August 2026 News

IN THIS UPDATE

Summer Series: Investing in Emerging Talent
Badgers in the Wild!
News You Can Use
Cool Events
Opportunities Await

Summer Series: Investing in Emerging Talent

Creating Pathways for the Next Class of Workers
A Conversation with Kelsey Thompson

The first steps into a career do not always begin in a classroom or with a full-time job. Sometimes they start with a first internship, a helpful mentor, or an opportunity to try something unfamiliar. But for many young professionals, these opportunities are becoming harder to find.

In the final installment of our 3-part intern series, we’re talking with Kelsey about the experiences that helped shape her own career, and what she thinks both young professionals and seasoned employers can do now to prepare for a workplace that continues to evolve. Her advice comes back to a few things that have always and will likely always matter: getting hands-on experience, forming strong connections with people, staying curious, and being willing to adapt and learn.

Read more about my conversation with Kelsey!

Claire

Badgers in the Wild!

Our Badgers have been busy! From celebrating regional leaders to showing up for our clients on major stages, the Mazur & Co. team has been out in the community offering support and behind-the-scenes assistance.

Greater Missouri’s Women of the Year event: Mindy, Jolie, Claire, Ryan, and Kelsey lent a hand on-site and behind the scenes to help prep, coordinate, and keep logistics running smoothly, with Jarrett playing a critical role behind the scenes to help bring the event together.

TEDxKC: Chanelle and Camille provided client support to Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight of The DeBruce Foundation as she took the stage and captivated a sold-out crowd at the Kauffman Center.

St. Louis Business Journal’s Most Influential Business Women: Mindy and Ella attended to cheer on the incredible honorees – including Mazur & Co. clients, former clients, and friends – driving impact across the St. Louis region.

Whether supporting a client event, engaging in the community, or managing logistics behind the scenes, our entire team works together to empower our partners. We’re proud to champion our clients and colleagues as they drive meaningful impact across the Midwest and beyond.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Arts, Entertainment, & Culture

Tech & Science

Agriculture, Environment, Energy, & Climate

Rural Career Opportunities Exist. How Advisers in Missouri are Proving it to Their Students

Education, Workforce, & Economic Development

Entrepreneurship

Health & Wellbeing

Sports

Leadership

Civic Life, Democracy & Justice

Potpourri

St. Louis Needs More Idea-sharing and Collaboration, Facilitator Says

COOL EVENTS

8/25/26 — Maximizing the Value of Internships: Designing for Impact and Success (McLean, VA)
Maximizing the Value of Internships: Designing for Impact and Success explores how organizations can build stronger talent pipelines through intentional internship programs. Featuring business leaders and Strada’s Laura Love, the forum will share practical strategies for designing internships that drive workforce development and long-term business success. Learn more.

9/2 – 9/6/26 — DC Jazz Fest (Washington, DC)
Experience one of D.C.’s signature cultural events as the DC JazzFest brings world-class jazz, blues, soul, go-go, salsa, and more to venues across the city. The festival features performances from Grammy winners, jazz legends, and emerging artists, with the main events taking place at The Wharf on September 5–6. Tickets start at $25, with free concerts and family-friendly activities also available throughout the festival. Learn more.

9/3/26 — 2026 Mizzou Football vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff-Kickoff in COMO (Columbia, MO)
Cheer on the Mizzou Tigers as they take on Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Faurot Field with a 7 p.m. kickoff! The game will feature a special performance of the national anthem by Mizzou alumna and Missouri native Sheryl Crow. Learn more.

9/11/26 — The Trail State Documentary Film Premiere (Columbia, MO)
Join the State Historical Society of Missouri for the premiere of The Trail State, a documentary exploring how Missouri’s trails transform communities, strengthen local economies, support conservation, and connect people and places. The free event includes a reception, film screening, and conversation with the filmmakers, kicking off Conservation Expo 2026. Learn more.

9/11/26 — Route 66: The Main Street of America Screening (St. Louis, MO)
Additional showings: 9/12 – Springfield, 9/14 Lebanon, 9/15 Webb City.
Celebrate the centennial of Route 66 with a special screening of ROUTE 66: THE MAIN STREET OF AMERICA at the Hi-Pointe Theatre. The documentary highlights the people, communities, and stories along the iconic highway, followed by a live Q&A with filmmaker John Paget and several of the film’s featured characters. Learn more.

9/16/26 — Forest Park Concert (St. Louis, MO)
Celebrate the start of the 2026/27 season with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra at its annual Forest Park Concert on Art Hill! Led by Music Director Stéphane Denève, the concert will feature highlights from the upcoming season. Bring your friends, family, drinks, snacks, and chairs for an evening of music and community under the stars. The performance will be held in memory of Mary Ann Lee. Learn more.

9/16/26 — Introduction to Agilities™ Resources for Educators (Virtual)
Looking for career-building resources for your K-12 classroom or youth organization? Join The DeBruce Foundation for free tools and lesson plans for your students. This virtual session is educators, and those leading after-school programming. Together, we can help young people build bright futures! Learn more.

9/19/26 — CCUA’s 17th Annual Harvest Hootenanny! (Columbia, MO)
Join CCUA for its 17th Annual Harvest Hootenanny at Columbia’s Agriculture Park! Admission to the Hootenanny is free, with live music, farm animals, kids’ activities, and a farm-wide scavenger hunt. Tickets can be purchased for a delicious meal prepared by Columbia Area Career Center students, carnival games, raffle entries, and local beer, wine, and cider. All proceeds support CCUA’s programming. Learn more.

9/25 – 9/27/26 — 8th & Vine Arts Festival (Kansas City, MO)
Experience three days of art, music, fashion, food, culture, and entrepreneurship in Kansas City’s historic 18th & Vine District. The festival features live performances, local artists and makers, fashion and film showcases, food vendors, family activities, and opportunities to support small businesses and emerging creatives. Learn more.

7/28/27 — Imagination Day: Teacher Professional Development (Virtual)
Join Disney Imagination Campus for a free virtual professional development event designed to inspire creativity and imagination in K–12 classrooms. Educators can hear from Disney Cast Members and special guests, gain practical ideas for bringing creativity into the classroom, and earn confirmation of attendance to apply toward professional development hours. Learn more.