Greater St. Louis, Inc. celebrated the graduation of the 18th cohort of the Fellows Experience, a program dedicated to the development of diverse mid-career professionals. The initiative aims to address challenges faced by professionals of color as they 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 of 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 ceremony included remarks from Penny Pennington, Managing Partner at Edward Jones, discussions on leadership, and awarding certificates to graduates.
The year-long Fellows Experience enhances each participant’s leadership capacity through professional development, relationship building, and civic engagement. The recent ceremony was held at Edward Jones’ Des Peres headquarters and marked the graduation of 131 participants in its 18th iteration.
Pat Coleman, Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Alberici Constructors, Inc., reflected on his experience: “I was blessed to be a member of Cohort 4 because it equipped me to…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,” he said. “I am grateful for the Fellows Experience.”
The curriculum includes sessions on personal brand development, effective leadership tools, career equity building, diversity in the workplace, strategic leadership, organizational development ethics, and practical application for career success. Monthly full-day sessions and a three-day retreat are part of the program.
GSL CEO Jason Hall emphasized the importance of inclusive growth in St. Louis: “We are guided by the STL 2030 Jobs Plan…The Fellows Experience is a critical component of this work,” he said. Addressing graduates at the ceremony Hall added: “This work is critical to winning the next decade for St. Louis…you are now part of our family at Greater St. Louis.”
Sponsoring organizations 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 United Healthcare WashU.
For more information contact Tony Wyche at 314-398-9991 or Tony@GreaterSTLInc.com
