Filter options: Reset Search

Making Clark-Fulton a model for healthy living

Marielee Santiago-Rodriguez, Director, Transformative Knowledge & Education, MetroHealth Institute for H.O.P.E.

Marilee discussed MetroHealth Institute for H.O.P.E.’s Viasana project, which aims to address health disparities in at-risk communities, particularly in the Clark Fulton neighborhood. She highlighted the challenges of unaffordable housing and low internet access, stressing the importance of data collection and community partnerships for effective health interventions. The Viasana project, a 72-unit mixed-income affordable housing initiative developed in collaboration with NRP Group, is designed for residents earning at or below 60% of the area median income.

Marilee shared how the MetroHealth Opportunity Center at Viasana serves as a community hub, and offers educational workshops and support groups. Marilee highlighted the Tri-C Access Center, which provides educational resources and hosts over 130 events focused on financial literacy, health education, and workforce development, as well as community-led listening sessions to gather resident feedback for continuous improvement.

Watch Now

Recorded 06/04/2025

Helping newcomers to grow and thrive

Patrick Kearns, Executive Director, Re:Source Cleveland

Patrick Kearns shared insights from his extensive experience working with refugees, particularly in Southeast Asia. He emphasized the importance of understanding the conditions refugees face prior to their arrival in the U.S. to provide effective support. He outlined Resource Cleveland’s focus on transformative programs rather than one-time services. He detailed the Ohio City Farm social enterprise model and its plans for future developments, as well as the youth services programs that guide students from fourth grade through post-secondary education – highlighting their exceptional success.

Patrick addressed the challenges of the current socio-political climate, noting the uncertainty of their legal status as the largest factor affecting newcomers. He discussed the importance of partnerships with organizations like Catholic Charities and Legal Aid to assist clients with immigration law complexities and the need for volunteers for driving training initiatives. He also highlighted community involvement through programs like the Ohio City Farm’s CSA. Patrick concluded by calling for a shift in the local conversation on immigration towards a more inclusive narrative, sharing success stories that illustrate the positive impact of community support.

Watch Now

Recorded 05/28/2025

Enhancing and elevating human services through collaboration

Annette Iwamoto, Director, Human Services Chamber of Cuyahoga County

Annette discussed the vision for the Human Services Chamber of Cuyahoga County which aims to advocate for the human services sector, develop networks, and enhance operational efficiency through shared services. She highlighted the fragility of the nonprofit ecosystem, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and stressed the necessity for a unified voice to tackle challenges related to funding and workforce issues. She shared her initial efforts in establishing the chamber, including forming a launch committee of nonprofit leaders and adapting to the evolving political landscape that affects nonprofit funding.

Annette underscored the critical role of human service nonprofits in Cuyahoga County, noting their reliance on federal funding and the diverse services they provide. She expressed concerns about the current political climate undermining the importance of nonprofits and their funding.

She discussed the collaborative framework in Hamilton County as a model for engagement and highlighted the importance of relationship building. She outlined her approach to building the organization, which is focused on member engagement, community support, and ongoing communication to raise awareness of the nonprofit sector’s impact.

Watch Now

Recorded 05/21/2025

A new vision for a legacy institution

Preston Smith, General Manager/COO, The Union Club

Preston discussed how the Union Club is evolving to meet the needs of future members while preserving its traditions. He outlined current renovations and provided an overview of the comprehensive master plan that is focused on financial stability, alignment with the club’s mission, and attracting a diverse membership. Smith highlighted the club’s historical significance and the club’s reciprocity with approximately 150 clubs worldwide.

Preston acknowledged the challenges of funding larger initiatives and shared insights from his time in the hospitality industry and key leadership lessons he’s learned across his career. He concluded by sharing what’s on tap for this summer, including family events, the release the Club’s strategic plan, and the start of some of the renovations.

Watch Now

Recorded 05/14/2025

Enriching the lives of the LGBTQ+ community

Gulnar Feerasta, Managing Director, LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland

We apologize. The replay of this video is not available.

Recorded 05/07/2025

Leadership lessons from a local media legen

Micki Byrnes, Chief Communications Officer and Senior Adviser, Adcom

Micki discussed her recent career move, shared her personal experiences and the emotional challenges associated with significant career changes. She detailed her career journey, highlighting her nearly 50 years in local television and the various roles she has held across different cities. She discussed the anxiety surrounding her identity post-retirement and the importance of finding purpose in this new chapter of her life.

Throughout the discussion, Micki encouraged attendees to explore their personal identities beyond job titles and to remain open to new opportunities. She shared insights on maintaining a healthy work-life balance, recognizing personal strengths, and the importance of diverse experiences in professional settings. Additionally, she addressed the television industry’s challenges in adapting to changing consumer behaviors and the need for thoughtful changes to maintain team culture.

Watch Now

Recorded 04/30/2025