This event took place on Thursday, Sept. 23.
Without diverse representation in leadership roles, decision-makers in corporations, nonprofits and government often make decisions that do not account for the lived experiences of everyone and creates a significant barrier for inclusive growth.
The Social Policy Institute at Washington University in St. Louis and Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth hosted “Embracing Inclusive Leadership.” Participants listened to a panel of experts from all sectors who proactively amplify diverse voices through inclusive and meaningful partnerships. Speakers acknowledged exclusive systems and practices that keep under-represented communities from accessing decision-making spaces and discussed strategies for extending social capital, creative financial support and building community engagement partnerships.
Additionally, Generate Health in St. Louis shared lessons learned from its experience in intentionally diversifying relationships and perspectives to enact systemic change.
Speakers
- Kiesha Davis, director of partnership and capacity building, Deaconess Foundation
- Tiffany Day, director, Whole Family Approach Innovations, Community Action Partnerships
- April Ford Griffin, executive director, Affordable Housing Commission, City of St. Louis
- Michal Grinstein-Weiss, director, Social Policy Institute
- Sherita Haigler, vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion, United Way
- LaShana Lewis, founder and CEO, L. M. Lewis Consulting
- Leah Moser, director of planning and partnerships, Generate Health STL
- Claire Rippel, director, Neighborhood Leadership Academy Community Development Specialist, UMSL
- Sundy Whiteside, board president, St. Louis Association of Community Organizations (SLACO)
Resources
- 15 actionable strategies to embrace inclusive leadership, takeaways from the Sept. 23 event speakers
- Flourish St. Louis presentation slides from Leah Moser
- Flourish St. Louis’s progress report
- Description of the Community Leaders Cabinet at Flourish St. Louis
- An anti-racist Ameria looks like ongoing progress, a PBS American Portrait interview with LaShana Lewis
- Do diversity and inclusion have to be overwhelming?, an article in Entrepreneur by LaShana Lewis
- Additional thought-pieces and training from L.M. Consulting
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About Inclusive Growth In St. Louis Events
This 6-part event series, Inclusive Growth in St. Louis, will investigate who is left out of St. Louis’ economic growth benefits, the policies that have led to the unequal distribution of opportunities, and actionable recommendations to become a more inclusive economy.
The series is designed by an advisory committee comprised of local individuals that are passionate about building an inclusive community with equitable opportunities for all, and features community leaders as speakers. The series is made possible through a partnership with the Social Policy Institute at Washington University in St. Louis and Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth.
