The Welcome Home Forum hosted The Next Mission Missouri's Veterans Leading the Way, bringing together veterans, business leaders, students, and community members for a discussion on leadership, workforce development, and service beyond the military.

The forum featured General Frank Grass, former Chief of the National Guard Bureau and member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as keynote speaker. He was joined by an accomplished panel that included Chad Borton, President of Equifax Workforce Solutions; AJ Segal, St. Louis lead at Scale AI; David Skrzypiec, Director of Business Growth at Greater St. Louis, Inc.; Dena Ladd of the Modern Health Coalition; and Kate Schroeder of Transformation Counseling.

Together, the speakers explored how veterans continue to lead across business, technology, government, and nonprofit organizations. The discussion examined the impact of artificial intelligence on the future workforce, the leadership skills needed to navigate rapid change, and emerging approaches to veteran mental health, including psychedelic-assisted therapies and other innovative treatment options.

The conversation reinforced the mission of the Welcome Home Forum by bringing together leaders from diverse backgrounds to foster meaningful dialogue, strengthen professional connections, and support veterans as they continue to lead and serve in their communities.