2026 Honorees
Honoring remarkable leaders whose dedication embodies our mission
Michael P. McMillan
President and Chief Executive Officer
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
Michael P. McMillan has devoted his life to serving the St. Louis community, transforming the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
(ULSTL) into the largest and most impactful affiliate of the National Urban League.
Since becoming President and CEO in 2013, he has expanded the League’s annual budget from $15 million to over $55 million, grown
from 8 to 25 locations, and now leads 60 programs that serve more than 200,000 residents annually.
Under his leadership, ULSTL has achieved major milestones including the merger with Grace Hill Settlement House, the $40 million
redevelopment of the Victor Roberts Building into the League’s Regional Headquarters, the opening of the Senior Living Building in
Dellwood, and the launch of the Urban League Plaza. McMillan also secured a $25 million building donation from Centene Corporation.
A steady voice in times of crisis, he created the Save Our Sons program after Ferguson, directed Missouri’s largest COVID-19 relief effort, and led regional recovery efforts following the 2025 tornadoes.
His journey with the Urban League began early as a 16-year-old youth volunteer foreshadowing a lifetime of public service.
He went on to become the youngest member of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen and later the youngest License Collector in city history.
His achievements have earned national recognition, including induction into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame and multiple
National Urban League CEO of the Year awards.
He serves on numerous civic and corporate boards and is a proud Saint Louis University graduate.
Through vision, compassion, and commitment, McMillan continues to champion equity, empowerment, and opportunity across the
region.
Educator and Servant Leader
Mrs. Peggy Lewis LeCompte is a product of the East St. Louis Public School System and received further education from Lincoln University, the National College of Education and Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. She is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joe Biden and received the Certificate of Recognition from the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Committee of the Supreme Court of Illinois for her service. She proudly served as Senior Advisor for the former Illinois State Representative LaToya Greenwood. Mrs. LeCompte is an international leader who served as the 10th National President of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.; a fourtime international officer of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and National Coordinator of the TLOD A TEAAM for Young African American Males. She is a member of many other fraternal and social organizations including the Links, Jack and Jill of America, and the Dred Scott Board of Directors. She also is listed in numerous publications including Who’s Who in St. Louis, has been featured in Jet Magazine, and has received a plethora of awards and honors. Mrs. Peggy Lewis LeCompte, a very active member of East St. Louis Trinity United Methodist Church, sees being a mother, grandmother, and sister as her greatest blessings.