Key Takeaways

• GSL initiative promotes growth and development of diverse mid-career professionals

• 70% of Fellows are promoted within 2 years of participating in the program

• Over 130 future leaders in the 18th Fellows cohort

• Experience has empowered the "Elite 18" to "overcome systemic barriers and expand their leadership capacity"

ST. LOUIS - Greater St. Louis, Inc. celebrated the graduation of the 18th cohort of the Fellows Experience, its initiative devoted to the growth and cultivation of diverse mid-career professionals. The Fellows Experience addresses the interests and challenges professionals of color face as they work to advance their careers.

"I've truly enjoyed getting to know this year's participants as they've progressed through the program," said Dr. Trezette Dixon, GSL's Senior Director, the Fellows Experience. "By focusing on professional development, relationship building, and civic engagement, the Fellows Experience has empowered them to overcome systemic barriers and expand their leadership capacity. I can't wait to see how far the members of the 'Elite 18' go."

The graduation ceremony featured welcome remarks from Penny Pennington, Managing Partner of event sponsor Edward Jones, a discussion on leadership, and the awarding of certificates to the members of the graduating class of Fellows.

About The Fellows Experience

The year-long program enhances each Fellow's leadership capacity through professional development, relationship building, and civic engagement. The graduation ceremony, held at Edward Jones' Des Peres headquarters, was the 18th in the history of the groundbreaking program that has now seen more than 1,200 future leaders participate. This year's cohort had 131 graduates.

"I was blessed to be a member of Cohort 4 because it equipped me to, within just a few years, be the kind of leader that Behavioral Health Response needed during that time and to now be the kind of DEI leader that is needed in our St. Louis community," said Pat Coleman, a founding member of the GSL Board of Directors who participated in the Fellows Experience in 2009-2010 and now serves as Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Alberici Constructors, Inc. "I am grateful for the Fellows Experience."

The Fellows Experience offers a robust curriculum, featuring expert-led sessions on themes like personal brand development, effective leadership tools, career equity building, diversity in the workplace, strategic leadership, organizational development, ethics, and practical application of knowledge for career success. The Experience includes monthly full-day sessions and a three-day retreat, as well as optional after-hours events. "Through volunteer and civic activities, Fellows hone their skills, expand their relationships, and deepen their connection with the broader community," added Dixon.

Fellows A Key Component of GSL's inclusive Growth Strategy

GSL was established to unite the civic-minded business community behind a unified voice for inclusive economic development so that everyone in the St. Louis metro has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of race, zip code, or any other factor.

"We are guided by the STL 2030 Jobs Plan, which focuses specifically and intentionally on inclusive growth. The Fellows Experience is a critical component of this work," said GSL CEO Jason Hall. "The Fellows are rising stars, the future leaders of our metro that we hope will be leading the discussions about St. Louis in the very near future."

Addressing the Fellows at the ceremony, Hall added: "This work is critical to winning the next decade for St. Louis, and I hope you see yourselves in it. Please know that you are now part of our family at Greater St. Louis, Inc., and our goal is that you help set the direction for the future of St. Louis."

Sponsoring Organizations

Leading businesses across the St. Louis metro have generously sponsored the Fellows Experience. They include: Ameren Corp., A.T. Still University, AT&T, Bayer, BJC HealthCare, The Boeing Co., Caleres, Centene Corp. Cigna HealthCare, Citi, Edward Jones, Enterprise Mobility, ISTO Biologics, Mallinckrodt, Mercy, Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, Places for People, Schnuck Markets, Inc., Spire, The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, United Healthcare, WashU.

Media Contact: Tony Wyche | 314-398-9991 | [email protected]

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