In her role at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, a museum devoted to presenting historical and contemporary works of art within a global context, Starke is responsible for overseeing a space where visual and performing arts dovetail. Her recipe for success begins with a strong team. “I’m fortunate to be surrounded by thoughtful, creative people who inspire me every day,” Starke says. “Surround yourself with people who challenge and energize you.”
2026 QUESTIONNAIRE
What advice would you give to the next generation of St. Louis entrepreneurs or leaders? Build relationships early and often with your peers, mentors, and across sectors. Listen with an open mind. And approach every challenge with curiosity and the belief that it can be solved.
What’s a risk you took in business that didn’t pan out—but taught you something valuable? Every bold idea can be risky. But it can also hold great potential. I tend to focus less on whether something “panned out” and more on what it taught me. Even when outcomes aren’t as expected, there’s always an opportunity to listen, learn, and make smart decisions as we embrace the next opportunity.
What do you do when you’re feeling stuck or uninspired? I step away. Inspiration often comes when you’re not looking directly at the problem. I also trust my team; I’m fortunate to be surrounded by thoughtful, creative people who inspire me every day. Surround yourself with people who challenge and energize you.
Who in your company (or industry) deserves more recognition for their impact? There are so many! Our curatorial team works closely with our exhibition design and registrar staff, as well as public programs and marketing teams, to develop thoughtful, rigorous, and deeply engaging experiences with art and ideas. Our visitor experience and security team help deliver a truly exceptional experience for our visitors. And our administrative and facilities teams ensure that we’re operating smoothly.
What’s a local organization, nonprofit, or initiative that more people should know about—and why? The St. Louis Art Place Initiative, co-founded by the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, is doing incredible work, helping artists become homeowners and turning vacant spaces into cultural assets. They’re keeping artists rooted in their neighborhoods while building stronger, more connected communities.
2025 QUESTIONNAIRE
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? The Pulitzer is a renowned arts institution, and I couldn’t be more excited to be bringing brilliant and visionary artists and artworks to the St. Louis community. In the year ahead, we have many inspiring exhibitions as well as engaging public programs that will appeal to all ages. Museum admission is always free, and we look forward to welcoming new visitors as well as those who regularly attend.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? I would continue to advance policies that reduce climate impact, incorporate environmental sustainability, and address climate change through field-wide and organizational strategies.
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome (excluding the pandemic) and why? Not surprisingly, balancing a career and a family.
MENTORS & PEERS
To whom or where do you go for sound business advice? I participate in several executive leadership groups, including with local leaders of arts and cultural organizations and a national group of museum directors.
Do you have a business mentor? If so, who and why? At the Pulitzer, I’ve been very fortunate to work closely with Emily Rauh Pulitzer, who is a visionary leader and mentor. Additionally, I have several people that I consider to be mentors, including business leaders, museum colleagues, and artists. These individuals have tremendous expertise and are generous in sharing their perspectives.
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career? Always start by assuming the problem is achievable.
If you could have dinner with any two area business leaders, who would you choose and why? I would have dinner with two brilliant women leaders in the arts community, Min Jung Kim, Barbara B. Taylor Director of the Saint Louis Art Museum, and Lisa Melandri, executive director of the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis. They are both inspiring individuals and make magic happen at their respective organizations.
Who is the most interesting under-the-radar/emerging business leader in St. Louis and why? James McAnally has built a small but robust organization, Counterpublic, which enlivens St. Louis with incredible public art every three years. I know they will be producing amazing work in the future.
What is one thing you would change about the St. Louis metro area business environment and why? I’d love to see even more collaboration and exchange across industries.
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BACKGROUND
Where were you born? Washington, D.C.
What was your childhood aspiration? Like most children, I had many aspirations, and I’m fortunate to continue to be fulfilling my aspirations daily.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? My first job was working for the Foundation for the Future of Youth while in high school outside of Washington D.C. The organization worked with young people to envision better and more sustainable futures, from environmental protection to health and wellness. My boss always encouraged my input, valued my contributions, and instilled in me an approach to leadership that prioritizes mentorship and collaboration.
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Art History, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY and Master of Arts in Art History, Williams College, Williamstown, MA
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
If you were not in your current profession, what would you be doing and why? I would be competing against Katie Ledecky at the Olympics in Paris.
What is your favorite St. Louis-area restaurant, and what do you typically order there? There are many great restaurants, cafés, and coffee shops. I love Vicia, Sado, Blueprint Coffee, and more.
What is one item you recently crossed off your bucket list? I recently canoed down the Mississippi River, starting just below the Chain of Rocks Bridge and landing beneath the Gateway Arch, courtesy of Big Muddy Adventures.
What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why? I think everyone should read national and local newspaper headlines daily. It’s important to understand what is happening in our community and around the country/world. Of course, you’ll have to choose news sources that you believe to be reliable.
What’s your hobby/passion? My passion is my family.
What would people be surprised to learn about you—a fun fact? It’s likely not surprising that I wouldn’t back down from a good challenge. However, it’s perhaps surprising that those challenges have recently included extravagant, sculpted cakes. So much so that I’m told by those closest to me that I should be on Nailed It!
What is your go-to karaoke song? Join me, and find out!
