emerging leaders
Prepare to lead in your career and the community.
Designed for early-career professionals, the FOCUS Emerging Leaders program offers the opportunity to strengthen your personal, professional and civic leadership skills, gain a deeper understanding of the inner workings of the St. Louis region and expand your network. You’ll leave the program with an increased sense of engagement in the region, as well as the tools to lead.
Emerging Leaders is a great springboard to pursuing leadership positions in your career and the community, along with applying for other FOCUS leadership programs.
Who Should Apply
If you’re an early-career professional who wants to gain a better understanding of yourself, of the St. Louis region and how you can get involved to make our community stronger, you may be a great fit for Emerging Leaders.
Like all FOCUS leadership programs, Emerging Leaders welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, industries and sectors.
What to Expect
Emerging Leaders is held each spring and fall. Led by FOCUS’ experienced facilitators, subject-matter experts and regional leaders, the four-month program includes:
- An opening retreat
- Full- and half-day sessions
- Small-group Civic Action Projects
- FOCUS Now, an all-program graduation/networking event
You’ll have the opportunity to explore your unique strengths, examine regional issues from different perspectives, expand your leadership skills, and build lasting connections. Upon graduation, you’ll also become part of the network of more than 11,000 FOCUS program alumni.
Emerging Leaders Fall 2023
Program Partners
