Number 363 February 6, 2026 St. Louis
Black History Month is a time to honor and celebrate the rich culture, heritage, and contributions of Black people throughout history. It centers on education, reflection, and recognition, uplifting the achievements of trailblazers, leaders, artists, and everyday individuals who have shaped society. The month also creates space to acknowledge the struggles Black communities have faced, while celebrating resilience, creativity, and progress. At its core, Black History Month is about storytelling, making sure Black voices, experiences, and accomplishments are seen, heard, and remembered.
Movements like Black Power and Black Lives Matter have deeply influenced this legacy, reinforcing the importance of pride, empowerment, and collective action. The Black Power movement emphasized self-determination and cultural pride, while Black Lives Matter continues to shine a light on systemic racism and the fight for justice today. Together, these movements have inspired activism, art, and dialogue that push society toward accountability and equity. Alongside them, influential figures, from civil rights leaders to athletes, writers, and change makers, have left a lasting impact, inspiring generations to continue striving for equality, justice, and Black excellence.
Client Spotlight: Dami, LLC
In celebration of Black History Month, we are proud to highlight Dami, LLC and its founder, Dami Odunewu—a Black educator and leader who is making a meaningful impact in Springfield, Missouri, and beyond.
Dami Odunewu brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her work, helping organizations rethink how they approach culture, communication, and leadership in the workplace. Through Dami, LLC, she provides HR, leadership, business, and workplace consulting services with a strong focus on diversity, representation, and connection. Her mission is simple but powerful: to transform the workplace one employee-employer relationship at a time.
What makes Dami’s work especially impactful is her commitment to helping people from different cultures and identities build stronger, more respectful professional relationships. Whether she’s leading cultural competency trainings, coaching emerging leaders, or supporting job seekers through career development and resume support, Dami’s work centers on people and creates space for growth and understanding.
Based in Springfield, MO, Dami, LLC actively collaborates with local colleges and universities, HR associations, leadership organizations, and the state job center to expand access to opportunity. Through partnerships with groups like efactory and People Centric Leadership Springfield, Dami continues to strengthen workplaces while uplifting the broader community.
During Black History Month, we celebrate Black leaders like Dami Odunewu who are shaping the future through education, advocacy, and action. We are grateful to support Dami, LLC, and inspired by the work she is doing to build more inclusive, connected, and successful workplaces.
We look forward to seeing the continued impact of Dami, LLC, and are honored to share her story with our community.
Partner Spotlight: Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
We’re proud to partner with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis to support and uplift small businesses across our region.
Through this partnership, we’re excited to share our Small Business Support Program (SBSP) a 12-week program designed for businesses that have been operating for two or more years and are actively generating revenue. The program includes workshops, one-on-one coaching, and access to advisors, all offered bilingually in English and Spanish.
In addition, we offer startup resources in Spanish for early-stage entrepreneurs who may not yet meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
We invite you to help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with your networks. Together, we can ensure small business owners have the tools and support they need to grow and succeed.
🔗 Learn more: Hispanic Business Success Program – Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis
Upcoming Events
Grow Your Business This Year!
Join the free Lunch-and-Learn Series brought to you by efactory and Missouri State University
We’re excited to share that the Show-Me Network, in partnership with Justine PETERSEN, is launching a yearlong series of FREE virtual Lunch-and-Learns for entrepreneurs and small business owners across Missouri.
These no-cost sessions will provide practical guidance on funding, credit, financial management, and business growth—designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are and help them move forward with confidence.
⏰ All sessions are held online from Noon–1 p.m. (CT)
💻 Open to all Missouri entrepreneurs at no cost
📅 Upcoming Sessions
Self-Fund, Borrow, or Partner Up? Pick Your Funding Adventure
February 12 | Noon–1 p.m. (CT)
Explore the pros and considerations of bootstrapping, borrowing, and equity investment.
✅ Register Today!
All sessions are free and open to the public.
View the full calendar and register here:
👉 ShowMeNetwork.org/calendar
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical tools, expert insight, and connections that support your business growth in 2026.
Galentine’s Day Pop Up! Featuring our Client Bad Bella Bakery
Register by scanning the QR Code or go to bit.ly/30dKORy
Small Firm Diaries Invites You to St. Louis’ Early Findings Event
Go to Eventbrite to register today!
JP Family Corner
Happy Birthday!
And many more!
Top Chef: Employee of the Month Edition
If this month were an episode of Top Chef, our Employee of the Month would be the chef who keeps their cool when the clock is ticking, adapts on the fly, and somehow plates something great under pressure.
Meet Meranda Kusmer, our Compliance Manager.
Whether juggling priorities, jumping in to help the team, or finding smart solutions when challenges pop up, Meranda brings consistency and a team-first attitude to everything she does. Her work makes the whole team stronger, and the final result is better for everyone.
Congratulations to our Employee of the Month, Chef Miranda! You have cooked up a winning dish this round!
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Justine Petersen Housing and Reinvestment Corporation · 1023 N Grand Blvd · Saint Louis, MO 63106-1641 · USA