Champions for Diversity & Inclusion 2026: Executive director builds sister city ties in Africa while placing over 1,300 into jobs locally

By St. Louis Business Journal

Story Highlights

• Vamadu Sheriff leads Family and Workforce Centers of America-Career Institute in St. Louis.

• FWCA served over 25,670 individuals and placed 1,300 into employment in 2025.

• Sheriff established workforce development partnerships in Liberia and Senegal during his tenure.

INDIVIDUAL CHAMPION

Vamadu Sheriff, executive director of Family and Workforce Centers of America-Career Institute in St. Louis (FWCA), continues to dedicate his decades-long career to creating equitable pathways to economic opportunity for individuals and families who have historically faced barriers to education, employment, and career advancement.

Born and raised in Liberia, Sheriff understands firsthand the challenges underrepresented populations and economically disadvantaged individuals face when seeking opportunity. Under Sheriff’s leadership, FWCA has expanded workforce development, technical training, financial literacy, entrepreneurship and supportive services.

In 2025 alone, more than 25,670 individuals engaged with programs and services with FWCA, more than 1,300 individuals were placed into employment, and FWCA had an estimated economic impact exceeding $16.5 million in the St. Louis region.

Beyond FWCA, Sheriff serves on the Board of Directors of the African Chamber of Commerce St. Louis, the Kigali – St. Louis Sister City Exploratory Committee, and the African Diaspora Credit Union, where he works to strengthen business, cultural, and economic partnerships. Read more about it here