For those who didn’t get the opportunity to see all the beautiful superstar women feted at The Salute to Women in Leadership gala. Here is a quick recap.
Here is what Urban League President Michael McMillan posted on his Linkedin page.
THANK YOU ST. LOUIS! You made the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ 18th Salute to Women in Leadership Gala another sold out success of 1,000 people at the Marriott Grand St. Louis Hotel. We honored 12 outstanding local women leaders who have contributed greatly to our community through their professional accomplishments and community service in addition to two Lifetime Achievement honorees. We also presented a special recognition award to The United Way of Greater St. Louis and President Michelle Tucker celebrating the agency’s 100th anniversary and partnership with The Urban League.
The 2022 Salute to women in Leadership honorees are:
Marilyn Bush, President Bank of America St. Louis
Akberet Boykin Farr, Vice President of Diversity and Social Responsibility at Emerson
Dr. Matifadza Hlatshwayo Davis, Director of Health for the City of St. Louis
Dr. Gwendolyn Wilson Diggs, Vice President of Head Start/Early Head Start Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis (Urban League Woman of the Year)
Nkenge Harmon Johnson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Urban League of Portland, Oregon (Urban League CEO of the Year)
Hon. Ella Jones, Mayor, City of Ferguson Missouri
The Honorable Sonette Magnus, Consul of Canada, St. Louis, Partner Thompson Coburn LLP
Karen Morrison, Sr. Manager Advocacy, Community Outreach & Workforce Diversity at BJC HealthCare
Pamela Morris-Thornton, VP, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Panera Bread
Dr. Tanya Patton, Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services, Riverview Gardens School District
Dr. Latonia Collins Smith, President of Harris-Stowe State University
Dr. Kristin Sobolik, Chancellor of the University of Missouri–St. Louis
Lifetime Achievement awards were presented to acclaimed actress & activist Tichina Arnold and Areva Martin, an award-winning civil rights attorney, CNN legal analyst, author, advocate and Founder and President of Special Needs Network, Inc., one of the nation’s leading disability, children’s health and social justice nonprofits. Martin grew up in St. Louis’ Carr Square neighborhood before attending the University of Chicago and then Harvard Law School.
Each honoree received more than 75 commendations & gifts including, designer gifts from Versace, an exclusive commemorative plate from Buckingham Palace, a custom award with a framed letter from President Joe Biden honoring their community service and a personal tribute letter from Vice President Kamala Harris. The Lifetime Achievement honorees also received custom designed gowns from Neiman Marcus.
Guests were treated to special musical performances from the legendary Melba Moore and St. Louis native Ángela Winbush who closed the event with a rousing performance of her chart-topping hits. The Coleman-Hughes Project entertained guests during the pre-dinner reception. Other special guests included civil righs icon Xernona Clayton, gospel legend Dr. Bobby Jones, and actor Richard Gant. #ULSTL#URBANLEAGUE
