Join Keisha Lee in Restoring Annie Malone’s Historic Facility
Every March, we take time to recognize the incredible women who have shaped our communities. This Women’s History Month, we celebrate a modern-day trailblazer right here in St. Louis: Keisha Lee. As the Chief Executive Officer of Annie Malone Children & Family Services, Lee carries forward a historic legacy of philanthropy and care. Through her dedicated leadership, she is transforming the lives of children, families, and older adults across our city.
This post highlights her journey, the vital mission of Annie Malone Children & Family Services, and a direct call to action to help build a stronger future for the organization.
The Enduring Legacy of Annie Malone
To understand the weight of Keisha Lee’s work, we must first look at the foundation she builds upon. Annie Malone was a pioneering African American entrepreneur and philanthropist. She built a massive empire in the early 20th century and used her wealth to uplift her community. She founded the St. Louis Colored Orphans Home, which was later renamed in her honor.
Today, Annie Malone Children & Family Services continues her mission. The agency serves as a beacon of hope, providing crucial social services, early childhood education, and family support systems that empower St. Louis residents to thrive.
Keisha Lee: A Leader with Purpose
Keisha Lee stepped into the role of CEO in 2022, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to service. A native of St. Louis, she understands the unique challenges and vibrant potential of her community. Lee earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Lindenwood University and recently completed Washington University Olin Business School’s Business Management for Nonprofit Leaders program.
Before joining Annie Malone, she built a strong leadership foundation through her work with Emmaus Homes, St. Louis Arc, Nestle Purina North America, and Enterprise Holdings. This blend of corporate expertise and nonprofit dedication makes her uniquely equipped to guide Annie Malone into its next chapter.
Driving Lasting Community Impact
Under Lee’s guidance, the organization focuses heavily on creating stable environments for the most vulnerable populations. Her leadership emphasizes three core pillars:
Early Childhood Education
Education forms the bedrock of a successful future. Lee champions early childhood programs that give young minds the tools they need to succeed before they even enter kindergarten. These programs help close the achievement gap and provide a safe, nurturing space for children to grow.
Comprehensive Family Support
Strong children need strong families. Annie Malone provides resources that help parents and guardians navigate crises, secure basic needs, and develop the skills necessary to maintain a stable household.
Care for Older Adults
The organization also recognizes the value of our elders. By providing services tailored to seniors, the agency ensures that older adults in St. Louis live with dignity, connection, and proper support.
Rebuilding for the Future: The Capital Campaign
While the programs inside the walls of Annie Malone are thriving, the walls themselves need urgent attention. The historic facility requires significant upgrades to continue providing safe and effective services. Keisha Lee has been a vocal advocate for these renovations, launching a comprehensive capital campaign to modernize the infrastructure.
Updating the facility is not just about aesthetics. It is about creating an environment that reflects the dignity of the people who walk through its doors. A renovated building means expanded classrooms, safer living spaces, and better resources for the community.
A Personal Plea to St. Louis
To make these essential upgrades a reality, Keisha Lee is calling on the St. Louis community. She shares this personal appeal:
“I am honored to serve as CEO of Annie Malone. The staff, board, and community are amazingly supportive, generous, and invested in fulfilling our mission to improve the quality of life for children, families, and the community. But we cannot do this work alone.
Our historic building has housed generations of hope, but it now needs our help. To continue offering life-changing early childhood education and family support, we must upgrade our facility. I urge you to join our capital campaign. Your support will directly impact the lives of the children and seniors who rely on us every day. Let us work together to build a foundation that will serve St. Louis for another hundred years.”
How You Can Help
Women’s History Month is the perfect time to honor the women making a difference today while paying tribute to those who paved the way. You can support Keisha Lee and continue the profound legacy of Annie Malone by contributing to the capital campaign.
Next Steps:
- Donate: Contribute to the Annie Malone Capital Campaign to fund vital facility renovations.
- Share: Spread the word about Keisha Lee’s leadership and the organization’s mission with your network.
- Volunteer: Reach out to Annie Malone Children & Family Services to find out how you can lend your time and talents to support their ongoing programs.
Together, we can ensure that this historic St. Louis institution remains a place of healing, education, and growth for generations to come.
#KeishaLee #AnnieMalone #StLouisCommunity
