Our Esteemed Awardees

From education and engineering to youth development and political organizing, DeMarco has dedicated his life to empowering communities. He has led voter initiatives, mentored youth, and served as Executive Director for the Michael Brown Sr. Chosen For Change Foundation. Now with Metropolitan Congregations United, he’s organizing faith leaders and voters to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline and build unity across Missouri.

An Open and Affirming congregation with over 183 years of ministry, St. Peter’s has a legacy of combining faith with community action, helping to found organizations like Every Child’s Hope and the Deaconess Foundation. Through their Resource Center, they provide free medical clinics, showers, youth programs, and grief support. Their mission: to welcome all and work toward a just, compassionate, and inclusive North County.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Led by Action St. Louis and ForTheCultureSTL, The People’s Response mobilized thousands of volunteers, provided life-saving supplies, and supported residents in recovery. Their work continues today—centering Black communities and building a model for equitable disaster relief and long-term community power.

Barbara Bowman serves as Vice President – Controller and Director of Facilities at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. A former VP of Development, she has led key fundraising and community efforts. Her leadership has earned numerous awards, including Woman of the Year (2023 Urban League), DELUX Power 100, and honors from the Griot Museum and NCNW. A Saint Louis University alumna and FOCUS Leadership graduate, Barbara is active in Delta Sigma Theta and The Links, Inc., and is a proud mother.

Freedom Community Center (FCC) is a Black and formerly incarcerated-led organization in North St. Louis working to dismantle oppressive systems like policing and mass incarceration. Centered on the belief that Black survivors hold the solutions to community safety, FCC uses a survivor-centered approach to address harm, support healing, and envision alternatives. Through direct services, communal healing spaces, and advocacy, FCC empowers residents to prevent violence, interrupt trauma, and build long-term safety by making peace and building power in St. Louis City.

The Natural Bridge Hub is a network of Black-led organizations, volunteers, and leaders providing disaster relief and mutual aid to families affected by the May 16, 2025 tornado in St. Louis. Located on Natural Bridge Road—one of the hardest-hit areas—the Hub mobilizes community resources to support recovery efforts in North St. Louis and beyond. Rooted in collaboration and care, the Natural Bridge Hub is dedicated to empowering communities through locally driven aid and long-term rebuilding.

Kourtney “Kourtwithakay” Harris is a community organizer, artist, and founder of #JusTrynaHelp, a grassroots movement advocating for mental health, justice, and cultural awareness in St. Louis. A Mizzou alum with a background in business and economics, she’s supported major campaigns like Congresswoman Cori Bush’s historic win and worked with organizations like Freedom Community Center and Better Family Life. As the sole female vocalist in the Midwest Avengers, Kourtney fuses art and activism, all while raising her son, Khristian.

Andrew “Pancho” Rucker, a North St. Louis native, is the CEO of The PotBangerz: Feed the Body Mission, a published author, illustrator, photographer, and award-nominated creative. A stroke survivor and devoted father, he has advocated for his community since 2009, launching initiatives like Operation Clean Neighborhood and coining the phrase #TeamRehab during the Ferguson protests. In 2025, he continues his mission with Casa De Paz, a safe space for the unhoused in St. Louis.

Dr. LJ Punch and the 314Oasis Team. The 314 Oasis is outdoor pop-up based community care for climate trauma recognizing the tremendous impact of climate trauma which disrupts the four elements: AIR, WATER, EARTH and FIRE. The 314 Oasis is serving areas of North St. Louis impacted by the May 16 tornado finding their home in Fountain Park.

Affectionately known as Missy Ruth, she is a dedicated freedom fighter and ally from Alton, IL. Missy has consistently shown up in support of Chosen for Change and countless social justice efforts across the region. Known for her warm smile and helping hands, she’s a constant presence in the movement. In a touching gesture, she gifted the Brown family a star named in honor of Mike Mike. Missy’s unwavering commitment and kindness continue to inspire those around her.