We wish to thank the following people for deciding to become nominees for the DNA Board of Directors. DNA members will elect 4 people to the board on Monday, January 11 at 6pm in the Carnegie Room (3rd floor) of the Downtown Central Library. Click/press here to become a DNA member.

Ruthie Clark – “I am seeking a seat on the DNA Board of Directors because I want to give back to our city. I am an energetic, ambitious individual who has a mature and responsible approach to any task or situation that I am presented with. As a professional Accountant with over 20 year’s experience, I have a proven-track record of leadership skills, and extensive financial and business knowledge in both the for-profit and not-for- profit sector. This will be a rewarding way to share my skills and talents with an organization that I feel passionate about.”

Ruthie Clark


Don Hawf – “I wish to volenteer to further the interests of DNA in making downtown a safe, clean and enjoyable community.”

Don Hawf


LaShana Lewis – “I would love to bring diversity and a different perspective to the board. I’d also like to bring a focus to the tech initiatives growing in the St. Louis and downtown area. A video of my background journey can be found here.

LaShana Lewis


Elisha Newsome – “I have lived in St. Louis for a few years now and most of my time has been downtown. I have lived in other major cities such as Chicago, Atlanta, and DC. I really like the community feel of downtown. Since my time here, I have heard so many negative things about downtown St. Louis and people are shocked that I love living downtown and feel safe. It amazes me how much time I spend talking to people about downtown and other places to go and events going on in St. Louis. I actually started a hashtag on my Instagram, #Elishaexploresstl to show others that there is so much going in St. Louis and to promote the positive things going on in the city. I just started going to the DNA events late last year and couldn’t really participate due to my work schedule. I came to the Holiday party and even though there were a lot of people I didn’t know, there were a handful I did know and a few new faces that I met. There was still a community feel at the event that made me feel so welcomed. I talked to a member that was on the board and then gave my email address because I really wanted to be involved somehow. I figured since I already have a desire to promote St. Louis and the community I live in, this would be a great opportunity for me to step up.”

Elisha Newsome