When Courtney Gibson moved to St. Louis two years ago, she relied on a newcomer’s program with the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative to smooth the transition: she made friends, learned how a highway project might affect her commute, asked around about where to get her hair cut.Last year, the Macy’s divisional vice president became part of the initiative’s first class of 22 fellows, made up of mid-career, minority professionals sponsored by their companies to sharpen their workplace skills as they train for greater responsibilities.”I definitely think the experience through the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative allowed me to be connected and engaged in the St. Louis region,” said Gibson. And what she learned proved invaluable on the job. “I really saw the return on my company’s investment.”

The initiative launched in 2001 when several organizations in the region were concerned that talent was leaving for places like Atlanta or Chicago. They sought to do more to keep minority professionals in town and rising into leadership positions.

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