UMSL alumni make up quarter of Salute to Young Leaders honorees

by Marisol Ramirez | Feb 26, 2018

Five alumni were among the group of 20 local leaders recognized for their professional excellence, achievements and service early in their careers.

UMSL alumni (from left) Lauren Collins, Channon Peoples, Antione Lawrence, Alandrea Stewart and (at far right) Christina Dancy were among those honored at The St. Louis American’s 8th Annual Salute to Young Leaders. “We Live Here” Associate Producer Alona Sistrunk (second from right) was also recognized, resulting in another UMSL connection making the list through St. Louis Public Radio, a service of the university. (Photo by Lawrence Bryant, The St. Louis American)

The University of Missouri–St. Louis had healthy representation at the 8th Annual Salute to Young Leaders. Five UMSL alumni were among the 20 honorees.

The St. Louis American Foundation recognized the group of outstanding African Americans for their professional excellence, achievements and service early in their careers. All those recognized are under the age of 40.

“I’m not surprised so many of our graduates made the list,” Chancellor Tom George said. “UMSL is known for educating young, diverse talent as well as graduating the next leaders of the region. Our alumni continue to guide St. Louis toward a progressive new future of diverse excellence. Congratulations to this talented group that is paving the way!”

The foundation held a reception for the young leaders Feb. 15 at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis.

Below is a list of the UMSL alumni who were among the 2018 Salute to Young Leaders honorees with links to their Q&As with The St. Louis American:

Lauren Collins, BA English 2009, is an associate attorney at HeplerBroom Law Firm in St. Louis.

Christina Dancy, BSPPA 2010, is assistant vice president and assistant director of Anti-Money Laundering for U.S. Bank’s Compliance Division. Dancy is also founder and CEO of Your Purposeful Legacy in St. Louis.

Antione Lawrence, MBA 2012, is owner of Hybrid Real Estate in St. Louis, where he also works as a broker.

Channon Peoples, MPPA 2013, is assistant director of the UMSL Bridge Program.

Alandrea Stewart, MEd 2014, is director of Student Support Services at Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis.

In addition to the five UMSL alumni honored, another university connection made the list. St. Louis Public Radio, a service of UMSL, had one of its own honored as well:

Alona Sistrunk is an associate producer of the “We Live Here” podcast.