Yemi Akande President and CEO, FOCUS St. Louis Among St. Louis Magazine St. Louis Business 500: Nonprofits —Reported in St. Louis Magazine
Local leaders working to meet a range of needs in the community
The St. Louis Business 500 highlights some of the metro area’s most impactful, innovative, and inspirational leaders, from C-suite executives to under-the-radar entrepreneurs across an array of industries.
Beyond the brief bios below, we created a questionnaire to shed light on some of these leaders’ achievements, aspirations, and interests beyond the office. Click the names highlighted in blue for more interesting insights from some of St. Louis’ top business leaders.
Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Akande-Bartsch has always strived to “lead with empathy.” Putting others first has driven her work and success. “Understanding the needs, motivations, and challenges of others has not only strengthened my relationships but also enhanced my ability to drive meaningful change in our organization and the communities we serve,” she says. Through her leadership, FOCUS St. Louis has expanded its reach and impact through new initiatives that integrate technology and civic education. “I have seen firsthand how empowering individuals with the right knowledge and leadership skills can transform communities, break cycles of inequality, and create lasting change.”
