Alumnus Ben Molina Recognized for Diversity Efforts Myra López 8/6/2024 Alumni; Diversity; Social Work Share this Story: Ben Molina, Entrepreneurship Program Manager, Cortex Innovation Community Alumnus Ben Molina, MSW ’18, has been named a recipient of the St. Louis Business Journal’s 2024 Champions for Diversity & Inclusion Awards. Molina, an entrepreneurship program manager at Cortex Innovation Community, was honored for his dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion. He called the recognition an honor and a testament to the transformational programming provided to budding businesses through the Cortex’s Square One programs. “Small businesses are the foundation of our economy in St. Louis, and starting one is not an easy journey. I am proud to lead initiatives that break through the barriers entrepreneurs face when launching a business, with a particular focus on empowering Black and Brown, women, LGBTQIA+, and new American entrepreneurs. I feel incredibly blessed to be given the trust and opportunity to serve,” he said. The annual awards celebrate individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to promoting practices that advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace and in the community. Molina will be featured in the Business Journal’s Sept. 13 issue.