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Spark 2025: Rise & Lead

August 27 @ 7:30 am - 12:00 pm


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)

GET DETAILS & REGISTER >


AGENDA & SPEAKERS
— 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.


— 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


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


— CLOSING KEYNOTE —

Stronger Together: Trust Is the Bridge

  • Kevin Clayton (LC 2023), EVP, Chief Impact and Equity Officer, Cleveland Cavaliers


GET DETAILS & REGISTER >

Questions? Contact Courtney Chaney (440-212-5755). 

Details

Date:
August 27
Time:
7:30 am - 12:00 pm
Event Categories:
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Venue

Cleveland State University Student Center
2121 Euclid Avenue, 3rd Floor
Cleveland, OH 44115
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