Urban League Young Professionals of Metropolitan St. Louis ULSTLYP BLOG

This Week in the Urban League: Economic Empowerment, Leadership and Opportunity

ULSTLYP Admin — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 02:57:26 GMT

This Week in the Urban League: Economic Empowerment, Leadership and Opportunity

Week of July 12–18, 2026

Economic empowerment begins with access—access to information, training, employment, capital, housing and leadership opportunities.

This week, Urban League members and community partners should pay close attention to several developments that could create meaningful opportunities for residents, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders and emerging professionals across the St. Louis region.

From workforce investments and grant opportunities to housing development and Guild leadership, the most important question is not simply what is happening.

It is: How can our members and community benefit?

A Major Funding Opportunity for Community Organizations

The St. Louis County Port Authority is accepting applications for its 2026 Community Investment Fund.

Eligible projects may include workforce development, economic development, community services, infrastructure and neighborhood improvement initiatives. Awards may reach up to $300,000, and applications are due August 11, 2026.

This opportunity is especially important for nonprofit organizations and community-development partners working to expand services, improve neighborhoods or create pathways to economic mobility.

Urban League leaders and partners should review potential projects now, identify eligible collaborations and begin organizing the required budgets, outcomes and supporting documentation.

The strongest applications will clearly explain the community need, proposed solution, expected impact and ability to successfully complete the project.

Regional Investment Should Create Regional Career Pathways

Recent private-sector investment in the St. Louis region presents another important opportunity.

Anheuser-Busch announced a $20 million investment in its St. Louis and Arnold operations, including equipment improvements and a technical-skills training center designed to prepare workers for manufacturing careers.

This kind of investment matters because new facilities and training programs can become direct pathways to family-supporting employment—but only when residents receive early information, preparation and access.

The Urban League’s Save Our Sons & Sisters initiative is well positioned to help connect job seekers to these opportunities. The program provides job-readiness training, employer connections, paid work experiences and industry-specific career pathways.

In 2025, Save Our Sons & Sisters served more than 14,000 clients, supported 1,353 job placements and helped generate approximately $29 million in combined wages.

As regional employers make new investments, the Urban League will continue working to ensure that community members are prepared to compete, qualify and advance.

Members interested in career opportunities should remain engaged with Urban League workforce announcements, hiring events and training programs.

Housing Is an Economic Empowerment Issue

Housing stability remains one of the most important economic issues facing families and neighborhoods throughout the region.

The City of St. Louis recently announced nearly $3.9 million in awards supporting housing developments and neighborhood investment, including projects in tornado-impacted communities.

These efforts matter because housing affects nearly every part of economic mobility.

Stable housing supports consistent employment, school attendance, family health and long-term financial planning. Homeownership can also serve as an important pathway to wealth creation and neighborhood stability.

Urban League members who are considering homeownership should begin preparing before entering the housing market.

That preparation may include reviewing credit, reducing debt, building savings, attending homebuyer education and learning about available down-payment or housing-assistance programs.

The Urban League will continue connecting residents to housing counseling, financial education and homeownership resources.

Guild Leadership and the Future of the Movement

This week is also significant for Urban League Guild leadership.

The National Council of Urban League Guilds Central Region election is scheduled for July 13, followed by the national election on July 29.

Guild members play a critical role in supporting the Urban League mission through advocacy, volunteerism, fundraising, community education and service.

Leadership within the Guild is more than holding a title. It is an opportunity to strengthen the Urban League movement, represent local priorities and help guide community impact at the regional and national levels.

Members should stay informed about election activities, support qualified leaders and consider future opportunities to serve.

Strong organizations require strong leadership pipelines.

Opportunities Members Should Watch

Several education and workforce opportunities are available for adults who are seeking new skills, credentials or career advancement.

Missouri’s Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant may help eligible adults pursue certificates, apprenticeships, degrees or industry-recognized credentials in high-demand fields.

St. Louis Community College also offers information about workforce-training grants and scholarships that may reduce the cost of qualifying short-term programs.

These opportunities may be especially valuable for:

Adults considering a career change
Displaced workers
Parents returning to the workforce
Individuals without a college degree
Residents interested in skilled trades, healthcare, technology, manufacturing or energy careers

Members should not assume that education or training is financially out of reach. Grants, scholarships and employer-supported programs may help reduce costs.

The first step is learning what programs are available and determining eligibility.

Program Spotlight: Save Our Sons & Sisters

This week’s economic empowerment spotlight is the Urban League’s Save Our Sons & Sisters initiative.

The program is designed to help participants obtain employment, retain their positions, earn promotions and remain competitive in today’s workforce.

Participants receive career preparation, professional development, access to hiring events and connections to employers in high-demand industries.

Save Our Sons & Sisters also supports individuals who may face significant barriers to employment, including returning citizens, young adults, displaced workers and residents seeking a new career direction.

The program demonstrates an important principle:

Workforce development should not end with a job placement. It should create a pathway to stability, advancement and long-term economic independence.

Leadership Lessons From History

This week also offers an opportunity to reflect on leadership, courage and service.

On July 18, 1863, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry led an assault on Fort Wagner during the Civil War. The regiment became widely recognized for the courage and sacrifice of its Black soldiers.

On July 18, 1918, Nelson Mandela was born in South Africa. His life and leadership later became global symbols of perseverance, justice, reconciliation and democratic leadership.

These moments remind us that progress has always required individuals willing to serve, lead and challenge barriers.

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis was also founded in 1918, following the 1917 racial violence in East St. Louis.

For more than a century, the organization has responded to inequality through advocacy, direct services, coalition-building and economic empowerment.

Today’s workforce, housing, education, entrepreneurship and leadership programs are part of that continuing legacy.

What Members Can Do This Week

Members can take practical steps to strengthen their own economic future and support the broader community.

Review available workforce grants and training programs.

Update your résumé and professional profile.

Identify one certification or skill that could increase your earning potential.

Share funding opportunities with nonprofit and community leaders.

Begin preparing for homeownership by reviewing your credit and savings plan.

Support Guild and Young Professionals leadership activities.

Refer a job seeker, entrepreneur or family member to an Urban League program.

Economic empowerment is built through consistent action.

Moving From Awareness to Action

The Urban League will continue sharing opportunities that help residents strengthen their careers, businesses, families and neighborhoods.

However, information alone does not create impact.

Impact occurs when someone applies for a grant, enrolls in training, attends a hiring event, prepares for homeownership, joins a program, becomes a member or accepts a leadership opportunity.

This week, we encourage every member to take at least one step toward greater economic opportunity—and help someone else do the same.

Empowering Communities. Changing Lives.

ULSTLYP Ambassador Program Training Plan Overview

ULSTLYP Admin — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 23:06:54 GMT

Training Overview

The training plan for the ULSTLYP Brand Ambassador Program aims to equip ambassadors with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively represent and promote the Urban League Young Professionals of Metropolitan Saint Louis. The training will be conducted over six weeks, with each week focusing on specific areas of development.

Training Modules

Week 1: Introduction to the Urban League Young Professionals

•Session 1: Welcome and Program Overview

•Introduction to the Brand Ambassador Program

•Overview of the Urban League Young Professionals’ mission, vision, and values

•Program objectives and expectations

Week 2: Organizational Knowledge

•Session 2: History and Impact

•History of the Urban League and its significance

•Key milestones and impact on the community

•Session 3: Programs and Services

•Overview of the programs and services offered

•Success stories and case studies

Week 3: Communication and Messaging

•Session 4: Key Messages and Talking Points

•Crafting effective messages

•Consistency in communication

•Session 5: Public Speaking and Presentation Skills

•Public speaking techniques

•Presentation tips and best practices

Week 4: Social Media and Digital Advocacy

•Session 6: Social Media Best Practices

•Using social media platforms effectively

•Creating engaging content

•Session 7: Digital Advocacy and Campaigns

•Online campaigns and digital outreach

•Measuring digital impact

Week 5: Community Engagement and Networking

•Session 8: Event Participation and Promotion

•Representing the organization at events

•Promoting events through personal networks

•Session 9: Networking Skills

•Building and maintaining professional relationships

•Networking strategies

Week 6: Program Evaluation and Feedback

•Session 10: Performance Metrics and Evaluation

•Understanding KPIs and measuring success

•Collecting and analyzing feedback

•Session 11: Continuous Improvement

•Implementing feedback for program improvement

•Ongoing learning and development

Balancing Work and Self-Care: Tips for Young Professionals

ULSTLYP Admin — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 18:53:34 GMT

In today's fast-paced world, finding a balance between work and self-care can be challenging, especially for young professionals of color who may face additional pressures and expectations. However, prioritizing self-care is essential for maintaining your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here are some tips for balancing work and self-care:

Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time, and stick to them as much as possible. Learn to say no to additional responsibilities or tasks that interfere with your self-care routine.
Prioritize Self-Care Activities: Make time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul, such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Schedule self-care activities into your daily or weekly routine and treat them as non-negotiable appointments.
Practice Mindfulness: Be present in the moment and focus on what you can control. Practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, journaling, or gratitude exercises to help reduce stress and increase resilience.
Seek Support: Don't be afraid to reach out for support from friends, family, or mental health professionals if you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Surround yourself with a supportive network of people who understand and validate your experiences.

Remember, prioritizing self-care is not selfish – it's essential for your overall well-being and success. By setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care activities, practicing mindfulness, and seeking support when needed, you can achieve a better balance between work and self-care and thrive in both aspects of your life.

Advocating for Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

ULSTLYP Admin — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 18:52:44 GMT

Diversity and inclusion are not only buzzwords in today's corporate world but also critical components of a successful and thriving workplace. As a young professional of color, advocating for diversity and inclusion is not only important for your own career advancement but also for creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace for future generations. Here are some ways you can advocate for diversity and inclusion in your workplace:

Lead by Example: Be an advocate for diversity and inclusion in your everyday actions and interactions. Challenge biases and stereotypes, and actively seek out diverse perspectives and voices in meetings and decision-making processes.
Speak Up: Don't be afraid to speak up and address instances of discrimination or bias in the workplace. Use your voice to advocate for change and hold your colleagues and leadership accountable for creating a more inclusive environment.
Support Employee Resource Groups: Get involved with employee resource groups (ERGs) or affinity groups that support and celebrate diversity and inclusion within your organization. These groups provide opportunities for networking, mentorship, and professional development, as well as a platform for advocating for change.
Educate Yourself and Others: Take the time to educate yourself about diversity and inclusion issues and share your knowledge with others. Host workshops, lunch-and-learns, or discussion groups on topics such as unconscious bias, microaggressions, and inclusive leadership.

By advocating for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, you can help create a more equitable and welcoming environment for all employees. Remember, change starts with each of us, and by leading by example, speaking up, supporting ERGs, and educating ourselves and others, we can make a real difference in our workplaces and communities.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: A Guide for Young Professionals

ULSTLYP Admin — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 18:50:55 GMT

Imposter syndrome is a common experience among young professionals, particularly those of color, who may feel like they don't belong or deserve their success. However, it's important to recognize that these feelings are often unfounded and can hold you back from reaching your full potential. Here are some strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome:

Acknowledge Your Achievements: Take the time to reflect on your accomplishments and acknowledge the hard work and dedication that led to your success. Keep a journal or list of your achievements to remind yourself of how far you've come.

Change Your Inner Dialogue: Instead of focusing on your perceived shortcomings, challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your strengths, skills, and abilities, and believe in your potential to succeed.

Seek Support: Don't be afraid to reach out for support from friends, family, or colleagues who can offer encouragement and perspective. Sharing your feelings of imposter syndrome with others can help you realize that you're not alone and that these feelings are common among high achievers.

Set Realistic Goals: Break down your goals into smaller, achievable tasks, and celebrate your progress along the way. By setting realistic goals and taking steps towards achieving them, you can build confidence and prove to yourself that you belong.

Remember, imposter syndrome is a common experience that many young professionals face, but it doesn't have to hold you back. By acknowledging your achievements, changing your inner dialogue, seeking support, and setting realistic goals, you can overcome imposter syndrome and reach your full potential.

Navigating Corporate Culture: Tips for Young Professionals of Color

ULSTLYP Admin — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 18:49:34 GMT

As a young professional of color, navigating the corporate world can sometimes feel like entering uncharted territory. However, with the right strategies and mindset, you can thrive in any corporate culture. Here are some tips to help you navigate and excel:

Build Relationships: Networking is key in any professional setting. Take the time to build genuine relationships with colleagues and mentors who can offer guidance and support. Don't be afraid to reach out and connect with individuals who can help further your career goals.

Seek Mentorship: Finding a mentor who understands your experiences as a person of color can be invaluable. Look for someone within your organization who you admire and respect, and ask them to mentor you. A mentor can provide valuable insights and advice as you navigate your career path.

Embrace Your Identity: Your unique perspective and experiences as a person of color are valuable assets in the workplace. Don't be afraid to speak up and share your insights during meetings and discussions. Embrace your identity and use it to your advantage.

Continuous Learning: The corporate world is constantly evolving, so it's important to stay updated on industry trends and developments. Take advantage of professional development opportunities offered by your company, such as workshops, training programs, and conferences.

Remember, you have the skills, talent, and determination to succeed in any corporate environment. By following these tips and staying true to yourself, you can navigate the corporate culture with confidence and achieve your career goals.