Lauren Brooks

Congratulations to MTC’s Development Associate Lauren Brooks! She has been selected as one of FOCUS St. Louis's talented young professionals for the Fall 2020 cohort of Emerging Leaders. This competitive program provides participants (ages 22-35) with an increased sense of engagement in the region, as well as the tools to take an active role as the next generation of St. Louis regional leaders.

Since its launch in 2012, the FOCUS Emerging Leaders program has trained more than 450 young professionals from across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The three-month program includes a two-day opening retreat, group Civic Action Project, and seminar days covering a variety of leadership and regional issues, for a total of 40 hours of civic leadership development.

During the program, participants meet with area leaders to gain a better understanding of the inner workings of St. Louis, explore their personal, professional and civic leadership styles, and gain a diverse network of peers. Upon graduation, participants become part of the FOCUS network of more than 10,000 leadership program alumni.

Lauren shared, "It's been a whirlwind since I moved to St. Louis just over a year ago, especially since after just 6 months of living here and working with Metro Theater Company, I found myself working in an entirely virtual capacity. Participating in Emerging Leaders is such an honor and the perfect way to connect with other movers and shakers while also working to get a better on-the-ground understanding of this hidden gem of a city that is St. Louis."