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.
Adrian Bracy, Steward Family Trust, 2022 Co-Chair
Vernon Bracy, RVC Solutions, 2022 Co-Chair
Rhonda Carter-Adams, DOT Foods
Dr. Julia Burke, Educational Services by Burke, LLC
Carnecia Cole, Christian Hospital Northeast/Northwest
Brittany Cummings, BKD
Christina Dancy, Edward Jones
Jill Dixon Young, Community Advocate
Flint Fowler, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis
Gail Holmes Taylor, Energizer
Kenyatta Holmes, Mastercard
Naretha Hopson, Ever-Appropriate
Francella Jackson, Village of Cahokia
Kesha Kent, Ascension
Ann Marr, World Wide Technology, LLC
Dr. Glenn Miller, SLU
David Noble, Midland States Bank
Aaron Omotola, BJC
Nekisha Omotola, Kunkel Wittenauer Group
Erica Randall, Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. (RGA)
Chalana Scales-Ferguson, SLU
Monica Stewart, People’s Community Action Corporation
Cheri D. Tillis, Fathers and Families Support Center
Brian Turner, Merrill Lynch
Kel Ward, St. Louis Children’s Hospital
Dara Webb, Mercy