OFF the cuff claiborne yolonda lankford w/

Yolonda Lankford is all about uplifting St. Louis. Whether it’s emceeing philanthropic events, empowering young women or inspiring others as the co-host of an online talk show, she’s always spreading positivity. T&S caught up with her to learn more about what she’s doing in the community

YOU’RE QUITE THE WOMAN ABOUT TOWN. WHAT ARE YOU UP TO THESE DAYS? What I do is multifaceted. I consider myself someone who brings good energy into the world. I co-host the Own Your Now Show with Tracie Berry-McGhee. It’s a talk show about wellness and lifestyle that we started during the pandemic. I also just emceed the St. Jude gala here in St. Louis, and we raised more than $2 million in one night. It’s always exciting to make announcements like that.

HOW DID YOU START THE OWN YOUR NOW SHOW ?

I am the public relations director for a nonprofit, SistaKeeper. We are an organization that helps empower young women so they can define themselves out in the world. That’s how I met Tracie— she’s the founder of SistaKeeper and a licensed therapist. She would ask what’s in your cup— literally because we bonded over coffee, but also figuratively. Are you happy? Do you have joy?” That started the conversation, and now we have CUP, conversations that unite people.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO MAKE ST. LOUIS YOUR HOME?

I grew up on a working dairy farm in a small town in California. That small town atmosphere was always a good feeling to me. Even though St. Louis is a larger city, it has that same feeling. I don’t have relatives here, but people took me in and supported what I was trying to do.

WHAT’S YOUR BEST CAREER ADVICE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT?

Be true to you. A lot of people choose a career because of expectations—their families want them to be a doctor or lawyer. But you’re the one who has to get up and go to work every day. Look inward and decide what you like to do. Then, educate yourself. Read about your field of interest and talk to people who are already in it. Learn the good, the bad and the ugly.

IT’S BEEN A STRESSFUL DAY. WHAT ARE YOU EATING OR DRINKING?

I’m definitely about that Champagne life when it comes to adult beverages. If it’s food, I’m a foodie who loves to cook. I can make anything from sushi to burgers. I can’t pick one thing. I just need it to be homemade with good company.

WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO GO TO HAVE OTHER PEOPLE COOK FOR YOU?

Paul Manno’s has the best Italian food, and the service is always superb. I also enjoy Bait. I like when food is pretty. Bait makes food that tastes and looks great.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL?

Anywhere with my family. It can be out in the country where you don’t see another person for 10 miles or in a big city like New York.

YOU’VE MET A LOT OF WELL KNOWN PEOPLE. WHO EXCEEDED YOUR EXPECTATIONS?

Hands down, Oprah Winfrey. A friend got me tickets to her show. She was building houses through her Angel Network, and I decided I wanted to get involved. I raised $10,000 dollars in one day at the ballpark. Then, I got a call. Oprah Winfrey was inviting me to dinner. I had just had my youngest daughter, and the first thing she asked was how I lost the baby weight. The conversation was just laughter and girl talk.