Our Board of Directors
Naretha A. Hopson
Founder & Executive Director -Ever-Appropriate Etiquette Institute
Naretha Hopson is an international speaker, author and lifestyle coach. She is the founder and president of Ever-Appropriate Etiquette Institute (EAEI). EAEI empowers youth and professionals to "polish" their personal and professional lives though modern and relevant refinement and confidence training.
Clients include Wells Fargo, Regional Business Council, Mariott International and University of Wisconsin. Naretha’s book, Ever- Appropriate Etiquette: 5 Steps to the Professional Presence that Pays is leveraged as Professional Development Curriculum in schools across the nation.
Jerina Phillips
Member - Lewis Rice, LLC
Jerina D. Phillips maintains a wide-ranging litigation practice representing individuals, companies, and municipalities in a variety of disputes, including complex commercial litigation, employment litigation, media and communications law, and consumer litigation. Jerina has successfully represented clients throughout the United States and across nearly every industry.
Prior to joining Lewis Rice, Jerina clerked for judges at every level of the Missouri state court system, including an internship with the Missouri Supreme Court and a one-year clerkship with the Missouri Court of Appeals after her law school graduation. Jerina also completed a federal clerkship in the Southern District of Illinois.
Kelly Pollock
CEO | Berges Family Foundation
Kelly joined the Berges Family Foundation (BFF) as the inaugural CEO in September 2022, bringing leadership with vision and integrity, relationship and partnership-building expertise, fiscal management and stewardship of resources, and her passion for St. Louis’ non-profit community and the BFF.
Kelly has depth and breadth of leadership experience, including over 24 years at St. Louis’s Center of Creative Arts (COCA), where she became Executive Director in 2010. Under her leadership, COCA, the fourth largest multidisciplinary community arts center in the US and an arts-education leader, pioneered new programs and partnerships that led to significant growth of its arts, education programs, enrollments, and fundraising.
Kelly led COCA’s Create Our Future Campaign, securing $49 million to grow its endowment and expand its historic facility, including its new 460-seat, state-of-the-art theatre – the Catherine B. Berges Theatre – made possible by a gift from the Berges Family Foundation.
Ebony Chambers
Owner & Creative Director, Just Ballons LLC
As the visionary Owner and Creative Director of Just Balloons LLC, Ebony has transformed her artistic eye and event expertise into a thriving brand known for producing elevated balloon installations and immersive décor experiences for corporate, nonprofit, and community events. Since launching the brand in 2017, she has expanded her creative reach by combining artistry, entrepreneurship, and innovation to transform spaces and celebrations.
With a professional background in project management, communications, and strategic planning, Ebony brings a unique blend of creativity and business acumen to every endeavor. Her work reflects a deep commitment to collaboration, excellence, and community engagement.
Stacey Pugh
Conference Services Manager at the Four Seasons
Stacey Pugh is a seasoned hospitality professional and community leader based in St. Louis, Missouri. She currently serves as a Conference Services Manager at the Four Seasons, where she oversees high-profile events for corporate, social, and entertainment clients. She is known for her attention to detail, creative vision, and ability to bring people together through meaningful experiences.
Beyond her work in luxury hospitality, Stacey has produced several community-centered events, including STL Fest, Being Black in Beauty & Business, and the Give Black Ball, ConnectHER, & LemonPepper Kickback each designed to celebrate culture, entrepreneurship, and local impact. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to collaboration, empowerment, and creating spaces where people can connect, thrive, and be seen.
As a board member, Stacey brings a wealth of experience in project management, partnerships, and event strategy—along with a passion for building bridges between creativity, community, and economic opportunity.