Reona’s Bio

Reona Wise serves as Chief Executive Officer of Guardian Angel Settlement Association (GASA), a 160-year-old St. Louis institution dedicated to serving the community through Early Childhood Education, Self-Sufficiency workshops, Access to Food and Clothing Supports, and a full spectrum of services for older adults and those seeking mental health support. Working from a trauma-informed lens and guided by the principles of addressing the social determinants of health, GASA’s programs are designed to meet individuals and families where they are and help them move toward stability, wellness, and self-sufficiency.

Since joining GASA in 2022, Reona has led transformative growth—launching the Believe Project Literacy Lab in Early Childhood Education, opening an onsite health clinic for children and families, expanding senior services, and extending food pantry hours to reach more neighbors in need. Her leadership has centered on building a collaborative, inclusive culture while expanding the agency’s impact across the St. Louis Metro area.

Previously, Reona served as Executive Director for Almost Home, a transitional housing program for young mothers, where she advanced program outcomes, developed community partnerships, and strengthened board development and fundraising capacity. With more than a decade of leadership experience in the nonprofit, government, and private sectors, she is recognized for creating and implementing innovative programs, streamlining operations, and generating revenue through grants, sponsorships, and community-based fundraising.

An International Best-Selling Author for her 2021 book Owning Your G.R.I.T, Reona holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Public Administration with a focus in Nonprofit Management from Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville, along with a Master’s Certificate in Business Management for Nonprofit Leaders from Washington University in St. Louis.

A woman of deep faith, Reona believes leadership is ultimately about serving others. She is happily married to her husband, Gold, and a proud mother of six beautiful children. Reona embodies the principle: “Excellence is not a destination; it is a continuous journey that demands dedication, passion, and a relentless pursuit of improvement.” — Tony Evans