Meet Sheila Burkett

Sheila Burkett and her husband, Steven have been married 27 years. They have three sons, two daughters-in-law and a new grandson. Pictured above from left to right are James, Tory, Steven III, Steven II, Sheila, John and Kate. All of her children (and daughters-in-law) graduated from Webster Groves High School. James and Tory live in Webster Groves, John and Kate in Tower Grove Park and Steven III in Spencer, IA. 

"Community service has always been a central part of who I am. Growing up in rural Missouri, I learned that neighbors take care of each other. That spirit of connection deepened through my time as a Delta Zeta, where I built lifelong friendships and a commitment to giving back. For decades, I’ve volunteered my time and talents to causes that matter. I believe strong communities are built not just by policy, but by people who show up, listen, and lead with heart. - Sheila Burkett"

Ways Sheila Has Served

• Kirkwood Human Rights Commission, 06/2025 - present
• YWCA Leaders Lunch Committee, 2023-present; 2025 Chair
• Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club of S. Louis Table of Four Committee 2023-2025, Vice Chair 2023, Chair 2024
• UMSL College of Business Administration Leadership Advisory Council Member 2016-present
• Co-Founder of Women Executives in Technology, 2005 - present
• St. Lous Forum Member 2012-present, Board 2018-2024, Board President 2021-2023
• Together Digital City Champion, 2020-2022
• Arts and Education Council of Greater St. Louis Board Member 2013-2024, Vice Board Chair & Treasurer 2022-2024
• UMSL IS&T Advisory Board Member 2001-2021
• St. Louis Alumnae Panhellenic Association, 2000-2021
• Washington University in St. Louis Public Relations National Council 2013-2019
• Missouri Venture Forum Board Member 2015-2019
• Craft Alliance Board Member 2005-2015, Board Chair 2009-2012
• Founder of Women Entrepreneurs in St. Lous, 2012-2015
• Delta Zeta member 1985-present

Sheila is a proven leader who knows how to listen, collaborate, and get results. As a successful business owner, community organizer, and civic volunteer, she spent her career bringing people together to solve complex problems and make meaningful change. She leads with empathy, acts with transparency, and builds coalitions that reflect the full diversity and strength of the communities she serves. She understands how systems work and how to make them work better for people.

Awards & Recognition

• St. Louis Titan 100 honoree, 2023 & 2024
• YWCA 2022 Leader of Distinction
• Led Spry Digital to be recognized on the Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Companies on 2021 & 2022
• 2020 Vistage Leadership Award
• St. Louis' Best Bosses 2018 by St. Louis Small Business Monthly
• 2015 St. Louis Small Business Monthly 100 St. Louisans You Should Know
• 2015 St. Louis Small Business Monthly Leaders in Technology
• 2014 Salute to Business Entrepreneurial Spirit Award by UMSL
• 2014 UMSL Women's Trailblazer Award
• 2006 St. Louis Business Journal Most Influential Business Woman