Congratulations to Kevin Poe, Executive Director of the St. Louis Home Repair Network, and recipient of our 2025 Growing in Equity & Anti-racism Award!
The Growing in Equity & Anti-Racism Award recognizes a person who:
Demonstrates a deep and honest commitment to transforming work being done in the St. Louis region so that it is more equitable, just, and antiracist.
“Walks the talk”—goes beyond verbal commitments to ask hard questions, embrace and push through discomfort, work to rectify inequities where they exist, and take action.
Actively works to dismantle systems of oppression.
After more than two decades of success in the construction industry, Kevin Poe made history by spearheading the first diversity committee in his former company’s 100-year existence. He didn’t just challenge leadership there—he took a stand against microaggressions, workplace inequities, and the industry-wide lack of diversity. But his true calling wasn’t corporate reform—it was community transformation.
In 2014, Kevin began mentoring minority contractors, offering guidance and support whenever he could to those often overlooked. When his efforts were recognized, it was the confirmation that changed his life.
The journey wasn’t easy. Although he faced challenges like being told he was "underqualified" and understandable skepticism from the local community—Kevin never wavered in his devotion. His breakthrough came when he connected with Mike Sorth, who opened the door to a life-changing opportunity: Director of Community Assets, overseeing church and large building renovations that prioritized people over profits. In this role, Kevin applied his deep industry knowledge to create real change, helping to ensure that development served everyone - not just corporate interests, and using his passion to empower disadvantaged communities, cultivate economic opportunity, and save seats at the table for voices who are left out.
For Kevin, receiving this award from his peers is a powerful affirmation of his work. More than anything, Kevin wants people to know that he’s the real deal. And, in fact, when his name is mentioned in rooms he’s not in, the response is often similar to: “Kevin Poe? Oh, he’s the truth!”
Equally as proud of his 15+ years of sobriety, he’s also proud of raising his children in a world where they are doing everything differently from what he was told growing up. For Kevin, this recognition is just another step in living out his commitment to real change and making a lasting impact on both his community and his industry.
