41st Annual Bayer YMCA MLK Commemorative Breakfast
This free community event celebrates 41 years of honoring the life, teachings, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This year's theme, "Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way," inspired by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, is more than a phrase—it's a call to action. It invites everyone to help build the Beloved Community envisioned by Dr. King, where injustice ends, violence is replaced by compassion, and love becomes the prevailing force.
🥫 Note: Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to be donated to a local food pantry.
Event Schedule:
- 7:00 AM: Doors Open
- 7:00-7:30 AM: Networking & Mingling
- 7:30-7:40 AM: Plated Breakfast Served
- 7:40-9:30 AM: Program
Meet Our Keynote Speaker
Cynthia L. Stokley is a seasoned leader with more than 25 years of experience in quality management, business transformation, and diversity and inclusion (D&I). A graduate of North Carolina Central University, she joined Bayer Crop Science in 2017 and currently serves as a Business Transformation Coach, guiding teams through innovative strategies that eliminate bureaucracy and foster agile, entrepreneurial collaboration.
Previously, Cynthia was Vice President of Quality for North America Product Supply at Bayer, leading teams responsible for ensuring product quality and availability across row crop and crop protection portfolios. Her earlier career at BASF included leadership roles driving quality, stewardship, and D&I initiatives across global operations.
With expertise spanning North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, Cynthia brings a global perspective to building inclusive and high-performing organizations. A committed advocate for equity in agriculture, she serves on the National Advisory Board for MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences).
Her leadership has been recognized with several honors, including the 2021 Women in the Workplace Award from the YWCA of St. Louis. She has also been featured in USA Today and has moderated national discussions such as “Advancing Equity in Food and Agricultural Policy” at the 2022 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference.
Cynthia is also the author of Till The Wheels Fall Off: A Story of Love, Marriage, Grief, and Renewal—a memoir that reflects her enduring message of resilience and hope. Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family.
We are profoundly grateful to the Bayer Corporation, the event sponsor, for their continued generosity and dedication to Dr. King’s principles. Thanks to Bayer’s steadfast support over the past three years, this community gathering is possible, fostering connection, inspiration, and action. This year’s theme reflects Bayer’s commitment to strengthening communities and advancing equality.
The 2026 YMCA Martin Luther King, Jr. Award Recipients
Keisha Lee | Strong Community Award 🏆
CEO of Annie Malone Children and Family Services
Keisha Lee is the CEO of Annie Malone Children and Family Services and a transformative leader in St. Louis’ social services community. Since stepping into her role in 2021, she has guided the organization through growth, expanded partnerships, and increased access to critical resources for children and families. Despite personal health challenges, Keisha leads with resilience, calm, and compassion—prioritizing family stability, community collaboration, and lasting impact. Her leadership reflects Dr. King’s call to service, justice, and uplifting others through purposeful action.
Leslie Gill | Tribute Award 🏆
President & CEO | Rung for Women
Having served in leadership capacities for several profit and non-profit organizations, Leslie has been deeply involved in a wide range of social welfare issues. Before joining Rung as president, Leslie served as the Chief Executive Officer of Annie Malone Children’s & Family Service Center. Leslie is a native of St. Louis and resides in the Fox Park neighborhood with her daughter, Marley. With years of experience in executive leadership positions, Leslie is well-equipped to lead Rung and help further its mission to empower women.
Gwen Moore | Human Dignity Award 🏆
Curator of Urban Landscape and Community Identity | Missouri Historical Society
Gwen's work centers on race, social justice, and community history in St. Louis. Since 1998, she has led impactful research, community programming, and award-winning exhibitions, including 1 in Civil Rights and the recently opened Mill Creek: Black Metropolis. Gwen has a BA in sociology and history from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a MSW from Washington University. She worked for 20 years in the field of psychiatric social work before switching careers to pursue a doctorate in history at Indiana University. Gwen has been the recipient of several awards, including the distinguished alumni award from the Washington University and the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Cardinal Ritter College Prep Students, Movement Not Moment | Youth Violence Prevention Award 🏆
Movement Not Moment is a student-led organization that began at Cardinal Ritter College Prep and has grown into a regional youth movement across St. Louis. Founded in honor of Cardinal Ritter alumna Isis Mahr, whose life was tragically lost to gun violence in 2021, the movement empowers young people to take action through peaceful marches, community outreach, and advocacy for safer neighborhoods. Rooted in Dr. King’s legacy of nonviolence and collective action, these student leaders are transforming grief into purpose and building hope for a more just future.
THE AFTERMATH OF NONVIOLENCE IS THE CREATION OF THE BELOVED COMMUNITY.