A little about me.
I'm Margaret Onken. I've spent much of my career working with leaders who are trying to make something happen — in business, in the community and at the intersection of the two.
I tend to get involved when the path forward isn't obvious, when different interests need to come together, or when an important idea needs someone to move it from conversation to action.
I like complicated problems. I like smart people. And I like getting things done.
A career built around making things happen.
My work has taken me across business, economic development, philanthropy, higher education, civic leadership and community initiatives.
I've worked with CEOs, elected and civic leaders, foundations, universities, nonprofits and community organizations — often when a challenge crosses organizational or sector boundaries.
I've learned that the answer is rarely sitting in one organization or one person's office. Good ideas become real when the right people are involved, the opportunity is understood and someone is willing to move the work forward.
The work speaks for itself.
A career spent working with people and organizations trying to make something happen — across business, government, economic development, higher education, philanthropy and the civic community
Greater St. Louis, Inc.
Chief Engagement Officer
Five business organizations came together around a new vision for St. Louis. Helped lead the alignment of 250 business and community leaders around a new civic platform with inclusive growth as the region’s north star.
Built new revenue model · Worked across 15-county metro · Point for City elected leaders
Governor Jay Nixon
Senior Advisor & Finance Director
Over a decade working alongside Missouri's 55th Governor, including two gubernatorial campaigns. Developed constituencies across all 114 counties to support political strategy and high-pressure issues.
Record-breaking fund-raising totals · Point for national political organizations
Hawthorn Foundation
Executive Director
Appointed by Governor Nixon to realign the foundation around workforce and economic development. Working with a board of 50 statewide leaders, put Missouri on the world stage through trade missions to 3 continents.Â
Led under democratic and republican governors · Doubled private investment. 7 workforce initiatives launched
Urban League of Metropolitan St.Louis
Helping shape what's next.
Working with the Urban League as it considers where it wants to go next — strengthening fundraising and partnerships while building on its position and influence in the St. Louis community.
Current client
Explore St. Louis
Connecting Explore to the broader St. Louis community.
Working across the region with business and civic leaders to strengthen relationships, find common ground and identify opportunities for the organization.
Current client
Harris-Stowe State University
Building support for the College of STEM.
Working with Harris-Stowe to bring the right people to the table and build the support needed to make the vision for its new College of STEM a reality.
Current client