How St. Louis Could Become America’s Comeback City
To be clear, St. Louis is not America’s comeback city at the moment. If we can get enough of the right heads together on the
Professional women rallying around our most
under-resourced communities to support children
and families who live in them
The Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) is a volunteer initiative of Beyond Housing designed to function as a conduit of support. WLN connects professional women in the St. Louis area with opportunities to become an indispensable resource for the most vulnerable through community engagement, fundraising events, and various activities throughout the year.
Beyond Housing is a nationally recognized community development organization that works to strengthen families and transform under-resourced communities to create a stronger, more equitable, and prosperous St. Louis region for all. Our comprehensive model is built on the understanding that strengthening families and transforming communities is not simple—it is complex and requires a comprehensive, multi-pronged effort. Our work brings civic leaders, targeted nonprofits, corporate partners, and residents together to create meaningful and lasting change and is focused within the 24:1 Community—an area comprised of multiple municipalities within the Normandy Schools footprint in North St. Louis County.
The Women’s Leadership Network’s activities consist of, but are not limited to, the following:
Fundraising
Beyond Fashion is an annual fundraising shopping event typically held in November. This unique gathering aims to support minority- and women-owned businesses and to raise charitable contributions to help advance the mission of Beyond Housing. In 2021, we partnered with a host of women- and Black-owned boutiques and vendors. In past years, a local luxury resale shop generously hosted the event.
Mentorship Opportunities
Professionals within the WLN have the opportunity to participate in mentorship-like engagements with Normandy High School and local college students. This initiative serves as a catalyst to helping young women find their own personal paths to success.
Speaker Events
The WLN’s event series is designed to attract and connect thought leaders both locally and nationally around topics that are relevant to our community and society. Through panel discussions, educational presentations, movie premiers, and more, these events serve as an inspirational next step in placemaking and community building.
To learn more visit the Women’s Leadership Network Speaker Series page.
Volunteerism
Beyond the Backpack is Beyond Housing’s annual back-to-school event. Through partnerships, sponsors, and volunteers, Beyond Housing helps remove barriers to academic success for school-age students in the Normandy Schools Collaborative.
To learn more about the Women’s Leadership Network or for additional information, please contact Alana Pease.
314-376-5865
apease@beyondhousing.org
Or, fill out the WLN interest form to receive emails, updates, and event invitations.
Check out our previous newsletters to see what the Women’s Leadership Network is up to.
Betsy Cuneo/WLN Co-Chair
After working as an account executive in the ad business, Betsy took her skills to radio and television production. There, Betsy became one of the St. Louis’ top post-production reps. After her daughter was born, Betsy went back to the ad business as the director of human resources for Rodgers Townsend. Betsy worked directly with the owners to help build a remarkable, award-winning creative staff. Betsy is married and has three daughters. Fifteen years ago, she left the advertising world to stay home with her children and focus her life on helping the village—because it takes one. Today, Betsy is excited to co-chair Beyond Housing’s Women’s Leadership Network, donating her time to under-resourced communities and families through teaching, mentoring, and planning events.
Jacqueline Buck-Horton/WLN Co-Chair
Jacqueline currently serves as Vice President Community Development Specialist for Missouri-based Sterling Bank, where she manages relationships with community partners, coordinates financial education programs, connects staff with community service activities, and integrates bank products and services with community needs. Previously, Jacqueline was Vice President Paralegal for Citigroup in the litigation department for over 18 years, saving the company billions of dollars in class-action cases. She is an alumna of Garfield Elementary School in Pine Lawn—now the headquarters building for Beyond Housing—and is passionate about the 24:1 Community where she grew up and still resides with her husband. An avid tennis player, Jacqueline currently holds an American Tennis Association National Championship award. Jacqueline is an inspirational leader who tells stories that inspire action. At the same time, she is grounded in financial information that empowers businesses. Respected as a credible voice in decision making, finding strategic financing partners, and establishing governance boundaries, Jacqueline earns a seat at the table wherever she serves.
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