News & Press

ST. LOUIS — Alderwoman Daniela Velázquez of St. Louis’s 6th Ward has been named one of nine American leaders selected for the prestigious 2025 Eisenhower Fellowships USA Program.

This fall, Velázquez will embark on a five-week international fellowship designed to foster dialogue, build partnerships, and bring home solutions to pressing local challenges. Fellows will travel overseas to engage with global experts and leaders in their fields, then return to launch projects of impact in their communities.

She is one of two fellows from St. Louis -- and the 6th Ward. Ryan McClure, Executive Director, Gateway Arch Park Foundation, and Shaw resident, is also a 2025 Eisenhower Fellow.

Velázquez will travel to Germany (Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart) and Colombia (Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena) to study open government, transparency, and civic engagement reforms. Her fellowship project aims to lay the groundwork for St. Louis to join the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Local, a global network of more than 150 cities committed to strengthening public trust through transparency, accountability, and resident participation.

“Joining OGP Local would connect St. Louis with cities around the world advancing democracy and civic trust. I look forward to learning from international examples and bringing home tested ideas that can strengthen transparency and community engagement here in St. Louis,” said Velázquez.

The 2025 Eisenhower Fellows represent a wide range of professional fields, including public policy, education, health care, civic engagement, and technology. They share a track record of leading innovative initiatives in their communities.

Other 2025 Eisenhower Fellows include:

• Kam Buckner, State Representative, Illinois General Assembly (Chicago, IL)

• Sirisha Kuchimanchi, CEO, Sahita Technologies (Dallas, TX)

• Ryan McClure, Executive Director, Gateway Arch Park Foundation (St. Louis, MO)

• Gabriel McCormick, Senior Director, Public Schools of Brookline (Boston, MA)

• Kendra McDow, Medical Officer, School District of Philadelphia (Philadelphia, PA)

• Elizabeth Pishny, Government Affairs, Google (Washington, DC)

• Kenneth Smith, Integration and Test Lead, Blue Origin (Miami, FL)

• Daniela Velázquez, Alderwoman, City of St. Louis (St. Louis, MO)

• Bryan Weisbard, Director of Product Management, DoorDash (San Francisco, CA)

Velázquez and McClure will both be in Germany together for a portion of their fellowship time.

Founded in 1953 and named for President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Eisenhower Fellowships connects and empowers mid-career leaders from around the world to promote peace, prosperity, and justice through international understanding and collaboration.