Forest Park Forever Proudly Announces Its 2019 Women’s Committee and Hat Luncheon Co-Chairs

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Forest Park Forever is thrilled to announce Zundra Bryant and Penny Pennington as the co-chairs of its 2019 Women’s Committee and 29th Annual Hat Luncheon. 

Together, these two dynamic leaders will lead the work of the Women’s Committee of Forest Park Forever, which includes hosting our popular Hat Luncheon, the single largest annual fundraiser for Forest Park. In 2018, more than 1,000 attendees enjoyed this iconic gathering, raising $450,000 to support our work sustaining the Park with the City of St. Louis. The 2019 Hat Luncheon will be held June 6, 2019, in Forest Park.

Bryant works for MasterCard in the Global Business Services Center (GBSC) as Director, Service Management, leading initiatives to grow and mature shared services globally. She also teaches program and project management at Washington University Brown School of Social Work. Bryant’s involvement in the St. Louis community includes serving as a: 

  • Board Member of the St. Louis Public Schools Foundation

  • Board Member of the St. Louis Forum

  • Member of the United Way African American and Women’s Leadership Societies

Bryant has received multiple recognitions and awards throughout her career including the YWCA Academy of Leaders, Regional Business Council Leadership 100, St. Louis Business Journal Most Influential Diverse Business Leader and the St. Louis American Foundation Young Leaders awards.

“As a native St. Louisan, I grew up visiting the Zoo, going to the Museums, graduating from Webster University at the Muny, and many other activities all in Forest Park. It’s an honor to celebrate Forest Park Forever and co-chair alongside Penny,” said Bryant.

In May of 2018, Edward Jones announced Penny Pennington as the firm's sixth Managing Partner effective January of 2019. Pennington is the first woman to lead a top brokerage firm. Learn more about the announcement that made national news here.

Pennington joined Edward Jones in 2000 as a financial adviser in Livonia, Michigan. After becoming an Edward Jones principal in 2006, Pennington relocated to the St. Louis area and has held multiple senior leadership roles at the firm. 

Pennington added, "I am now a proud St. Louisan, and cherish the resources we have in our region.  Forest Park is where I spend some of my most treasured time – alone running, with my family and friends at the Museums and in Shakespeare Glen. I feel so privileged to work with Zundra to raise support for this community treasure.”  

Pennington is also active in the St. Louis community, serving on the following boards:

  • Shakespeare Festival St. Louis

  • Donald Danforth Plant Science Center

  • St. Louis Fashion Fund

  • Whitaker Foundation 


“We are thrilled to have Zundra and Penny serving as this year’s Women’s Committee and Hat Luncheon Co-Chairs,” said Lesley S. Hoffarth, P.E., President and Executive Director of Forest Park Forever. “With their regional leadership and enthusiasm for Forest Park, we are positioned to have a terrific year with the Women’s Committee and another fantastic Hat Luncheon this June.” 

Save the date for the 2019 Hat Luncheon on June 6, 2019, at the World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park. The 2018 event sold out. Learn more by visiting forestparkforever.org/hatluncheon. 

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