What does it really take to welcome someone into a brand new country? How does immigration shape the growth of a city like Saint Louis? And what can nonprofit work teach us about building a career rooted in purpose? 🌍🤝🏙️

In this episode of Gateway to Growth, our host sits down with Blake Hamilton, President and CEO of the International Institute of St. Louis, to explore the story of immigration in Saint Louis — past, present, and future.

Blake's own path winds from a multicultural border town in South Texas, to living and working in China as an outsider learning to navigate a new culture, to leading one of the region's most impactful nonprofits. He shares his family's own immigration story — including his great-grandfather's journey fleeing conscription in Russia — and how that legacy shapes his approach to welcoming newcomers today.

Throughout the conversation, Blake breaks down the 105+ year history of the International Institute, why immigration is essential to a growing, prosperous region, and how initiatives like Move to STL are working to attract new residents to the city. He also offers candid advice for anyone considering a career in the nonprofit sector.

This episode explores:

• Blake's personal and family immigration story, from South Texas to China to Saint Louis.

• The 105+ year history and mission of the International Institute of St. Louis.

• Why immigration is critical to reversing population decline and driving regional growth.

• How Bosnian immigrants transformed the Bevo neighborhood into "Little Bosnia."

• Addressing the misconception that welcoming immigrants is a "zero-sum game."

• The Move to STL initiative and why Saint Louis is an underrated destination for newcomers.

• Career advice for anyone looking to break into nonprofit and service-oriented work.

• The power of board service, volunteering, and networking in the nonprofit space.

• Everything you need to know about the Festival of Nations.

Whether you're passionate about community development, considering a career in the nonprofit sector, or just curious about the forces shaping Saint Louis' future, this conversation offers a powerful look at why welcoming newcomers is one of the smartest investments a region can make.

Connect with the International Institute of St. Louis:

Website ▶ https://festofnations.com/

Festival of Nations ▶ August 29th & 30th, Tower Grove Park

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