2022 DNA Board Nominees
We asked our DNA Board Nominees to answer three questions regarding their interest for being on the board. See below for their responses. Photos were provided by nominees, if available. Candidates are listed in the order their nominations were received.
LaShana Lewis
Why do you want to run for a seat on the DNA Board of Directors?
Serving in various capacities to help bring out the voice of our Downtown residents has been an honor over the past few years. I’m looking forward to continuing on the work, and eager to see how my participation in the mayor’s Downtown Engagement and Public Safety Initiative will help make our neighborhood feel more like home.
What strengths and assets would you bring to the DNA Board of Directors?
As a leader in our community, I’m looking forward to continuing my work with key Downtown stakeholders to help solidify the safety and security of our neighborhood. I’ve already had many conversations with various different organizations to help secure funding and activation opportunities to bring more people to Downtown to live, work, and play!
What upcoming opportunities for DNA excite you the most?
Through my work with the mayor’s Downtown Engagement and Public Safety Initiative, we have already started the groundwork on integrating activities for the Spring of 2022. We’re hoping to bring more family-friendly activities to Downtown such as Family Movie Nights and regularly-scheduled markets.
Hulon Mike Willis
Why do you want to run for a seat on the DNA Board of Directors?
I have been living in downtown since 2009 and have a vested interest in seeing our downtown to be vibrant and a place for all to live, work and play. DNA can be a catalyst to ensure the downtown we want and need has a resident voice. As well be an important part in the continued development and improvements in business development, safety, and community engagement that will bring about the needed change in our region.
What strengths and assets would you bring to the DNA Board of Directors?
Leadership
A passionate voice
A willingness to work
Engage with residents
Ability to talk with a diverse groups of people
Served on the Board of Directors previously; as well as served as the Chairman
Hardworking
Foster team work
Work well with others who has the same amount of energy, passion and commitment to making things work without pointing fingers at others.
What upcoming opportunities for DNA excite you the most?
The growth of sporting events. However, I would love to begin developing and/or inviting large shopping stores. Continued development and improvement in safety concerns.Engaging and building up resident engagement and care for the area in which they live. Bringing residents together for social and community expansion. And so much more..
Jace Brotherton
Why do you want to run for a seat on the DNA Board of Directors?
I have been involved with DNA for over 5 years and have served on the Board the previous two. I love living in Downtown and really believe it is the heart of a growing City and needs to be a main area of focus. I would like to continue to do whatever I can to achieve that.
What strengths and assets would you bring to the DNA Board of Directors?
I have experience as an attorney, in real estate, and in leadership. I have also grown my St. Louis network very well since moving Downtown in 2012, so I believe I can leverage some relationships to help DNA.
What upcoming opportunities for DNA excite you the most?
I think all of the development going on Downtown (NGA, MLS Stadium, hotels, convention center, etc.) and DNA’s involvement in that is really going to push Downtown in the next 5-10 years. I view that as an opportunity and want to get behind and make the most of it.
Alexander Hurst
Why do you want to run for a seat on the DNA Board of Directors?
I would like to continue my service on the board of directors because I care deeply about advancing the interests of the residents of downtown, which includes providing a forum for concerns and helping distill the messaging in our collective voice to public officials. I have lived downtown for over five years and have served on the DNA board for the last three years.
What strengths and assets would you bring to the DNA Board of Directors?
I am a business lawyer and MBA who has experience working with non-profit and for-profit organizations of all types, both as a board member and as an outside advisor. My career has given me a lot of insight into organizational governance and connections within the community that may prove helpful.
What upcoming opportunities for DNA excite you the most?
Over the last two years, many of the activities that were formerly at the core of DNA were difficult if not impossible to conduct as a result of COVID. I’m excited to resume some of our prior in-person events once conditions allow. In addition, with the upcoming ward consolidation and recent renewal of the downtown CID under a new governance structure, we have a unique opportunity to strengthen our influence with public officials and other stakeholders downtown.
Corey James
Why do you want to run for a seat on the DNA Board of Directors?
I want to run because I live, work and own a business downtown. I recognize the unique challenges that come with downtown and I want to help create a more vibrant, livable community. I love downtown and have invested here.
What strengths and assets would you bring to the DNA Board of Directors?
Im a great event planner, cheerleader and advocate. I am also really good at recruiting people to work toward a cause.
What upcoming opportunities for DNA excite you the most?
More downtown centered events, more apartment complexes and development. The Formation of a downtown Sud and other measures to make downtown more livable.
Tauriana Lyles-King
Why do you want to run for a seat on the DNA Board of Directors?
As an over 14 yr resident, a downtown worker for 20+ years and a DNA member participating on the Safety and Building Captains Committees, I look forward to increasing my involvement in support of local businesses and residents. St. Louis is a great city that is currently under siege. Rebuilding and revitalizing is going to take a collaborative, ALL HANDS ON DECK, effort to ensure that our streets are safe, clean and inviting for residents, businesses and visitors. My over 30 years of experience in community service and program management will allow me to bring ideas and resources to help in reconnecting our businesses and residents to a shared ownership in the success of OUR CITY and a renewed pride that exemplifies the true Spirit of St. Louis.
What strengths and assets would you bring to the DNA Board of Directors?
As a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., I served on the Executive Committee of the East St. Louis Alumnae Chapter for 10 years in various roles including Financial Secretary, Treasurer, 2nd VP, 1st VP and President. In those roles have had responsibility for chapter leadership of approximately 200 members in support of service projects throughout St. Clair and Madison counties with budgets exceeding $150k and 5000 hours annually. As a 32 yr. member, I have served as chair and co-chair for several communities including, but not limited to, Budget & Finance; Strategic Planning; Program, Planning & Development; Membership Services; Membership Intake and Economic Development. In service to the Midwest Region Leadership team for over 14 years, I have served as chair for various committees and training facilitator.
In addition to my leadership in Delta Sigma Theta, my current board membership includes:
The Delta Economic Development Corporation – Recording Secretary and Committee Chair
Missouri State University – Design Thinking Certificate Program Advisory Board Member
As a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council – East St. Louis Chapter, I held the offices of Parliamentarian, Secretary, Vice President and President, as well as served as committee chair in service to Metro East Communities.
During my employment at AT&T, I participated in multiple Employee Resource Groups including The Network of Black Telecommunications Professionals – St. Louis Chapter where I served on the Executive Committee as Financial Secretary, Recording Secretary and Committee Chair for Professional Development, Black History Month Programming, and Youth Stem Mentoring. Additional AT&T Employee Resource Group participation includes the following St. Louis Chapters: The Women of AT&T, Advocates for Women in Technology, AT&T Women in Business and The Project Management Network.
What upcoming opportunities for DNA excite you the most?
I look forward to the opportunity to engage with downtown residents and encourage increased advocacy for an improved downtown experience for residents, businesses and visitors which provides safe and fun-filled shopping, dining and activities for all to enjoy.
DNA Town Hall – Annual Meeting
Join us online Monday, January 10th at 6:00 PM for our first Town Hall of 2022.
Voting members will be electing up to 4 board seats to replace emptying seats, and to join the existing board directors.
Also, hear information from the current DNA Board of Directors, local elected officials, and about other new events and businesses in the region.
Stay tuned to your email inbox for more details!