Since it was founded in 1983, Oasis has helped adults over age 50 live rich, fulfilling lives through community building and dynamic programming, such as the Magnificent Theater of Life, a series of presentations and discussions about the “complex life chapter of death and dying.” This nonprofit’s vision was established and led by Marylen Mann, who identified a need in our country that continues to build. “The population of people over 60 is growing rapidly, and the need for what Oasis offers and how our programs empower people is growing with it,” she says.
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has been your or your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months? Oasis worked with Nine Network to film a documentary talking about the importance of having end-of-life discussions called “Going Your Way,” and PBS is going to air it nationally in March of 2025.
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? The population of people over 60 is growing rapidly, and the need for what Oasis offers and how our programs empower people is growing with it.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? I would like to see more respect and support for our aging population—to change the perception of older adults, who they are, and what they are capable of.
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome (excluding the pandemic) and why? I think the toughest challenge for me was developing and managing satellite Oasis centers with a small national staff, particularly maintaining support and quality standards across centers. There were a lot of different locations, and we had to make sure people weren’t just rolling out “senior center programs” like bingo at our locations. It was also difficult getting people to invest in the programs and see the real urgency and importance of the mission.
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MENTORS & PEERS
To whom or where do you go for sound business advice? My husband, Frank Jacobs. He’s got broad experience as a businessman and cares deeply about the Oasis mission. He also has a lot of expertise in leadership roles in the nonprofit field.
Do you have a business mentor? If so, who and why? Well, I had a very important past mentor, Jerry Loeb. He was an executive with the May Company, which at the beginning Oasis partnered with. He helped me to develop a business perspective.
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career? Follow your passion, and don’t be intimidated. I have learned this, and it’s the advice I now give myself. One other thing: Do your homework, and sometimes a “no” can turn into a “yes.”
If you could have dinner with any two area business leaders, who would you choose and why? There are actually three businesspeople I admire the most, Ken Kranzberg, Maxine Clark, and Andy Taylor, because they’ve been very successful businesspeople but have also made great contributions to our community philanthropically, and have added so much quality to our community.
Who is the most interesting under-the-radar/emerging business leader in St. Louis and why? Paul Weiss, the current president of Oasis. He has incredible vision, he understands the demographic and financial future of the U.S, and he believes in the importance of Oasis as an organization during this time. He is an emerging thought-leader in the aging space, and has innovative ideas on intergenerational programs, and reskilling older adults for the workforce.
What is one thing you would change about the St. Louis metro area business environment and why? I would merge the city and county of St. Louis, and improve public transportation, which would enable us to be a more attractive region for businesses. We need to speak with one voice.
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? Here in St. Louis.
What was your childhood aspiration? I wanted to be like Eleanor Roosevelt.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? My first job was as an elementary classroom teacher. In this role I realized that some children really need one-on-one attention to succeed, which is why I later started the Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring Program.
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? B.A in Philosophy from Washington University St. Louis, and a Masters in Education from Washington University St. Louis
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
If you were not in your current profession, what would you be doing and why? I think I would be teaching at the university level still;I loved it, I taught at Washington University and the University of Missouri-St. Louis before starting Oasis.
What is your favorite St. Louis-area restaurant, and what do you typically order there? The Crossing. I love their beet salad.
What is one item you recently crossed off your bucket list? A trip to Iceland.
What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why? This was a tough choice, but I think everyone should read Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes. It is a philosophy of life. I’ve given it to kids, but it has a great message that adults should read too.
What’s your hobby/passion? Two of my hobbies are reading and cooking.
What is your most prized possession? My grandchildren—they’re not “possessions,” per se, but they’re terrific.
What would people be surprised to learn about you—a fun fact? I was a fencer—a very mediocre one. I am also a tarot card reader!
What is your go-to karaoke song? I have two: “Keep on the Sunny Side by The Carter Family, and Dancing Queen by ABBA.
