FOCUS St. Louis has selected 30 talented early-career professionals for the Fall 2026 cohort of Emerging Leaders. During this four-month civic leadership program, participants explore their personal, professional and civic leadership styles, gain a deeper understanding of the St. Louis region, and expand their network. They also have the opportunity to put their leadership skills into action by completing Civic Action Projects in collaboration with community partners.

Since its launch in 2012, FOCUS Emerging Leaders has trained more than 800 young professionals. Participants leave the program with an increased sense of engagement in the region, as well as the knowledge and tools to take an active role as the next generation of leaders. Upon graduation, participants also become part of the FOCUS network of more than 11,000 leadership program alumni.

“Emerging Leaders is unique in its ability to bring together young professionals across sectors and industries,” says Program Director Beth Casagrand. “It continues to be a great springboard for participants, as they go on to pursue leadership positions in their careers and in the community.”

The Emerging Leaders program is presented with support from Ameren, Big League Impact, Kwame Charitable Foundation, the Asian American Chamber of Commerce – St. Louis, and RGA Foundation.

Fall 2026 Emerging Leaders Class

Stephanie Alarcon
Assistant Director, Data and Evaluation
Washington University in St. Louis

Jacara Betts
Community Resource Specialist
Park Central Development Corporation

Chloe Colbert
International Student Advisor
Washington University in St. Louis

Nick Coudret
Manager, GI Lab
Christian Hospital, BJC Health

Saeb Danish
Financial Analyst
Arc Wellness

Alex Dixon
Community Impact Specialist
Spire

Henry Eubank
Director, Public Policy
Greater St. Louis, Inc.

Etta Fejzic
Prospect Manager
KVC Foundation

Ally Garrison
Manager Marketing Communications
Leonardo DRS

Amaya Gonzalez
Operations & Communications Manager
Urban Harvest STL

Kayla Grove
Community Engagement Coordinator
MilliporeSigma

Crystal Hall
Site Manager
Unleashing Potential

Jasmine Harlan
Alumni Mentor Manager
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern MO

Iris Hinderliter
St. Louis ISCO Training Coordinator
MilliporeSigma

Fredrik Inglis
Principal Scientist
MilliporeSigma

Curtrell McCann
Unit Manager
Raising Canes

ShaTonya McClain
Community Impact & Digital Engagement Specialist
Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis

Alexia McCullison
Program Director
Hope Creates

Christopher Michael
Community Affairs & Outreach Manager
Taylor Geospatial

Kynidi Miller
Recruitment Coordinator
College Bound St. Louis

Nick O’Hanlon
Project Manager
Easterseals Midwest

Leah Owczarczak
Coordinator, Office of the Chancellor
Washington University in St. Louis

Meagan Patrick
Project Administrator
Kwame Building Group

Ollie Reeb
Business Analyst
Clayco

Darrion (Dee) Richard
Convention Services Manager
Explore St. Louis

Phillip Schranck
Attorney
Carmody MacDonald

Jake Thomeczek
Attorney
UB Greensfelder LLP

Niambi Tucker
Marketing and Communications Manager
Gateway Global

Erin Turner
Communications Coordinator
Brinkmann Constructors

Marissa Wirth
Office Manager and Executive Assistant to the Vice Chancellor
Washington University in St. Louis