The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Nick Castele, Reporter/Producer, ideastream CLE's mayoral race: insights & influences ideastream reporter Nick Castele has been closely following the mayoral race in his work and is host and producer of the podcast, After Jackson: Cleveland's Next Mayor. Join him to hear his insights into the candidates, the…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:45 p.m. Zoom   Shelly Peet (LC2 2013, LC 2009, CBB 2001, CLC Board) VP, Human Resources & Chief Information Officer, Nordson Corporation Dalithia Smith (LC 2020), Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, Oatey Co. Returning employees to the office: When? How? What now? The COVID situation continues to…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Eric Freedman, Ph.D., Knight Center for Environmental Journalism Chair and Professor, Michigan State University Plastic pollution + our Great Lake We all know plastic is polluting our oceans, but what about our Great Lakes - which provide drinking water for roughly 40 million people? Join Dr. Eric…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:45 p.m. Zoom     Michael Cantor (LC2 2013, LC 2012), Managing Director & Principal, Allegro Real Estate Brokers & Advisors Seth Task, President, Ohio REALTORS Northeast Ohio real estate, what's the deal? It's been a crazy couple of years for the real estate market. Hear how the pandemic has…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Ricardo León, Executive Director, Metro West Community Development Organization Community advancement through collaboration Over the past 18 months, Metro West has worked in tandem with neighborhood residents, and community partners from the Office of Ward 14 Councilwoman Jasmin Santana, The MetroHealth System, the Cleveland Foundation, and the…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Patrick Kearns, Executive Director, Refugee Response Seeking refuge in Cleveland It's a theme threaded throughout Afghanistan's history ... war, unrest, instability. Afghani citizens once again are fleeing for their lives and Cleveland is a primary resettlement location. Hear how Refugee Response is helping these newcomers and what…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Selina Pagan (LookUp 2013), Executive Director, Young Latino Network Empowering the Latino community Founded in 2002, The Young Latino Network hired Selina as their first Executive Director last month. Join Selina to hear about her transition from Board President of a volunteer-run organization to a full-time position…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:45 p.m. Zoom Olubukola Abiona, MD-Ph.D. candidate, Case Western Reserve University A race against death - COVID vaccine development Olubukola Abiona was one of the frontline researchers on a team racing to develop a COVID-19 vaccine at the National Institute of Health. Hear what it was like to be a…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Dr. Marla Pérez-Davis, Director, NASA Glenn Research Center NASA Glenn Research Center Technologies Join Dr. Marla Pérez-Davis for a glimpse into the unique technologies scientists at NASA Glenn are developing.   Previous The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks can be viewed by visiting our archive or the…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Eric Gordon (LC 2013), CEO, Cleveland Metropolitan School District The schools and the pandemic: year 3 The 2021-2022 school year is the third school year impacted by the pandemic. Hear how the school year started at the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, how it's going, and how they…

5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Virtual via Zoom So many things have been put on hold the past 18 months, your personal and professional development should not be among them. Strong leaders are needed now more than ever - learn how you can become a more passionate and connected leader. Join CLC alumni, Bailey Capelle (CBB 2021), Tiffany Scruggs (CBB 2021), Brian Lane (LC 2021), and Sarah Franks (OBC 2021, CLI 2019) to hear about how impactful their program experience was…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Gabriella Kreuz, Founder/Speaker, Love Doesn’t Shove Love Doesn't Shove: Promoting healthy relationships Born out of Gabriella's own experience with dating violence, Love Doesn't Shove is dedicated to educating our community about healthy relationships and ending teen dating violence. Hear her story and learn about the work she…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Michael Deemer (LC 2019), President & CEO, Downtown Cleveland Alliance Downtown CLE - the vision for its future Downtown Cleveland has evolved greatly over the past decade. Michael Deemer took over the reins at Downtown Cleveland Alliance just three months ago, hear his vision for the continued…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:45 p.m. Zoom    Greg Harris (LC 2010), President & CEO, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum Nwaka Onwusa, Vice President & Chief Curator, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum Behind the Scenes of the Rock Hall induction ceremony Get the inside scoop on the 2021…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Lisa J. Petit, Ph.D., Superintendent, Cuyahoga Valley National Park Our National Park - now and in the future Just a few months ago, Dr. Lisa Petit was named the first female superintendent of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Learn about how the park impacts and is impacted…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Andrea Vullo (CLI 2015, CBB 2014), Strategic Partner, PACE (Planning and Career Exploration), Advocacy & Communication Solutions, LLC Connecting students with careers Hear about the launch of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District's PACE Program, a 6-12+ grade planning and career exploration program designed to link CMSD students to…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Blaine Griffin (LC2 2015, LC 2014, CLC Board), City Council President-Elect, City of Cleveland City leadership - a changing of the guard Cleveland is undergoing a massive wave of leadership changes across the public and private sectors. Join incoming City Council President, Blaine Griffin, to hear his…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:45 p.m. Zoom Joy Johnson (LC 2021, CBB 2015), Executive Director, Burten, Bell, Carr Development, Inc. Denise Van Leer, Executive Director, Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation The Opportunity Corridor - a neighborhood perspective Central, Kinsman and Fairfax are the three Cleveland neighborhoods most impacted by the new Opportunity Corridor. As such,…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Calvin Williams (LC 2017), Retired Chief of Police, City of Cleveland Chief Williams: Seven significant years Join Chief Williams for a look back over his seven-year tenure as Cleveland’s Chief of Police, during which he oversaw a host of high-profile events and leadership responses. Previous The Way…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Erika Anthony (CBB 2014, CLI 2010), Executive Director, Ohio Transformation Fund The mayoral transition Hear about Erika's experience as one of the six co-chairs of Mayor Bibb’s transition team. Learn about the work she and her fellow co-chairs did to ensure Mayor Bibb and his team could…

5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Virtual via Zoom The face of leadership is changing and so are the skills required to be an effective leader and create change. Invest in yourself in 2022 and reap the dividends across all areas of your life for years to come. Gain the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to thrive in our new world, build a strong network with other change makers, learn about critical social and civic issues facing our community, and be inspired…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Melissa Kline (LC 2021), Senior Vice President, System Chief Nurse Executive, The MetroHealth System Caring for our caregivers during COVID No one knows more about the stress and strain of COVID than nurses. Hear about their challenges and needs as they continue to battle on the frontlines…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom David Gilbert (LC 2001), President & CEO, Destination Cleveland & Greater Cleveland Sports Commission Cleveland: An all-star city Join David for a preview of the NBA All-Star festivities beginning February 18 and capping off with the NBA All-Star game on Sunday, February 20. Hear about the work…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Elliot Posner, Ph.D., Professor and Chair Department of Political Science, Case Western Reserve University Leadership abroad: the changing landscape of Europe Join CWRU's Dr. Elliot Posner for a discussion on what's happening across Europe with regard to the pandemic and changes in leadership, and to hear his…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Felton Thomas, Jr. (LC 2010) Executive Director & CEO, Cleveland Public Library Cleveland Public Library: The people's university Hear how the Cleveland Public Library is making an impact across Greater Cleveland and what they have in the pipeline. Previous The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks can be…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:45 p.m. Zoom Sean Watterson (LC 2016), Owner, Happy Dog Kathy Blackman, Owner, Grog Shop & B Side Lounge Saving local performing arts & music venues Many industries have been hit hard during the pandemic and the arts are among those still struggling to recover. Hear how two local venues…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Darren Hamm, Director, Cleveland Office, U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) Finding hope and a new home in Cleveland Since 1916, USCRI Cleveland has been welcoming refugees and newcomers to Cleveland. Their current array of services include housing placement, cultural orientation, school enrollment, coordination of initial…

*Special two-year pandemic retrospective* The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-1:00 p.m. Zoom Dr. Amy Acton, Former Director, Ohio Department of Health The leader we all wish we had IS YOU Join Dr. Acton for a discussion on her time as director of the Ohio Department of Health and how she ended up in the cross…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:45 p.m. Zoom Stephenie Foster, Author and Founding Partner, Smash Strategies Fighting for Women and Girls Join Stephenie, an internationally renowned speaker on women’s leadership, gender equity, international development and women’s advocacy, for a discussion on her new book, Take Action: Fighting for Women and Girls. The book delves into…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom John Sankovic, President & CEO, Ohio Aerospace Institute All things aerospace in Ohio Ohio Aerospace Institute brings together public, private, academic, and government entities, to develop and advance Ohio's aerospace workforce. Join 31-year NASA veteran and newly appointed President & CEO, John Sankovic, to hear about their…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Baiju Shah, President & CEO, Greater Cleveland Partnership All in for Cleveland Hear about Baiju Shah's vision for Greater Cleveland Partnership and how their All-In Plan aims to make Northeast Ohio a great region on our great lake. Previous The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks can be…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Jeff Epstein (LC 2016), Chief of Integrated Development, City of Cleveland A new approach to old issues Hear about Jeff's new role with the City of Cleveland and how the new administration is addressing the complex challenges that face our city, as well as working to leverage…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Tania Menesse (LC 2022), President & CEO, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress Building a place for all to thrive Learn how Cleveland Neighborhood Progress (CNP) is helping revitalize Cleveland neighborhoods through placemaking activities and by supporting local CDC's. Gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities across the…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Michael Goldberg (LC 2007, LookUp 1987), Executive Director, Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship, Case Western Reserve University International crises, local impact Learn how the ever-evolving state of current events across the globe is impacting businesses and the economy internationally as well as locally. Previous The Way Forward Leader…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Jessica Trivisonno, Senior Strategist, West Side Market, City of Cleveland What's next for the West Side Market Jessica's appointment as Senior Strategist for the West Side Market earlier this year is evidence of the current administration's dedication to revitalizing the historic landmark. Hear about the vision for…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Jim Kubacki (LC2 2013, LC 2011), President, St. Edward High School Choose to Lead Jim Kubacki has held leadership positions across the education sector for over four decades. He recently published his approach to leadership and lessons learned in a book, Choose to Lead: A Practical Guide…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Jazmin Long (ALI 2018, CC 2013), CEO, Birthing Beautiful Communities Serving mothers. Saving babies. Birthing Beautiful Communities employs a holistic approach to women to support women at high-risk for infant mortality to deliver full-term, healthy babies through Culture, Education, Advocacy, Support and Engagement (CEASE). Hear about the…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Elaine Tso, CEO, Asian Services in Action, Inc. (ASIA) ASIA in action ASIA is the largest health and human services agency serving the Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) community of NEO. Hear about their work to help the underserved, low-income, and immigrant communities across the state. Hear about…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Thea DeRosa Cerra (CBB 2020), Cleveland Kids' Book Bank Representation matters: children's edition Children's books have historically lacked representation. Thea will share why it is important for children to see characters that are like them in books and how the Book Bank is helping to elevate local…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Daniel Lettenberger-Klein (LC 2022), CEO, Stella Maris Inc. Addiction does not discriminate. Neither should treatment. It's a concept Stella Maris lives by as they, "provide transformational chemical dependency treatment and mental health services ... regardless of race, gender, religion or ability to pay." Learn about the challenges…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Jeremy Johnson (CLI 2021), President & CEO, Assembly for the Arts Arts move the community The Assembly for the Arts is a collective of artists, storytellers, non-profit organizations, and creative professionals who are united through common values and purpose to "build a better Greater Cleveland." Learn how…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Debbie Berry (LC2 2014, LC 2008, CLC Board), SVP Major Projects & Real Estate Development, Greater Cleveland Partnership Leveraging our lakefront Lakefront development has long been a topic of conversation and controversy. Hear about Greater Cleveland Partnership's vision for our lakefront and their plan for overcoming long-standing…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Bishara Addison (ALI 2018), Director of Job Preparation, Fund for Our Economic Future Where are the Workers? The labor shortage is hitting and affecting every sector. The Fund is working to discover the why behind workers' employment decisions and how their values and perceptions have changed over…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:45 p.m. Zoom Brian Glassman, Legal Writing Professor Emeritus, Cleveland State University Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Redistricting: red vs blue Hear about the redistricting process in Ohio - what's currently happening, what's coming, the attempts at gerrymandering, and how all this will impact our state in the coming months and…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Ayonna Blue Donald (LC 2021), Vice President - Ohio Market Leader, Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. Tax abatement overhaul - what it means for CLE Hear about the recent overhaul of the City of Cleveland's tax abatement program and the impact it will have on the community. Prior…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:30 p.m. Zoom Rich Cochran (LC 2006), President & CEO, Western Reserve Land Conservancy Essential natural assets for the benefit of all The Western Reserve Land Conservancy has a vision for, "thriving, prosperous communities nourished by vibrant natural lands, working farms and healthy cities." They do this through recreation and…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. DETAILS Noon-12:45 p.m. Zoom Lee Fisher (LC 1984), Dean, Cleveland State University Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Change at the speed of leadership Lee Fisher's diverse career path has provided him with unique perspectives and leadership insights. He has decades of experience in legal practice and has served as President/CEO of CEOs…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. Lillian Kuri Chair - Cleveland Planning Commission, City of Cleveland EVP & Chief Operating Officer at the Cleveland Foundation The new trajectory of city planning Lillian is focused on increasing transparency and expanding public engagement in a more collaborative approach to city planning. Learn about her vision and hear updates on the…

The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks are a series of virtual (via Zoom) discussion and workshops on topics to help you move forward in our new and uncertain world. Erika Rudin-Luria (LC 2020) President, Jewish Federation of Cleveland Hatred: an ever-present epidemic Anti-Semitism and hate are an increasing issue across the globe. 2021 saw a record number of Anti-Semitic incidents in the U.S., with one in every four Jews reporting experiencing Anti-Semitism. Hear how the Jewish Federation of Cleveland is…

Sondra Palivoda Manager of Research, Team NEO Sarah Lentz Research Associate, Team NEO Talent retention: minority flight Team NEO recently analyzed census data from 2010 to 2019 to understand the demographics of people who move into or out of the Northeast Ohio region. Estimates show that minority residents disproportionately left the region over the past decade. With talent concerns across the nation, it is vital that talent retention and attraction strategies focus on minority groups and understand why they are…

Brandon Cornuke VP of Strategy & Innovation, MAGNET Adjunct Professor of Design & Innovation, CWRU Cleveland’s Innovation Ecosystem: An overview of how we help innovators from idea to scale Learn how various institutions and systems support local innovators, including the role MAGNET plays. Cornuke just released The Value Proposition Matrix, which focuses on four elements to help entrepreneurs and established businesses focus on developing solutions and products that clients want and need. Previous The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks can…

Dr. Elad Granot Dean, Boler College of Business, John Carroll University Leadership in higher education Prior to his appointment as Dean of JCU's Boler College of Business three months ago, Dr. Granot has held a number of leadership positions in post-secondary institutions, including Ashland University, Rider University, and Cleveland State University. Hear his perspectives on leadership in higher education.     Previous The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks can be viewed by visiting our searchable archive or the Cleveland Leadership…

Dr. David Margolius (CBB 2019) Director of Public Health, City of Cleveland Public health in CLE: where are we now? For the past two and a half years, public health has been at the forefront. Get the current news on COVID and the response to monkeypox in our community from the Department of Public Health. Previous The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks can be viewed by visiting our searchable archive or the Cleveland Leadership Center YouTube Channel – subscribe today! Leaders…

Stephanie Howse (CEF 2007) City Councilwoman - Ward 7, Cleveland City Council Deborah Gray City Councilwoman - Ward 4, Cleveland City Council Cleveland: New voices, new vision, new trajectory Hear from two of Cleveland City Council's newest members on their experience to-date as new councilwomen. Hear about their visions for their respective wards and the city as a whole. Previous The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks can be viewed by visiting our searchable archive or the Cleveland Leadership Center YouTube…

Marsha Mockabee (LC 2013) President & CEO, Urban League of Cleveland Racism as a public health crisis: the vision and the progress Two years ago, the City of Cleveland declared racism as a public health crisis. Out of that declaration, the Racism as a Public Health Crisis Coalition was created. Learn about their vision to create system-level change across the city and the initial progress they have made. Previous The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks can be viewed by visiting…

Jill Zimon (LC 2022) Executive Director, Ohio Debate Commission Debating for a stronger Ohio The Ohio Debate Commission creates "debates of the highest quality for the highest statewide offices" for a "stronger Ohio, with well-informed voters and highly qualified public servants, candidates, and elected officials." Hear how they are educating voters and promoting involvement in elections, in particular, this November's election. Previous The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks can be viewed by visiting our searchable archive or the Cleveland Leadership…

Jon Steiger (LC 2017) Regional Director, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Fraud, scams, and the FTC Fraud and identity theft are on the rise. In the first six months of 2022, the FTC received nearly 11,000 reports of scams and fraud in the Cleveland metro area alone. Hear what the FTC is doing to prevent scams from affecting local businesses and residents. Previous The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks can be viewed by visiting our searchable archive or the Cleveland Leadership…

Craig Dorn (LC 2022, CLI 2017) President & CEO, Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) Workforce development: a simple solution In a recent Crain's op-ed piece, Youth Opportunities Unlimited proposed a simple plan encouraging employers to take action now. Hear about their push for the community to invest in youth and young adult workforce development and Y.O.U. 's work in this area. Previous The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks can be viewed by visiting our searchable archive or the Cleveland Leadership Center…

Victor Ruiz (LC2 2013,  LC 2012) Executive Director, Esperanza, Inc. Spreading hope through academic and community excellence Esperanza's mission is "to improve the academic achievement of Hispanics in Greater Cleveland by supporting students to graduate high school and promoting post-secondary educational attainment." Hear how they are accomplishing this mission across Northeast Ohio, and learn about their successes, challenges, and opportunities. Previous The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks can be viewed by visiting our searchable archive or the Cleveland Leadership Center…

Kirsti Mouncey (LC 2023) President & CEO, Collaborative to End Human Trafficking Human Trafficking: It Happens Here The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking empowers the community to better "identify and support those impacted by human trafficking," as well as "eradicate factors that enable the crime." Hear about their efforts to increase awareness of this prevalent but often unrecognized issue across NEO, and how they are addressing the issue through a collaborative, systemic, and multi-disciplinary approach. Previous The Way Forward Leader…

Jan Murphy (LC 2023) President & CEO, Sisters of Charity Health System Leading through difficult decisions On September 14, St. Vincent Charity Medical Center announced it will stop providing inpatient and emergency services. The decision brought forth concerns from local officials and residents that those already with some of the lowest life expectancy in Cleveland would be negatively impacted. Hear reflections on the closing and how the system is planning to serve residents moving forward. Previous The Way Forward Leader…

Anthony Richardson President, The George Gund Foundation Gund Foundation: New leadership, new vision Anthony Richardson took his role at the helm of the Gund Foundation less than a year ago. Hear about their work under his leadership and his vision for the future of the Foundation. Previous The Way Forward Leader Lunch Breaks can be viewed by visiting our searchable archive or the Cleveland Leadership Center YouTube Channel – subscribe today! Leaders are needed now more than ever before, please help…