International Mentoring St. Louis joins forces with WTC St. Louis, Mosaic Project
Strategic union creates synergies to support global talent, strengthen international growth
Two of St. Louis’ leading organizations dedicated to attracting and retaining international professionals to the region and enhancing its global reputation and footprint have announced that they are joining forces to better support global talent and strengthen international growth.
The World Trade Center St. Louis (WTC) board of directors has formally approved bringing International Mentoring St. LouisTM (IMSTLTM) under its international umbrella as a complement to its Mosaic Project initiative.
Founded in 2017 with initial support from the Mosaic Project, IMSTL has matched 790 mentors and mentees from 85 countries through its cross-cultural mentoring program. The organization’s mission is to connect international women and their families with St. Louisans, empowering them to thrive in the region and ultimately to call St. Louis home. Recent survey results confirm that the program is working: 80 percent of international participants are staying in the region.
“This approval reflects a shared commitment of our organizations to making St. Louis a more welcoming and attractive destination for global talent and businesses,” said Annie Schlafly, IMSTL co-founder. “With the support of WTC and Mosaic, we are excited to expand our outreach and continue creating meaningful multicultural connections.”
Since 2022, IMSTL has operated as an independent nonprofit. As the organization evaluated long-term growth opportunities, its board identified the World Trade Center St. Louis as the ideal partner. Certified in the top ten percent of World Trade Centers globally, WTC St. Louis helps the region compete internationally and leads the Mosaic Project, an initiative focused on expanding and retaining global talent as a driver of economic and cultural vitality.
“The alignment between our missions is undeniable,” said Tim Nowak, executive director of World Trade Center St. Louis. “WTC St. Louis and the Mosaic Project have a strong track record of positioning St. Louis as a place for global companies to put down roots and for the ‘after-care’ of ensuring that the international leaders and their families behind the companies acclimate to their new hometown. IMSTL’s proven mentoring model is a natural complement, and together we can amplify St. Louis’ reputation as a top destination for global talent, which is essential for our region’s cultural and economic growth.”
“We are excited to officially bring IMSTL into the WTC and Mosaic family,” said Suzanne Sierra, executive director of the St. Louis Mosaic Project. “Their work complements our efforts to promote international hiring and retention and connect St. Louis companies with skilled international talent. Together we can create an even more vibrant, inclusive, and competitive St. Louis.”
IMSTL emphasized that the partnership will be seamless. The organization’s mission and vision will remain intact. Co-founder Annie Schlafly will be involved to ensure a smooth transition and, moving forward, will play an advisory role. Co-founder Susan Gobbo will continue to serve as program director. Former IMSTL board member and strategic planning chair Ida Martikainen will take a seat on the WTC board and spearhead a team of IMSTL advisors including Kristine Brill, Sinem Fisunoğlu, Susan Gobbo, Maria Inês Goncalves, Geoffrey King and Sarah Woodburn who will provide support and guidance.
“This collaboration opens the door to expanded opportunities for internationals, locals and the broader community,” Susan Gobbo added. “We are grateful for the continued support of our partners and participants as we take this exciting step forward.”
About International Mentoring St. LouisTM (IMSTLTM)
International Mentoring St. Louis (IMSTL) fosters meaningful connections between St. Louis locals and international newcomers through a structured cross-cultural mentoring program. Since 2017, the organization has served participants from more than 85 countries, helping internationals build community, navigate life in the region, and choose to call St. Louis home. For more information, visit imst.org.
About World Trade Center St. Louis (WTC)
For more than 30 years, as the international division of St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, WTC has supported growth for the region’s businesses, most importantly, ensuring St. Louis companies are represented in an increasingly global marketplace. From customized research to trade training, hosting inbound/outbound delegations and managing St. Louis’ Mosaic Project, Foreign Trade Zone and EB-5 investor visa program, WTC brings together a strong system of business and government agencies to support trade and investment and enhance St. Louis’ global connectivity. For more information, visit https://worldtradecenter-stl.com/.
About St. Louis Mosaic Project
Founded in 2013, the St. Louis Mosaic Project is a regional initiative within the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership and the World Trade Center St. Louis. The St. Louis Mosaic Project uses grassroots outreach, social media and marketing to educate and inform the business, academic, non-profit and broader community about the significant impact that a diverse, foreign-born population can make for the region’s overall growth. St. Louis Mosaic Project is a proud member of the Welcoming Network, led by Welcoming America. For more information, visit https://www.stlmosaicproject.org/.
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