Champions for Diversity & Inclusion 2026: St. Louis Mosaic Project sharpens strategy around four pillars to retain global talent

By St. Louis Business Journal

Story Highlights

• The St. Louis Mosaic Project attracts and retains global talent through employer and school networks.

• More than 57 employers and 130 K–12 schools participate in Mosaic's welcoming initiatives.

• Mosaic integrated International Mentoring St. Louis to help internationally educated professionals build careers.

NONPROFIT CHAMPION

The St. Louis Mosaic Project strengthens the region by attracting, retaining, and integrating global talent. Managed by the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership as part of the nonprofit World Trade Center-St. Louis, Mosaic connects employers with work-authorized international professionals, helps foreign-born individuals and their families build meaningful lives and careers in St. Louis, and supports immigrant entrepreneurs as they launch and grow businesses.

Working alongside business, civic, educational, and community partners, Mosaic advances initiatives that make the region more welcoming, globally competitive, and economically vibrant. Through its Ambassador Company and Ambassador School networks, Mosaic helps employers and schools implement welcoming practices that improve recruitment, retention, and belonging for work-authorized international employees, students, and their families.

Today, more than 57 employers and 130 K–12 schools participate in these initiatives. Mosaic’s Professional Connector and International Mentoring programs create pathways to meaningful employment by connecting internationally trained professionals with mentors and career opportunities while helping employers access skilled, globally experienced talent. The organization also partners with colleges and universities throughout the region to support international students, expand career pathways, and educate employers about the economic value of retaining international graduates in St. Louis.

What recent accomplishments are you most proud of at your organization? Over the past year, we sharpened our strategy around four interconnected pillars: developing global talent, supporting immigrant entrepreneurs, fostering community and belonging, and changing the narrative around immigration’s role in regional economic growth. Together, these pillars create a comprehensive talent retention strategy that helps internationally educated professionals not only find jobs, but build careers, businesses, and lives in St. Louis. A significant milestone was integrating International Mentoring St. Louis (IMSTL) into this broader strategy. Mentorship is often the first step in helping work-authorized, internationally educated people build confidence and establish the community connections that lead to long-term retention. Combined with employer engagement, university partnerships, and professional networking opportunities, we are creating a seamless pathway from arrival to belonging.

How is your organization and its leadership responding to recent challenges to DEI policies? The St. Louis Mosaic Project has always approached this work through the lens of economic development. Our mission has not changed. We believe attracting and retaining international talent from around the world is essential to the region’s long-term economic competitiveness. As employers face workforce shortages and demographic shifts, helping globally educated and work-authorized professionals, entrepreneurs, and students succeed in St. Louis is both an economic and community imperative. We continue to lead with facts, partnerships, and practical solutions. Regardless of changing terminology or policy discussions, our focus remains on expanding opportunity, strengthening the regional workforce, and ensuring St. Louis is competitive in attracting the talent that drives innovation and growth.

How has your organization fostered an inclusive culture in which all employees’ voices are heard and appreciated? At Mosaic, collaboration is one of our core values. We intentionally create an environment where ideas are welcomed regardless of title or role, and where staff is encouraged to contribute their expertise, challenge assumptions, and help shape our programs and partnerships. That same philosophy extends beyond our organization. Many of our initiatives are developed alongside employers, universities, immigrant-serving organizations, entrepreneurs, and members of the international community. We believe the best solutions emerge when the people closest to the challenges help design the response. Our culture is rooted in curiosity, respect, and continuous learning. By listening first and bringing together diverse perspectives, we build stronger relationships, more effective programs, and ultimately a stronger, more connected St. Louis.