Stories
Letting Curiosity Lead
November 23, 2021 Letting Curiosity Lead By Vanessa Pimblott Vanessa is WEPOWER’s Lead of Community Building and Partnerships, and an alum of WEPOWER’s inaugural Tomorrow Builder’s Fellowship. Photo by Izaiah Johnson. I have a longstanding nickname that my grandma gave me: Sinvergüenza. It’s Spanish for “bold and without shame.” She has always told me, “¡Eres…
Read MoreA Catalyst for Change
September 20, 2021 A Catalyst for Change By Marie Franklin Marie Franklin is a mother, grandmother, caretaker, leader, community organizer, Chisholm’s Chair alum, and life-long East St. Louis resident. Photo by Izaiah Johnson. “I am and always will be a catalyst for change.” -Shirley Chisholm Our street was horrible. It was barely passable…
Read MoreSupporting the Soles of St. Louis
August 21, 2021 Supporting the Soles of St. Louis By Jaquan Vassel Jaquan Vassel is a certified pedorthist and founder of Vassel’s Comfort Shoes and Custom Insoles, a leading specialist in diabetic footwear and exceptional customer service. Photo by Izaiah Johnson. I’m a certified pedorthist–someone who specializes in footwear. I help people find the…
Read MoreThe Worlds We Invest In: Building Economy and Community in St. Louis and Honduras
July 9, 2021 The Worlds We Invest In: Building Economy and Community in St. Louis and Honduras By Patrick Clapp Patrick Clapp is co-founder of Coffeestamp coffee roaster and café, and a current participant in the WEPOWER Accelerator program. Photo by Whitney Bembenek Different people are exposed to different worlds, and at times there is…
Read MoreA Whole Different Vibration
MARCH 15, 2021 A Whole Different Vibration by Fatimah Muhammad with Joey Saunders Entrepreneurialism is in my blood, passed down by my parents and grandparents. My fascination with bees, on the other hand, came about suddenly, almost like I’ve heard poets describe the moment inspiration strikes only, instead of scribbling down rhymes, I found…
Read MoreJustice Is My Favorite Word
FEBRUARY 26, 2021 Justice Is My Favorite Word by Councilwoman and Inaugural Chisholm’s Chair Fellow Nicole Greer with Joey Saunders Justice is my favorite word, but I want it to be more. I want to see it leap from the pages of books, protest signs and my dreams for the future until justice is…
Read MoreOur Dreams Hold Hands
JANUARY 29, 2021 Our Dreams Hold Hands by Tiffany Wesley with Joey Saunders I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the interconnectedness of dreams. How our ancestors’ dreams reach out and hold onto, a grandmother’s, a father’s, his daughter’s. I feel so grateful as my dream — starting my business, Pure Vibes, and seeing…
Read MoreGo Ask Alice
NOVEMBER 17, 2020 Go Ask Alice By Alice Moore with Joey Saunders Alice Moore is an Elevate ESTL Power Builder in East St. Louis, IL. Photos by Joey Saunders. So many things have happened for me because I wasn’t afraid to journey. That might sound funny to folks who know that me and my neighbors…
Read MoreMy World Has Changed Its Face
OCTOBER 21, 2020 My World Has Changed Its Face By Dr. Jodi with Joey Saunders Dr. Jodi Jordan is a Power Builder in St. Louis, MO. Photos were taken at her early childhood center by Joey Saunders. Sister Carmen probably loved many things, but two stick out in my memory: The Wiz and affirming her…
Read More‘Let’s Rise Together!’ Why I Stand with Rise 189’s Call for Education Justice
OCTOBER 20, 2020 ‘Let’s Rise Together!’ Why I Stand with Rise 189’s Call for Education Justice By Shontay Ford Shontay Ford is a power-builder in WEPOWER’s East St. Louis Education Power-Building Academy, a seven-month community-based leadership and policy change program for residents of the area. Photo by Kristen Trudo. I’ve lived throughout East St. Louis…
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