Spark 2025: Rise & Lead
August 27 @ 7:30 am - 12:00 pm
Event Navigation
Sponsored by: 
In a world moving at lightning speed, thriving as a leader means embracing new mindsets and skills. Join 250+ changemakers at Spark 2025, a high-energy leadership symposium where you’ll explore what it takes to lead effectively today—and tomorrow. Connect, learn, and leave inspired.
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)
AGENDA & SPEAKERS
— OPENING KEYNOTE —
Adapt to Rise: Leading Cleveland into Tomorrow
Sponsored by: 
and 
- Lillian Kuri, President & CEO, Cleveland Foundation
- Randy McShepard (LC 2003), VP – Public Affairs & Chief Talent Officer, RPM International Inc.
— 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
- Lexi Robinson, Senior Director of Content & Managing Editor, Destination CLE
- Chris Webb, Emmy Winning Journalist, Filmmaker, Performer, Activist
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 Ismail-Beigi Bartlett (she/her/hers) (CBB 2021), Owner, MOD Network LLC
— CLOSING KEYNOTE —
Sponsored by: 
Stronger Together: Trust Is the Bridge
- Kevin Clayton (LC 2023), EVP, Chief Impact and Equity Officer, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Peter John-Baptiste, Chief Communications Officer, Cleveland Browns
Questions? Contact Courtney Chaney (440-212-5755).
