Chancellor Kristin Sobolik receives Girls Inc. of St. Louis’ Strong, Smart, and Bold Award at a luncheon last Friday. (Photo courtesy of Adella Jones)
University of Missouri–St. Louis Chancellor Kristin Sobolik was one of six educational leaders from across the St. Louis region honored at Girls Inc. of St. Louis’ 19th Annual Strong, Smart, and Bold Luncheon on Friday at the Ritz-Carlton in Clayton, Missouri.
The six changemakers were recognized for the lasting impact they’ve had on the St. Louis metropolitan community, specifically through their contributions to fostering a culture of empowerment, growth and resilience with Girls Inc.
The organization, established in St. Louis in 1981, provides educational, recreational and cultural programs in a safe environment to enable area girls to raise their aspirations and realize their potential.
Under Sobolik’s leadership, UMSL has remained a strong partner with Girls Inc. and for the past two years hosted an Entrepreneurship and Business Program in conjunction with the organization and First Bank. It provided rising eighth-grade girls lessons on different aspects of business. The program was modeled after Girls Inc.’s successful Eureka! program, which for the past decade has focused on empowering students to pursue STEM careers.
Sobolik was honored alongside UMSL alums Sharonica Hardin-Bartley and Paula D. Knight. Hardin-Bartley earned her PhD in educational leadership and policy studies from UMSL in 2014 and has served as superintendent of The School District of University City since 2016. Knight, who earned her MEd from UMSL in 1996, her EdS in 2008 and her EdD in 2014, now serves as the superintendent of the Jennings School District. She was also honored as a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient at UMSL earlier this fall.
The other Change Makers recognized on Friday were Kelvin Adams, the president and CEO of the St. Louis Community Foundation and the former superintendent of St. Louis Public Schools; Maryville University President Emeritus Mark Lombardi; and Washington University in St. Louis Chancellor Andrew Martin.
