Podcast – Marcy Bursac
Podcast\n\n FOCUS on Leadership\n\n EPISODE 2\n\n Saying Yes\n\n Marcy Bursac\n\n How do we as leaders continue to learn, grow and evolve? In this episode, we talk with FOCUS Women In Leadership alum Marcy Bursac about her unique leadership journey from nonprofit professional to software developer to author, podcaster and pageant queen. She shares how her experience as an adoptive mother…
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Introducing Our Spring 2025 Cohort of Women In Leadership
FOCUS St. Louis is pleased to announce the 33 outstanding individuals selected for the spring 2025 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 diverse backgrounds. Through interviews and field…
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Podcast – Mary Elizabeth Grimes
Podcast\n\n FOCUS on Leadership\n\n EPISODE 9\n\n Following Your Purpose\n\n Mary Elizabeth Grimes\n\n As President of Marian Middle School since 2013, Mary Elizabeth Grimes is responsible for stewarding over 200 students from 5th grade through post-secondary education and beyond. In this episode of the FOCUS on Leadership podcast, she shares her thoughts on the power of education and the joy she…
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Start With Leadership Conference
leadership conference\n\n Start with Leadership Conference\n\n The Start With Leadership Conference is back on May 7, 2026! Presented by FOCUS St. Louis and the University of Missouri-St. Louis, this powerful half-day event will tackle timely topics like innovation, accountability, collaboration, AI, growth mindset and more. We’re bringing together some of the region’s top thought leaders for a dynamic lineup of…
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Podcast – Dr. Yusef Scoggin
Podcast\n\n FOCUS on Leadership\n\n EPISODE 11\n\n Collective Impact\n\n Dr. Yusef Scoggin\n\n In this episode, we sit down with FOCUS Leadership St. Louis grad Dr. Yusef Scoggin, Executive Director of Delmar DivINe, to explore his career evolution and vision for our region. From his early experiences in medicine to leading a regional nonprofit hub, Dr. Scoggin reflects on the importance of…
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Partners
SUpport FOCUS\n\n Our Partners\n\n Thank you to the following Corporate & Foundation supporters, whose generous gifts are helping to advance the mission of FOCUS St. Louis.\n\n Interested in becoming a partner or hosting one of our program days?\n\n Contact us!\n\n (314) 622-1250\n\n email\n\n $20,000+\n\n $5,000 – $19,999\n\n $1,000-$4,999\n\n Endowed Scholarships\n\n Thank you to our Program & Event Hosts!\n\n Ameren Missouri…
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Youth Leadership St. Louis
…high school juniors at one of our partner schools or community organizations. New for 2026-27, we also have an opportunity for students to apply individually if their school is not currently participating. Learn more. Students are accepted into the program through their school/organization’s selection process, and each student team is accompanied by a teacher/YLSL advisor who is trained by FOCUS…
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What’s Right with the Region
What’s Right with the Region\n\n What’s Right with the Region Awards\n\n Each year, FOCUS applauds the efforts of the individuals, organizations and initiatives making a positive difference in the St. Louis region with our What’s Right With the Region Awards. Thank you to all who joined us on May 7, 2026, for an inspiring evening of celebration and networking at…
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Update Your Information
alumni\n\n Update Your Information\n\n Stay connected with FOCUS! Are you an alum that’s recently moved, changed jobs or updated your email address? Please fill out the form below to keep your alumni record current in our database. This will ensure you continue to receive alumni communications. If you’ve changed jobs or been promoted, we’ll also include your announcement in our…
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2023-24 Youth Leadership St. Louis Graduates Receive Special Scholarship Offer from the University of Missouri-St. Louis
…grateful for UMSL’s support of this year’s program through hosting the opening retreat and graduation celebration,” says FOCUS President & CEO Dr. Yemi Akande-Bartsch. “Their generous scholarship offer is an amazing opportunity for these student leaders as they begin planning for their future.” This year’s cohort explored a variety of topics and regional issues, including diversity and inclusion, health and…
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BoardBridge Application – Prospective Candidates
BoardBridge\n\n Candidate Application\n\n We have reached capacity for candidates for our spring 2026 round of FOCUS BoardBridge! If you are still interested in participating, please join the waitlist using the form below, and we will reach out if a spot opens up. If you have any questions, please contact Becky Rasmussen.\n\n…
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Board Prospect Data Collection Form
focus board of directors\n\n Prospect Data Collection\n\n…
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Podcast – Rebeccah Bennett
Podcast\n\n FOCUS on Leadership\n\n EPISODE 1\n\n Where to Start\n\n Rebeccah Bennett\n\n When the problems of the world seem too big and overwhelming, where is a leader to start? In our first episode, we talk with Rebeccah Bennett, Founder & Principal of Emerging Wisdom LLC and InPower Institute, about her unique leadership journey from public policy to community healing. Along the…
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Custom Programs
custom programs\n\n Meeting Your Unique Training Needs\n\n To meet the ever-changing needs of organizations in our region, FOCUS offers customized leadership and professional development programs that can energize your teams, strengthen culture, and drive impact in your organization. Delivered by experts in their fields, each program can be tailored to the particular needs of your organization. These programs can be…
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Executive Director Roundtable Application
Executive Director Roundtable Application\n\n Purpose The FOCUS St. Louis Executive Director Roundtable convenes a small, thoughtfully selected group of nonprofit executive leaders for confidential, peer-based dialogue, shared learning, and leadership reflection. Participants are selected to ensure a balanced, engaged, and trust-centered cohort.\n\n…
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Podcast – Dr. Alexander Garza
Podcast\n\n FOCUS on Leadership\n\n EPISODE 12\n\n Leading Through Uncertainty\n\n Dr. Alexander Garza\n\n How do we lead with clarity and compassion through times of crisis or uncertainty? In this episode, we had the privilege to talk with Dr. Alexander Garza, Chief Community Health Office for SSM Health and past Commander of the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force. Drawing from his…
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Youth Leadership St. Louis Application Form
…in good standing entering your junior (11th grade) year in 2026-27, not currently enrolled at one of our YLSL participating schools. Have the support of your parent/guardian in participating, including the $500 tuition. Be able to attend all scheduled program days. Applications are due by May 15, 2026. Questions? Contact YLSL Program Director Beth Casagrand at bethc@focus-stl.org or (314) 657-4026.\n\n…
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