LEGAL EMPOWERMENT/HOTLINE ORGANIZER

Charles works as a point person assessing the needs of renters and connecting them to activating their power through their Housing Navigator Program, which trains and supports tenants to become fluent in community-based housing legal navigation.

Charles can best be described as a gender anarchist who is driven by their passion to dismantle oppressive systems.

As a long time resident of Saint Louis, Charles has created spaces for masculine centered people of color to bravely work to dismantle toxic masculinity as the Founder of Flower Boi STL. When not at Flower Boi, Charles can be found as an organizer for Occupy City Hall STL, advocating for the rights of sex workers in Missouri as member of MO HO Justice Coalition and running around on a number of local campaigns as a canvasser.

They have two fire signs and are excited to bring that same fiery energy to Tenants Transforming Greater St. Louis.

LEAD FIELD ORGANIZER

a former foster youth, Sarah Watkins is a mother and renter, building tenant power and fighting to transform housing conditions in St. Louis.

Sarah's organizing journey sparked in 2019 when her experiences navigating housing insecurities and displacement led her to connect with her neighbors in the Dutchtown South area, who introduced her to tenant organizing and inspired her to learn the tools needed to take back our city from slumlords and disconnected developers.

Sarah organized with Tenants Transforming St Louis, then Homes For All St. Louis, as a member and volunteer before joining the team as staff in 2021.

Now, Sarah organizes locally and statewide around issues like racial equity and housing justice. She takes joy in empowering her communities through education and radical love. Sarah knows when Black women lead, we win.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

is a native of St. Louis, MO and her passion lies in the fight for Black liberation, injustice and oppression that negatively impacts ALL people.

Kristian is a community organizer, art curator, activist, facilitator, & trainer.

She has done organizing work around economic justice, raising the minimum wage for 30K St. Louisians, protecting voting rights for voters in the state of Missouri, leading & participating in dozens of voter registration drives , youth justice work around incarcerated youth, and LGBTQI+rights.

Kristian first became acquainted with Tenants Transforming Greater St. Louis, then Homes For All St.Louis, in 2019 supporting tenants’ rent strike at Southwest Crossing.

She continued to follow and support the work of from then forward. Near the end of 2020, she came on as the Coalition Coordinator for the organization

Kristian strongly believes in the motto, “Housing Is A Human Right” & believes everyone deserves both affordable & equitable housing.

COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING MANAGER

A native of Washington, D.C., Aqila Benjamin embodies the dynamic versatility of the city.

Her sharp business acumen, paired with bold and innovative marketing strategies, empowers a new generation of informed and resilient professionals to redefine the boundaries of traditional professional structures. With deep expertise in collaborative partnerships, social media marketing, event planning, and mental health advocacy, MiMi leverages her extensive knowledge to develop programs, workshops, and conferences that provide foundational tools and resources for networking professionals across various sectors.

She focuses on honing soft skills—attitude, personality, and mindset—alongside relevant professional development opportunities tailored to individual interests, all while emphasizing strategic and actionable planning. This ensures that Aquila offers a comprehensive blueprint for success in the professional world.

As a passionate advocate for the principle that “your price is your price,” Benjamin not only pushes the boundaries of technique but also empowers artists, entrepreneurs, creatives, and working professionals to recognize and actualize the true value of their skills and talents. Through her signature seminar, “Netwerq Your Ass Off,” Aquila provides invaluable networking guidance, equipping audiences with effective strategies for leveraging resources, capitalizing on innovation, and making affirmative decisions.