🎤 Announcing Our Gala Emcee: Genell Reynolds of 5 On Your Side!
🎤 Metropolitan Congregations United is thrilled to announce Genell Reynolds, Digital Audience Producer at 5 On Your Side (KSDK), as the Emcee for our 2025 Ryze from the Rubble Gala!
In her work at KSDK, Genell connects the St. Louis community to impactful stories, resources, and information through social media and digital platforms. Her dedication to audience engagement is rooted in her belief that storytelling can spark connection, compassion, and positive change; storytelling isn’t just about sharing what’s happening—it's about amplifying voices, revealing truth, and sparking community response.
A proud St. Louis native, Genell has always had a passion for words and creativity. Inspired by poets like Maya Angelou and Robert Frost, she grew up expressing herself through poetry — writing heartfelt verses and personalized cards for friends and family. That love of language now shines in her professional storytelling and community engagement.
Importantly, this past summer Genell has been on the ground documenting the recent tornado devastation that impacted our region. Through her multi-part series of reports called "Disruption of Legacy" on KSDK, she has helped highlight the needs, the recovery efforts, and the resilience of affected communities. Her work brings attention to not only challenging conditions—but also the hope, recovery, and neighbors helping neighbors.
Her reporting directly inspired this year’s Gala theme: “UNSUNG SHEROES, UNTOLD STORIES: Ryze from the Rubble”. The series highlights the strength, courage, and perseverance of everyday heroes, echoing MCU’s mission to uplift faith-based leaders and community advocates. Genell’s work reminds us of the power of storytelling to educate, inspire, and motivate action.
Before joining KSDK, Genell balanced life as a stay-at-home mom and a retail manager. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Lindenwood University and has built a career around empathy, service, and the power of meaningful communication.
Coming from a family of first responders, Genell says her favorite part of her job is serving the same community her family has protected for generations. When she’s not amplifying community voices, you’ll find her laughing with her loved ones, enjoying good food, or working toward her goal of completing an unassisted chin-up!
Join us as Genell Reynolds takes the stage to guide our evening of celebration, storytelling, and community transformation at MCU's Ryze from the Rubble Gala — an unforgettable night honoring courage, resilience, and justice in action.
Watch Genell talk about her multi-part series of reports called "A Disruption of Legacy":
Click on the links below to read the 4 parts of "A Disruption of Legacy"by Genell:
Part 1: Tornado reveals fractures, yet ignites hope in North St. Louis
Part 2: We deserve to be rebuilt': North City residents yearn for return of neighborhood they know
Part 3: This wasn’t just property—It was their past and future
Part 4: He watched his room fly away in 1959. Now, he might help rebuild St. Louis after May 16.
Don’t Miss This Unforgettable Gala
Thursday, November 13, 2025 - 6pm
Historic Stone House of St. Charles
💃🏻🤵🏾♂️ Dress Attire: Creative Cocktail- elevated cocktail dress attire with more personality, bold colors, unique patterns, adventurous silhouettes, and statement accessories!
Tickets available now!
- Regular Ticket: $140
- Tornado Relief Support Ticket: $165 (with 100% of the surcharge going to MCU’s Tornado Relief Fund)
Every ticket supports MCU’s justice work, and 10% of proceeds go to our Tornado Relief Fund. 🌪️ Choose a Relief Support Ticket to give even more — with 100% of the surcharge going directly to help families rebuild. ❤️
👉🏼 Buy Tickets
Come ready to celebrate, give, and rise together from the rubble — with faith, courage, and joy.
