- Chanelle’s Tips for Creating a Culture of Inclusion & Impact
- News You Can Use
- Cool Events
- Opportunities Await
In addition to helping our clients advance their missions, my favorite part of the workday is thinking about how we do the work — what sets a team up for success, and what allows each person’s skills to shine.
During Disability Employment Awareness Month, I’ve been reflecting on how much I love being part of an inclusive team. Truly, it’s life-changing. My teammates are brilliant, kind, collaborative, and hardworking; by working in ways that make space for different abilities and ways of thinking, we create a culture where everyone can do their best work.
Here are a few simple practices we rely on:
- Communicate clearly and with intention: Share meeting agendas ahead of time, write concise messages, and remember, as Brené Brown would say: clear is kind.
- Foster a culture of support: Ask, “What does support look like for you?” and share how others can support you in return. Support is not a favor – it’s how great teams work together.
- Adjust for access: Sensory environments – such as noise, bright lights, strong smells, or crowded rooms – affect people differently. Physical spaces may also have limitations, like seating or elevator access. Center people’s experience and access.
- Make information easy to find: Keep project plans, tasks, and updates organized and in one place. It helps lessen cognitive load and ensures shared context.
Small, intentional practices like these make teamwork smoother, communication stronger, and inclusion an everyday part of how we work together. We’re hopeful these tips may help you and your team communicate, operate, and advocate better.
I’d love to hear from you: what’s working for your team? What practice will you try next? Step by step, we can make our workforce and world a bit more inclusive – and impactful.
Arts, Entertainment, & Culture
- KC GIFT Launches ‘Vibe the City’ Passport to Showcase Black-Owned Arts, Entertainment Venues
- Seth Rogen Revives ‘The Muppet Show’ as a Disney+ Special Starring Sabrina Carpenter
- Music Artists Unite for Kids Rock Cancer Benefit Concerts
- ‘Dreamgirls’ Will Return to Broadway After Global Star Search
Tech & Science
Agriculture, Environment, Energy, & Climate
- An Iconic Concert Celebrated Farmers in the Twin Cities
- Meet the Man Growing the Collection of Plants at the Missouri Botanical Garden
- Defending the Grizzly Bear
- Mongabay Founder Rhett Butler Wins the Henry Shaw Award
Education, Workforce, & Economic Development
- Building Joyful Spaces: How IFF Is Helping to Transform St. Louis’s Early Childhood Ecosystem
- Episode 4 of Empowering Careers Podcast – Unlocking Network Strength
- St. Louis-Area Students Turn to Notes, Cards After Cell Phones Banned in Missouri Schools
- Real Talk, Big Dreams: Guiding Teens Toward Careers
- Giving Career Advice to Kids Has Never Been Harder
- STL Secures New Nonstop Flights to London
Entrepreneurship
- How the Harris-Stowe Center for Innovation Supports New Entrepreneurs
- Wells Fargo-Backed Incubator Expands to St. Louis Through Yield Lab Institute
Health & Wellbeing
- Maryville University’s New Wellness Hub Offers Students Relaxation, Community
- Mazur & Co.’s Many Feelings of Fall Playlist: Apple version, Spotify version
Sports
Leadership
- SheLEDBadass Podcast | Interview with Katie Schenck
- Greater Missouri Women of the Year Nominations Open
- Charli Cooksey Appointed to Legal Services of Eastern Missouri Board
- Daniela Velázquez: Trailblazing as St. Louis’ First Latina Elected Official
- Women in the Workforce Town Hall Held in Southwest Arkansas
- Maxine Clark and Bob Clark: A Legacy of Impact
Potpourri
Now through 01/01/26 – National Gallery of Art Celebrates 250 Years of America with Special Exhibitions (Washington, DC)
The National Gallery of Art will commemorate 250 years of America with a wide-ranging program encompassing special installations and exhibitions that grapple with ideas at the heart of American stories vividly told through art. Learn more.
10/16/25 – KidTalk (St. Louis, MO)
Join Maryville University’s Walker Scottish Rite Clinic for the program’s Annual Kidtalk Celebration & Gala. Get ready for spooky fun, silly costumes, and heartwarming moments! The event will feature hor d’oeuvres, dinner, open bar, raffle, and silent auction. Proceeds benefit the children served by The Walker Scottish Rite Clinic. Learn more.
10/19/25 – Jefferson City Early Childhood Center Trunk or Treat (Jefferson City, MO)
This event is for the entire community and fun for the whole family! Trunk or Treat is from 3 to 5 PM. There will be games, a bounce house, pumpkin decorating, lots of candy, and more! There will also be snacks, drinks, and raffle tickets for purchase. Learn more.
10/24/25 – Halloweenie: Trick or Trick in The District (Columbia, MO)
Visit The District in downtown Columbia on Friday, October 24th from 4 to 6 PM for its annual family-friendly trick or treat event, Halloweenie, Columbia’s largest & safest trick-or-treating event! Learn more.
10/24/25 – Spirits in the Garden (St. Louis, MO)
Celebrate All Hallows’ Eve at the Missouri Botanical Garden, sampling tastings from local and regional distilleries, wineries, and breweries! Strut your stuff in a costume contest, enjoy music and comedy by Clownvis, view live pumpkin carving by Panic Mechanics, and more.
10/28/25 – 01/18/2026 – Rob Lake Magic with Special Guests The Muppets (New York, NY)
After an appearance on America’s Got Talent launched him to international stardom, Rob Lake’s illusions have dazzled millions around the world, playing to sold-out audiences in casinos, arenas, and theaters in more than 60 countries. With never-before-seen surprises and his classic hold-your-breath wonders, ROB LAKE MAGIC WITH SPECIAL GUESTS THE MUPPETS begins October 28 for 12 weeks only.
10/29/2025 – Research Release on Arkansas Child Care Licensing (Virtual)
United WE, with support from Walton Philanthropy Group, commissioned a research project through the Office for Education Policy at University of Arkansas to better understand how the child care licensing process is working for providers across the state. Join United WE for a virtual press conference on Wednesday, October 29 at 9:30 a.m., as they uncover new findings that will inform policy recommendations aimed at strengthening the licensing process to better serve Arkansas women, children, and families. Register here.
11/6/25 – Employment Empowerment for K-12: From Classroom to Career (Virtual)
Join The DeBruce Foundation for a free, online event from 4 to 5 PM during National Career Development Month, designed especially for K-12 educators! Featured Speakers include Dr. Brad Johnson, Bestselling Author, Global Education & Leadership Keynote Speaker, and Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight, Executive Director & COO, The DeBruce Foundation. Learn more.
11/7/2025 – Mizzou Alumni Association Gold Standard Awards (Columbia, MO)
Join the Mizzou Alumni Association as they proudly present the inaugural Gold Standard Awards. This celebration honors remarkable Tigers whose dedication, service and leadership have made their mark on Mizzou. These honorees’ contributions embody the very essence of what it means to be a Tiger — people who exemplify the values of Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, and Excellence, whose efforts continue Making Mizzou Stronger. Tickets here.
11/8/2025 – Flourish’s Art of Home Gala (Grandview, MO)
Enjoy a beautiful dinner served with the same tableware Flourish clients take home. Hear inspiring stories from families who’ve found dignity and hope through Flourish. And take part in a lively auction featuring artwork from local artists and other unique auction packages. Proceeds from the event will support free furnishings for Kansas City families in need, helping transform empty houses into true homes. Tickets and sponsorships here.
11/13/25 – Breakfast Forum, Hosted by Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (St. Louis, MO)
Join Legal Services for a special legal and policy discussion to mark the 60th Anniversary of Medicaid. This forum will discuss the pivotal role of Medicaid in our country’s healthcare system, the role of lawyers in protecting access to health care and the impact of major changes adopted by Congress and the Supreme Court. Learn more.
11/14/25 – The Winner’s Circle Collegiate Panel & Biz Resources (St. Louis, MO)
The Winner’s Circle, hosted by Harris-Stowe’s CIE, is an event designed to empower college students in St. Louis who aspire to excel in business and entrepreneurship. The event will showcase the stories and experiences of students who have successfully navigated the entrepreneurial landscape by winning pitch competitions, securing significant grant funding, and placing in business competitions. Learn more.
11/15/2025 – 7/12/2026 – Mill Creek: Black Metropolis (St. Louis, MO)
From its origin at the turn of the 20th century to its destruction in 1959 in the name of urban renewal, Mill Creek Valley was a center for Black life in St. Louis. With a population of nearly 20,000 people and more than 5,000 buildings, Mill Creek was a city within a city, noted for its vibrant commercial life, rich culture, and popular entertainment venues. How is it, then, that almost no trace of Mill Creek remains in St. Louis today? The Mill Creek: Black Metropolis exhibit at the Missouri History Museum will explore Mill Creek as a Black metropolis, all that made it special, and its untimely and intentional erasure from the St. Louis landscape. Learn more.
The DeBruce Foundation: Current Openings
Openings at Flourish: A Furniture Bank
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri: Current Openings
City of St. Louis: Current Job Openings
Opportunities via HiredUpMissouri.org
Scholarship opportunities: My Scholarship Central