The 43 Ohio leaders selected for fellowships come from across the state
Columbus – (March 16, 2022) - Leadership Ohio is pleased to announce it has selected the new class of Fellows for 2022. This year, 43 leaders from across the state will be given the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and perspective of Ohio while contributing to the Leadership Ohio legacy of impact as the organization celebrates its 30th anniversary year.
“This is an outstanding cadre of highly talented and accomplished fellows,” said Nan Baker, president of the board, Leadership Ohio. “We are thrilled to welcome this diverse group during our 30th anniversary year, which will be intentionally focused on collaboration and impact.”
The 2022 Leadership Ohio class is one of the most dynamic in the organization’s history. Each Fellow was nominated and completed a competitive application process to be considered for the class. The fellows come from various backgrounds and communities, with leaders working in innovation and business, state reform, education, and more. They will engage in programming across the state from April through November, and the curriculum and experience will provide a thoughtful opportunity for different perspectives and backgrounds to come together to learn and grow.
“I’m honored to welcome these remarkably visionary and inspiring individuals,” said Dr. Lisa Duty, executive director, Leadership Ohio. “They are now part of a growing network of changemakers and catalysts who are building stronger communities and a stronger Ohio.”
Leadership Ohio’s Alumni go on to occupy positions of influence in leading companies, key government agencies, elected offices, commissions, and Ohio’s boardrooms.
For more information about Leadership Ohio, visit leadershipohio.org.
Announcing the Leadership Ohio Class of 2022
Michele Young, J.D., Partner, Michele L. Young Co., LPA, and Of Counsel, Gregory S. Young Co., LPA
Michele Young is a 2020 Cincinnati Enquirer Woman of the Year, Cincinnati Bar Association‘s Julia A. Stauberg Honoree “in Recognition of an Outstanding Female Counselor for her Exemplary Service and Accomplishments” and 2014 Cincinnati Women's Political Caucus’ Outstanding Achievement Award Honoree.
A Georgetown University Law Center graduate, former adjunct law professor, Federal law clerk, and legal author, Young has a passion for justice and changing law and lives so the forgotten and the marginalized are given an honored place in the world. Her work includes championing Gabriel Taye, Sherry Chen, and Tyra Patterson, and exposing injustices.
Young tries to save one life at a time, including her “Don’t Text and Drive” campaign and present legislative campaign to insure every Ohio woman will have early screening of breast cancer through HB371’s passage.
Young reaches out to lift children with the Bootsy Collins Foundation and veterans with the Armed Forces Tickets Association. She combats bigotry with various organizations, including the Cincinnati American Jewish Committee’s Black Jewish Table and the Ohio Asian Pacific Islanders American Public Affairs Association.
In 2016, Michele was the endorsed Democratic candidate and first mother to run for Congress OH-1.
Michele is a mom of five, counsel to her husband’s law firm Gregory S. Young Co., LPA, and has her own firm focused on social justice, Michele Young Co., LPA.
Whitney Gaskins, Ph.D., CDP, Assistant Dean of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement, University of Cincinnati and Founder of The Gaskins Foundation
Dr. Gaskins is the Assistant Dean of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement in the University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science, the only African-American female currently teaching in the faculty of the College of Engineering.
In 2009 she founded The Gaskins Foundation (thegaskinsfoundation.org) a non-profit organization. Her foundation launched the STEMulates year round K-12 program, which is a free of charge program that will introduce more students to Math and Science. She was named the 2017 K12 Champion by the National Association of Multicultural Engineering Program Advocates (NAMEPA).
In 2015, Dr. Gaskins was awarded the Janice A. Lumpkin Educator of the Year Golden Torch Award. In 2019, she was recognized by the Greater Cincinnati Chamber as a Black History Maker. She was a recipient of the Dr. Terry Kershaw Faculty Excellence Award and the Excellence in Teaching Award for her innovative honors course Sticky Innovation (stickyinnovation.com). She was inducted in the 40 under 40 class of 2019 and was recognized as a 2021 Career Woman of Achievement. To learn more, please visit whitneygaskins.com.
Jocelyn Rosnick, J.D., Policy Director, ACLU of Ohio
Jocelyn Rosnick is no newcomer to advocacy — she petitioned her city council at nine years old. Rosnick joined the ACLU of Ohio in 2012, where she has used her policy, legal, communications, and organizing skills to move across teams. As policy director, Rosnick oversees the development and execution of the ACLU of Ohio’s legislative, administrative, and public education policy efforts on everything from voting rights to criminal justice and LGBTQ rights. Rosnick has collaborated on several criminal justice projects, including those on bail reform, death penalty repeal, debtors’ prison, solitary confinement, and prison privatization. Rosnick frequently oversees research-based reports and is a recurring commenter in the media.
In addition to her work with the ACLU of Ohio, Rosnick is an adjunct faculty member at the Mandel School for Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University. A true activist, Rosnick is passionate about protecting protesters' rights. Rosnick previously coordinated the Ohio Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild which trains individuals to be legal observers and currently consults on monitoring peaceful freedom of assembly with the Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. Rosnick received her B.A. from West Virginia University and Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University School of Law.
Rosa Beltré (She, Her, Ella), President & CEO, Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence (OAESV)
Rosa Beltré (She, Her, Ella), Afro-Taina-Latinx, is the President & CEO of the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence. Beltré is known as a catalyst of change, who is action-driven, womenx, passionate about power/gender-based violence, BIPOC empowerment, leadership, knowledge, enriching the lives of others, bridge building/collaboration, accountability and provoking change.
OAESV has expanded from three employees to 18 under Beltré’s leadership, greatly increasing service capacity, presence, organizational cultural and community relations. Beltré uses her passion, extensive background and experience to develop and sustain relationships with leaders in the field, as well as key stakeholders within the state, national level, and federal government. She has spent the last 20 years training, cultivating community relations, providing development to organizations and communities focused on fair housing, child abuse, sexual assault, volunteerism, financial literacy and church call to action. Beltré has served as the Co-chair of the State of Ohio Anti-Oppression and Accountability Committee and currently serves as the Co- Chair of the Women of Color Caucus of the State of Ohio, the Sexual Assault Advisory Board of Ohio, and the Ohio Family Violence Prevention Advisory Council, amongst other statewide taskforces.
Beltré is an ordained Minister of the Spanish Pentecostal Churches, Vice-President of International Women Ministry MDM, author, and the Regional Social Service Director of her Faith community.
Nathan A. Strum, MPA, Director of Economic Development, City of Gahanna, Ohio
As Director of Economic Development for the City of Gahanna, Ohio, Nathan (Nate) Strum primarily focuses on promoting the economic vitality of the city by engaging businesses as well as residents to think globally while investing locally in the City of Gahanna.
In addition to his role with the City of Gahanna, Strum serves in a variety of organizational capacities including the Mid Ohio Development Exchange (MODE) as its Immediate Past President, a member of the Board of Directors for Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA) where he chairs the Annual Summit committee, and as Membership Chair for the Gahanna Rotary Club.
Prior to joining the City of Gahanna in 2021, Strum served as Executive Director of GROW Licking County Community Improvement Corporation, a 501-c-3 nonprofit tasked with overseeing economic growth within Licking County, Ohio. Over a 5+ year period, Strum aided in the economic growth of 4,000+ new jobs and 2.8B in private investment.
A proud Muskie and Bobcat, Strum received his B.A. from Muskingum University and his Master’s in Public Administration from Ohio University.
Originally from Pittsburgh, Strum lives in Blacklick with his wife Christy.
Rayshun Holt, Beacon of Hope Program Director, Cincinnati Works
Rayshun Holt works with a variety of different entities in the re-entry ecosystem – including businesses, human service agencies, faith-based ministries, corrections institutions, and government agencies among others – to improve the experience and long-term success rates for people who struggle to rebuild their lives due to a criminal record or period of incarceration.
Holt’s personal experience with the justice system and successful transition drive him to create a better system for others. One of his first job opportunities at Nehemiah Manufacturing showed him first-hand the power of a supportive employer, not just to fill an open role but to grow and develop talent. Holt also volunteers as a mentor with Cincinnati Works’ Phoenix Program, dedicated to eradicating gun violence by providing viable economic opportunities to under-served communities of Cincinnati.
His leadership with Beacon of Hope extends beyond Greater Cincinnati as a regular lecturer at Harvard Business School, Stanford Business, and Georgetown University on the business value of Fair Chance Hiring.
Meghan Cummings, Vice President Civic Advancement, Greater Cincinnati Foundation
Meghan Cummings serves as Vice President, Civic Advancement at Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF). In this role, she leads GCF’s policy advocacy work and develops, drives and secures funding for large-scale initiatives that address complex community problems.
Cummings most recently served as Executive Director for the Women’s Fund at GCF, an organization that drives economic self-sufficiency for women through research and policy change. She is passionate about addressing poverty and equity issues by igniting public will and inspiring philanthropy, business and government to collaborate in new ways.
Cummings is a past president of the Greater Cincinnati Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and has worked extensively on the chapter’s DEI efforts including the creation of a diversity pipeline program called New Faces of Fundraising. She was named to the 2014 class of the Cincinnati Business Courier’s Forty under 40. She serves on the board of Philanthropy Ohio and is an advisor to Ellequate, the first employer certification program for gender equity in the US workplace.
Cummings holds degrees in Political Science and Journalism from Miami University and an MBA from Xavier University. She resides in the Cincinnati area with her husband, Nate, and their son, Cameron.
Zach Prosser, Lead Pastor, Celebration Church
Zach Prosser has served in non-profit leadership and church ministry for over 23 years. In his leadership he has served around the world to make an impact through humanitarian efforts, leadership development, and facilitation. Prosser has served as a pastor in Akron, Ohio; New Orleans, Louisiana; and in Illinois. He launched Night of Hope, an event providing essential resources to the community. In 2019, Night of Hope became a weekly event providing groceries to over 20,000 people from 12 local counties. He also started Bethesda College, a church college campus training people for ministry leadership. Prosser has also appeared as a guest and a host for multiple programs on the worldwide Total Christian Television (TCT) Network.
Prosser’s desire to empower others is demonstrated in his work as an International Coaching Federation (ICF) Master Certified Coach and coach trainer. He serves as Director of Coaching at Emerge, a non-profit mental health organization, and as an Adjunct Coach for the Center for Creative Leadership. He serves as an Ambassador for the ICF Foundation, which brings pro-bono coaching into each of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
Mikaela Hunt, Chief Communications Officer, Ohio Department of Commerce
Mikaela Hunt is an award-winning journalist that spent nearly 17 years in TV news, working in every seat from producer to anchor. Hunt is now the Chief Communications Officer for the Ohio Department of Commerce, developing and executing communications and media strategy for the state’s chief regulatory agency. She’s also a member of the state’s Visionary Leaders: Executive Leadership program.
Hunt also owns Mikaela Media, a brand journalism company that provides focused media training and online storytelling guidance for a variety of organizations, from nonprofits and small businesses to Fortune 500 companies.
Hunt is the co-host of a weekly iHeart radio show and podcast through 610 WTVN, What Matters with Mindy & Mikaela. She also hosts the Columbus Chamber of Commerce’s podcast Cbuzz, which showcases business innovators in Central Ohio. Hunt is a Columbus Business First “40 Under 40” award recipient. She’s a member of the National Association of Women Business Owners and spent four years on the Columbus chapter’s Board of Directors. She also serves on the Columbus Parent magazine advisory board. Hunt enjoys presenting to local women’s leadership groups, teaching how women can own their brand and tell their story in the midst of change and transition.
Christopher Cutter, Partner Block Bridge Capital
Christopher Cutter has dedicated over ten years to high growth technology startups and emerging markets. Now as Partner at Block Bridge Capital, Cutter has helped create a hedge fund composed solely of digital assets. After a successful exit from his previous technology company, Cutter has diverted his sole focus to high finance and the emergence of blockchain and cryptocurrencies.
In addition to his leading role at Block Bridge Capital, Cutter also serves as a partner at another Ohio based company, Society Brands. Society Brands completed a 200 million dollar capital raise at the beginning of 2022 and is a rapidly growing mergers and acquisitions company set to become a major player in the Amazon Aggregator space.
Prior to Block Bridge Capital, Cutter helped Senator Kirk Schuring champion the Innovation District Bill throughout Ohio. Subsequently, Cutter created a non-profit StartupSTARK, whose mission is to provide guidance on startup communities, create shared ideation workspaces, and foster relationships between organizations for the good of Ohio entrepreneurs.
Clare Zlatic Blankemeyer - Executive Director, GreenLight Fund Cincinnati
Clare Zlatic Blankemeyer is focused on creating more inclusive prosperity for Greater Cincinnati as the Executive Director of GreenLight Fund Cincinnati. Zlatic Blankemeyer leads an annual, community-driven process to identify, invest in, and spread proven initiatives that build greater opportunities for children, youth, and families.
Zlatic Blankemeyer most recently served as the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives with the Manuel D. & Rhoda Mayerson Foundation. She and her husband, Tony, co-own City North: a maker and design studio. Her professional experiences center volunteerism and service-learning, engaged philanthropy, and cross-sector education on core social justice issues. She is committed to representative community engagement and data-driven impact and believes that these two priorities are not mutually exclusive.
Zlatic Blankemeyer is a past president of the women’s collective giving organization, Impact 100, and has volunteered within multiple other nonprofit boards and committees with a passion towards driving progress and process. She was named to the 2014 class of the Cincinnati Business Courier’s Forty Under 40 and as the 2017 The Greater Cincinnati Foundation & LEGACY Emerging Philanthropist. She is a proud YWCA Rising Star, Roger Bacon graduate,University of Dayton Flyer, Clifton Heights resident, and aunt to eleven.
Sabra Tomb, Esq., Attorney, Air Force Research Laboratory
Sabra Tomb is an attorney-advisor for Headquarters Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. As an attorney for AFRL, Tomb provides legal support to AFRL’s $5 billion science, technology, research and development enterprise, including the laboratory’s nine component technology directorates and the 711th Human Performance Wing. Tomb also partners with AFRL’s Functional Directorates to accelerate the Research & Development process, and provides legal support to the AFRL leadership.
Tomb also currently serves as the Chair of the Department of Defense Technology Transfer Professional Development Advisory Group and as an Executive Board Member and Midwest Regional Coordinator for the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer. As the Midwest Regional Coordinator, she supports the technology transfer efforts of 30 labs and 130 facilities in six states.
Prior to her current position, Tomb was a Technology Transfer Specialist in the AFRL’s 711th Human Performance Wing’s Office of Research and Technology Applications and in the Wing’s Institutional Review and Biosurety Office.
Before her career with the Air Force, Tomb worked in the fitness and natural health industries for over ten years, and during that time, owned a natural health store for seven years.
Melissa Currence, Communications Manager, Procter & Gamble
Melissa Currence is a creative communications and marketing leader, highly skilled in communications that build visibility, drive strategic growth and capitalize on digital media for increased awareness and sales. A Cincinnati native, she is a communications manager for Procter & Gamble, serving P&G Professional in North America. Previously, she worked 20 years in nonprofit communications for a variety of organizations, including ArtWorks Cincinnati, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Talbert House and Over-the-Rhine Community Housing.
Currence is on the board of the League of Women Voters of the United States, serving as governance and bylaws committees chair, and on the executive committee of the Cincinnatus Association as co-chair of the Excellence in Government panel. She was named as a 2015 Cincinnati Business Courier Forty Under 40 and graduated from Action Tank’s Cincinnati City Council Bootcamp in 2021. She is featured in Let Ohio Women Vote, a documentary by CET/Think-TV, which tells the story of the long fight for women’s suffrage in our state – a fight which created unpredictable alliances as well as surprising connections to national events. She has an accreditation in public relations, a bachelor’s in political science from Xavier University and a master’s in Journalism and Communication from The Ohio State University.
Cathy Bernardino Bailey, Executive Director, Greater Cincinnati Water Works
Cathy Bailey is Executive Director of the Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) and the first woman and African American to lead the independent water utility in its 205-year history. Bailey has a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Cincinnati and began her career with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Bailey joined GCWW in 1992 and became the Director in 2015. Bailey leads 600 employees in providing drinking water and stormwater services to 1.1 million customers in the Cincinnati region. Bailey distinguished herself as a leader throughout her career, focusing on communications, strategic planning, innovation, outreach, and teamwork to deliver robust community solutions. Nationally, Bailey serves as a board member for Engaging Local Government Leaders, the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, the US Water Alliance, and Treasurer of The Water Research Foundation. Bailey serves locally as a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Cincinnati Alumnae Chapter member, and as a Woman’s City Club and The Children’s Home board member.
In 2018, Bailey was selected as a Cincinnati YWCA’s Career Women of Achievement and a Venue Magazine’s Women of Influence. In 2019, Bailey was recognized by the Chamber of Commerce African American Leaders Making Black History series. In 2021, Bailey received the American Water Works Association Diversity and Inclusion Award and the Gaskins Foundation STEMmys Applied Scientist of the Year Award.
Dorian A. Hunter, VP of Business Development & Marketing, Elliott Insurance Agency
Dorian Hunter is a passionate servant-leader determined to create long term change within communities who need it most. With his role in insurance, he develops and enacts strategic efforts for the company’s communications, outreach and partnerships. He seeks to be an atypical representative within the financial services industry by serving the underserved and addressing critical needs within underprivileged and under-resourced communities.
In addition to his role in insurance, Hunter is a Co-Founder of DreamVision, a social enterprise that empowers and uplifts the youth to chase after their dreams and aspirations. He and his team’s work with DreamVision also intertwined with the establishment of the local NAACP Chapter’s Youth Committee, mentorship and programming at local schools as well as other events and initiatives throughout the city of Springfield all centered around youth empowerment since 2016.
Hunter has experience in commercial real estate, entrepreneurship and community based sales and marketing. He serves on the Strategic Planning Committee for Mercy Health, Strategic Housing Advisory Committee in coordination with Greater Ohio Policy Center (GOPC), and as a Board member and treasurer with The ROYAL Academic Group. He is a graduate of Wittenberg University with his B.A. in Marketing and Communications and his M.S. in Data Analytics.
Anthony DeBord, C.E.M., Customer and External Affairs Manager, AEP Ohio
As Customer and External Affairs manager for the southern Ohio territory, Anthony DeBord is responsible for representing AEP Ohio regarding community and customer issues. DeBord began his career with AEP in 2009 in Groveport, OH. Since then, he has worked in several Customer Experience related positions including Customer Service Account Representative and Customer Account Manager for Large Commercial and Industrial Accounts.
In addition to his External Affairs role, DeBord is currently on the board of the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation, which provides development, and partnerships, to encourage business opportunities in Southern Ohio. He also represents AEP Ohio as part of the Leadership Committee of Scioto 365, a Scioto County based Foundation that provides community grant funding to create vibrant, healthy, and safe neighborhoods and communities.
DeBord is a graduate of Franklin University and holds an undergraduate degree in Information Technology and a Master of Science in Marketing and Communications. Additionally, he holds the designations of Certified Energy Manager (C.E.M.), Certified Energy Auditor, and Certified Building Operator – Level 1. Currently, he resides in Logan, OH with his wife, Jennifer, and their three children.
Toya J. Johnson, M.Ed., Deputy City Clerk, Columbus City Council
Toya Johnson is the Deputy City Clerk for Columbus City Council. As the Deputy City Clerk, she assists with all matters related to the day-to-day operational functions of Columbus City Council. Johnson’s professional career spans thirty (30) years in government at local, county and state levels.
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Johnson began service to the community as a therapeutic foster parent. Johnson’s concern for youth motivated her and her husband to open an early learning center, where they directly impact the lives of our future leaders.
Johnson serves on the boards for Directions For Youth & Families and Franklin Park Conservatory. She is Chair of the Conservatory’s Community Outreach & Education Committee, active in the Columbus Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc., a public service organization, and a charter member of the Columbus Chapter of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA).
Johnson has a Bachelor of Science degree from Hampton University and a Master of Education degree from Cleveland State University. She and her husband are the proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to one grandson. She attends Vineyard Columbus Church and enjoys travel, reading, music, sports and time with her family.
Troy Haslinger, Clinical Oncology Specialist, Natera and Founder Life Is Good No Matter What
Troy Haslinger is Clinical Oncology Specialist at Natera. In his role Haslinger is an oncology advocate and specialist who educates medical and surgical oncologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and nurses on Signatera. Signatera is a personalized, tumor-informed, ctDNA assay that monitors how well a patient with cancer is responding to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Haslinger works as well with C-Suite physicians and administrative staff to set up clinical pathways at University Hospitals/Seidman Cancer Center and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. In addition to his role as a Clinical Oncology Specialist, Haslinger is an Area Field Trainer where he educates new reps in their role to passionalty promote Signatera.
Haslinger launched Life Is Good No Matter What in 2012. The nonprofit grants escapes to adults battling cancer. It was started in memory of his sister Holly who battled colon cancer for 18 months before she passed away in 2011. Haslinger and his Board of Directors came up with the name Life Is Good No Matter What as a tribute to Hollys battlecry. Haslinger was Board Chairman for five years where nearly 40 escapes were granted. In 2016, Haslinger gave a TEDTalk at the University of Akron honoring his sister Holly called “The Power of Escape.”
Haslinger is a Father of two boys Sam and Max and one dog, Apollo.
Chrissy Myers, Chief Executive Officer, AUI & Clarity HR
Myers is the CEO of AUI and Clarity HR insurance benefits and HR services to small and medium sized businesses in both for profit and non-profit sectors. Myers describes herself as the chief cheerleader for both companies setting direction, steering marketing content, and finding creative ways to disrupt two established business sectors. She is also the author of AUI Gives Back and Clarity Cares, two community impact programs where employees serve in the community, track their impact and share what they are doing on behalf of their customers.
Around Akron Myers works to leave her community a better place. She is a graduate of Torchbearers, Leadership Akron, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, and Community Leadership Institute.
As an advocate for families struggling with addiction and mental health issues, Myers serves on the Board of Directors of the Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board of Summit County. In addition, she serves on the Board of Directors for Jobs for Ohio Graduates.
When she is not plotting world domination of the insurance industry or volunteering in the community Myers can be found at home with her husband, Steve, and two children: Maddy and Caleb.
Tyler Smith, MS, CSCS, Director of Community Health, Bon Secours Mercy Health
Tyler Smith is the Director of Community Health for Mercy Health- Lima, where he provides the strategic direction and oversight of collaborative efforts with hospital leadership, nonprofits, and CBOs to identify community health priorities and address social determinants and place-based health disparities.
Smith remains committed to collaboratively supporting innovative and sustainable projects, programs and partnerships that leverage both social and financial capital to address some of the greatest health and social needs experienced by patients, communities, and local neighbors.
In addition, Smith oversees the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), Community Benefit & Investment and Health Anchor Network (HAN) initiatives within the market.
Smith received his B.S. from Manchester University and his Master’s in Exercise Science from Oakland University, and is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).
Smith serves on the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Allen, Auglaize and Hardin Counties, is a member of the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, a Regional Advisory Board Charter Member of the Children’s Hunger Alliance, a United Way of Greater Lima (UWGL) Allocation Committee member, a Governing Elder at Cable Road Alliance Church, a proud 2021 Allen Lima Leadership (ALL) and 2019 Mercy Health-Lima Emerging Leader graduate.
Smith resides in Lima, with his lovely wife Stacy and their 3 sons, Xayden, Jax, and Huxley, with baby 4 expected in April.
Angela N. Rivers-Harper, BS, MA, DBA, Programs Director, Dress for Success Cincinnati
Dr. Angela N. Rivers-Harper is a native of Cincinnati, OH where she is the current Programs Director for Dress for Success Cincinnati. Dress for Success Cincinnati is one of the few programs in the Greater Cincinnati Tri-State area focused specifically on the needs of unemployed and under-employed women and their families. Their successful programs empower women first to secure employment and ultimately to thrive in their careers, their lives, and their communities.
Rivers-Harper obtained her Doctoral Degree in Organizational Leadership in 2019 from Liberty University. She has an Associates in Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts in Business and Human Resource Management, Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, Master of Arts in Executive Leadership, four Certifications in Education, Organizational Communications, School Leadership, and is also a Notary for the State of Ohio and an ordained wedding officiant.
Rivers-Harper is a reigning Pageant Queen and a small business owner. River-Harpers is the CEO of Ohio Kurvy Fashion Weekend, CEO of Keep It Kurvy Boutique, Founder of the “I Love Me” Women’s Empowerment Conference, Kute Frames and Kute Kosmetics by Angela-Nicholle. Rivers-Harper resides in Cincinnati with her husband, William, who she has been married to for two years and they have a 28 year old daughter, Jshnaee’ Aviane’ and two dogs Caige and Corey.
Amy S. Harker, Northeast Ohio Regional Career and Innovation Specialist, ESC of Northeast Ohio
Amy Harker’s experience with career readiness (CR), leadership development, strategic planning, and personalized learning helps districts build capacity to expand their programming. Harker serves as a connector of public schools, higher education, and businesses in Ohio to aid districts in building experience-based learning opportunities and creating comprehensive career plans for K-12. She has established a CR Leaders Network as well as serves as a facilitator on the state-wide CR network. She is the CR Task Force Coordinator for the First Ring Collaborative.
As a lead on the Cross-State High School Collaborative in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University and the Ohio Department of Education, Harker works to redesign high schools. She is a certified Focus 3 facilitator and John Maxwell Presenter and Life Coach. She is also a National Leader for Future Ready Schools.
Harker has served in several roles in Ohio schools. She has been awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. She is a member of the BASA's women's leadership committee as well as BASA's Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Committee.
Harker is a graduate of Mount Union and received her master's degree from Baldwin-Wallace. A lifetime resident of Ohio, she is a proud mother of two daughters.
Crystal Jones, Vice President for Marketing, Diversity, and Community Impact, Clark State College
Crystal Jones has over fifteen years of experience in higher education with nine years devoted to industry-specific areas including business, customer service, marketing, healthcare administration, insurance, diversity, and leadership.
Jones not only has an adoration for higher education, but a lifelong passion for advocacy. Her leadership and experience in supporting individuals and the community is demonstrated through her participation in outreach programs, tutoring, not-for-profit startup, mentoring, and other professional settings. Jones has facilitated a number of Diversity sessions, such as the United Way of Clark, Champaign, and Madison Counties, the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, and Springfield Fire Division. She has also served as a panelist on a community-wide discussion for Leaders of Change focusing on social justice, on the Women’s Leadership Panel for Women’s History month, and facilitated a panel focusing on Allyship and Advocacy.
Jones began her educational journey at Clark State College and earned her bachelor’s degrees in organizational leadership and human services from Urbana University. She then attained an MBA with an emphasis in Healthcare Management at American Intercontinental University and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in leadership in higher education at Capella University.
Dr. Kenyona Walker, Senior Project Manager at the Center on Education and Training for Employment at The Ohio State University
Dr. Kenyona Walker is a scholar on the topic of Race in Education. She serves as a co-leader of the Center CETE’s Steering Team for the Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) Movement, serving as an invited speaker, at the national and local levels. Walker teaches Urban Issues in Education at The Ohio State University. Walker is the Principal Investigator on the Parent Mentors Oversight and Professional Development Project, sponsored by the Ohio Department of Education. As a licensed school psychologist, Walker works collaboratively with educators, 100+ Parent Mentors across the state, to address issues related to Special Education.
Dr. Walker leads the Staying and Thriving: Cultivating Community with and for Black Women Undergraduate Students in the College of Education and Human Ecology project as a Principal Investigator. The project is designed to increase the sense of belonging of Black women students at The Ohio State University. Her research has been published in both scholarly and creative works, including a pending book chapter, entitled Dear White People: Black Women Students’ Perspective. Driven by the belief that we must “do” justice, Walker develops blueprints for the intersection of research and practice to reimagine what true equity in education can be.
Nikol M. Miller, Executive Director, Miami Valley Urban League
Nikol Miller was tapped to be the Executive Director of the Miami Valley Urban League last year, where their mission is to transform generations through financial empowerment and self-sufficiency.
After living in Chicago for 12 years, Miller came home to Dayton in 2016 when she was hired as the Community Relations Manager at the Greater Dayton RTA. She was responsible for maintaining their community relations program by developing partnerships with stakeholders and community groups to advocate for RTA interests while fostering communication throughout the agency’s footprint.
Because of her work developing the national outreach plan for the 2020 Census, Miller was appointed by the Dayton City Commission and Montgomery County Board of Commission to chair of the Dayton-Montgomery County Complete Count Committee, a group of community leaders and stakeholders who coordinated across all sectors of Montgomery County the outreach efforts for a strong count in the 2020 Census.
Miller is a graduate of Miami University. She’s a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She serves on the boards for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Greater Edgemont Community Coalition, the African-American Community Fund, Dayton’s Community and Neighborhood Development Advisory Board, and OnMain Advisory Board.
Amanda Page, MFA, Executive Director, Scioto Literary
Amanda Page is the Founder and Executive Director of Scioto Literary, a nonprofit that supports writers and storytellers in Scioto and surrounding counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Scioto Literary’s first project is Peerless City, a documentary that examines the rise and decline of economic prosperity in Portsmouth, Ohio through the lens of three distinct slogans adopted by the city over two centuries.
In addition to her work with Scioto Literary, Page is a freelance writer who focuses on stories in the Midwest and Appalachia. Her work appears in Belt Magazine, The Daily Yonder, 100 Days in Appalachia, Literary Hub and Yes! Magazine. She is the editor of The Columbus Anthology from Belt Publishing and The Ohio State University Press, and creator of Packard’s Columbus, a walking tour of Frank Packard architecture in downtown Columbus, Ohio. Her essay, “The Packard Presence in Columbus, Ohio,” about developing the tour, is featured in the anthology Midwest Architecture Journeys from Belt Publishing.
Page earned a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from the University of Alabama. Originally from southern Ohio, she currently lives in Columbus where she teaches scholarly writing and humanities at Mount Carmel College of Nursing.
Christie Weininger, Executive Director, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums
Christie Weininger is the executive director of the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums in Fremont. She graduated from Otterbein University with a degree in history. While there, she volunteered in the college archives and completed internships with the Ohio History Connection, the Motorcycle Heritage Museum, and the Plymouth Area Historical Society. She spent a semester abroad at Roehampton Institute in Wimbledon, England, where studying “local history” meant working with documents that were 600 years old. Weininger earned her master’s degree in history from the University of Toledo. Her thesis was entitled “Finding Common Ground: The Use of Memories in the Creation of Community Identity.” Weininger was the director of the Wood County Museum, Bowling Green, for nine years and spent seven years as director/curator of the Wyandot County Museum, Upper Sandusky. Weininger is a past president of the Ohio Local History Alliance and chaired that organization’s Advocacy Committee. She also served the Ohio Academy of History as chair of the Public History Committee. Weininger currently is the treasurer for the Ohio Travel Association and is a board member of the Ohio Museums Association. She teaches courses in Ohio history and public history at Heidelberg University in Tiffin.
Tracy Spikes, MHR, CWDP, Workforce Development Senior Program Manager, Central Ohio Transit Authority
As Workforce Development Senior Program Manager of Central Ohio Transit Authority, Tracy Spikes is passionate about growing people and serving others. Spikes has aligned these strengths to help organizations thrive. That vision aligns with her organization's mission to “MOVE EVERY LIFE FORWARD.” Spikes earned her Bachelor of Science in Business from Ohio Dominican University and Masters in Human Resource Management (MHRM) from DeVry University. Spikes also holds a Certified Workforce Development Professional certification (CWDP).
Spikes currently leads COTA’s Vehicle Maintenance Pre-Apprentice Program and State of Ohio Apprentice Program. These two successful programs grant industry recognized credentials to high school students and employees through work-based learning and ATP formal training programs. Additionally, Spikes leads COTA’s African American Employee Resource Group BELIEVE supporting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion among employees. Prior to her current position, Spikes served as Executive Assistant, supporting COTA’s CEO and Deputy CEO.
Prior to joining COTA, Spikes served in a strategic role implementing the successful foundation of the Early College Academy, a dropout prevention charter school.
Spikes is a spiritual person who enjoys spending time with her partner Charles, two daughters, Monique and Deauntae, and three granddaughters, Armani, Eiliyah and Semira.
Mark Greer, MM, Great Streets Administrator, City of Akron
Mark Greer serves as Great Streets Administrator for the city of Akron where he manages 13 Neighborhood Business Districts. During his tenure, Great Streets has awarded over $2.6 million in façade grants to business owners, and provides support to local CDCs and neighborhood organizations.
As a coach and speaker, Greer has presented on leadership development, diversity, inclusion & belonging, economic development, education reform, the abolitionist movement, arts education, and community revitalization. Interviews and features include Crain’s Cleveland, Spectrum 1 News Ohio, Fox8 News Cleveland, Akron Beacon Journal, The Reporter, Socially Good TV, WAKR, WKSU, and the New York Times. His co-authored article, “How Akron, Ohio is expanding economic opportunity by investing in Neighborhood Business Districts,” was published by the Brookings Institution.
Greer was previously Program Coordinator at Leadership Akron, and taught on the faculties of Malone University, University of Mount Union, Kent State University, and the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia, PA. Greer serves on the board of Tuesday Musical Association, West Hill Neighborhood Organization, and the Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance, Visioning & Planning Committee. A 2021 recipient of the Greater Akron Chamber “30 for the Future” Award, Greer was recently named a recipient of the Ohio Black Women’s Leadership Caucus’s “Salute to Significant African American Males” award. In addition, Greer is a classically trained pianist, making his Carnegie Hall debut in 2006.
Shawna Woody, HOPE Toledo, Vice President of Operations
Shawna Woody was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. She graduated from Rogers High School and, as a Toledo EXCEL scholarship recipient, earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of Toledo. Subsequently, she received her master’s degree in Communication Studies from Bowling Green State University.
In 2004, Woody began her 17-years-long career at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo as an instructor. Only four years later, her exemplary ability for youth development, effective guidance, program planning, implementation, and evaluation prompted her to swiftly move up the ranks to become the Director of Operations.
Woody joined the HOPE Toledo team as the Vice President of Operations in 2021 and is responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures, program efficiencies, and other operational duties while furthering the mission of the organization.
She serves on the board of directors for the Eberly Center for Women at the University of Toledo and with First Tee Lake Erie. Woody is a Center for Nonprofit Resources Minority Executive Leadership Program graduate and mentor, serves as co-lead for the youth pillar of the Toledo Racial Equity & Inclusion Council and is a member of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated.
Hillary Stewart, M.A., Manager of Enterprise Risk Management, FirstEnergy, and the Ian P. Schwarber Foundation Fellow
Hillary Stewart is manager of Enterprise Risk Management & Risk Control for FirstEnergy Service Company. In this role, she is focused on promoting an enterprise-wide risk-aware culture.
Stewart joined FirstEnergy in 2008 as an intern. Prior to her current position, she held roles in Operational Performance Improvement, Enterprise Risk Management, Investor Relations, and Rates & Regulatory Affairs. She has a master’s degree in Economics and bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Akron and is a member of the Enterprise Risk Management subcommittee of Edison Electric Institute.
Stewart is a native Akronite who lives in North Hill with her husband Neil Nagy and rescue dogs Cinder and Swarley, where she enjoys using Instagram to chronicle her #adventuresonthegorge. In her free time, she is often found cooking, struggling to raise her houseplants, meeting with friends in Akron places, and reading books about economics.
As a committed Akron native, Stewart also serves as president of the board of South Street Ministries, a community development organization in South Akron. She is a graduate and former board president of Torchbearers and has volunteered with many local organizations.
Wendi R. Huntley, Esq., President, Connecting Kids To Meals
As President for Connecting Kids To Meals, Inc. (CKM), Wendi Huntley guides her nonprofit organization in providing hot, nutritious meals at no cost to at-risk kids in low income and underserved areas of NW Ohio. CKM partners with schools, libraries, community centers, afterschool programs, homeless shelters and other places where kids gather. Huntley is responsible for fundraising, community engagement, marketing, and brand management initiatives. CKM provides about 700,000 healthy meals to kids each year, and has been feeding hungry kids for over 19 years.
Huntley is also an accomplished attorney with nearly 30 years in corporate, litigation, intellectual property, sports and entertainment law. After working for a large law firm, she established her own firm, SPEC Group, with clients across the U.S. A native of Toledo, Ohio, Huntley earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Bowling Green State University and her Juris Doctorate from The Ohio State College of Law.
Huntley is active volunteering in the community and has received numerous awards of distinction. She was selected a 2020 Recipient of the YWCA of Greater NWOH’s MileStones Award and recently an Outstanding Community Responder (COVID-19) by the Association of Fundraising Professionals NWOH Chapter, to name a few. Huntley is Chair of the HOPE Toledo Board, and on the Board of Directors for Mercy Health, Partners in Education, Mobile Meals, and HEIRS CCC (Charlotte, N.C.).
Eric Wobser, City Manager, City of Sandusky
Eric Wobser is a native of Sandusky and has served as the City Manager of the City of Sandusky since 2014. As the chief executive officer of the municipal corporation, Wobser oversees more than 230 employees, manages an annual operating budget of over $25 million, and serves 25,000 residents. During his tenure, Wobser has partnered with the City Commission, staff, and community partners to catalyze a revitalization of Sandusky that has included over $400 million in public and private investment into Sandusky’s neighborhoods, downtown, and waterfront. Sandusky has positioned itself as one of the premier destination communities on the Great Lakes and has become a successful case study for the revival of Ohio’s smaller legacy cities.
Prior to returning to Sandusky, Wobser served as the Executive Director of Ohio City Incorporated and as Special Projects Manager in the Mayor’s Office in the City of Cleveland. He has also served as a board member of the Cleveland Municipal School District, the Downtown Cleveland Alliance, and the City Club of Cleveland. He currently serves on the boards of the Erie County Community Foundation and the Sandusky State Theater. Wobser is a proud graduate of Ohio University and the University of Michigan Law School.
Malcolm Cunningham, Health Outcomes Manager, ProMedica Health System
Malcolm Cunningham works across the spectrum of social determinants of health. Currently, he contributes expertise in community health, engagement, and organizing to ensure that voice, choice, and equity are centered in the Ebeid Neighborhood Promise (ENP) community development initiative.
Cunningham's career seeks answers to several questions: which interventions, supports, and policies are most critical to wellbeing? What does it take, at scale, to generate upward mobility and build health equity? What does it take, again, at scale, to mitigate weathering/rapid aging despite mobility and resilience? It's taken several years to elucidate these questions - as well as how to answer them best.
This clarification began at Ohio State University, where he graduated with a BS in Psychology and built primary schools in Malawi alongside fellow students and Professor Lupenga Mphande. Cunningham was also in the first cohort of Peace Corps Volunteers to return to Rwanda since 1994. Next, Cunningham returned home and taught "at-risk" Toledo youth how to grow organic food. He then worked at the University of Michigan's School of Public Health to develop a macro, public health perspective on his grassroots/soil-level work. Finally, Cunningham returned to Toledo to put down roots and generate community change at scale.
Omar Elhagmusa, Senior Lender, IFF
Omar Elhagmusa is a passionate, energetic advocate who uses his financial background to advance the facility and equipment needs of Nonprofits. He does a lot of this through education and reframing, helping debt averse non-profits make prudent decisions that benefit them long-term. As the senior lender for IFF in Ohio, his role is to leverage IFF’s resources to support targeted community-led initiatives.
In his previous 15+ years of financial experience, Elhagmusa got to learn all aspects of banking. Omar was ranked the number 1 branch manager out of 700 locations in Huntington Bank’s footprint in 2017. Elhagmusa then went on to become a business lender while volunteering his time and knowledge to support rejuvenation efforts in his adopted neighborhood of Weinland Park.
Elhagmusa was able to deploy over 10 MM dollars of capital to small businesses and nonprofits during his time at Finance Fund. During that time he developed valuable experience with New Market Tax Credits, Historic Tax Credits, and the Healthy Food Financing Initiative. Elhagmusa enjoys developing and implementing programs that ensure the long-term sustainability of nonprofits and social enterprises. He is certified as an Economic Development Financial Professional through the National Development Council and received his Master’s in Business Administration from Ohio Dominican University. As the senior lender for IFF in Ohio, his role is to leverage IFF’s resources to support targeted community-led initiatives.
Chris Canova, MBA, Executive Director/CEO, Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates
Chris Canova has turned his passion for youth development into a career. He has spent his entire professional career working with youth on academic, social and workforce development related issues. Canova has used his B.A. in Economics and Masters of Business Administration degrees to directly serve youth, coordinate youth programming and lead a non-profit youth service organization – Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates (JOG).
In 2002, Canova became the Executive Director/CEO of Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates. During his tenure, he has navigated the organization through significant change while increasing the revenues over 2,000% and transitioning JOG from a school-based program to a recognized community-based organization. Most importantly, JOG has achieved the highest recognition for outcomes in the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) national network for the past 20+ years, ensuring that its stakeholders - youth, funding agencies and Ohio’s communities - are receiving quality service.
Canova has served as a Nationally Certified trainer and consultant for JAG, assisting in the launch of several programs nationwide and has served locally and statewide on committees and boards of directors.
Brad Perkins, Vice President of Information Technology, siffron, Inc.
Brad Perkins has over 23 years of experience as an Information Technology professional, and just recently celebrated his 14th anniversary at siffron, Inc. where he serves as the Vice President of Information Technology. During his tenure at siffron, Perkins has helped lead the organization through multiple acquisition integrations, systems upgrades, and system implementations to help build the organization into one of the premier manufacturer and supplier of point of purchase fixture products in the United States.
In addition to his experience at siffron, Perkins also has experience working in the public sector, specifically higher education, as well as other private sector companies in industries that include outsourcing, domestic distribution, biomedical manufacturing, and global distribution.
While he may have been born in Massachusetts, Perkins considers himself a lifelong Buckeye! Perkins holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Kent State University where he majored in Management and Information Systems, and a Masters in Business Administration from Cleveland State University. Perkins serves on the board of the Medina Soccer Association, and when he’s not at a soccer game or cheerleading competition, he absolutely adores spending time with his two daughters, Makayla and Aubrey, and his son Bradley Jr.
Meredith Whitehead, MA, Program Manager of Strategic Initiatives, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Meredith Whitehead is the Program Manager of Strategic Initiatives in the Community Development Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. She leads the planning and execution of programming focused on workforce development across the Bank’s four-state district, which includes Ohio, western Pennsylvania, eastern Kentucky, and the northern panhandle of West Virginia.
Prior to joining the Cleveland Fed, Whitehead was the Assistant Athletic Director for all athletics at the University of Cincinnati. There, she led efforts dedicated to the Women’s Excellence Fund to provide investment in female student-athletes. While at the University of Cincinnati, Whitehead helped the launch of IMPACT, the market leading Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) readiness program. Whitehead also co-led a diversity initiative university-wide during the social injustice protest to increase awareness surrounding racial equity amid the murder of Geroge Floyd.
Whitehead possesses several years in the non-profit sector and operations. She serves on the Leadership Committee for Ohio Workforce Coalition. Whitehead has a BS in Communication from the University of Cincinnati and a MA in Organizational Leadership from the University of Arizona. She currently lives in Cincinnati, Ohio and is the dog mom of Sancho.
Julie Mujic, Ph.D., Global Commerce Visiting Assistant Professor / Coordinator for Faculty Partnerships (Knowlton Center for Career Exploration), Denison University
Julie Mujic is a historian of war and society, particularly focused on the Midwestern home front during the American Civil War. Her research projects also include the impact and memory of World War I on Columbus, Ohio; Ohio-centered global economic microhistories; and anti-abolitionism in Cincinnati. With an educational and professional background in business as well as history, Mujic teaches in the interdisciplinary Global Commerce major at Denison University in Granville, Ohio. On the administrative side of her dual role there, she has built stronger relationships between the university’s Humanities faculty and students with the campus career center and is driving improved engagement and post-graduation outcomes for students. Part of this work includes developing connections and opportunities for the university in the community; that call to outreach, in addition to her research and personal interests in the state, brought her to Leadership Ohio.
Mujic grew up in Willoughby and lived in several Northeast Ohio communities and in Connecticut before settling in Westerville with her family and two dogs. She also serves on the Westerville Public Library Board of Trustees, the Ohio Academy of History Executive Council, and is a co-founder of Humanities Happy Hour in Central Ohio.
Torika Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, Inergy Advisors
Torika Thompson is the Chief Executive Officer of Inergy Advisors, one of five companies operated within Thompson and Barnett Enterprises which she Co-Founded with Justin Barnett and is a Managing Partner. Thompson and Barnett Enterprises empowers small businesses to achieve optimal efficiency and profitability, by addressing root cause concerns accompanied by a plan of action and the support to execute. Additional entities include TB Capital Solutions, Millennial Finance Corporation, Thompson and Barnett Innovations, and Upswing Financial Group. Prior to business ownership, Thompson worked for the Internal Revenue Service.
Thompson is an Air Force Veteran. After completing Leadership Northern Kentucky Class of 2016, Thompson was commissioned into The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels by former Kentucky Governor Matthew Bevin. She is a member of The Order of the Eastern Star, Kappa Epsilon Psi Military Sorority Inc, and the Federated Democratic Women of Summit County.
In addition, Thompson serves on the Columbus Chamber Small Business Council, Greater Akron Chamber Government Affairs and Equity and Inclusion Committees, as Alumni Captain for Bunker Labs Veterans in Residence, the Board of Directors, and as Treasurer and Community Investment Review Chair for Impact100 Global Veterans.
Above all she is a woman of faith who receives God’s grace daily; it is her duty to serve others. Her true passion is youth development and empowerment, which inspired the Thompson and Barnett Youth Academy.
Shelly Martin, M.A.Ed., Business Operations Consultant, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (OSUWMC)
Shelly Martin, a proud native of Columbus, OH, is committed to serving people and her community. During her years at OSUWMC Martin has worked in clinical, educational, and administrative roles. Martin is currently a Business Operations Consultant for the Employee Resource Center (ERC), where she oversees the provision of resources to support faculty and staff well-being, while providing the educational tools needed to advance in their career.
After several years of providing diversity education for faculty and staff at OSU, Martin founded Shelltalk4U where she has provided Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) consulting services for several organizations, including the FBI Columbus and Ohio Recreation and Parks.
Martin has a passion for learning, with an undergraduate degree in Cultural Comparative Studies and a Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Workforce Development. Martin is also an ordained Minister for Royal Kingdom Ministries and has served on numerous community programs and boards.
In addition, Martin has been a facilitator or speaker at a wide range of training opportunities local and nationally. She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her leadership and work in the community.
Bryan Stewart, Workforce Director, Montgomery County ESC & Learn to Earn Dayton
Bryan Stewart is a native of Dayton, Ohio where he serves as Workforce Director at the Montgomery County Educational Service Center. In this role, he manages their Business Advisory Council in coordination with major industry partners and 23 nearby school districts. In 2021, Stewart opened his first small business, Postmarked from the Stars Bookstore.
Previously, Stewart served as a Legislative Aide in the Dayton City Commission Office. In this role, he founded The Longest Table Dayton which held over 20 community meals bringing thousands of people together to break bread and discuss Dayton’s future. Stewart also founded Project Rebound which built a basketball court in West Dayton through a series of public and private partnerships in hopes of designing a space similar to NYC’s Rucker Park for young people to find safe haven and develop their skills.
Stewart holds a master's degree in public administration from the University of Dayton and a bachelor's in diplomacy and global politics from Miami University. He also serves as a board member for Welcome Dayton, the Boys & Girls Club of Dayton, and is an avid Cincinnati Bengals fan.
Rachel Gagnon, J.D., Chief of Staff, Lucas Metropolitan Housing
Rachel Gagnon is a proud Toledoan and a graduate of The Ohio State University and Capital University Law School. Licensed to practice law in Ohio and Michigan, Gagnon has devoted her life to serving her community through a variety of roles in the nonprofit and volunteer sectors. She recently joined Lucas Metropolitan Housing as its Chief of Staff at the end of 2021. Prior to joining LMH, Gagnon served as the Executive Director of the Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board (TLCHB) as well as the Chief Operating Officer at Sunshine Communities.
Gagnon believes housing is a fundamental right for all individuals; she has spent time in her career advocating for inclusive housing developments and rebuilding response systems to effectively serve community members in need. In her work at TLCHB, she assisted in coordinating service delivery across an array of homeless services providers, acted as the HUD-mandated Continuum of Care organization and engaged in long-term planning for homelessness prevention. While at Sunshine Communities, Gagnon led a $5+ million housing project designed to provide individuals with disabilities stable and integrated housing in Toledo.
Gagnon serves as a Board Member for Lucas County Children Services as well as TLCHB. Gagnon’s greatest role is that of “mom” to her children, Vera and Ellis.