LEADER LUNCH BREAK ARCHIVE

Kristin provided an overview of the organization’s significant contributions to the community. She discussed the challenges posed by recent reductions in SNAP benefits and the heightened demand for food assistance, particularly following the longest federal government shutdown, which left over 200,000 individuals in the service area facing food insecurity. She noted that the Food Bank had to ramp up its food distribution efforts, achieving record levels in November, and emphasized the critical role of community support in enabling the organization to purchase ten times more food than the previous year.

Brian provided an overview of WellLink, detailing its mission to connect healthcare decision-makers and its historical contributions to the healthcare sector. He highlighted WellLink’s representation of over 37 core facilities and its significant impact on job creation in Ohio, resulting in over 277 jobs with competitive salaries. He also introduced Daniel Lettenberger-Klein, who will lead community programming efforts within the organization.

Geri provided a comprehensive overview of the organization’s history and its mission to transform lives through music and the arts. She highlighted the diverse range of programs offered, including music education, therapy, and community engagement, with a strong emphasis on accessibility and partnerships. She discussed the organization’s outreach strategies, which include 11 partnerships aimed at increasing enrollment in music programs, particularly in schools facing budget cuts to arts education.

Amanda outlined Plexus’ mission to support LGBT businesses and professionals in Northeast Ohio through workplace inclusion and providing marketing and networking opportunities for small businesses. Amanda discussed the organization’s evolution from informal networking to a formal 450-member Chamber of Commerce, emphasizing its role in advocating for LGBT entrepreneurs and addressing discrimination. She highlighted the Gay Games in Cleveland as a catalyst for collaboration between the LGBT community and local businesses.

Amanda touched on Plexus’ three core pillars: connect, educate, and advocate. She discussed the benefits of certification for LGBT-owned organizations, the LGBT community’s economic impact, and the importance of advocacy amid anti-LGBT legislation. Despite recent membership decline due to financial pressures, Plexus remains committed to inclusivity and community engagement. She announced the upcoming LGBT Workplace Impact Symposium, aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and encouraged participation from HR and inclusion professionals.

Dr. Bohrer kicked off by covering what the liberal arts are, their history. He touched on the key components of a modern liberal arts education, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills that are highly sought after by employers. He also dispelled some of the common critiques of the liberal arts.

Marcia shared her personal journey from Chile to the United States, highlighting the challenges faced by immigrants in professional settings. She focused on the growing Latino workforce which, despite its significant population in the U.S. and Ohio, remains underrepresented in leadership roles. Marcia discussed her initiative, 100 Plus Latinos, designed to promote Latino excellence and foster community connections. She emphasized the need for organizations to become “Latino ready” and creating inclusive workplaces that support Latino talent through visibility, access, and mentorship. She announced the initiative’s expansion across Ohio, encouraging attendees to engage relationally with Latino professionals and help recruit participants.