St. Louis’ Kwame Building Group names executive director for its philanthropic foundation

Lydia Huston

St. Louis-based Kwame Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Kwame Building Group, has selected Lydia Huston as its new executive director. 

In this role, Huston will oversee daily operations, apply multidimensional fundraising and community relations initiatives and implement year-round philanthropic activities through the organization’s existing events and programs. 

Since 2003, the organization has contributed nearly $3 million in endowed scholarships, primarily for first-generation college students.  With Huston’s hiring, the organization will shift to endowing scholarships primarily to HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). 

Huston holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Studies from Saint Louis University and is a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE). She is a board member with St. Louis University’s Black Alumni as well as a recent graduate of FOCUS St. Louis Women in Leadership program. Lydia previously served in key leadership roles at Loyola Academy of St. Louis, The Little Bit Foundation, Fontbonne University and YWCA Metro St. Louis.