Issue No. 23
Shaping the Future of St. Louis Through Guidance and Growth
In November 2023, our most recent International Mentoring Program Advisory Board Meeting was hosted by one of our strategic community partners, BioSTL, in their building located in St. Louis' Cortex innovation hub. The event emphasized the common goal of creating a welcoming and prosperous community for newcomers in St. Louis.
The Advisory Board Meeting had a rich agenda. It started with a welcome speech by Donn Rubin, the CEO of BioSTL and a key figure on the IMP Advisory Board. The event also featured a panel discussion with some of our esteemed mentors and mentees. The panel was moderated by Sherley Moran, and they shared insights from their experiences within the program, covering topics such as alumni relations, public relations, and strategy consultancy. They highlighted IMP's positive impact on their personal and professional lives in St. Louis.
During his speech, Donn Rubin eloquently highlighted the essence of the program: “St. Louis has a tremendous collection of assets — cultural, business, recreational — that differentiate our region, but it can be challenging for newcomers to immerse themselves and benefit from all we have to offer without an experienced partner to help guide them. The International Mentoring Program provides that experience. The International Mentoring Program provides unique value for newcomers seeking to make the most of their adopted hometown, and the great stories and feelings about St. Louis spread back through word of mouth to their home countries and become a force multiplier in selling St. Louis. Then these assets serve as a magnet to attract and retain great talent in St. Louis.”
About BioSTL
BioSTL has been playing a crucial role in the development of St. Louis' innovation economy since its establishment in 2001. The organization aims to transform the region through a range of dynamic programs. BioSTL not only supports startups in the biosciences industry but also fosters a collaborative environment to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. Their initiatives include BioGenerator, which helps create and grow innovative companies, and GlobalSTL, which recruits high-growth international companies that align with St. Louis' strengths in agriculture, healthcare, and technology. BioSTL is committed to inclusivity and workforce development, ensuring that St. Louis remains a competitive and desirable destination for scientific and technological advancement.
A Night to Remember: Celebrating Mentorship and Friendship
Last October, we had a delightful Girls' Night Out, where we celebrated the power of friendship and mentorship. The event was held at Heart and Soul, located in Ladue, and hosted by their lovely team. Heart and Soul is a gathering place that offers a unique shopping experience where people can discover beautiful things for themselves, their homes, or special people in their lives. Their thoughtfully curated selection of contemporary and timeless pieces warmed our hearts and nourished our souls while we were having fun.
The warm interiors of Heart and Soul provided the perfect backdrop for our heartfelt conversations. We shared stories of personal growth and professional journeys, highlighting the core values of our program. Our gathering was a tribute to the art of mentorship and the creation of lasting friendships. Throughout the evening, we engaged with old friends, welcomed new ones, celebrated our achievements, and provided encouragement for each other's dreams and goals.
As the evening came to an end, we left with a deep sense of gratitude for being in each other’s lives. It was a reminder of how our connections are a source of strength and joy. We look forward to hosting more events like this, where we can come together in the spirit of mentorship. Stay tuned for upcoming events and keep the spirit of GNO alive!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Connect and Grow: Upcoming Events
If you want to contact us, please send an email to mentorprogramstl@gmail.com.
Please send any social media content to Sinem Fisunoğlu at: sinemaltunbas@gmail.com | (314) 410-5364
