Wednesday, August 27

Our world continues to evolve at a breakneck pace and effective leadership looks very different today than it did just a few years ago. What skills are now necessary for people and organizations to thrive and how do you incorporate these into your own leadership? Find out at Spark –  a high-energy leadership symposium where 250+ changemakers from across Greater Cleveland converge.

Spark 2025
Rise & Lead: Becoming the Leader Cleveland Needs

Wednesday, August 27, 2025
7:30 a.m. – Noon
Cleveland State University Student Center

$99 Early-bird through Thursday, July 31 ($125 beginning August 1)

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  • Agenda & Speakers

    8:00 a.m. Opening Keynote

    Adapt to Rise: Leading Cleveland into Tomorrow
    Lillian Kuri, President & CEO, Cleveland Foundation
    Randy McShepard (LC 2003), VP – Public Affairs & Chief Talent Officer, RPM International Inc.

    9:15 a.m. Breakout Sessions

    Fear Less, Risk More: Failing Forward
    Jimmy Kenyon (LC 2025), Director, NASA Glenn Research Center
    Kristin Warzocha (CLC Board, LC 2010, CBB 2002), President & CEO, Greater Cleveland Food Bank
    Myesha Watkins (LC 2025), Executive Director, Cleveland Peacemakers Inc.

    The Empathic Edge: Leading with Emotional Intelligence
    Kathy Sullivan (LC 2023), Principal & Owner, Talent Principles LLC

    The Storytelling Advantage: Influence that Lasts
    Micki Byrnes (CLC Board, LC 2005), Chief Communications Officer and Senior Advisor, Adcom

    10:15 a.m. Breakout Sessions

    The Ripple Effect: Wellbeing starts with YOU
    Ellen Burts-Cooper, Ph.D., Chief Improvement Officer, Improve Consulting & Training Group

    Barrier Breakers: Leading with Action
    Emily Campbell (CBB 2019), President & CEO, The Center for Community Solutions
    Daniel Lettenberger-Klein (LC2 2023, LC 2022), Chief Executive Officer, Stella Maris
    Erica Merritt (CBB 2008), Founder & Principal Consultant, Equius Group LLC

    Listening Leads: Humility in Action
    Sara Bartlett (CBB 2021), Owner, MOD Network LLC

    11:15 a.m. Closing Keynote

    Stronger Together: Trust Is the Bridge
    Kevin Clayton (LC 2023), EVP, Chief Impact and Equity Officer, Cleveland Cavaliers

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Event sponsorships available. Contact Joan Palumbo, (440) 315-1037 for details.

Spark 2025

Leading effectively in today’s chaotic and ever-changing world requires a paradigm shift. Gain insights into what skills are needed and how to add them to your leadership toolbox.

Have questions about Spark? Email Courtney Chaney at cchaney@cleveleads.org or call (216) 592-2243.

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In their words

“Such a great experience! The energy and insights from the speakers were truly inspiring. I left feeling motivated and brimming with new leadership ideas.”

Spark attendee, 2024