Amplifying impact by connecting evidence to policy
On Thursday, October 13th, the Clark-Fox Policy Institute celebrated its fifth anniversary with an event in Hillman Hall. Rev. Bethany Johnson-Javois, President and CEO of the Deaconess Foundation, who served as the emcee for the launch of the institute, stepped back into the role five years later. Mayor Tishaura Jones attended and presented a proclamation announcing it was officially Clark-Fox Policy Institute Day in the City of Saint Louis.
Highlights of the celebration
Kick off with America’s Number One Step Team, the incomparable Gentlemen of Vision.
Emcee Bethany Johnson-Javois, President and CEO of the Deaconess Foundation, served what proved to be an exciting and successful night.
Welcoming remarks by the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Beverly Wendland.
Interim co-deans of the Brown School, Tonya Edmond and Rodrigo Reis, spoke of the enduring symbiotic relationship of the Brown School with CFPI, the St. Louis region, and our namesake benefactors Maxine Clark and Bob Fox who also spoke from the dais of the Clark-Fox Forum.
Director Gary Parker spoke movingly of Clark-Fox Policy Institute’s storied past, dynamic present, and exciting future as the institute transitions from evidence-based policy towards evidence-informed policy that is community-driven and designed to build a better tomorrow for children and families across the St. Louis region and beyond.
An engaging thought-provoking panel discussion on “Policy Process As a Tool for Community Building and Strengthening” led by CFPI Associate Director Saffiyah Poole. Poole moderated a conversation with Constance Harper, Esq., Vice President of Policy, Advocacy, and Strategic Initiatives at the Deaconess Foundation, and McClain Bryant-Macklin, Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives, Health Forward Foundation.
CFPI’s first Amplifying Impact Award. This award was presented by Assistant Teaching Professor, Field Education Instructor, and the Former Associate Director of CFPI, Atia Thurman. Accepting the award was Robert Sagastume, MSW, MSP and former practicum student with the Clark-Fox Policy Institute. Today he is a Senior Family College Prep Program Advisor of the Hispanic Development Fund in Kansas City. He spoke of his commitment to helping students like himself — a Dreamer DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) seeking higher education.
Tishaura Jones, Mayor of the City of St. Louis, proclaimed October 13, 2022, as Clark-Fox Policy Institute Day.
More Photos from the CFPI 5-Year Anniversary Celebration
Enjoy a look back on our 5-year anniversary celebration, held October 13, 2022. A very special thank you to all who made this evening spectacular. (These photos may take some time to upload, but they well worth the wait! All photos below are by Pinxit Photo & Cinema)
