State of the Community
Our latest State of the Community highlights many new exciting updates on our work, from a presentation introducing the new Transformative Services Department to the
Women have always played a pivotal role in community.
Their unique perspective, collaborative approach, and willingness to take action fosters progress and real change. They are a force that makes families and communities stronger.
While Beyond Housing focuses on our comprehensive work of transforming the many under-resourced communities in North St. Louis County, the Women’s Leadership Network helps to strengthen the human connection to those we serve and inspire others in the St. Louis area to join our mission of creating a stronger, more equitable, and prosperous St. Louis—once and for all.
In addition to fundraising and advocating for the need to invest in our under-resourced communities to move the St. Louis region forward, the Women’s Leadership Network leads two annual community initiatives that provide additional support for low-income families working toward greater self-sufficiency.
Beyond the Backpack
The network leads our annual back-to-school event, Beyond the Backpack, which provides students and families with school supplies and additional resources to help students make a strong start to the new academic year. These resources are a blessing to families working hard to meet basic needs.
Holiday Friends
While inflation makes life more challenging for many of us, low-income families are particularly hurt by the rising costs of food, housing, utilities, and nearly everything else these days. Holiday Friends ensures that children have holiday gifts and families are not forced to choose between Christmas gifts for children or paying for rent, food or utilities.
Leading the charge for
a stronger St. Louis
Network members understand that what happens in our under-resourced communities impacts the entire St. Louis region and that our region can only progress so far while continuing to leave so many of our communities behind.
In addition to forming stronger connections with those we serve, network members play an instrumental role in helping to connect the importance of our comprehensive, holistic work to the greater St. Louis community.
Ways to get involved with WLN
VOLUNTEER on event committees to help plan events, garner resources, and assist with day of event logistics
$500 annual DONATION (individual or company)
Participate in NETWORKING events throughout the year with other women in the region
To learn more about the Women’s Leadership Network and receive emails, updates, volunteer opportunities, and event invitations fill out our interest form.
Key Dates
March
Annual Kick-off Event
June
Mid-Year Meeting
And Happy Hour
August
Back to School Event
Nov/Dec
Holiday Friends
WLN Leadership Team
Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge
Executive Sponsor
Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge, a native of St. Louis, Missouri and proud 1987 graduate of the Normandy School District, is a dedicated advocate for education, community development, and justice. With a career spanning over three decades, Pamela has excelled as a Governance, Risk, and Compliance Leader in Fortune 100 companies, notably serving as a General Partner in the Internal Audit Division of Edward Jones Investments. Her expertise lies in technology and cybersecurity audit strategy.
Pamela's commitment extends beyond the boardroom into various civic leadership roles. She serves on the Board of Directors for Beyond Housing, supporting economic development in the Normandy School District Community, and is an Executive Sponsor for the organization's Women's Leadership Network. Additionally, Pamela is deeply involved in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and founded "The Scholarship Solution" to assist students in finding debt-free paths to college.
As a member of the Missouri State Board of Education, appointed by Governor Mike Parson, Pamela champions equitable school funding and strategic planning initiatives. She also leads the "Justice for Celia Coalition," advocating for legislative action and restorative measures for her ancestor, wrongfully executed in 1855. Pamela's contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including Public Service Awards from North County Incorporated and 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis, as well as a Community Leadership & Philanthropy Award from the Normandy School District.
Outside of her professional and civic endeavors, Pamela finds fulfillment in her family life, being married to Harlan B. Hodge and raising her children, Brylan and Sasha Hodge.
Katie Noelke
Executive Sponsor
Katie, a proud native of St. Louis, holds a deep connection to the region and its vibrant community. As a seasoned CPA with over 18 years of experience at the Big 4 accounting firms, Katie has established herself as a trusted expert in strategic tax and operations services. Currently serving as the Director of Global Mobility & Immigration at Emerson, Katie assumes a pivotal role in leading a team facilitating talent mobility across borders.
Katie has lived in both India and Argentina. These experiences have not only enriched her understanding of different cultures but have also broadened her horizons, instilling in her a deep appreciation for embracing diverse perspectives.
Outside her professional endeavors, Katie finds joy exploring St. Louis and destinations worldwide alongside her partner. Her passion for giving back to the community is evident through her profound commitment to organizations such as International Mentoring Program and Beyond Housing.
In the role as Executive Sponsor of Beyond Housing’s WLN, Katie is enthusiastic about making a meaningful impact, fostering an inclusive environment, and empowering women of the 24:1 Community.
Danielle Singer
WLN Chair
Danielle Singer is a 20-year veteran in the financial services industry, dedicating the last 18 years to Edward Jones. She currently serves as a Service Delivery Director with responsibility for wealth management support, chat capabilities, and leadership of the Women's Business Forum—an affinity group uniting senior women leaders within the organization.
What truly drives Danielle is her commitment to nurturing talent and guiding individuals to unlock their fullest potential across their personal, professional, and philanthropic endeavors. She is honored to serve in the newly created Chair position for Beyond Housing Women's Leadership Network. Danielle looks forward to continuing to grow the impact of the WLN while fostering growth opportunities for emerging female leaders within the community.
Angela M. Jacho
WLN Beyond the Backpack Event Liaison
Angela M. Jacho is a proud St. Louis native and Normandy Alumni class of '86. She is a long-time supporter of Beyond Housing and the Women's Leadership Network. Angela currently serves as a Teacher's Assistant for the Special School District at Brentwood schools. She hopes to continue her education in social services and is excited to bring her skillset to the leadership team as Beyond the Backpack event liaison for the Women's Leadership Network. Angela has dedicated countless hours volunteering at Beyond Housing events and initiatives throughout the years and is excited to help create opportunities for others to join in the work.
Her accomplishments include the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education sub-certification, Academic Honorable Mention Certificate from Harris Stowe State University, and the Provost's Academic Honors Certificate. Angela is eager to help grow the Women's Leadership Network this year and looks forward to sharing the work of Beyond Housing with others. In her free time, Angela likes to paint and read.
Sara J. Westbrooks
WLN Beyond the Backpack Event Liaison
Sara J. Westbrooks, a St. Louis native, is an agile mid-senior-level professional. Her expertise lies in developing communication strategies, alongside adept project and event planning skills, ensuring proficiency and memorable experiences.
As the Founder & Marketing Communications & Event Planning Specialist at Descriptive J LLC since 2019, Sara is adept at content creation, and developing impactful marketing campaigns that drive brand awareness and customer engagement. Sara’s educational background includes a Master of Arts in Public Relations from Webster University and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Lincoln University.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Sara enjoys domestic and internal travel, equestrian lessons, and watching a binge-worthy series.
She is excited and honored to serve on the Beyond Housing Women’s Leadership Network and looks forward to contributing to the impact of the WLN while fostering connections with women in the community.
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Read the latest news and stories about our work.
Head of Philanthropy Dana Pownall Relishes Introducing People to Beyond Housing’s Comprehensive Approach
“I realized bringing people together and inspiring enthusiasm in them for a shared cause was more enjoyable to me.”
A New Leap Forward for Change: Beyond Housing’s Transformative Services Department
The new department is designed to remove the barriers imposed by systemic poverty to help low-income St. Louisans achieve economic mobility more effectively—strengthening under-resourced communities and also the greater St. Louis region.
