Before the tornado on May 16, 2025, Ali Rand was a self-described wife and stay-at-home mom of 5, living in the Central West End. Today, she’s the guiding force behind a grassroots volunteer movement born of devastation but motivated by a love for her adopted hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. Mere days after the storm, Ali sprung into action, inspiring volunteers from across St. Louis to join her in helping the victims of an F3-category storm. The “Street Angels,” as Ali and her crew are known, have done all sorts of work, including sorting and stacking brick, boarding-up windows, tarping roofs, and fundraising—all the while sharing their experiences on social media. Almost 3 months after the tornado, the work continues. Tune in as host Veronica Theodoro interviews Ali to learn more about her important work and the woman behind the powerful social media messages.
Check Ali’s Instagram to follow along with all the work being done and how you can help.
VT: What is your biggest wish for our city?
AR: That we didn’t care so much about what neighborhood people live in, or these pockets we have—which are all fantastic—but that we are one St. Louis. We’re sometimes missing that unity factor. My wish for people is that they just meet their neighbors. Just cross into a new street. Come volunteer with me. Come see what we see. Come meet these families all over the city that are so deserving.
This episode is sponsored by Kranzberg Art Foundation’s MATI. MATI returns September 12–14. Enjoy live music, art exhibits, food trucks, vendors, and good vibes, all in the streets of the Grand Center Arts District. Grab your passes.
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Mentioned in this episode:
- Ali Rand (@alirand)
- Forsyth School
- Villa Dushesne
- JCR Design Group
- Alex Thornhill
- Chase Park Plaza Cinema
- Britt Design
- World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries
- Forest Park
- Half & Half
- COCA
- Modern Masonry and Restoration (Wes Klaus)
- PLNK Fitness
- Washington University Occupational Therapy
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