Mentors in Motion Celebrates Leadership, Service, and Community

Mentors in Motion Celebrates Leadership, Service, and Community Impact

On Sunday, June 28, 2026, Mentors in Motion welcomed community leaders, supporters, and advocates to its annual More People Like You Awards Gala, an evening dedicated to recognizing individuals whose leadership and service continue to strengthen the St. Louis region.

Held at the Saint Louis University Center for Global Citizenship, the annual celebration served not only as an awards ceremony but also as a fundraiser benefiting Mentors in Motion’s youth mentorship programming.

From inspiring stories to meaningful recognition, the evening reflected the organization’s ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for young people through guidance, education, and positive community engagement.

2026 More People Like You Award Honorees

This year’s gala celebrated five remarkable individuals whose work continues to make a lasting impact throughout the St. Louis community:

Kayla Reed
James Clark
Trish Henderson
Lucas Rouggly
Ryan Wilson

Each honoree represents the spirit of servant leadership, demonstrating a commitment to uplifting neighborhoods, investing in people, and creating positive change across the region.

An Evening of Inspiration

The gala was hosted by Melanie Johnson, who guided attendees through an evening celebrating leadership, resilience, and community service.

The program also featured keynote remarks from Tamiko Armstead, whose message encouraged continued investment in young people and emphasized the importance of mentorship in building stronger communities.

Supporting the Next Generation

While the evening honored outstanding leaders, its greater purpose remained centered on the future.

Proceeds from the More People Like You Awards Gala directly support Mentors in Motion’s youth mentorship initiatives, helping expand programs that provide guidance, leadership development, and meaningful opportunities for young people throughout the St. Louis area.

Community support from sponsors including Clayco, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Ameren Missouri, and BJC HealthCare helped make the evening possible while reinforcing a shared commitment to investing in the next generation.

Building a Stronger St. Louis Through Mentorship

Events like the More People Like You Awards Gala remind us that lasting community impact begins with people willing to lead, serve, and create opportunities for others.

By recognizing local changemakers while investing in youth mentorship, Mentors in Motion continues to inspire a culture where leadership is measured not only by personal success but by the lives positively influenced along the way.