STL Design Week

This panel discussion will explore the unique challenges and opportunities that women in creative leadership face today. The conversation will delve into how women in St. Louis are breaking through traditional barriers, redefining what it means to be a leader in creative fields such as design, culinary arts, fashion, architecture, and the arts/not-for-profits.


Key Discussion Points:

1. Pathways to Leadership:
   • Personal journeys and experiences that shaped the panelists' careers.
   • The role of mentorship and sponsorship in advancing women in creative leadership roles.
2. Innovation & Impact:
   • How women leaders are driving innovation and fostering creativity within their teams and communities.
   • Case studies or examples of impactful projects led by women in St. Louis.
3. Navigating Challenges:
   • Addressing common obstacles such as gender bias, work-life balance, and the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions.
   • Strategies for overcoming these challenges and supporting other women in the industry.
4. Building Inclusive Spaces:
   • The importance of creating inclusive work environments that empower diverse voices and perspectives.
   • How women leaders are championing diversity and inclusion in the creative industries.
5. The Future of Creative Leadership:
   • Predictions and aspirations for the next generation of women in creative leadership.
   • How the current wave of female leaders is setting the stage for future advancements in the industry.

Katie Lee, Founder/Owner, Katie's Pizza, Pasta and Osteria
This family-owned and operated restaurant is an award-winning artisan Italian restaurant and bar. Katie’s focuses on a modern, approachable interpretation of regional Italian cuisine, featuring fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. Katie’s inspiration comes from the time she spent living in Florence, Italy with her artist mother, Belinda Lee. Katie has received numerous awards for her cooking and entrepreneurship, including “Best Pizza” and “Best Pasta” from Feast Magazine, “Best Pizza” from Ladue News, and many A-List Awards from St. Louis Magazine. She has also been named Sauce Magazine’s “Chef of the Year” twice in a row. In 2016, Katie was honored on the St. Louis Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” list.


Judy Glik, ARCTURIS | Director of Brand and Client Experience
As a brand strategist, Judy is passionate about creating narratives that guide the user experience and connect people. Originally an apparel and footwear buyer for Gliks, her family’s 127-year-old family business, Judy transformed her talent for identifying trends and interpreting cues into a career in brand strategy. Now, as the Director of Brand and Client Experience for Arcturis, she’s responsible for helping clients bring their brand stories to life within the built environment as well as leading business development for the firm.


Vanessa Cooksey, President & CEO, Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis
Vanessa Cooksey leads the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis (RACSTL), the largest public arts funder in the region, which has awarded over $100 million since 1985. With 30+ years of leadership experience in marketing, communications, and philanthropy, she has held key roles at organizations such as Anheuser-Busch, Wells Fargo, and Spire Energy. Vanessa is known for building partnerships, fostering collaboration, and leading impactful initiatives that have reached over 20 million people. She has served on 150+ nonprofit boards and received numerous awards, including the 2016 Eisenhower Fellowship and the 2023 LEAD STL Freedom Fighter Lifetime Achievement Award. Vanessa holds degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and Webster University. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Jack & Jill of America, and enjoys cycling, cooking, and spending quality time with family and friends.


Susan Sherman, Chair, Saint Louis Fashion Fund
Susan Sherman chairs the Saint Louis Fashion Fund (SLFF), a nonprofit dedicated to enriching St. Louis through fashion. SLFF supports emerging brands, mentors young talent, and collaborates with civic leaders to position St. Louis\ as a fashion hub. Sherman also co-founded MERCH, an experiential retail concept featuring global fashion and beauty brands. With over 35 years of experience in public relations and development, she has worked with Tiffany & Co., the New York Philharmonic, and Montblanc. She’s been instrumental in bringing major cultural events, like American Ballet Theater’s “ABT Across America” tour, to St. Louis. Sherman serves on several boards, including the Contemporary Art Museum and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. She has received numerous accolades, including the Woman of Achievement Award and Grand Center's Visionary Award. She lives in St. Louis with her husband, David, and has two children, Sylvie and Keil.


Audience Engagement:

• Q&A session allowing the audience to engage directly with the panelists.
• Networking opportunities post-discussion to foster connections and mentorship among attendees.

Objective: To inspire and empower women in creative industries by sharing success stories, practical advice, and fostering a sense of community among female leaders in St. Louis.