Executive Director
Jessica brings nearly two decades of nonprofit leadership experience to the role, with a career marked by a strong commitment to youth development, strategic growth, and community engagement.
Prior to joining Girls in the Know, Jessica served as Chief Development Officer at Springboard to Learning and as Executive Director at the Campus Y at Washington University in St. Louis. She has also held key leadership positions with the March of Dimes, Community Foundation of Central Illinois, and Methodist College, where she led initiatives in fundraising, program innovation, and board development.
Jessica’s experience spans donor cultivation, public relations, scholarship and grant programming, and spearheading major community collaborations. She is a dedicated advocate for youth empowerment and is passionate about creating spaces where girls feel seen, heard, and supported.
Jessica holds a B.A. in Public Relations from Northwest Missouri State University. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, exploring local arts and culture, and supporting future leaders through mentorship and advocacy.
Contact Jessica: Jessica.Eagen@girlsintheknow.org
Program Director
Sarah is an East Coast transplant, originally from outside Boston, MA, and moved to St. Louis to pursue her Master of Social Work degree at Washington University after nearly a decade as an early childhood educator and administrator. After graduating, she worked as a child therapist with Come Play STL, where she gained expertise in play therapy and obtained her license as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She is excited to transition from direct practice to focus on community-level impact at Girls In The Know.
Sarah is deeply connected to the GITK mission to empower girls through education, resources, and community — work that reflects both her professional experience, and personal passion. She brings a strong background in youth development, team leadership, and program management, with a focus on helping young people build confidence and a positive sense of self.
Outside of work, Sarah is involved in community theater as a stage or production manager, and enjoys exploring St. Louis parks and festivals. She is newly married, and excited for this next chapter of life!
Contact Sarah: Sarah.Hart@girlsintheknow.org
Development and Communications Coordinator
With over 15 years of combined experience in the hospitality, graphic design, and non-profit sectors, Annie is ecstatic to have found a home in the GITK team to funnel her jackie-of-all skillset into a mission that echoes her own personal hopes and beliefs for our future generations of girls down to the letter.
Annie holds a B.A. in Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies with concentrations in the Arabic (MSA) and French languages from DePaul University. Outside of the office, you can find her either working in her garden, writing, doodling, or playing video games with her nephews. Having been born and raised in St. Louis, Annie is also passionate about continued tornado restoration for her North City neighbors, and volunteers her time and resources as much as she can to help support the community’s many critical efforts.
Contact Annie: Annie.Schmid@girlsintheknow.org
Program Engagement Coordinator
Coreyn is a proud St. Louis native committed to creating sustainable change in local communities. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Education for Empowerment from the University of Michigan, where she deepened her understanding of social systems and the transformative power of education. A passionate advocate and lifelong learner, Coreyn champions equity and empowerment in all areas of her work.
With a background in nonprofits, policy, and community advocacy, Coreyn is dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering connection. She is excited to support Girls in the Know’s mission to inspire confidence and strength in pre-teen girls and their trusted adults.
Contact Coreyn: Coreyn.Mason@girlsintheknow.org
Office Administrator
Rachel Meredith is an Office Administrator for Girls in the Know.
Rachel believes that our mission at girls in the know sets up the building blocks of critical thinking for social and academic excellence. Rachel is a beginner in the field but is excited to learn and grow with us. Rachel went to Webster Groves high school and has 10+ years working with the general public and providing quality customer service.
Contact Rachel: Rachel.Meredith@girlsintheknow.org
Founder
Lori founded Girls in the Know in 2009 and served as Executive Director until 2012. She also is the founder of Lori Lander Coaching, LLC and is a certified Life & Personal Growth Coach.
Specializing in female empowerment, Lori works with women to create positive and long-lasting change while encouraging them to stand in their integrity, realize their full potential to thrive, and live vibrant, authentic lives.
DO, PhD, President
Dr. Melanie McKean, D.O., Ph.D., is a psychiatrist at McCallum Place Eating Disorder Center in Webster Groves, MO. She earned her medical and graduate degrees from Oklahoma State University — Center for Health Sciences and College of Osteopathic Medicine — and is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Melanie is a member of the Gateway Chapter of National Charity League, Inc., and serves on the boards of The Wilson School, the St. Louis Diaper Bank, and the St. Louis Chapter of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals.
![JANELL LOBDELL-2148[26]](https://girlsintheknow.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/JANELL-LOBDELL-214826-scaled-qsw380own42nn8nx60uom3bn523x0mjvjecm0vuuzg.jpg "JANELL LOBDELL-2148[26]")
MBA, Vice President
Janell is Vice President and Chief of Staff for Global Valuation at Reinsurance Group of America, where she is also responsible for strategy implementation. She has more than 25 years of experience in financial services with much of that time focused on operational efficiency and process improvement.
She brings strategy leadership experience and a passion for developing women leaders along with many years volunteering for the United Way of Greater St. Louis Allocations Committee.
She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Missouri, Columbia, and her MBA at Webster University.
Janell and her husband, William live in Kirkwood where they raised 2 nearly adult children. She enjoys hiking and walking with her very needy rescue dog, Lily.
![Thomadsen Cropped[13]](https://girlsintheknow.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Thomadsen-Cropped13-e1707155681350-qjdfse1pau0k5taixw1al13i86cyth34t3uuzf7vq4.jpeg "Thomadsen Cropped[13]")
PhD, Treasurer
Raphael is a Professor of Marketing at the Olin Business School of Washington University in St. Louis, where he has been on the faculty since 2013 and currently serves as Marketing Chair. He has previously been on the faculty at the Columbia Business School, as well as the Anderson School of Management at UCLA. He holds both a Masters and Ph.D. degree in Economics from Stanford University, and a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin.
Raphael additionally serves as a Department Editor at Management Science, and has done consulted a wide range of companies both large and small, spanning from the consumer good sector to those of technology and finance.
Secretary
Jessica is a multi-faceted business owner focusing on creating amazing experiences for her clients. She regularly splits her time between her three businesses: wedding management with BelleFin Productions, travel planning with Swan and Sparrow Travel and the newest company, Zhuzh Rentals, a boutique linen rental company for timeless celebrations.
When not working on these projects, you can definitely find her discussing every theming detail from Disney parks from around the world with her husband, Mike, or snuggling her rescue pitbull, Gadget.
PhD, Board Director
Emily is a Teaching Professor and the Director for Undergraduate Studies for the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Washington University in St. Louis. She received her BS and MS from the University of Missouri-Columbia and her PhD from the University of Texas at Austin, all in mechanical engineering.
Since joining Washington University in 2015, Emily has been an avid supporter of women in STEM. In 2016, she co-founded WashU’s Women in Engineering Center, and in 2017, created the Women in Engineering Leadership Society.
PhD, Board Director
Leilani is Director of Undergraduate Communication and Graduate Strategic Communication and Leadership programs at Maryville University, and is an Associate (tenured) Professor of Strategic Communication and Leadership.
Her writing and expertise have been featured in Forbes, Huffington Post, The Hill and other prestigious media outlets. Leilani volunteers with nonprofits that champion women and girls from St. Louis to Pakistan.
Board Director
Alison is a digital marketing professional with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of companies ranging from Fortune 500 companies to locally owned franchises. She has helped facilitate revenue growth and lead generation for multiple brands through creative thinking and a deep understanding of client goals, product and brand positioning and advertising strategy.
She loves staying active with her two young sons, husband and dog; taking walks, going to parks, traveling and trying new restaurants when time allows.
MBA, MHRM, Board Director
Trisha grew up in St. Louis, and after graduating from Soldan High School, moved to Dayton, Ohio to pursue a B.S. in Political Science/Pre-Law. Afterward, she earned a Master’s in Business Administration, a Master’s in Human Resource Management, and a Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship. Trisha is a certified Malcolm Baldrige Framework Quality Award Examiner. In addition to her extensive training and education, Trisha has been in the public and nonprofit sectors for over 30 years. She currently serves as Chief Growth Officer at the Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition.
Prior to joining the Coalition, Trisha spent more than a decade with United Way of Greater St. Louis. As Vice President of Community Investment, Trisha managed over $42 million in funding distributed to more than 170 nonprofits annually. Trisha is a lifelong mentor to young girls and women, and supports local organizations focused on them. She currently serves as a Big with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri and supports The Sophia Project.
Trisha launched Gordon Visionary Journals, LLC, a company focused on helping youth and teens build resilience and strengthen their mental well-being through redefining hundreds of words, turning stumbling blocks into stepping stones. In addition, Trisha and her mentee of 21 years launched MENT4Life, LLC, dedicated to promoting mentoring as a lifetime commitment.
When not working or volunteering, Trisha enjoys fitness activities, reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. In her heart, Trisha believes her life’s purpose to to help others bring their visions to life, and has a deep passion for inspiring and empowering young girls and women to realize their potential.
Board Director
Lena is an executive leader with deep experience in strategic planning, portfolio and project management, software development, and ethical AI and technology governance. She is known for her clarity, servant leadership, and her ability to translate complex challenges into structured, actionable strategies that drive measurable outcomes. Lena possesses a unique multidisciplinary professional “toolkit” that allows her to work confidently across the technology, operations, and functional business areas, creating alignment, enabling data driven decision-making at all levels, and accelerating value delivery.
Lena holds a B.A. in Computer Information Systems and Quantitative Analysis from the University of Arkansas at Little Rocks and an M.S. in Management Information Systems from the University of Arkansas, Sam M. Walton College of Business, Fayetteville. Over the course of her career, Lena has led cross-functional teams through large-scale transformation, strengthened governance structures, and built operating models that help organizations navigate ambiguity with confidence.
Lena is dedicated to youth empowerment and community engagement. She has long-embraced the message “I AM ENOUGH!”, a belief she instilled in her daughters, and one that aligns deeply with the mission of Girls in the Know. She is honored to serve on the Board of Directors, and looks forward to contributing her leadership experience to help more girls build confidence and a strong sense of self.
![Bio Photo - Vandi 2024[70] (1)](https://girlsintheknow.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Bio-Photo-Vandi-202470-1-e1737490928663-r0clat4xeksy6i21frq50uuauey06e87ihxvbc8ifw.png "Bio Photo – Vandi 2024[70] (1)")
Board Director
Vandi is an accomplished business and operations leader with over 15 years of experience, where she led strategic and operational programs across technology, manufacturing, healthcare and
telecommunication industries.
In her most recent role at Peri Software Solutions Inc. (PERI), she managed all business operations, including key client relations, contract management, people operations and business development. In this role, she built PERI’s consulting operations vertical from the ground up, expanded its external service offerings and doubled the company’s size and revenue with
a significant expansion of its client base.
From 2010 to 2011, Vandi worked as an Account Executive at TriComB2B, an industrial and technical B2B marketing agency based in Dayton, Ohio. In this role, Vandi used her technical and marketing
expertise to convert technically complex client products into easy-read marketing messages. From 2001 until 2003, Vandi worked as Sales Support/Solutions Manager at Amdocs, in St Louis, MO.
Amdocs specializes in software and services for communications, media and financial services providers and digital enterprises. In this role, Vandi was responsible for sales support, proposal development andaccount management for global key accounts. From 1998 until 2000, Vandi worked in IT consulting where she developed technical solutions for several clients in the pharma, retail and telecommunications industries.
Vandi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Madras, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Xavier University in Ohio. In
addition to her academic achievements, Vandi is a certified yoga instructor and has taught yoga in the US and Hong Kong for over 15 years. She and her husband have two children and currently reside in St. Louis, MO with a secondary residence in Manhattan, NY.
Board Director
Rasheda is the founder of Living Inside Out, a consulting firm dedicated to helping small business owners focus on the business of their business. Through strategic technology integration, automation, and innovative operational solutions, she supports organizations in building sustainable back-office systems that enhance clarity, efficiency, and long-term growth. Her areas of expertise include human resources and talent management, digital footprint and impact, fiscal management and budgeting, and operations optimization.
Rasheda is motivated by the transformation she witnesses when small businesses shift from chaos to clarity. She enjoys guiding organizations that once viewed their potential as limited, helping them uncover new opportunities for reach, influence, and stability. Her work is also deeply personal — she values showing her children what it looks like to serve others, lead with intention, and help people succeed at doing what they love.
As a wife and mother of four, Rasheda brings warmth, structure, and clear vision to every space she enters.
Past President
Currently the Chief Human Resources Officer for Employment Logic, Lynette is an accomplished human resources leader with more than 20 years of experience in HR management, recruitment, training, leadership development, policy writing, employee relations and employee engagement.
Board Director
Tyrrell is an accomplished Accounting leader with more than 20 years of Accounting and Finance experience, presently serving as a consultant for Beacon Hill.
His previous experience includes spending nine years as Accounting Manager for the City of St. Louis Treasurer’s Office and seven years as the Senior Accountant of People’s Health Center. Tyrrell has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Harris-Stowe State University.
Board Director
Than is a seasoned business and technology leader, entrepreneur, and community advocate with over 20 years of experience driving strategic growth, operational excellence, and organizational transformation across technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and real estate.
Than is co-owner of Starfish Prime, LLC and Carrsom Properties, LLC, where she oversees operations, client relations, contract management, and business development. Under her leadership, Carrsom Properties has doubled both its asset holdings and revenue. Through Starfish Prime, founded in 2015, she has helped organizations strengthen infrastructure and DevOps, adopt agile engineering practices, improve delivery outcomes, and develop technology leaders.
Her career includes leadership and transformation roles with Bayer Crop Science, Monsanto Company, Emerson Climate Technologies, Agilex Technologies, Veterans United Home Loans, and CARFAX. Across these organizations, Than has led complex initiatives, strengthened engineering practices, coached cross-functional teams, and helped organizations successfully navigate change.
Than also brings a strong record of community and board leadership. She and her husband co-founded DevComo, formerly ComoRichWeb, where she served nearly a decade on the board and helped expand programs while keeping programming free for members. She currently serves as a board member of Girls in the Know and has helped fund and support initiatives serving the Khmer community both in the United States and overseas. She also mentors technology leaders, supports startup founders, and invests in emerging businesses through partnerships with local entrepreneurial organizations such as Arch Grants.
Than holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri. She brings to board service a unique combination of business acumen, technology expertise, operational leadership, strategic thinking, and a genuine commitment to developing people and strengthening communities.
She resides in St. Louis, MO with her husband and two children. Outside of work and community service, she enjoys traveling with her family and supporting her children at their many sporting events and practices.
Board Director
Retta is the founder of Retta Jane, a luxury childrenswear brand, and founder of Retta Jane Interiors, an award-winning interior design practice. As a multifaceted creative professional, Retta brings expertise in interior design, illustration, and product development into every aspect of her work. Having first earned her B.A. from Miami University and later interning at both Betsey Johnson and Tommy Hilfiger early in her career, Retta then spent over a decade building Retta Jane Interiors.
As a mother of four, and having been inspired by clothing pieces passed down from her mother and grandmother, Retta then launched luxury childrenswear brand Retta Jane at 45. The brand (now also expanding into womenswear) creates sophisticated, timeless pieces for girls sized 8-16 that celebrate confidence and authentic self-expression.
Retta’s design philosophy reflects her belief that young women thrive when celebrated for who they are– a mission that aligns directly with GITK’s focus on building girls’ confidence and leadership.
Beyond her design work, Retta is committed to community leadership, having served on boards including the St. Louis Children’s Hospital, the St. Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, and the St. Louis Ballet.
Board Director
Mariama is the Co-Owner and Creative Director of Calla Lily Formals, where her passion for fashion and women’s empowerment merges into a unique vision. Like many entrepreneurs, she wears multiple hats, but her role as Creative Director remains closest to her heart. Her journey into the world of fashion began in 2011 when she boldly changed her major to Physical Therapy to Fashion Merchandising and Marketing at Indiana Tech. There, she earned a full track scholarship and distinguished herself as a three-time All-American athlete before later completing a Master’s Degree in Science Management.
Over time, Mariama transformed Calla Lily Formals from a traditional boutique into a multifaceted brand that offers fashion-forward, timeless occasion wear while emphasizing elegance, expression, and empowerment. In addition to curated apparel, the brand now provides personalized styling services, day-of wedding coordination, and other creative offerings designed to elevate meaningful moments.
Mariama’s impact extends beyond fashion. Dedicated to mentorship and youth empowerment, she developed and led a body image workshop for teen girls at Children’s Village in Bronx, New York, focusing on societal expectations, social media influence, and self love. She also serves as Chair of the Fashionetta Entrepreneurship Symposium for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Gamma Omega Chapter, an initiative focused on community awareness and innovative solutions.
Her passion for service led her to volunteer with St. Paul AME’s after-school program, where she later became Program Director for the St. Paul Henning Harris Afterschool and Summer Program, a safety-driven initiative centered on youth development, mentoring, and academic support.
Board Director
Jessica, a healthcare attorney by trade, serves as Senior Vice President & General Counsel at Health Capital Consultants, a healthcare financial and economic consulting firm. She received her BAs in Political Science and Foreign Languages from West Virginia University and her JD from Saint Louis University.
She and her husband, Andrew, live in St. Louis City with their young daughter, where they just finished renovating an historic home in Lafayette Square.