward Family will be the recipients of the 2023 FOCUS Leadership Award.

“As a region, we are fortunate to have the Steward family,” says Amy Shaw, board chair for FOCUS St. Louis. “Individually and collectively, they have built a legacy of entrepreneurship, leadership and philanthropy that is felt throughout our community and beyond.”

This prestigious award, chosen by the FOCUS Board of Directors, is given annually to individuals who demonstrate committed leadership, generate a meaningful impact in the community, and encourage strong community engagement in others.

Learn more about this year's recipients.

At the 26th Annual What’s Right with the Region Awards Celebration on May 11, FOCUS St. Louis will honor Emerging Leaders alum Vin Ko, Director of Team Operations for St. Louis CITY SC, with its 2023 Emerging Alumni Award.

“Each year, more than 300 individuals graduate from our FOCUS programs and take what they’ve learned into their personal, professional and civic leadership roles,” says Dr. Yemi Akande-Bartsch, President & CEO of FOCUS St. Louis. “Our alumni awards are designed to recognize FOCUS graduates who have put their leadership into action for the benefit of our St. Louis region.”

Since 2019, Vin Ko has worked with St. Louis CITY SC and Sporting Director Lutz Pfannenstiel to help build the Washington University Orthopedics High Performance Center, the CITY Futures program, St. Louis CITY Academy, St. Louis CITY2 and the First Team. A native of St. Louis and 2015 graduate of the FOCUS Emerging Leaders program, Vin previously worked at the World Trade Center – St. Louis on the St. Louis Mosaic Project initiative. He is a co-founder of St. Louis Pick Up Soccer, which organizes pick up soccer games across the St. Louis region. He has been recognized with a 30 Under 30 award from the St. Louis Business Journal, received a St. Louis Champion Award from the St. Louis Civic Pride Foundation and named one of 100 St. Louisans to Know by Small Business Monthly.

This year’s What’s Right with the Region Co-Chairs are:

Dr. Kristin Sobolik                            Steve Smith
Chancellor                                                Founder & CEO
University of Missouri-St. Louis         New + Found

Over the past 25 years, FOCUS has had the privilege of celebrating the accomplishments of more than 500 honorees.

Past Honorees