As TechSTL’s founding executive director, Hemingway is working to position St. Louis as one of the nation’s next great tech hubs. Her mission: to unite and empower the region’s growing network of innovators, educators, and entrepreneurs. If she could share a meal with any business leaders, Hemingway would choose philanthropists Melinda Gates and MacKenzie Scott. “I want to learn from two disruptive visionaries who are turning their personal challenges into global change,” she says. Hear more from Emily Hemingway on the Fast Forward STL podcast.
2025 QUESTIONNAIRE
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? Transforming the St. Louis community through tech education and growth opportunities
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? How intimidating it can feel to compete in such a fast paced world
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome (excluding the pandemic) and why? Publicly launching and building an organization that was growing so quickly.
Keep up with local business news and trends
Subscribe to the St. Louis Business newsletter to get the latest insights sent to your inbox every morning.
MENTORS & PEERS
To whom or where do you go for sound business advice? My board of directors
Do you have a business mentor? If so, who and why? Brian Matthews, the Godfather of TechSTL.
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career? Do it scared.
If you could have dinner with any two area business leaders, who would you choose and why? Melinda Gates and Makenzie Scott, because I want to learn from two disruptive visionaries who are turning their personal challenges into global change.
Who is the most interesting under-the-radar/emerging business leader in St. Louis and why? Sam Cummings. His energy and ideas are infectious.
What is one thing you would change about the St. Louis metro area business environment and why? I would give St. Louis more hope to believe that real change is possible.
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? Norwalk, CT
What was your childhood aspiration? To be the first woman president of the United States
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? I worked in a pool restaurant and learned how to manage stressful situations.
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? A bachelor’s in International Political Science from University of Central Florida.
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
If you were not in your current profession, what would you be doing and why? Backpacking through the Mediterranean with my children
What is your favorite St. Louis-area restaurant, and what do you typically order there? Corner 17. Literally anything.
What is one item you recently crossed off your bucket list? Visiting Japan
What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why? Something that makes them uncomfortable
What’s your hobby/passion? Travel
What is your most prized possession? My children
What would people be surprised to learn about you—a fun fact? My first name is Mary.
What is your go-to karaoke song? Anything from Hamilton.
Hear more from Emily Hemingway on the Fast Forward STL podcast.
