Celebrating its 45th anniversary, Girls Inc. of St. Louis marked a historic milestone by hosting the organization’s first-ever national summit at Washington University, bringing together more than 250 young women from over 30 affiliates across the United States and Canada. During four transformative days, participants strengthened leadership skills, built confidence, explored emotional intelligence and critical thinking, and formed relationships with peers and community leaders. For Girls Inc. of St. Louis President and CEO Cheryl Jones, hosting the inaugural summit was a full-circle moment, reflecting the organization’s decades-long commitment to inspiring young women to be strong, smart and bold. Participants arrived from communities across North America as strangers but departed as part of a powerful new leadership network—equipped with greater confidence, meaningful connections and the encouragement to use their voices to shape a better future.

Just a short drive from St. Louis, OxFest returns to the Washington Fairgrounds on September 20 with three stages of live music, family-friendly entertainment, local food vendors, and special guest Sarah Kraffty, the viral food creator with more than 2.3 million followers. More importantly, the festival continues its mission of transforming young lives in Franklin County and surrounding communities. Since 2017, OxFest Charities has donated more than $400,000 to organizations that provide scholarships, classroom grants, healthcare, advocacy, and opportunities for children in need. Whether spending the day enjoying great music or making a tax-deductible donation, Sophisticated Living readers have the opportunity to help children and families in this rural corner of the St. Louis region build brighter futures through the power of community philanthropy.