Step into a powerful masterclass on executive leadership and purposeful growth with Irasa Downing, Retired Principal at Edward Jones. Drawing from her remarkable journey from technical recruiting to executive advisory, Irasa shares candid lessons on overcoming self-doubt, leading authentic cultural transformations, and keeping people at the heart of organizational change. Tune in to discover why courage and authenticity are the ultimate differentiators for anyone ready to embrace their next big opportunity.
Bio: Irasa Downing retired from Edward Jones in 2025 after a distinguished 30-year career as a trusted executive leader in human capital and organizational strategy. As the Partner responsible for Human Capital for Branch Development, Business Segmentation, and Wealth Management, she partnered with senior leadership to align talent strategy with business objectives, helping position the firm for long-term growth and success.
Throughout her career, Irasa provided strategic leadership for an organization of more than 30,000 associates. She led enterprise-wide initiatives in executive recruitment, succession planning, leadership development, workforce strategy, executive coaching, and talent management, with a focus on developing exceptional leaders and building high-performing, purpose-driven organizations.
Irasa earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Central Missouri.
A passionate advocate for leadership and service, Irasa continues to invest in others through executive coaching, mentoring, and leadership development. She coaches senior leaders across the country and serves as the facilitator for an Executive Women’s Leadership Group through United Way, equipping high-potential women to lead with confidence, authenticity, and strategic impact.
Her commitment to community has been a defining thread throughout her life. Irasa has served on the boards of numerous nonprofit organizations throughout the St. Louis region, including the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, the American Heart Association, Focus St. Louis, Boys Hope Girls Hope, and Connections to Success. She is especially passionate about creating opportunities that empower individuals and families to thrive and achieve lasting success.
Irasa is honored to serve as the current Board President of Covenant House Missouri, where she helps advance the organization’s mission of providing young people experiencing homelessness with the support, stability, and opportunities they need to build brighter futures.
Grounded in her faith, Irasa serves as a Deaconess at First Baptist Church of Chesterfield alongside her husband, Kurtis, who serves as a Deacon. Together they are the proud parents of two daughters, Kira and Kumari.
At the heart of Irasa’s work is a simple but enduring belief: authentic leadership has the power to transform organizations, strengthen communities, and inspire people to realize their fullest potential.
Something Extra: “Courage… not only should you be courageous in who you are and what you stand for and your purpose, but also be authentic to who you are.”