FOCUS St. Louis is pleased to announce the 29 outstanding individuals selected for the spring 2026 cohort of Women In Leadership.

The Women In Leadership program, held each fall and spring, offers professionals the opportunity to refine their leadership competencies, gain a deeper understanding of the St. Louis region, and connect with women from across sectors and backgrounds. Through interviews and field days, participants explore different styles of leadership and tap into the wisdom of business, community and civic leaders, while also honing their facilitation, negotiation and communication skills. Upon graduation, participants join the network of more than 11,000 FOCUS alumni.

“Each cohort brings together women from across the public, private and nonprofit sectors for growth, learning and connection,” says Shalia Ford, Senior Director of Leadership Programs for FOCUS. “Through this experience, participants gain the tools, resources and network to lead more confidently and effectively in all their spheres of influence.”

Women In Leadership is presented with support from the RGA Foundation.

 Women In Leadership – Spring 2026 Cohort

Kayia Baker
Piano School Director
Pianos for People

Heather Blue
Director of Marketing Strategy
Prison Fellowship Ministry

Stephanie Boyd
President
Rosati-Kain Academy

Grace Bramman
Director, Evaluation & Grants
Wyman

Miriah Broeker
Director, Strategic Alliances
Equifax

Marna Coleman
Neighborhood Stabilization Officer
City of St Louis

Hollie Costello
Director of Communications
EverTrue

Jodie Crohn
Director of Interiors
HOK

Kristin Doll
Talent & Organizational Development Specialist
Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. (RGA) 

Natosha Hunter
Senior Director, Enterprise Data Delivery & Projects
Cushman & Wakefield

Liz Jennings
Foundation & Development Manager
BJC Memorial Hospital

Tracy M. Jones
President & CEO
Major 360 LLC

Joy King
Principal Quantitative Geneticist
Bayer

Kate O’Neill
Director, North America People Services
Cushman & Wakefield

Chris Sandwell
Officer of Special Projects
Behavioral Health Response, Inc (BHR)

Vanessa Sarmiento
Family Partnership Coordinator
SouthSide Early Childhood Center

Amy Simpson
Director of Philanthropy and Community Impact
Bayer

Colleen Suber
Chief Program Officer
CHADS Coalition

Rebecca Tafra Catlett
Executive Operations Administrator
St. Louis County Library

Nicole Thompson
Senior Director of HR
Concordance

Julie Turner
President and CEO
United Services for Children

Caitlin Veninga
Director, Business Operations
Siteman Cancer Center

Samantha Wayant
Senior Director of Women’s Services
YWCA Metro St. Louis

Amber Webb
Director of Client Services
Animal Protective Association of Missouri

Raven Whitener
Director
St. Louis American Foundation

Latoya Wilson
Program Manager
Mission:St. Louis-Show Me Peace

Erin Wright
Manager, Community Engagement & Alumni Experience
FOCUS St. Louis

Kelley Young
Chief Financial Officer
St. Louis Area Foodbank

Annie Zahner
Director, Business Services
Prosper CPAs