Innovation Centers

A Red Circle, Serving the Community from the STL Partnership Wellston Business Center

Get to know A Red Circle, an organization with a passion for serving the community!

Erica Williams is the founder of A Red Circle, a collaborative, community benefit organization operating out of the STL Partnership Wellston Business Center.

Williams started her organization three years ago and expressed the many advantages of her business being located at the STL Partnership Wellston Business Center. “I chose the location of my business because it is centrally located in North County, but close enough to the city also. I love the office space and amenities such as unlimited use of the conference rooms. It is also across the street from the Metro link and I enjoy meeting other business owners in the building. The site administrator at the center, Vanessa Greene is very helpful also,” said Williams.

Erica’s love for serving her community was the start of her creating this successful business. “I grew up in North County and have always enjoyed volunteering. I have organized meals for the sick, clothing drives and home improvement parties for the disabled. I also have a passion for economic development,” said Williams.

A Red Circle Volunteer serving fresh meals to children in the community.

A Red Circle’s goal is to spur the investment needed into North County and economic development through a racial equity lens. “I believe that a substantial investment into North County was necessary to provide equitable relief to the region. My team and I work together to combat economic segregation. The name of my organization is special to me. Red, because all blood is red and a circle to represent safety, unity and the interconnection of needs for a healthy community,” said Williams.

As part of her goal to serve the community, Williams has organized a Healthy Community Market that will reopen May 30th in the Village of Riverview featuring a neighborhood garden. The Market will feature fresh produce, cooking demos, exercise activities and nutrition education. “Many neighborhoods in North County lack grocery stores that sell fresh fruits and vegetables. That is what inspired the idea for the market,” said Williams.

A Red Circle also hires summer interns through STL Youth Jobs and recently partnered with EyeSeeMe Bookstore and Maryville University to host an inclusive book fair.

Williams is excited about the future of her organization. “My team and I are in it for the duration. It will take strategic relationships between public, private, philanthropic and academic communities to rebuild and that’s what we intend to spearhead!” said Williams.

For more information about A Red Circle and how to get involved click here.

Erica Williams (pictured 2nd right) along with community members at the Coffee Chat for A Red Circle at OM Turtle Café on February 24th.

 

Erica Williams (right) and attendees at the Book Fair in February hosted by A Red Circle, EyeSeeMe and Maryville University at Barack Obama Elementary School.