Network CEO Neosha Franklin Featured on FOCUS St. Louis Black History Panel
On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Focus St. Louis brought together regional leaders for its 2026 forum, The Power of Presence: Leaders Inspiring What’s Next, where Community Impact Network President and CEO Neosha Franklin joined the conversation as a featured panelist.
In honor of Black History Month, the forum highlighted the stories, strategies and philosophies of prominent Black leaders across St. Louis, elevating voices that shared personal journeys of resilience, inspired authentic leadership, and sparked meaningful conversations about equity, innovation and lasting impact.
“I’m very humbled to be a part of the Black History Month panel and to be considered a part of Black History,” Franklin said during her introduction.
The other featured panelists who spoke alongside Franklin included:
- Tommye Austin, Senior Vice President, Patient Care Systems and Chief Nurse Executive, BJC Health System
- Rodney Crim, CEO and President, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership
- Dr. Natssia Small, CEO, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri
Yinka Faleti of Ascend Venture Capital served as moderator.
During the forum, each panelist reflected on their leadership journeys, speaking and sharing stories about how the presence of black leadership inspires and drives change in the St. Louis region.
When asked what the power of presence as a leader means to her, Franklin shared that humbleness and service play a part in how she leads the Network. “I have an opportunity to work in a community that serves brown and black people, and I have to be cognizant of the work that we are doing, especially as a black woman.”
“It’s not about me; it’s about my team and the community we are serving,” Franklin continued.
Franklin also spoke about how making space through listening allows the Network to better understand the needs of the organizations we serve, so that they can create a lasting impact for the 24:1 Community.
“At the Network, we understand that we are guests in the community we serve. We do not make decisions for the community; we make them with the community. That means listening deeply, honoring lived experience and shaping implementation in partnership with those most impacted. Our role is not to lead from above, but to walk alongside.”
As the forum came to a close, Franklin acknowledged that while the world is navigating challenging and uncertain times, she remains deeply optimistic about the future. She shared that her hope is fueled by the growing number of people, particularly those with privilege and influence, who are choosing to show up, stand alongside and advocate for communities that have historically been under-resourced. That collective commitment gives her confidence that meaningful change is not only possible, but already underway.
“For so long, people who looked like me were at the forefront of these movements, but it’s been a breath of fresh air to see people who don’t look like me, share that same want and need,” Franklin said.“We all have a role to play, and we need to have the courage to stand up and be part of the change.”
Franklin is a graduate of Focus St. Louis’ 2021 Women in Leadership program and with more than 15 years of experience in education and philanthropy, She has been recognized for her leadership, including being named a St. Louis Business Journal 40 under 40 nominee and a Delux Power 100 Award recipient.
To learn more about Focus St. Louis, click here.
