FOCUS St. Louis Selects Social Work Student for Leadership Program

Cidney Grimes, a first-year master of social work student at the Brown School, has been selected to participate in the spring 2023 class of FOCUS St. Louis’ Emerging Leaders program.

Grimes, who currently works as a child nutrition program coordinator for Operation Food Search, will join 23 other participants in the four-month program, which aims to mold the next generation of St. Louis regional leaders. During the program participants will meet with area leaders to gain a better understanding of the inner workings of St. Louis, explore their personal, professional, and civic leadership styles, and gain a diverse network of peers.

Grimes expressed excitement and gratitude at the news of her selection saying, “FOCUS STL is a great program, and I am grateful for the opportunity to gain a better understanding of my leadership style so I can better lead organizations in the future.” She added that she looks forward to infusing what she learns into her practicum and the classroom.

Grimes hopes to work as a DEI consultant upon completion of her MSW.

FOCUS St. Louis is the region’s premier leadership organization, preparing diverse leaders to work cooperatively for a thriving St. Louis region through experience-based leadership training, civic issue education, and public engagement initiatives. The Emerging Leaders program is one of several programs offered by FOCUS to help individuals and organizations make a positive impact on the community.