The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks take place every Wednesday at noon. Visit our calendar to see upcoming sessions.
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Changes and challenges in post-secondary education
Dr. Robert (Bob) Helmer, President, Baldwin Wallace University
Bob discussed the challenges and changes in higher education and highlighted the enduring value of higher education. He highlighted the enduring value of a college degree and shared the challenges posed by the changing perception of the value of college degrees and the significant impact of declining birth rates.
Bob presented a vision for the future of higher education, emphasizing the necessity to forge partnerships with businesses and communities to address evolving regional workforce demands. He also emphasized the need for universities to work together to share resources, collaborate on curriculum, and attract students to the region to create a thriving environment for all.
Recorded 03/13/2024
Integrating systems to address social determinants of health
Dr. Lisa Ramirez, Associate Director of Pediatric Psychology, Division of Psychology, The MetroHealth System
Dr. Ramirez presented on the importance of social determinants of health and social drivers, emphasizing their collective impact on overall health. She discussed adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the significance of understanding risk and protective factors in health outcomes. Dr. Ramirez passionately advocated for the integration of healthcare systems to address social drivers of health, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and partnerships.
She discussed the physical repercussions of ACEs, focusing on the concept of toxic stress and its profound impact on the body’s organ systems. She also touched on best practices for employers to support the well-being of their employees, emphasizing the significance of addressing social drivers of health in the workplace.
Recorded 03/06/2024
Preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies
Mike Parks, Regional Executive, Northern Ohio Region, American Red Cross
Rear Admiral Parks shared the mission and services of the Red Cross and highlighted their commitment to caring and its diverse range of services, including disaster relief, biomed, life-saving training, international aid, and support for the armed forces. He provided a comprehensive overview of the Red Cross’s disaster response initiatives, detailing the organization’s involvement in setting up shelters for residents affected by various disasters, including fires and hurricanes. Parks emphasized the pivotal role of volunteers and the organization’s partnerships with FEMA, local emergency responders, and nonprofit entities for successful disaster relief efforts.
He also chatted about the “Sound the Alarm” program, which provides free installation of smoke alarms in at-risk communities and teaches residents about fire safety and the importance of community engagement. Parks addressed the challenge of managing the Red Cross’s growth in the face of increasing disaster needs, highlighting the need for community resilience and partnerships to address these challenges.
Parks discussed the vision for the northern Ohio region, emphasizing the importance of community partnerships to effectively serve 31 counties and highlighted the need to expand reach through additional partnerships and community engagement.
Recorded 02/28/2024
Cleveland’s “joyful gathering” place
Tony Sias, President & CEO, Karamu House
Tony provided an update on the ongoing renovations at Karamu House, highlighting the completion of phases one through three and the plans for phase four. He emphasized their goal to create a vibrant campus environment that will attract more visitors to the Fairfax community. Additionally, he discussed the challenges faced and the efforts to engage neighbors and foster community involvement in the revitalization efforts and he touched on Karamu’s upcoming programming for children and summer camps. Tony also talked about the evolving subscription model in American theater and Karamu’s innovative approach to the pandemic. Tony highlighted their efforts to attract younger audiences to Karamu House by offering unique experiences and events.
Recorded 02/21/2024
Accelerating our community for a decade
Micki Byrnes , President & General Manager, WKYC Channel 3
Mike McIntyre, Executive Editor, Ideastream Public Media
Jim Malz, President – Ohio, Citizens
Past Accelerate emcees Micki and Mike reflect on their best Accelerate memories, talk about the impact of the event and past Accelerators, and share their thoughts on the upcoming 10th-anniversary celebration. The conversation was moderated by Jim Malz (Accelerate Co-Chair 2020-2024).
Recorded 02/14/2024
A familiar face in a new chair
Emily Campbell, President & CEO, Center for Community Solutions
Emily discussed Community Solutions’ nonpartisan stance and its commitment to providing data and analysis to inform policy and improve the lives of Ohioans. She highlighted the organization’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, upcoming initiatives, and the challenges of dealing with strong opinions and perceptions that may not align with the data. Emily also discussed successful innovations and pressing issues, emphasizing the importance of connecting various community issues and exploring innovative solutions to improve the current system.
She highlighted the urgency of expanding programs to address behavioral health needs, particularly in young girls and teens, and discussed effective advocacy work, emphasizing the significance of voting, finding a passion, and sharing stories with legislators to make a tangible impact. Finally, Emily highlighted the Center for Community Solutions’ impact in areas such as Medicaid policy and needs assessments, emphasizing the importance of regulatory changes in improving access to resources.
Recorded 02/07/2024