Leadership and High-Quality Education Lights the Way in St. Louis

Twenty-five years ago, 14 women of vision founded Marian Middle School because nothing existed in St. Louis to support young girls falling through the education system’s cracks. Recognizing the potential in all young girls, Marian’s foundresses reimagined an innovative educational model to empower young girls facing poverty to flourish. Their vision birthed Marian Middle School. Today, we proudly carry their vision forward, serving as a leader in life-altering education.

I am a fierce woman of God and a purpose-driven leader. At Marian, I lead with faith, helping students see their own potential as a unique creation of God. Together our team of visionary women is creating generational impact by helping young girls discover their light.

In St. Louis, our poverty rate doubles the national average. But at Marian, we are a bridge builder – creating reliable, sustainable, and transformational education. Annually, we support 200 students across middle school, high school, college, and their first careers. The students we serve who face poverty have not gotten the resources and academic needs fulfilled in public schools, or their schools have closed. Before joining Marian, some students will say they didn’t know they had the potential to succeed in school, much less go to college.

At Marian, we see their light. For 10 hours a day, 10 months a year, we ensure students feel seen, heard, and empowered. We foster resilience, help them reframe challenges into opportunities, and put tools in their toolboxes to bring their dreams to life.

“At my last school, I never felt like I belonged,” said Myracle, an 8th grade student at Marian. “My mother and I were homeless before Marian helped us get our new home ad changed our lives. When I walk into school, it’s like a breath of fresh air. My teachers encourage me and their words replay in my head every day. Now, I know about myself that I’m not a quitter. Once I put my mind to something, it’s going to get done.”

Marian employs a proven model to break the cycle of poverty for young girls. The 11-plus year journey with Marian runs deeper and longer than any other program of its kind.

• Marian’s Academic Program provides high-quality education for middle school girls to fill academic gaps, as well as wrap-around support for their families to connect to food, shelter, legal services, medication, healthcare, and mental health services. Although Marian students often enroll 2 to 3 grade levels behind, data indicates they’re graduating above grade level.
• Marian’s Enrichment Program helps students build confidence and leadership skills, financial literacy, a love for community service, and a passion for social justice. Enrichment includes sports and STEM clubs, as well as innovative leadership programs like Lean In Girls (which Marian piloted before it was launched nationwide).
• Marian’s Graduate Support Program helps students successfully transition into high-performing high schools, then matriculate into college and sustainable careers. Mentoring, academic support, scholarships, college tours, financial aid workshops, resume writing, and career connections help alumnae successfully stay on their path of excellence. 100% of Marian students are entering post-secondary opportunities and many are earning advanced degrees. Each college graduate will earn over $800,000 more throughout their lifetime.

In an environment in which schools are closing and African American students across the region are only at 19% proficiency, Marian is a beacon of hope. Marian students are achieving TRIPLE the proficiency of their counterparts in local public schools; a 100% high school graduation rate (compared to 84% regionally); and 100% are enrolling in college or other programs (compared to 61% regionally). Marian Girls are working as professionals at employers like the National Women’s Law Center, Google, Oracle, and Pfizer. They are doctors, attorneys, architects, engineers, and attorneys.

Lonjay Hemphill, a Marian alumna who grew up around gang violence and drug addiction, is passionate about making a societal impact. “My education broadened at Marian and I saw a world where sustainable development, economic opportunities, social justice, and equality was possible. Neither of my parents were present in my life, and I think children are one of the most vulnerable groups in society. I am becoming a social worker because I can enhance their well-being and create that nurturing environment like I needed. Marian was the beginning that decision.” Hemphill was recently accepted into the Washington University Brown School of Social Work, one of the nation’s leading social work institutions.

As leaders, we must understand that the children growing up today are the leaders we will all depend on to carry our state, our nation, our businesses, and our economy, into the future. We face a moral and economic imperative to ensure the young people stepping into our shoes are prepared with the tools to take us to the next level.

You make this possible. Here’s what you do to support our next generation of bold leaders:

1. Recognize that educating girls is one of the most transformative acts of leadership. When a girl is educated, she gains knowledge, confidence, and agency—allowing her to make informed choices about her future. But the impact doesn’t stop with her. Educated girls grow into women who make the majority of decisions in the household. One strong family lends strength to another, creating thriving communities. Educating girls isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s the smart thing to do. By investing in girls’ education, we’re not just shaping futures; we’re reshaping systems.
2. Recognize your light doesn’t dim by igniting someone else’s. Leadership is about creating access, breaking cycles, and ensuring opportunities exist for those who come next. Lead with empathy, curiosity, and listen intently. Encourage dialogue and never underestimate the power of community. Focus on helping young leaders boldly step into their purpose. Lights shine brighter together and results will follow.
3. Remember that as a leader, someone saw the light in you. You are a leader 24/7 to all young people, not just your family. Show children warmth, tell them you see their light, you believe in their potential, and encourage them to take up space, use their voice, and dream big.
4. To break the cycle of poverty for young people, a trusting, long-term relationship with someone who can guide them is key. Young people are coping with profound trauma, yet masking their challenges. Seek to establish trusting mentoring relationships with young people, and be vulnerable. Understand that they cannot be what they cannot see. These relationships offer a seasoned leader valuable reflection opportunities to get introspective, and evaluate your current journey and work-life.
5. True leaders deliver peace in a chaotic world. On a personal level, or at your corporate jobs, use your leadership to support organizations that provide young girls and minorities with leadership and educational opportunities, such as Marian Middle School.

As leaders, we can be beacons of light, a catalyst for hope, and a bridge between communities where barriers once stood. Let’s help others give their gifts to the world. Together, we can radiate hope on our shared horizon.

Written by Mary Elizabeth Grimes.
Have you read?
Most Forested Countries In The World.
World’s Most Fashionable Countries.
Best Non-Native English Speaking Countries In The World.
Countries With The Largest Household Size.
World’s Best (And Worst) Countries For Older People To Live In.