The Power of the Arts: Vanessa Cooksey on Access, Equity & Community Impact

Building Community, Creativity & Career with Anastasia Harris

What does it look like to build a successful career while also pursuing your passions and creating meaningful community? 🎧✨🏃🏾‍♀️ In this episode of Gateway to Growth, Jamal Cornelious sits down with St. Louis creative, community builder, and entrepreneur Anastasia Harris to explore how she balances a career in public health research while growing multiple passion-driven ventures. Anastasia wears many hats: clinical research associate, DJ, track coach, founder of Run It Back Track Club, mentor, and community advocate. Throughout the conversation, she shares how St. Louis became the perfect place to blend her professional ambitions with her creative pursuits and why community has been the foundation of her success. This episode explores: • How Anastasia built a career in maternal and child health research while pursuing creative passions outside of work. • The story behind Run It Back, St. Louis' adult track and field club creating space for former athletes and newcomers alike. • Why community support has been critical to turning ideas into reality. • The challenges of balancing a full-time career, entrepreneurship, creativity, and leadership. • Lessons on avoiding burnout through intentional rest, structure, and boundaries. • How she's growing her DJ career and helping others break into corporate event opportunities. • The importance of delegation, building teams, and learning to let go of control as organizations grow. • Advice for professionals looking to pursue creative passions alongside their corporate careers. • Why St. Louis continues to be a city where entrepreneurs, artists, and community builders can thrive. Key Takeaways 💡 • Start before you're ready—perfection isn't required to begin. • Creative pursuits require discipline, consistency, and sacrifice. • Community can accelerate growth in ways you can't accomplish alone. • Rest is just as important as productivity when pursuing multiple goals. • Building something meaningful means learning not to take every setback personally. Whether you're navigating a career transition, building a side project, pursuing creative work, or searching for ways to connect more deeply with your community, Anastasia's story offers practical insights and inspiration for creating a life that blends purpose, passion, and impact. Connect with Anastasia:   Run it Back Instagram ▶    [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWJybi11N2FySzFxVnExRkZFVHNwYW05LUR3QXxBQ3Jtc0trWEZacGhxM0ZMU1U1YnZSVGE5N1djZHBGN0Fibjc2OG5TTEJGV3Q1V0pmbXRkOFRfSW5EQU02b0hsSHl6RTRmWndzNGRGTmVRbmp6NzBtczJwWExUREg1LUFBLUZWNmc2YnVLdHFsZERXamZidG0waw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2FPosiePot%2F&v=XL6iBZYHvPE]https://www.instagram.com/runitbacktrackclub/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/runitbacktrackclub/?hl=en]   Personal Instagram ▶    [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGd3ZnFhdjhwS29Oem9BRFNsNERyMDJIRlF6UXxBQ3Jtc0trS2trWVBIXzgzc2dMNjRjenpIdTRSbDFNTzZnX2ZFamJHbzhpRUJiQ2lBZVRleTRWam5oMVI1OTU0ekgwb1lhNU1YUGo5NXhJOXNpSDB6LXRQMEJVY2wtSlpKYTdhdFZ6LTExMVZjT1MwQ0N6OHc5UQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fkaywells_posiepots%2F&v=XL6iBZYHvPE]https://www.instagram.com/papistazi/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/papistazi/?hl=en]    LinkedIn ▶https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasia-harris-mph-ches-91315863/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasia-harris-mph-ches-91315863/]   Run it Back Website ▶ https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVJGVGNteV9xbURCU05NMUp6d1NhUzZ5clJpZ3xBQ3Jtc0trcEIyTlhHQ0hYVTZoUURQZGtOMlhkMWdyQmNCMVNULTBrQ1B0b2hJN2VjTlUyajVobmx6UlBCSlE5NW82djduZTZvVlkwVHpVRHYwTlYwcGI4UmhjaXBhRFUtTW81SF84a0Y5NzZXb2g5MFlYZWwtVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.posiepot.com%2F&v=XL6iBZYHvPEhttps://www.joinrunitback.com/?utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnM-IS5OCd40HohE0OXpEq0BLm86uo0wRyoUhw6OtifTfp6RQBYzxsY20-Dx8_aem_S8TxKEYSJTbAFsFwQoor9A [https://www.joinrunitback.com/?utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnM-IS5OCd40HohE0OXpEq0BLm86uo0wRyoUhw6OtifTfp6RQBYzxsY20-Dx8_aem_S8TxKEYSJTbAFsFwQoor9A]  Connect with Gateway to Growth:  Instagram ▶   / gateway_to_growth   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGM5b0ZjOXlaNVEwNjBibGMyN1RHbnRiVEhKUXxBQ3Jtc0tsMHpBWmhXeHE5ZUc5M2JlcWw2dlU0cFdCYklWZ2lCNEVJSjY1eVJneVEzV1o3bFc3aUFCbDlQTWswTGM0a3MydzNnaHBrdkhfOENWUksyQkp6S2F4YzEtd0Vib1FEeFhWSjhqQldtbmVnUlpoVFN2NA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fgateway_to_growth%2F&v=XL6iBZYHvPE] 🎙 New episodes of Gateway to Growth drop bi-weekly on Monday 🔔 Subscribe for future episodes exploring leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and career growth. 🎧 LISTEN ON:  Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbW1NMUgtVDJrbW9GVVN4QTl5U0hmQ3Y0X2gtQXxBQ3Jtc0ttVUdrXzVwYVM4Y1dDZzY1b2JaMDN0TmZuczZGdkg5X2d5eVRtb2haRGN1cnFPRlkySTVJamw2TG1rTEFHRnhobGpuNGozN2Z1MklHU1ktRmdyeGp6eDhrQkxRNFZaMm1TQ2s4TXlZQzQzOXY1ODZ5QQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fapple.co%2F36ycuuO&v=XL6iBZYHvPE]  Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjFaVTJRaUVmNHVUZ2pKNDdsQXdpUktCS1NuZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttVV9Bc0lnQ0JFWWE2VVJtbS11SUxjNFE2VUp0X09pM0NPalNSdkY3OVdTaXBEMGVnZjNoLXhUNDVfZkt2cklYWlFsYkk2d0JxclVXWG9RTTFkYmtvaGZWMXlPUVI0QzRVTGhBRHU0NS1qWkY2Rk1Zaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fspoti.fi%2F3svGoqS&v=XL6iBZYHvPE] 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:  Instagram ▶   / stlbucketlist   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVZqRUlnSXNGcjExWkEtMjhrTXpDS1haQ285QXxBQ3Jtc0tsajVkZDIyVl9LT0hUdGQyMDg3U1QxcnVscTd1N3E5Ym9tcW5kSmxjX1N4c0h6SDhjZmZLRDBKZjY2RmdTa3FWbldteEVRUEpFSjhiYW14MnhlRGNibDBtMFB6MXBOWGJ4MDU2RkZjUjdJTHd0SFRsVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fstlbucketlist%2F&v=XL6iBZYHvPE]  Website ▶ https://stlbucketlist.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3dRd2RNYnhxbmZ3NTNUeWUxTnlKR1M3WWVxd3xBQ3Jtc0tuZEVncWdBQ19QbFdYSGYzMUJVUl9oSThWNzRfTW9PYVh2NTMzcUxQMXhuYTFreHc1Y0txNGhhdVRIM1FfZktpaF9HUXZmQjctdFB5dzhIRlg5OVE1U3k4ejhGQzBWS2d3dEhmeXppNTFMSXZhcEtjQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fstlbucketlist.com%2F&v=XL6iBZYHvPE] 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST  Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?  Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com  Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/ab... 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From Aerospace Engineer to Entrepreneur: Kay Wells on Innovation, Purpose & Building Posie Pots

On this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with entrepreneur, inventor, and Posie Pots founder Kay Wells for an inspiring conversation about career pivots, entrepreneurship, innovation, and finding purpose through creation. Kay shares her journey from working as a mechanical engineer for companies like Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Amazon to leaving the corporate world and launching Posie Pots — a patented self-watering planter designed to make plant care easier and more accessible. She reflects on her background in aerospace engineering, advanced manufacturing, and 3D printing, and how those experiences unexpectedly laid the foundation for entrepreneurship. The conversation explores startup growth, innovation, resilience, and the realities of building a business from the ground up. Kay opens up about turning an idea into a product, receiving early support through St. Louis’ startup ecosystem, landing opportunities with Walmart, Good Morning America, and Shark Tank, and navigating the emotional highs and lows that come with scaling a company. Kay also discusses mentorship, creating opportunities through STEM education and 3D printing programs, empowering future entrepreneurs, and why St. Louis continues to be an important place for innovation and community building. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, founders, engineers, creatives, and anyone considering a career pivot or pursuing an idea they feel called to build. Connect with Kay Wells & Posie Pots:   Company Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/PosiePot/ [https://www.instagram.com/PosiePot/]  Personal Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/kaywells_posiepots/ [https://www.instagram.com/kaywells_posiepots/]  LinkedIn ▶ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kionna-h-wells/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kionna-h-wells/]  Website ▶ https://www.posiepot.com/ [https://www.posiepot.com/] 🎙 New episodes of Gateway to Growth drop regularly. 🔔 Subscribe for future episodes exploring leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and career growth. 🎧 LISTEN ON:  Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO [https://apple.co/36ycuuO] Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS [https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS] 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:  Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/ [https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/] Website ▶ https://stlbucketlist.com/ [https://stlbucketlist.com/] 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST  Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?  Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com  Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us [https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us]

Building Community Through Entrepreneurship: Matt Menietti on Culture, Connection & Career Growth

On this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with for a thoughtful conversation about entrepreneurship, community building, and what it really means to create meaningful work and culture. Matt shares his journey from growing up in Iowa and studying engineering to finding purpose through nonprofit work, entrepreneurship, and community leadership in St. Louis. He reflects on how experiences with AmeriCorps and youth-focused nonprofit work shaped his perspective on service, collaboration, and creating opportunities for others. The conversation explores topics like workplace culture, leadership, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and the evolving nature of careers in today’s world. Matt discusses the importance of finding purpose beyond a paycheck, building authentic relationships, creating environments where people can thrive, and why strong communities are essential for long-term growth and innovation. Matt also shares practical advice for young professionals looking to build their network, navigate career transitions, and get more involved in their local community through service, mentorship, and meaningful connection. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, young professionals, nonprofit leaders, and anyone looking to build a more intentional career and community. Connect with Matt Menietti:  Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmenietti/  TechArtista Website: https://www.techartista.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://www.techartista.org/ 🎙 New episodes drop bi-weekly on Monday. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔 🎧 LISTEN ON:  Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO  Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:  Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram  Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST  Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?  Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com  Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us

The Power of the Arts: Vanessa Cooksey on Access, Equity & Community Impact

On this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with Vanessa Cooksey, President and CEO of the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis, for a powerful conversation about leadership, purpose, and the role of arts in building stronger communities. Vanessa shares her dynamic and non-linear career journey—from working at Mary Kay and Cartoon Network to leadership roles across corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors—ultimately leading one of the largest public funders of the arts in the region. She reflects on the challenges of navigating change, stepping into executive leadership, and the importance of relationships, integrity, and community in shaping both career and impact. The conversation dives deep into themes like inclusive leadership, organizational culture, career growth, and the power of the arts to create access, belonging, and opportunity. Vanessa also shares practical advice on succeeding in new roles, building meaningful connections, and staying grounded in your purpose. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating career transitions, stepping into leadership, or looking to make a meaningful impact in their community. Connect with Vanessa Cooksey: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlafc/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlafc/]Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/regional-arts-commission-of-st-louis/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/regional-arts-commission-of-st-louis/]Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stlouisarts/ [https://www.instagram.com/stlouisarts/] 🎙 New episodes drop bi-weekly on Monday. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔 🎧 LISTEN ON:  Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO [https://apple.co/36ycuuO] Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS [https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS] 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:  Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram] Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST  Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?  Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com  Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us [https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us]

From Athlete to Anchor: Mikala McGhee Bass on Career Pivots, Purpose & Personal Brand

On this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with Mikala McGhee Bass for a powerful conversation about growth, reinvention, and the winding path of a modern career. Mikala shares her journey from being a student-athlete to working service jobs after college, breaking into broadcasting, winning Miss Missouri USA, and ultimately building a career in corporate communications. Along the way, she opens up about the challenges of career pivots, the importance of resilience, and how every experience helped shape her professional identity. The conversation explores key themes like personal branding, storytelling, leadership, and the evolving role of communications in today’s world—including how professionals can leverage AI to stay ahead. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating change, building their career, or learning how to turn every experience into opportunity. Connect with Mikala Mcghee Bass: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikalamcghee/  Booking Inquiries: https://forms.gle/UNgnKbiT33awGELH6  Personal Instagram: @mikalamcghee  🎙 New episodes drop bi-weekly on Monday.  🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔 🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS