Akande-Bartsch leads one of the region’s most impactful organizations, coaching the next wave of local leaders and connecting organizations to some of the top talent in St. Louis. Her advice to the next generation of leaders: Lead with purpose, build strong relationships, embrace inclusion, stay engaged, and commit to becoming a lifelong learner.
2026 QUESTIONNAIRE
What advice would you give to the next generation of St. Louis entrepreneurs or leaders? To the next generation of St. Louis leaders and entrepreneurs, my advice is to lead with purpose and impact, defining success not just by profit but by the positive change you create in our community. Build strong relationships across sectors—business, nonprofit, and government—because collaboration is the key to solving complex challenges. Embrace inclusion as sources of strength and innovation, and ensure that every voice has a place at the table. Stay civically engaged, understand the issues shaping our region, and be part of creating solutions. Commit to lifelong learning, remain curious and adaptable, and never underestimate the power of empathy and integrity in leadership. Finally, think regionally but act with a global mindset, recognizing that St. Louis has the potential to be a hub for innovation with worldwide impact.
What’s a risk you took in business that didn’t pan out—but taught you something valuable? A couple of years ago, we launched the Impact Fellows program with the goal of equipping talented leaders to drive significant and lasting change in our region. It was a wonderful program, and the fellows accomplished meaningful work during their time with us. However, coming out of the pandemic, we made the difficult decision to place the program on pause. While it didn’t continue in the way we initially envisioned, I’ve been encouraged to see other programs launch in a similar spirit, and I’d like to think that our work helped inspire and pave the way for those efforts. Most importantly, the lessons and curriculum from Impact Fellows didn’t disappear—they now live on in our Emerging Leaders program, where they continue to shape and empower the next generation of changemakers. It was a valuable reminder that even when something doesn’t unfold as planned, it can still plant seeds for future impact.
What do you do when you’re feeling stuck or uninspired? When I feel stuck, I give myself space to pause and reset—whether that means taking a walk, journaling, diving into a good book, or even traveling to a new place to gain fresh perspective. I’ve learned that clarity often comes when I step away rather than try to force a solution. When inspiration strikes, I capture it right away–writing down ideas, sketching out next steps, and connecting with people who can help bring the vision to life. Both moments—feeling stuck and feeling inspired–are valuable to me. One invites reflection and growth, while the other fuels action, creativity, and possibility.
Who in your company (or industry) deserves more recognition for their impact? What I can say is that I am deeply proud of the team and board at FOCUS. Their dedication, vision, and commitment make it possible for us to develop leaders who go on to create meaningful change in every corner of St. Louis. Our staff and board members work tirelessly behind the scenes to support programs that equip leaders, foster dialogue, and build connections that strengthen our community. St. Louis is filled with individuals and organizations making a real impact, and rather than spotlight just one, I’m grateful every day to be part of a collective effort—supported by an extraordinary team and board—that helps empower so many of these changemakers.
What’s a local organization, nonprofit, or initiative that more people should know about—and why? I can’t pick just one organization because so many incredible nonprofit leaders are graduates of our programs, and in my role, I’m fortunate to witness countless inspiring projects and people through our leadership programs. St. Louis is blessed with individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact, often without the recognition they deserve. From grassroots advocates working tirelessly to strengthen neighborhoods, to educators shaping the next generation of leaders, to nonprofit professionals addressing critical needs in health, housing, and equity, there is no shortage of people quietly driving change. Business leaders who invest in the region’s growth, civic leaders who bridge divides, and volunteers who generously give their time and talents all play vital roles in moving St. Louis forward. Rather than highlighting just one organization or person, it feels most fitting to celebrate the collective effort of so many dedicated individuals who are committed to building a stronger, more inclusive, and opportunity-rich region for all.
2025 QUESTIONNAIRE
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? I’m most excited about our ongoing efforts to expand our reach and impact, particularly through our new initiatives that integrate technology and civic education. We’re exploring innovative ways to engage a broader audience and drive systemic change by connecting leadership development with real-world civic challenges.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? I would like to see a greater emphasis on collaboration across sectors. Too often, the civic and leadership development sectors operate in silos, which limits our ability to address the complex, interconnected issues we face today. By fostering more cross-sector partnerships, we can amplify our collective impact.
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome (excluding the pandemic) and why? The toughest business challenge I’ve had to overcome, aside from the pandemic, has been fundraising and passionately conveying why civic issue education and leadership are so vital. It can be incredibly difficult to convince stakeholders and potential donors to invest in something where the impact isn’t always immediate or visible. But this work is deeply personal to me. I’ve seen firsthand how empowering individuals with the right knowledge and leadership skills can transform communities, break cycles of inequality, and create lasting change. It’s more than just a cause—it’s a mission that drives me every day. Even when the path is uphill and the challenges feel overwhelming, my unwavering belief in the power of civic leadership keeps me pushing forward, knowing that the future of our communities depends on it.
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? I seek advice from a diverse network of mentors, colleagues, and leaders across different industries. I believe in the power of collective wisdom and often find that insights from those in different fields provide fresh perspectives on our challenges.
Do you have a business mentor? If so, who and why? Yes, I have several mentors and sponsors, each bringing unique perspectives.
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career? One piece of advice that has profoundly shaped my career is to ‘lead with empathy.’ Understanding the needs, motivations, and challenges of others has not only strengthened my relationships but also enhanced my ability to drive meaningful change in our organization and the communities we serve.
If you could have dinner with any two area business leaders, who would you choose and why? If I could have dinner with anyone, I would choose two students from Marian Middle School, the all-girls, family focused, faith-based school here in St. Louis. The wisdom and insights these young women share are truly inspiring and often leave me motivated to do more. Their perspectives, dreams, and determination remind me of the importance of investing in the next generation, and I always come away from those conversations with a renewed sense of purpose.
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? Lagos, Nigeria
What was your childhood aspiration? As a child, my aspiration was always to make a difference in the world by helping others. I was naturally drawn to roles where I could serve and uplift those around me, whether it was through leadership, education, or just being a supportive presence in my community. This passion for making an impact has shaped my journey and continues to inspire the work I do today.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? While I was in high school, I started my own cookie business, and it turned out to be widely successful. The key to that success was the relationships I built with other teens—my peers were my biggest supporters and helped spread the word. What began as a simple idea quickly grew into a thriving venture, teaching me invaluable lessons about business, customer service, and the importance of community.
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? I hold three degrees from the University of Oklahoma: a Ph.D. in Communications, Intercultural, Political, and Organizational Communication;an M.H.R. in Human Relations and Organizational Development;and a Master of Arts in Public Relations, Journalism & Mass Communications. I earned my B.A. in Speech Communications from Southwest Baptist University.
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
If you were not in your current profession, what would you be doing and why? If I weren’t serving as CEO/president, I’d likely be hosting a podcast, diving deep into conversations that inspire and inform. I’ve always loved connecting with people and sharing stories that can make a difference. Beyond that, I’d probably still be involved in work that empowers others and drives positive change, whether through mentoring and sponsoring young leaders or leading initiatives focused on education, or community development. My passion for making an impact runs deep, so whatever path I’d be on, it would definitely involve creating opportunities for others to thrive and making a difference in the world.
What is your favorite St. Louis-area restaurant, and what do you typically order there? My favorite restaurant is African Palace. I love the vibrant atmosphere and the authentic flavors they offer. Every time I go, I make sure to order the jollof rice‚Äîit’s my absolute favorite dish there. The rich, spicy flavors always hit the spot and remind me of the incredible culinary traditions across Nigeria.
What is one item you recently crossed off your bucket list? I don’t actually have a bucket list—just live. For me, life is about embracing opportunities as they come and making the most of every moment. Instead of focusing on checking things off a list, I prefer to stay open to new experiences and let my journey unfold naturally.
What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why? One podcast I think everyone should listen to is mine—stay tuned!
What’s your hobby/passion? My passion lies in photography and travel. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about capturing the beauty of different cultures, landscapes, and moments through my lens. Traveling allows me to see the world from new perspectives, and photography gives me the chance to share those experiences with others. It’s a combination that fuels my creativity and keeps me inspired
What is your most prized possession? My most prized possession is my health. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to pursue my passions, spend time with loved ones, or contribute to the work I care about. I value it above all because it’s the foundation for everything else in my life.
What would people be surprised to learn about you—a fun fact? People might be surprised to learn that I’ve done stand-up comedy before—in Chicago, no less! It was a lot of fun and a great way to challenge myself in a completely different way. There’s nothing quite like making people laugh and stepping out of your comfort zone at the same time!
What is your go-to karaoke song? My go-to karaoke song is “#41” by Dave Matthews Band. There’s something about the melody. It’s one of those songs that never gets old, no matter how many times I hear it.
