• Mentors, Lessons, & Direction
• Welcome, Avery!
• Internship Applications Open
• News You Can Use
• Cool Events
• Opportunities Await

The new year has me reflecting on the very non-linear career path that led me to the work I love today, and, fittingly for National Mentoring Month, the mentors and lessons that shaped it along the way. In this month’s blog, I go from catering and event management to IT assistance, SEO, and email systems, and how each stop taught me something (even the ones that taught me what not to do).

Working with Mazur & Co. and The DeBruce Foundation has given me new language to understand that journey – and where I’m headed next.

Read the full blog to explore the lessons, mentors, and skills that made my winding road a road worth taking.

Please join us in welcoming Avery Roehler as our new Virtual Consulting Intern! Avery is a December 2025 graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism, where she focused on strategic communication.

With experience spanning newsrooms, statewide political campaigns, government, national nonprofits, and global brands, Avery brings a thoughtful, well-rounded perspective to helping clients communicate, operate, and advocate effectively. Based in Columbia, Missouri, she’s excited to support our work by applying strategic insights to strengthen brand recognition and audience engagement. Learn more about Avery.

If you – or someone you know – are driven, collaborative, and digitally savvy, and excited to make a difference through mission-driven client work, this could be a great fit. Interns will gain experience in strategic communications, operational excellence, and public affairs.

• Must be based in Missouri or Washington, DC
• $17/hour | real client work | great mentors
• Full job description and application instructions here.

Arts, Entertainment, & Culture

• ‘Dr. King’s Dream Is Not Confined To History’
• Maryville University Students Produce Viral Videos For Big Brands  
• YouTube Now Has the Biggest ‘Sesame Street’ Free Library, With More Than 100 Full Episodes Available to Stream 
• Beyoncé Sends Teyana Taylor Flowers After First Golden Globe Win

Tech & Science

• Meet Make48’s Newest Team Member: Alexandria Lundquist!
• What’s New in Digital Equity: Internet Use High, Gaps Remain 

Agriculture, Environment, Energy, & Climate

• New book ‘Dirtbag Billionaire’ tells story of Patagonia’s unconventional founder
• Preserving Farmland and Water to Help Protect Great Salt Lake

Education, Workforce, & Economic Development

• Excelsior Springs High School Internship Program Connects Classrooms to Careers 
• Agilities in Action – Preparing Children and Parents for Bright Futures 
• Missouri Pilot Program Enlists Employers and Providers To Help Families Afford Childcare
• Maryville Recognized as Top Private University in St. Louis for Social Mobility
• UMSL’s Newest Graduates Celebrate Their Degrees at Commencement
• Strategy For Boosting KC Economic Mobility: Graduating Twice And Stackable Credentials
• Women, Leaders Discuss Workforce Challenges at Jonesboro Town Hall
• American Student Assistance Rebrands as Britebound to Reflect Vision to Ensure All Young People Find Their Path to Brighter Futures and Successful Careers

Entrepreneurship

• Harris-Stowe Launches Inaugural MBA Program
• Driving Impact: New Pro Bono Collaboration with Enterprise Mobility

Health & Wellbeing

• National Nonprofit Building A Special Memorial Playground In St. Louis
• Security Services Donated to Transitional Home for Domestic Violence Survivors

Sports

• Mizzou track & field earns six gold medals at Show-Me Showdown 
• The World’s Most Valuable Women’s Sports Teams 2025 

Leadership 

• Growing Our Leadership Community: Welcoming New Board Members to Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation
• Featured Speaker Announced for Women of the Year Luncheon 
• Margaret Donnelly: The Missouri Constitution, Not Politicians, Speak For The People 
• New Greater St. Louis Inc. CEO wants metrics
• Dan Glazier Plans 2027 Retirement from Legal Services of Eastern Missouri After Nearly 45 Years

Potpourri

• Legal Services – Celebrating 70 Preview
• Kermit the Frog Statue Completes Cross-Country Journey to Atlanta 
• Are You Listening To What Your Career Is Telling You?
• Kansas City chosen as first stop for national historic documents exhibit 

1/24-1/25/26 — Johnny Carson Presents Jim Henson: Celebrating Johnny Carson’s Centennial (New York)
Henson historian Craig Shemin and Mark Malkoff, Carson podcaster, historian, and author of the new book Love, Johnny Carson, will present a compilation of rarely seen highlights from Jim Henson and the Muppets’ various appearances with Johnny Carson through the years, including excerpts from the special 1979 episode of The Tonight Show guest-hosted by Kermit the Frog, and not broadcast since. Learn more here.

1/29-1/30/26 — Agilities© Coach Training (Kansas City)
This 2-day, in-person training will allow you the opportunity to see first-hand the career-building resources The DeBruce Foundation has to offer for all individuals, from youth to retirement. You will learn how to implement and facilitate these resources to make a difference in the lives of those you serve. Learn more.

1/31-3/1/26 — Orchid Show at Missouri Botanical Garden (St. Louis)
The annual Orchid Show is your once-a-year opportunity to see hundreds of these blooming plants on public display. The Garden’s vast orchid collection includes well over 5,000 individual plants representing nearly 700 unique kinds of orchids. Different species bloom at different times, so the Orchid Show is constantly changing as new orchids come into bloom and are brought out on display. Learn more.

2/4/26 – The Muppet Show | Special Event (Anywhere, Broadcast + Streaming)
Music, comedy, and a whole lot of chaos are bound to ensue when The Muppets once again take the stage of the original Muppet Theatre – 50 years after the show’s debut – with their very special guest, Sabrina Carpenter! “The Muppet Show” returns Feb. 4 for a triumphant special event on Disney+ and ABC.  Learn more.

February 2026 – Ways to Celebrate Black History Month  (Washington, DC)
African American history and culture are an essential part of DC’s identity, which means that there are numerous ways to celebrate Black History Month in the city. Below, we’ve detailed some of the best ways to engage with African American culture, community and history in the District. Learn more.

2/21/26 — Culture and Commerce: Black History Vendor Fair (St. Louis)
Join HSSU Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) for an FREE inspiring Black History Vendor Fair, a partnership event presented by the CIE and The African Chamber of Commerce St. Louis. This celebration of Black History Month highlights the brilliance, creativity, and innovation of Black entrepreneurs, artisans, and thought leaders in our community. Learn more.

5/6/26 — United WE Champions for Change (hybrid, Kansas City)
Join United WE for a milestone breakfast convening leaders in person and virtually nationwide. Together, we’ll explore how creating spaces where women thrive fuels stronger businesses, economies, and communities. Learn more.

Great Rivers Greenway: Current Openings

St. Louis County, Missouri: Current Openings

St. Louis Development Corporation: Executive Director Opportunity

Mizzou Alumni Association: Coordinator, Alumni Relations