Khalia Collier: A Bridge To Success

When Khalia Collier bought the St. Louis Surge, she knew she wanted her investment to represent her mission, vision, and values. Sure, as general manager, she wanted to put together a winning team, but she also wanted the team — her team — to have impact off the court. That meant recruiting talent without sacrificing character.

For those who know Khalia it was not surprising her teams won — two championships at last count. But most gratifying, her players are role models. In fact, all are required to have post-graduate degrees. Off the court, they also help Khalia with her efforts to build leaders in the St. Louis community by supporting youth sports, and empowering youth, teams, athletes, and women in sports business and entrepreneurship.

“I’m leveraging my involvement with sports to build bridges and inspire young people — especially young women,” says Khalia. “I want to be a catalyst and a resource as they strive for success.”

Khalia’s ability and desire to bring people together is also what drives her philanthropy and why she opened a fund at the St. Louis Community Foundation.

“The Foundation is committed to working with donors like me to put our charitable giving aspirations into action,” she said. “I approach my philanthropy in the same manner I do my profession — with intention, objectives, and a strategy to get me there, and the staff at the St. Louis Community Foundation understand that. We work together to make my vision for giving a reality.”

Most recently, Khalia is building bridges — and support — for St. Louis’ new soccer franchise, St. Louis City SC as vice president of community relations.

“Professional sports and excellence go hand-in-hand and can motivate people, particularly young people,” she said. “The Community Foundation inspires and fosters excellence in giving — and together I want to do my part to make St. Louis — my home — a better and more equitable place for all.”