LISA WEINGARTH PICKER
Executive Director
Women’s Foundation of Greater St. Louis
Lisa Weingarth Picker was destined to lead an organization like the Women’s Foundation of Greater St. Louis, a regional effort that makes charitable investments in programs that provide stabilization for at-risk women and their children.
While in college, Picker learned about the prevalence of violence against women, and knew she had to do something to affect change. Throughout her career, she has worked to protect and empower victims of domestic and sexual violence, and to help students become the first in their family to graduate with a post-secondary degree.
WFSTL serves as a catalyst for workplace, individual and policy change that advances women’s economic success, and funds projects that support the educational and socio-economic needs of women who face various challenges. Since joining WFSTL in 2018, Picker’s leadership has doubled the reach and impact of the organization’s Women in the Workplace: Employment Scorecard initiative.
She is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism and has been named an “Emerging Leader” through the national Bank of America Neighborhood Builders program.
Career Path
When I was in my last year of college, I learned that my roommate was being abused by her boyfriend. At such a formative point in my life, helping her work through the situation and learning about the dynamics and prevalence of violence against women changed my world view. I began volunteering at a domestic and sexual violence program, supporting survivors when they made it to the local hospital for help. From that point on, I knew that I had to do something to make the world a more just, equitable and safe place for women and girls.
Biggest Mentor
Lisa Orden Zarin, founder of College Bound, has been one of my greatest teachers. She showed me what can be accomplished with a clear vision, a deep love for others, a commitment to excellence and a heart for social justice. She helped me to find my voice.
Biggest Impact
I’m a mom, and so I hope the biggest impact I will have on the world is raising caring and compassionate people who find joy and meaning in helping others.
Future Goals
At the Women’s Foundation of Greater St. Louis, we are working toward a region where women can thrive – we want to put St. Louis on the map as one of the best places for women to work. I’m excited about the next phase of our Women in the Workplace initiative, which we will announce in 2020. There is incredible momentum in our region, and local employers are recognizing that fair benefits, policies and pay are better for businesses’ bottom line, employee morale, recruitment and retention. I am thrilled to be a part of it.
Favorite Pastime
I love to spend time outside in naturally beautiful places, especially with my kids (whether they like it or not). We just returned from a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, where I had to carry my 4-year-old 2 miles down a mountain, because he was so tuckered out – and I still enjoyed the hike!
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