Charmaine Chapman Leadership Society
Our foundation is deeply embedded in the St. Louis community. In 1994, Dr. Donald Suggs, publisher of The St. Louis American, recognized that Black leaders needed a voice in the philanthropic community in St. Louis. In turn, he founded the Charmaine Chapman Leadership Society (CCS), which has since grown into the number one philanthropic program for Black leaders in the nation.
A United Community
It’s part of the CCS culture that to whom much is given, much is expected. Our members are a community of individuals who make it their mission to be “a hand up” to others. Our Society focuses on fostering the next generation of Black leaders, all while helping to make an impact in the St. Louis region.
A Continued Legacy
Charmaine Chapman was the first woman and first person of color to head United Way of Greater St. Louis as its president and chief executive officer. She led the organization to some of its greatest fundraising successes during her tenure. As our Society’s namesake, we continue to honor her dream of building a better community and her passion for helping people. Learn about our history.
Your Dollars at Work
provides a month’s supply of diapers for 75 toddlers
provides a two-week hotel stay for a domestic violence victim needing immediate shelter
supplies five homebound seniors hot meals for six months
Ready to Join?
A gift of $1,000 or greater gives you access to join one or more Leadership Giving Societies and helps people in the St. Louis region live their best possible lives.
Regional Business Council Step-up Program
The Regional Business Council (RBC) is pleased to offer a 3-step program for women and persons of color who want to become members of one or more Leadership Societies.
This initiative allows participants to unlock member benefits and recognition as Leadership Givers by matching all or a portion of their gifts over the course of three years until they reach the Leadership level ($1,000) without a match.
To participate in the RBC Step-Up Program, please complete this secure, online form.
Divine 9 Challenge
The Charmaine Chapman Society hosts an annual friendly fundraising competition that brings local Divine 9 Sororities and Fraternities together to make an impact in our community while supporting Black leadership. Learn more.
Adrian Bracy, Steward Family Trust, 2023 Co-Chair
Vernon Bracy, RVC Solutions, 2023 Co-Chair
Steven Harris, RubinBrown, 2023 CCS de Tocqueville Co-chair
Arica Harris, Edward Jones, 2023 CCS de Tocqueville Co-chair
Alicia Bryant, Edgewell Personal Care
Dr. Julia Burke, Educational Services by Burke, LLC
Neidra Butler, Harris Stowe State University
Rhonda Carter-Adams, DOT Foods
Carnecia Cole, Christian Hospital Northeast/Northwest
Brittany Cummings, BKD
Christina Dancy, Edward Jones
Jill Dixon Young, Community Advocate
Brooke Eggleston, Benjamin F Edwards
Flint Fowler, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis
Brittney Harris, Brittney Harris Living
Gail Holmes Taylor, Energizer
Kenyatta Holmes, Mastercard
Naretha Hopson, Ever-Appropriate
Carla Jackson, First Bank
Schron Jackson, Schnuck Markets, Inc.
Francella Jackson, Cahokia Heights
Raegan Johnson, Edward Jones
Kesha Kent, Husch Blackwell LLP
Emma Lumpkins, Schnuck Markets, Inc.
Dr. Glenn Miller, Saint Louis University
Julia Mills, Wells Fargo
Cedric Mitchell, U.S. Airforce Veteran; The Uplift Foundation
David Noble, Midland States Bank
Aaron Omotola, BJC
Nekisha Omotola
Daphanie Pointer, Bayer U.S. LLC
Erica Randall, Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. (RGA)
Chalana Scales-Ferguson, Washington University in St. Louis
Monica Stewart, People’s Community Action Corporation
Valquennette Taylor, Edward Jones
Brian Turner, Merrill Lynch
Kel Ward, St. Louis Children’s Hospital
Dara Webb, Mercy
Pam Weston, Centene
Danika Williams, Caleres
Loren Wilson, Ameren
2022-2023: Adrian and Vernon Bracy
2021-2022: Adrian and Vernon Bracy
2020-2021: Adrian and Vernon Bracy
2018-2019: Drs. Rick and Anita White
2016-2017: Keith Williamson and Ann Marr
2014-2015: Reuben and D’Anne Shelton
2012-2013: Brenda and Maurice Newberry
2010-2011: Richard Mark
2009: Michael and Gail Holmes
2007-2008: Lawrence E. Thomas and Deborah J. Patterson
2006: Lawrence E. Thomas
2004-2005: Johnny and Minga Furr
2002-2003: Arnold W. and Hazel Donald
2000-2001: David L. and Thelma E. Steward
1998-1999: John E. and Barbara S. Jacob
1997: Wayman F. Smith III
1996: David B. Price
1994-1995: Wayman F. Smith III