Speak Up St. Louis

Alexa Seda, who will receive this year’s Emerging Artist award, is considered a rising star in the St. Louis arts scene. She weaves together her passion for theatre and urban design. As a co-producer at EncoreSTL, a platform that creates opportunities for Black and Brown artists through theatre and youth programs, she has also spearheaded the organization’s Cuéntame storytelling initiative, in collaboration with the Latinx Arts Network STL. With Seda’s background in public health specializing in urban design, her vision extends beyond the stage, such as her role in working to create equitable spaces through creative placemaking.

Alexa is a 2024 Saint Louis Visionary  Awardee being honored with the Emerging Artist Award. The Saint Louis Visionary Awards is a  independent committee of women to celebrate the numerous contributions and achievements of women who work in or support the arts in St. Louis. From established working arts professionals and arts educators to emerging artists and community impact artists, each year's honorees are truly "visionary".

https://www.vizawards.org/
https://www.encorestl.org/

Lisa Melandri is the executive director of the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis.

Artist, Designer, Producer, Patrick Gutierrez has his hand in many different creative outlets most notably through UVA a brand that Patrick started. He also serves as a Co-Manager of House of Vision (HOV).  An innovative "retail space selling apparel, art, books, and other youth and community member-created local products. Serving as a catalyst and entry point into successful entrepreneurship by removing barriers and risk, and providing a safe training ground for our youth and community members." He is using this opportunity to not share his expertise of screen printing with youth but also uplifting and mentoring them to be able to create the dreams they have for themselves.

https://www.dreambuilders4equity.org/house-of-vision

Harvey E. A. Lockhart is a Grammy nominated music educator, saxophonist, and composer. He is also the Founder, Executive and Artistic Director for HEAL Center for the Arts in St. Louis, MO, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and multi-disciplinary center of music, arts learning, and performance.

Leon Hite, III, affectionately known as Coach Hite, is an energetic, innovative, and compassionate inspirational speaker! His gift for inspiring others has enabled him to speak to, coach, and mentor over 10 thousand people of all ages in both the corporate world and educational institutions.

Currently, Coach Hite is the Director of Safety and Security for Jennings School District and the administrator for JETS (Jennings Education and Training School) which is the district’s alternative school.

A man of God, devoted husband, father of three, and active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Leon believes that we all possess the ability to be a better version of ourselves if we are willing to “Think Outside the Box”.

Artist, educator, and speaker Katie Banister works  to educate and empower others through motivational speaking and disability education.  As the Co-founder  of Acces-4-All she and her partner Steve strive to fulfill the vision of full inclusion where everyone counts and has access to a fulfilled and truly accessible life. 

https://access-4-all.com/

From engineering and party promoting to entrepreneurship, Ono Ikanone has sprouted his St. Louis roots to create a legacy within the city's cultural fabric. In the heart of downtown St. Louis, Ono has tried his hand at his latest and greatest venture yet as restaurateur. Meet the founder of Levels Nigerian Cuisine.

https://www.levelsstl.com/

An artist and writer, Dominic Chambers composes contemplative narratives which pull inspiration from critical voices within the Black literary canon. He introduces the figurative subject to create a new discourse around identity and perception. Combining both a vibrant and a near-monochromatic palette, Chambers sees color as a protagonist in his paintings. Dominic received his BFA from Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, Milwaukee, WI in 2016, and his MFA from Yale University School of Art, New Haven, CT in 2019.

Jacqueline “Jackie” Hamilton, MBA, CFRE, currently serves as Assistant Director of Advancement for St. Louis County Library (SLCL). As the Library’s Chief Fundraiser, she leads SLCL’s  Foundation team of four, which is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing strategic fundraising revenue generating programs to support the library’s commitment to the community.

Hamilton has over 15 years of fundraising experience. Through community involvement and professional opportunities, she has been vital in raising over $100 million to empower the St. Louis region.

A proud St. Louis native, she enjoys being a mentor for BIPOC fundraising professionals and young people throughout the region.  In her free time, you can find her playing tennis, golfing, biking and traveling.

MyCol (Meta MyCol Martin) is a self-motivated multidisciplinary actor, artist, and visionary of a production company, DLiNX. His work derives from his admiration of the fine arts, education, and Hip-Hop. He studies cultural television, film, and music to blend community and activism throughout his craft.