The City Club of Cleveland Podcast

We are no doubt navigating an incredible age of disruption. Technology, algorithms, politics, and societal pressures have changed the way we both think and work. But how do we break free from a system that was created to manipulate independent thought? In his latest book, The Tyranny of False Choices: A Guide To Authentic Decision-Making, author Rey Ramsey provides a timely and practical guide for modern leaders to better manage through tumultuous times. Using methods to support critical thinking, moral compass navigation, and resilience, Rey provides a roadmap to reclaiming courage and personal agency required in leadership in these times.rnrnRey Ramsey is President and CEO of the Nathan Cummings Foundation and a social justice entrepreneur who brings more than three decades of C-suite experience in the non-profit, public, and private sectors. Previously, Rey has served as Oregon's Director of Housing and Community Services, President and COO of Enterprise Community Partners, and Chairman of Habitat for Humanity International-to name a few.rnrnJoin us at the City Club as Cleveland Foundation's Lillian Kuri sits down with Rey Ramsey for a candid conversation about leadership in these times, and what it takes to reclaim independent thought in a world designed to manipulate it.

When Tricia Griffith joined Progressive in 1988 as an entry-level claims representative, her job often required crawling under cars to assess damage. Decades later, she remains committed to doing whatever is required as she leads one of the largest and most successful property and casualty insurers in the country. In fact, she still plays an active role in onboarding new employees at every level of the organization.rnrnProgressive's growth has been fueled not only by its recognizable brand and memorable advertising-Flo, Dr. Rick, and an additional cast of characters-but by a deeply intentional approach to company culture for which it recently earned the #1 spot on The Forbes America's Best Employers for Company Culture list. The same values that shape Progressive's public presence guide how the company recruits, develops, and empowers its people. Since 2016, Progressive has doubled its market share of the U.S. auto insurance market, growing to more than 18 percent and generating over $81 billion in earned premium, a testament to a culture that treats its workforce as a strategic advantage rather than a cost center.rnrnBefore becoming CEO, Griffith held several key executive positions including leading human resources for the insurer, giving her a leadership perspective shaped as much by talent development and organizational design as by operations and strategy. In this year's Leadership for the Greater Good forum, she joins us to reflect on what it takes to lead at scale without losing sight of the individuals who make growth possible.

While the Red Cross is known primarily for blood drives and disaster relief, some of its most important work keeps people out of the hospital. The Home Fires Campaign has installed more than 3 million smoke alarms in homes across the country, saving thousands of lives. Emergency and disaster preparedness campaigns help communities ready themselves for weather related disasters. And CPR and First Aid training are critical to providing care at the moment people in crisis need it.rnrnMike Parks has been leading the Northern Ohio Region since 2015, after he retired as Rear Admiral from the U.S Coast Guard. In his role, Parks oversees five American Red Cross Chapters covering 31 Northern Ohio counties, serving 5.3 million people. In addition, he is frequently called on to lead disaster relief efforts, deploying for weeks to Maui to respond to the Lahaina fires, and to North Carolina after the flash floods from Hurricane Helene.rnrnJoin us for the next forum in the City Club's Local Heroes series, as we hear about the organization keeping blood in the blood banks, and our communities and neighbors safe from disaster.

Established more than 100 years ago to address stresses in the banking system, the Federal Reserve is the U.S. central bank. It comprises the Board of Governors, a federal agency located in Washington, D.C., and 12 Federal Reserve Banks around the nation.rnrnOne of these banks is the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, which serves the Fourth Federal Reserve District.rnrnThe Fourth District encompasses Ohio, western Pennsylvania, eastern Kentucky, and the northern panhandle of West Virginia. Its mission is to ensure banks are trustworthy and secure, to keep the financial system running, and to represent Fourth District priorities on the national stage.rnrnCleveland Fed President and CEO Beth Hammack has led the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland since 2024. This year, she is one of 12 voting members of the Federal Open Market Committee, which is responsible for setting monetary policy.rnrnHammack has more than 30 years of experience in finance, capital markets, and risk management. Before joining the Cleveland Fed, she was cohead of global financing at Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., where she was also a member of the management committee.rnrnAs president and CEO, Hammack oversees 1,100 employees in the Bank's Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh offices who conduct economic research, supervise banking institutions, and provide payments services to commercial banks and the U.S. government.

Entrepreneurship has surged in the wake of the pandemic, and it hasn't slowed. Leading the way are women who have turned to entrepreneurship for better opportunities, flexible work schedules, and wealth creation. According to a 2026 report by Wells Fargo, women-owned businesses grew 12% from 2022 to 2025, nearly double the growth rate for businesses owned by men. These women-led enterprises now employ 12.6 million people and generate $2.8 trillion in revenue.rnrnThe same report ranked Cleveland sixth among the nation's Top 10 Metropolitan Statistical Areas in 2025 for its ability to foster the long-term growth and success of women-owned businesses. What sets Cleveland apart from its peer cities in terms of growth and opportunity? And what partnerships and initiatives are finding success in ensuring every woman has access to the capital, training, networks, and mentorship they need to achieve their dreams?rnrnAisha Childers is a Cleveland-based entrepreneur and operator leading multiple organizations across early childhood education, food service, and community-based event spaces.rnrnNathalie A. Dibo is the Founder and Managing Partner of Dibo Law, LLC, where she leads a team of attorneys focused on business litigation, real estate and business law, and estate planning and probate.rnrnNitina Francis is the Director of the Women's Business Center of Central Ohio at ECDI, where she leads programs that support and grow women-owned businesses across the region.rnrnJoin us at the City Club as Huntington Bank's Roshonda Smith leads a candid conversation on the current challenges, opportunities, and landscape of women in entrepreneurship across Northeast Ohio.

New York's Bryant Park was established in 1847, but by the 1970s, the 9.6 acres behind the New York Public Library just a block off Times Square had become an open air drug market, with muggings there cited as the reason companies were leaving Manhattan. Enter Dan Biederman, founder of the Bryant Park Restoration Corporation. Beginning in 1980, Biederman led a series of initiatives remaking the park into a destination for visitors and residents seeking respite and recreation. After a complete restoration and reimagining programing of the space in the early 1990s, Bryant Park had become a emblem of midtown Manhattan's rebirth. Today, with caf?s, a performance stage, ping pong tables, and ample tree canopy, it has become one of the most welcoming public parks in New York City.rnrnBiederman went on to launch a private consultancy, helping government agencies, private developers, sports teams, non-profit agencies, and communities reclaim and reimagine the public realm, with self-sustaining parks and urban spaces that contribute to community and economic development. He has worked in Green Bay, Dallas, San Francisco, Nashville, El Paso, and Seattle, among dozens of other cities.

Essential-and foundational-to our democracy is the promise of a free and fair press. Civic life thrives when the relationship between media and government remains strong, transparent, and accountable. This is especially true at the local level, where access to trusted journalism directly shapes meaningful community engagement.rnrnIn Cleveland, the City is working to modernize operations and reassert its legacy in industry, growth, and innovation. Lakefront and downtown development have dominated recent headlines, alongside major initiatives focused on public safety and neighborhood stabilization.rnrnJoin the City Club, in partnership with The Press Club of Cleveland, for a timely conversation with Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and WKYC's Russ Mitchell on the role of journalism in civic life-and what we can learn from the City's efforts to build what has been called "The Cleveland Era."

Work is full of communication. Slack messages. Zoom calls. Meetings stacked on meetings. But many teams still struggle to do the one thing that matters most: connect in ways that build trust, insight, and better thinking together. It's like we're starving at a buffet.rnrnAnn Kowal Smith, founder and CEO of Reflection Point, will argue that a successful future (at work and beyond) depends not only on new technology, but on enduring human capacities: listening, empathy, curiosity, challenging assumptions, and disagreeing respectfully. Reflection Point helps organizations develop these five skills through shared discussions about literature, using stories as a practical tool for culture building and stronger collaboration.rnrnJoining Ann is Randell McShepard, Vice President of Public Affairs and Chief Talent Officer at RPM, who will discuss why his company sees these critical capacities as essential to leadership, culture, and performance.rnrnJoin us at the City Club for a unique forum featuring a live Reflection Point demonstration using a provocative short story. Together, the conversation will show how stories can help teams think more deeply, relate more honestly, and work better together.

Part of The Cleveland Orchestra's Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Opera and Humanities FestivalrnrnThroughout 2026, and in partnership with the America 250-Ohio Commission, the City Club will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States by exploring all the ways that Ohio has contributed to U.S. history for 250+ years. In May, our state will recognize Ohio Creates: Arts, Culture, and Literature.rnrnFor decades, The Cleveland Orchestra has consistently ranked among the very best orchestras in the world. Their excellence has kept Northeast Ohio in global arts and culture conversations and as a place where world-class art can thrive. Beginning in 2023, The Cleveland Orchestra and Music Director Franz Welser-M?st launched the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Opera & Humanities Festival-a new tradition of innovative opera presentations that tackles themes like "Reconciliation," "Power," and "The American Dream." The festival's inaugural edition was praised by The New York Times as a "compelling proof of concept" and "an ambitious achievement." This year, the festival will explore the theme of "Courage." It centers Beethoven's only opera, Fidelio, which serves as a testament to courage and human nobility.rnrnYet, what does opera mean today, and what might it become? At the heart of the Festival is a new creative partnership with American jazz trumpeter and opera composer Terence Blanchard. He will be joined on the City Club stage by tenor David Butt Philip, who appears as Florestan in Beethoven's Fidelio, and Emmy-winning soprano Adrienne Danrich.

After months of community feedback sessions, data analysis, and deliberation, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) passed the Building Brighter Futures (BBF) plan in December 2025. The stated goals of the plan are to streamline services and provide more educational opportunities, career pathways, and extracurricular activities, but do so at fewer school sites, essentially reducing looming budgetary liabilities while creating more academic opportunities. Announcements of layoffs and school consolidations, however, have met with resistance among some students, families, and teachers.rnrnThe situation Cleveland finds itself in is not unique. Across Ohio and the nation, public schools have faced decades of declining student enrollment and persistent legislative changes to funding formulas-including so-called "school choice" or "voucher" programs. Join us for an in-depth conversation about CMSD's Building Brighter Futures, the future of public schools in Cleveland, and how Cleveland's experience fits into the changing national landscape of public education.

With global security in question, geopolitics intensifying, and democratic values facing increasing threats, the international order has no doubt faced mounting pressure. At the center of these dynamics is the German Marshall Fund (GMF), a nonpartisan organization that for over five decades has worked to strengthen the transatlantic partnership and prepare it for the challenges of the 21st century. At its core, GMF believes that deep cooperation between the U.S. and Europe is key to navigating today's complex political and economic landscape.rnrnDr. Alexandra de Hoop Scheffer became President and CEO of GMF in 2024-the first European woman to take over the post. With over twenty years of experience at the intersection of international relations, policy research, and public engagement, she is a leading transatlantic voice on geopolitics, European affairs, U.S.-Europe relations, and corporate diplomacy. Her expertise has shaped how governments, businesses, and international institutions across the Atlantic approach defense, diplomacy, and geoeconomics. Before joining GMF, Dr. de Hoop Scheffer held senior advisory and research positions in the French government, academia, and international organizations.rnrnJoin us at the City Club as we hear from Dr. Alexandra de Hoop Scheffer of the German Marshall Fund, and what it will take to strengthen transatlantic security, advance economic and technological competitiveness, and adapt to an ever-shifting global landscape.

In his first year, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has been responsible for some of the most sweeping public health reforms in modern history. rnrnHHS has lowered drug prices by aligning what the U.S. pays for certain drugs with the lowest prices paid in other developed countries and launching TrumpRx to give patients direct access to those lower prices. Partnering with USDA, HHS released the Dietary Guidelines and flipped the food pyramid with one simple message: eat real food. The FDA has removed several petroleum-based dyes from the American food supply and is closing the GRAS loophole to reduce harmful chemicals in food. With HHS's encouragement, more than 50 medical schools have voluntarily expanded nutrition education from an average of 4 hours to more than 40. HHS has also committed $50 billion over the next five years to drive innovation in rural health. And as part of President Trump's Great American Recovery initiative, HHS is overhauling addiction and mental health care by shifting from a fee-for-service system to an outcomes-based model.rnrnSecretary Kennedy's leadership is reshaping how Americans eat, live, and take care of their own health, with a stated goal of putting prevention first and shifting the nation from a so called "sick-care" system to a true healthcare system.rnrnAs part of the City Club's commitment to engaging leaders shaping the nation's future, we welcome Secretary Kennedy to discuss HHS priorities and engage directly with the community.

Summer is almost here in Northeast Ohio, and with that comes an ambitious "To Be Read" list with fresh books from your favorite bookstore. Their spines ready to be cracked on the edge of a beach, or a comfy chair on your front porch. Perhaps you're an audiobook fan, indulging in the latest volume at 1.5x speed. No matter how you enjoy your literature, our roundtable of book lovers is here to let you know which books are must-reads for Summer 2026. Included in the conversation are the best of Young Adult and Children's books that fit the taste of every kid yearning to earn that personal pan pizza. With Bill Kelly, Adult Programming Manager, Cuyahoga County Public Library; Erica Marks, Senior Director of Outreach & Programming, Cleveland Public Library; Rosa Ransom, Store Manager, Mac's Backs - Books on Coventry; and Michelle Smith, Programming Director, Literary Cleveland

Few organizations serve as fiercer defenders of constitutional rights and the rule of law than the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). At a time when free speech, free assembly, immigration, and voting rights are being tested across multiple fronts, Americans have come to count on the ACLU for its unyielding dedication to principle - even if they don't agree on every issue.rnrnDeborah N. Archer is President of the national ACLU, where she serves as Chair of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. She brings frontline insight into today's web of legal battles, and calls attention to how traditional tools for protecting civil rights are currently being weakened and tested. Deborah is a tenured professor and associate dean at New York University School of Law, and the faculty director of the Community Equity Lab at NYU Law.rnrnTo mark Law Day 2026, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association's Chris Schmitt will sit in conversation with Deborah N. Archer, President of the ACLU, on the urgency of protecting the rule of law and defending the rights of all people nationwide.

Perhaps better than anything else, food has the unique power to transport us back in time and evoke memories, a feeling, or a moment of our lives. In Bite by Bite: Nourishments and Jamborees, poet and essayist Aimee Nezhukumatathil explores the way food and drink evoke our associations and remembrances-a subtext or layering, a flavor tinged with joy, shame, exuberance, grief, desire, or nostalgia. It is an illustrated, lyrical memoir told in short essays that reminds us all to slow down and reflect on food's universal power to shape who we are, how we connect with others, and the joy of being present.rnrnBorn to a Filipino mother and Malayali Indian father, Aimee Nezhukumatathil is the author of five books of poetry, Bite by Bite is her second essay collection, which was named a Barnes and Noble Best Book of 2024. Aimee is known for her dynamic and joy-filled teaching. For a decade, she served as the poetry editor for Orion and Sierra magazines. A professor of English and Creative Writing for over twenty-five years, she also serves as a firefly guide for Mississippi State Parks.rnrnJoin us at the City Club, and in partnership with the 2026 Cuyahoga County NEA Big Read, as author and poet Aimee Nezhukumatathil sits down with Lit Cleveland's Matt Weinkam to discuss how food marks our experiences and identities and explore the boundaries between heritage and memory.rnrn-----rnrnThis program is part of "BITE INTO BOOKS," the 2026 Cuyahoga County NEA Big Read led by Heights Libraries in collaboration with Cleveland Public Library, Cuyahoga County Public Library, East Cleveland Public Library, Euclid Public Library, Rocky River Public Library, Shaker Library, Westlake Porter Public Library, and various community partners. Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Dig in at cuyahogareads.org.

The 2026 Midterm Election reminds us that every election matters. As the nation prepares for this critical moment in our democracy, it is a moment to learn how justice-impacted individuals in Cleveland and beyond are shaping the fabric of our communities. What are community and faith-based organizations doing today-and what they can do in the future-to center and elevate justice-impacted voices in shaping our communities?rnrnIn partnership with Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry, the conversation will also discuss ways to support efforts that ensure the lived experiences and perspectives of those impacted by the criminal legal system are heard in places of power and influence, helping shape public policy that recognizes the power of second chances.rnrnJoin us for the City Club's Annual Charles R. See Forum on Reentry as a powerhouse panel explores the importance of year-round civic engagement and community involvement for justice-impacted individuals before, during, and after Election Day.

When the Great Migration began in the early 20th century, there were very few fully established intercity bus lines. In 1930, through the consolidation of more than 100 different bus lines, the Greyhound Corporation began offering a different kind of experience for millions of passengers every year, many of whom were leaving the South to establish new lives in northern cities, such as Cleveland, Detroit, and Chicago, and cities in the West.rnrnThe work of historian Robert Edwards focuses on the architecture of the Great Migration--the spaces, built environments, and vehicles essential to the experience of the journey north and west. In recent years, Edwards acquired and is restoring a vintage 1947 Greyhound Bus, destined to become an interactive museum experience.rnrnAs we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding, we welcome Edwards to the City Club to offer his unique and compelling perspective on this integral part of our shared history and the journey that shaped our community.

If medicine is a calling, MetroHealth's new President and CEO Christine Alexander-Rager, MD, has been on call for as long as she can remember. Wanting to be a doctor from a young age, Dr. Alexander served as a physician with MetroHealth for nearly three decades. During this time, Dr. Alexander founded MetroHealth's nationally recognized School Health Program, which partners with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and other school systems to bring in-school clinics, mobile units, and other services to students and their families. She also sparked the creation of MetroHealth's medical outreach to the homeless.rnrnAs of October 2024, she has served as the System's President and CEO, and is clear about her top priority. "I think I'd like to be known as the CEO who really focused us on the importance of patients and the importance of our collective community," she says.rnrnJoin us at the City Club as The Center for Community Solutions' Emily Campbell sits down in conversation with MetroHealth's Dr. Christine Alexander-Rager on the progress, challenges, and future vision for The MetroHealth System.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way students learn, study, and complete assignments. From explaining difficult concepts to generating essays in seconds, AI tools are becoming a regular part of many students' academic lives. But what impact is this technology having on motivation, curiosity, and the learning process itself?rnrnAt this final Youth Forum of the year, students, educators, and community members will explore how AI is reshaping academic expectations and classroom culture. Panelists will discuss both the opportunities and challenges AI presents, while also examining how students can use these tools responsibly without losing the deeper purpose of learning.rnrnTogether, the conversation will consider whether the goal of education should simply be achieving results or cultivating the curiosity, effort, and critical thinking that meaningful learning requires.

For several years, data centers have been touted as the next frontier of economic development. Household names like Meta, Amazon, and Google are home to some of these centers, and the rising consumer demand for digital technologies like Artificial Intelligence has also contributed to the growth. Ohio is now home to roughly 200 of these facilities. These centers have generated an increased demand for energy resources and a fight over who will pay for the infrastructure and costs. And at the core of the debate are concerns over environmental impacts. What are the facts and common myths behind these data centers? And is Ohio prepared for these new demands on energy and water sources?rnrnrnJoin us at the City Club as we hear from local experts on how we can support responsible economic development, while protecting our natural resources and communities.

Since 1891, if the Pope--whether it be John Paul II, Benedict, Francis, or Leo--has had questions about the stars, he would turn to the leadership of the Vatican Observatory. For the past decade, Brother Guy Consolmagno has been that leader, with a team of scientists operating out of facilities in both Rome and the Arizona desert.rnrnThe science conducted in those places is exactly what you'd expect from any serious astronomically oriented outfit--it's just all done by Jesuits with an eye toward not just the heavens, but the greater glory of God.rnrnBrother Guy, as he is known, came to Rome's Castel Gandolfo in 1993 as a staff scientist, so to speak. Along the way, he had discerned that though he was destined for a vocation, he was not suited to the priesthood. He is the author of among other books, "Finding God in the Universe," and "Would you Baptize an Extraterrestrial? ...and Other Questions from the Astronomer's Inbox at the Vatican Observatory."rnrnBrother Guy retired last September and will join us in conversation with Kirsten Ellenbogen, President and CEO of the Great Lakes Science Center.

Our Constitutional Republic is dependent on an independent and trustworthy Judiciary to maintain an effective balance of power with the Executive and Legislative branches. With pressures and threats to the safety of judges at the state and federal level at an all-time high, retired Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor (R) and former Justice Mike Donnelly (D) have teamed up in a bipartisan effort to speak up for the judicial system and the fundamental importance of the Rule of Law that underpins it. The Justices will also discuss what everyday Americans can do to support the Rule of Law in their communities.rnrnJoin us at the City Club for a conversation, moderated by Sound of Ideas host Stephanie Haney, that will focus on the efforts of the Justices to organize judges and lawyers from across Ohio to fully live out their oaths to the Constitution and the practice of law during these turbulent times.

Since the start of the second Trump administration, American colleges and universities have been subject to intense political scrutiny by the White House. Both public and private institutions have negotiated settlements at the expense of DEI programs, admissions, and hefty fines and fees. Law firms, media outlets, and even cultural institutions have also been targeted.rnrnWesleyan University President Michael S. Roth is a widely recognized defender of academic freedom, democracy, and a leading voice in discussions about the future of colleges and universities. His seventh book, Safe Enough Spaces: A Pragmatist's Approach to Inclusion, Free Speech, and Political Correctness on College Campuses (2021), addresses some of the most contentious issues in American higher education, including affirmative action, safe spaces, and questions of free speech. More recently, his bylines in The Bulwark and MS NOW, fiercely defended higher education, and called on civil society to remain steadfast in opposition to extortion under the guise of dealmaking. His efforts have awarded him the 2025 PEN/Benenson Courage Award for "his unwavering commitment to defending academic freedom, protecting protest rights, and resisting attempts to silence dissent in higher education."

At a time when debate and public trust can feel divided and heated, educators are turning to curriculum to help strengthen empathy, curiosity, and civic responsibility in young people. According to Facing History and Ourselves, students from Facing History classrooms report feeling a stronger motivation to become active civic participants, more motivated to learn, and more positive impacts in their school community. Their Civic Education Curriculum Collection, in particular, boosts media-literacy skills, builds historical analysis, engages in civil discourse, and develops a foundation for civic participation.rnrnWhat can schools and educators do to strengthen civil conversation in a diverse democracy? And is it possible to do so in a time where public schools, its educators, and curriculum have come under heightened scrutiny around race, gender, and history?rnrnDr. Desmond K. Blackburn began serving as President and CEO of Facing History & Ourselves in April 2023. Under his leadership, Desmond is committed to bringing Facing History's resources to more teachers, schools, and districts than ever. Before joining Facing History, Desmond was Deputy Chancellor of School Leadership for the New York City Department of Education, the largest school system in the nation. He also served as CEO of the New Teacher Center, a national nonprofit that works to disrupt the predictability of educational inequities for systemically underserved students by accelerating educator effectiveness.

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation, Cleveland has a pretty loud reason to join the party: We are the birthplace of Rock & Roll. In the 1950s, our city played a pivotal role in launching a new global musical movement that many credit to DJ Alan Freed, who coined the phrase "rock & roll." Since then, countless iconic rock moments shook the region, from the Beatles first concert in 1964 at Municipal Stadium, to David Bowie's 1972 Ziggy Stardust U.S. debut. Ohio is also home to some notable names in rock, including The Black Keys, Nine Inch Nails, Filter, Devo, and Dave Grohl-to name a few.rnrnIn 1995, Cleveland's legacy as the rock capital of the world was cemented with the opening of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on the shores of Lake Erie. For decades, the Rock Hall has honored the genre's trailblazers, and immersed its visitors in the history of rock music.rnrnToday, Cuyahoga County's live music scene truly punches above its weight, boasting a total economic output of $1.17 billion. At the same time, only 25% of independent music venues were able to turn a profit. This is well below a national average of 36%, but just above Ohio's average where just 1 in 5 Ohio independent music venues were profitable. Rising costs for artists, venues, and consumers have stretched budgets across the board. Adding in the rise of Artificial Intelligence, and changing consumer tastes, today's music scene is facing its share of challenges, but also opportunities.rnrnHow can we ensure the heart of rock and roll still beats in Cleveland?

Over the last 50 years, Apple has firmly established itself as a leading company that has changed the trajectory of American culture-reshaping how people communicate, work, and create through technology. Yet, with such long-standing notoriety comes myths and legends. Some of which are rooted in truth, and some in lore. In Apple: The First 50 Years, author and CBS Sunday Morning correspondent David Pogue tells the iconic company's entire life story: how it was born, nearly died, was born again under Steve Jobs, and became, under CEO Tim Cook, the most valuable company in the world. The book includes new interviews with 150 key people who made the journey, including Steve Wozniak, John Sculley, Jony Ive, and many current designers, engineers, and executives.rnrnDavid Pogue is a seven-time Emmy Award winner for his stories on CBS Sunday Morning, a five-time TED speaker, host of twenty NOVA specials on PBS, and a New York Times bestselling author. He's written about Apple for his entire career, including thirteen years as a Macworld columnist, thirteen more as tech columnist for The New York Times, and twenty years as the #1 bestselling author of books about Macs and iPhones.rnrnIn time for Apple's 50th anniversary, join us as we hear from David Pogue on what he learned about Apple, its triumphs, and its flops-and the business lessons we can learn from them.

Innovation is no longer a niche topic, it is a public priority with implications for economic mobility, workforce development, public trust, and regional identity. The latest in tech innovation is Artificial Intelligence (AI), which his now widely embedded in industries from workforce recruitment and healthcare to business operations and design.rnrnGreater Cleveland is also entering a defining moment in its economic evolution. Our region is home to some of the nation's (and world's) most influential enterprises-organizations that are modernizing at scale, adopting AI and data-driven strategies, and reshaping how people live, work, bank, manufacture, and receive care. At the center of this transformation are women leading technology and innovation across our largest institutions.rnrnPanelists: Elise Bockman, VP, Enterprise Data and Insights, Sherwin-Williams; Amy G. Brady, Chief Information Officer, KeyBank; Amy Merlino, MD, VP - Chief Health Information Officer, Cleveland Clinic; Katrina Redmond, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer; EatonrnModerated by Felicia Johnson, Executive Technology Leader, AI Adoption, Business Value & Digital Transformation

On Dec. 22, 1984, Bernard "Bernie" Goetz, a white man, shot and seriously wounded Barry Allen, Darrell Cabey, Troy Canty, and James Ramseur-four teenagers from the Bronx, at point blank range. Goetz claimed they were going to mug him; the teens claim that one of them had simply asked for five dollars.rnrnIn Five Bullets, Elliot Williams vaults back to gritty 1980s Manhattan and reexamines the first major true-crime story of the cable news era. Drawing on archives and interviews with many main characters, including Goetz, Williams presents a masterful and vivid tale that also tells the origin stories of larger-than-life figures like Al Sharpton, Rudy Giuliani, and Rupert Murdoch. Five Bullets demonstrates why, in order to understand today's debates about race, crime, safety, and the media, it's imperative to reflect on what went down in the subway four decades ago.rnrnElliot Williams is a CNN legal analyst and regular guest host on SiriusXM and WAMU, NPR's Washington, DC, station. He has spent his career thinking about law, crime, and politics, serving as a federal prosecutor and later as a senior official at the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security. A Brooklyn-born son of Jamaican immigrants, he grew up in New Jersey and vividly recalls the powder keg that was 1980s New York.rnrnNamed a Most Anticipated Book of 2026 by The New York Times and The Washington Post, join us as we hear from Five Bullets author, and CNN Legal Analyst Elliot Williams.

What if our loyalty is not to the healthcare system we were handed, it's to the future we can build? And how do we crack an industry highly resistant to change? In Halle Tecco's newest book, Massively Better Healthcare, Tecco offers an insider's guide to transforming healthcare through innovation. Drawing on her experience as an entrepreneur, investor, and educator, she distills 15+ years of lessons into a practical roadmap for building solutions that align profit with purpose, and a guide for leaders who want to leave the system better than they found it.rnrnHalle Tecco has dedicated her career to making healthcare massively better. She is the founder of Rock Health and has backed and advised dozens of healthcare companies. She teaches future healthcare leaders at Columbia Business School and Harvard Medical School, and serves on the boards of Collective Health and Cofertility. Tecco's work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Bloomberg. She was named as one of Goldman Sach's Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs and listed on Fast Company's Most Creative People in Business 2023.

For more than two decades, The City Club of Cleveland has hosted the annual High School Debate Championship.rnrnEvery year, the top two area high school debaters square off in a classic "Lincoln-Douglas" style debate at a Friday forum. This allows the debaters to compete-not only for the judges and audience in the room-but also for our radio and television audiences.rnrnThe finalists Charlotte Kleid, Student, Hathaway Brown School and Anshul Sharma, Student, University School will debate the topic Resolved: The United States military ought to abide by the principle of non-intervention.rnrnColor commentary throughout the debate is by Michael K. McIntyre, Executive Editor, Ideastream Public Media, and Rory Rohde, Student, Chagrin Falls High School. rnrnThe debate will be judged by:rnMarti Flacks, President & CEO, Cleveland Council on World AffairsrnCorinne Lashley, Speech and Debate Coach at Chagrin Falls High School; Cleveland Area Coach of the YearrnDevon Snook, Speech and Debate Coach at Vermilion High SchoolrnrnrnOn behalf of BakerHostetler, we are honored to support this annual tradition in memory of Patrick Jordan--a lawyer, fierce protector of democracy and free speech, and a championship debater himself.

On the heels of an unprecedented military operation in Venezuela, the United States joined Israel in a direct attack on Iran, citing a variety of justifications for the attack, including a nuclear threat, a predicted strike, a desire for regime change, and decades of hostilities. More recently, widespread protests and a crackdown by the regime have dominated headlines. Congress has responded to this sudden escalation of the conflict with attempts to rein in the White House. Meanwhile, Iran and its proxies responded with multiple retaliatory attacks across the Middle East. Already, the conflict has disrupted air travel, fuel prices, the global stock market, and further rocked the instability of an already conflict weary Middle East. At the root of the issue are lingering questions regarding White House motives and exit strategies.rnrnrnAmbassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley is a 30-year diplomat with deep experience in the Middle East and serves on the board of the Middle East Policy Council. Avidan Y. Cover is a Professor of Law and Director of the Institute for Global Security Law & Policy at the Case Western Reserve University School of Law, where he writes and researches in areas of national security, human rights, civil rights, international law, and ethics. Manouchehr Salehi is a longtime member of the Cleveland Iranian community. Marti Flacks, CEO of the Cleveland Council on World Affairs will moderate.

As record cold settles over the region this winter, the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) remains on the front lines defending the civil rights of unhoused people to access public space, to vote, and secure shelter and housing. Newly opened by NEOCH is a seasonal homeless shelter located on 1530 E. 19th Street. It now offers a warm place to go for up to 45 adults during the coldest months of the year.rnrnLeading the work is Executive Director Chris Knestrick, who originally joined NEOCH as its sole employee before taking the helm in 2017. Since then, he has grown the organization into one of the most trusted resources and partners for unhoused organizing, advocacy, street outreach, and education. Chris brings over 10 years of experience working on homelessness in Cleveland, and he has also directed advocacy efforts in the international and local community. Chris is committed to community organizing, undoing oppression, and promoting nonviolence that centers the voices of those most impacted by public policy.rnrnPart of the City Club's Local Heroes series, join us as we hear directly from NEOCH Executive Director Chris Knestrick on the organization's challenges, priorities, and how we can end unsheltered homelessness today.

Home to the Wright Brothers and the birthplace of aviation, Ohio boasts a proud legacy in scientific discovery and innovation. Included in this legacy is NASA's Glenn Research Center-which was established by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in 1941 to study all aspects of aircraft propulsion. It was incorporated into NASA in October 1958 and has been making the nation's most successful and notable aerospace missions possible for 85 years. As one of the leading research and innovation sites in the nation, NASA Glenn's highly skilled workforce and unique test facilities transform aviation, revolutionize space exploration, and inspire new discoveries for the benefit of all. NASA Glenn also serves as a regional economic engine, attracting scientific innovation and opportunities from around the world.rnrnDr. James A. Kenyon is director of NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. He oversees a staff of more than 2,580 civil servants and support service contractors and an annual budget of approximately $900 million. Prior to becoming Glenn's director, Kenyon served as director of the Advanced Air Vehicles Program at NASA Headquarters in Washington. He also worked at Pratt & Whitney, where he held leadership roles in business development, program management, and engineering. Dr. Kenyon joined Pratt & Whitney after 17 years as a civilian in the Department of Defense, including six years in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

This is a youth-led forum, powered by student voices.rnrnEnvironmental issues affect everyone, shaping the health of our communities, the spaces we live in, and the resources we rely on each day. Access to clean air and water, green spaces, and healthy food plays a major role in quality of life and long-term well-being.rnrnThis forum will explore environmental justice as a local issue, with a focus on how communities respond to environmental challenges and work toward more equitable outcomes. The conversation will highlight the role of local organizations and programs that are acting as change agents across Northeast Ohio.rnrnThe forum will also introduce ways young people can learn more about these efforts and find opportunities to get involved, helping them better understand how local action connects to broader environmental issues.

Toni Morrison's work undeniably reshaped American literature, and her influence extended well beyond her novels like Beloved or The Bluest Eye. Morrison confronted slavery, identity, trauma - as well as beauty - as she centered Black experiences. Morrison changed not only what stories were told, but how they were told.rnrnHarvard professor and award-winning author Namwali Serpell's latest book On Morrison, argues that Morrison's literary skill often gets overshadowed by her public image as a Black female writer. On Morrison takes readers through her canon of literature, and focuses on the artistry and technique, demonstrating "how to read Morrison with the seriousness that she deserves."rnrnNamwali Serpell was born in Lusaka and lives in New York. She is the author of multiple award-winning books, and her debut novel, The Old Drift, won an Anisfield-Wolf Book Award, the Arthur C. Clarke Award for Science Fiction, and the Los Angeles Times's Art Seidenbaum Award for First Fiction.rnrnFor an entire year, starting on Toni Morrison's birthday, the influential Nobel Prize-winning Ohioan will be the focus of literary and historic events in the Buckeye State. Join us - in partnership with Literary Cleveland - as Kourtney Morrow with the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards sits down in conversation with On Morrison author Namwali Serpell.

Few have as clear a view to what's actually going on in our city than the leaders in City Hall tasked with improving conditions for the residents who live, work, and recreate in our region's urban core. Brad Davy served as Chief of Staff to Mayor Justin M. Bibb for the four years of his first term. Davy led a cabinet of young leaders who hoped to remake City Hall, renovating everything from policies, procedures, and practices to customer service and relationships with city council.rnrnThe work was never easy, and the progress never enough to match the aspirations of the cabinet and the mayor. Nevertheless, there were successes along with the inevitable challenges. As he steps out of his City Hall office, former chief of staff Davy steps onto the City Club stage to share some reflections and learnings from cabinet service, along with some challenges for the community to take up.rnrnBrad Whitehead, whose civic resume includes the Site Readiness Fund and the Fund for Our Economic Future, will moderate a wide ranging conversation.

In December 2025, Slovenia completed its two-year term on the United Nations Security Council-participating in 558 formal meetings and 238 consultations of the Security Council, and so much more. Throughout its term, Slovenia addressed the most pressing issues, upheld its values, and shared its expertise globally to maintain international peace and security.rnrnMore recently, in its final month as a member of the UN Security Council, Slovenia held the Presidency for the second time. A visit to Syria and Lebanon was on the agenda, as well as topics related to Bosnia, Sudan, Palestine, Afghanistan, and others. At the helm is Ambassador Samuel ?bogar, who brings a wealth of policy knowledge and experience to the table. There may be few others with such timely insights on global affairs that have recently dominated the headlines.rnrnIn addition to his term in the Security Council, Ambassador ?bogar has had an impressive diplomatic career. He has served as Slovenia's Foreign Minister, Deputy Foreign Minister, Ambassador to the US, and Head of the EU Delegation to Kosovo and North Macedonia.

On September 15, 1963, a bombing carried out by members of the Ku Klux Klan at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, instantly killed Addie Mae Collins, Carol Denise McNair, Carole Rosamond Robinson, and Cynthia Dionne Morris Wesley. Also in the room was Addie Mae's younger sister, 12-year-old Sarah Collins, who survived the blast and valiantly tried to rescue her sister, but was blinded by shattered glass. For decades, Sarah slipped into anonymity-but her story lives on in her latest memoir The 5th Little Girl: Soul Survivor of the 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing (The Sarah Collins Rudolph Story).rnrnLisa McNair was born one year after her older sister, Denise, was murdered in the bombings. Her book Dear Denise is a collection of forty letters from Lisa addressed to the sister she never knew, but in whose shadow of sacrifice and lost youth she was raised. Both accounts offer an intimate look into the lives of two women who carry the weight of history, and two families touched by one of the most heinous tragedies of the Civil Rights Movement.

Daniel Coyle is the New York Times bestselling author of The Culture Code, The Talent Code, The Little Book of Talent, The Secret Race, Lance Armstrong's War, and Hardball: A Season in the Projects. Coyle, who works as an advisor to the Cleveland Guardians, lives in Cleveland, Ohio, during the school year and in Homer, Alaska, during the summer with his wife, Jen, and their four children.rnrnIn Flourish, bestselling author and leading culture expert Daniel Coyle trains his eye on the groups and people who demonstrate exceptional connectivity, presence, and dynamism. He draws on research and original reporting-taking us inside an unlikely brotherhood of thirty-three men who were trapped in a Chilean mine, a tiny Michigan deli that blossomed into a $90 million ecosystem of businesses, an inventive Dutch soccer team that revolutionized the sport as we know it, and a disconnected Paris district that remade itself into a tight-knit neighborhood-to reveal the principles and practices that ignite and sustain thriving. He finds that flourishing groups do two things: They make meaning (creating deep connections) and build community (forging a common good).

This is a youth-led forum, powered by student voices.rnrnAccess to quality healthcare is not experienced equally across communities. Differences in policy, insurance coverage, education, and systemic barriers can shape who receives care, when they receive it, and the outcomes they experience.rnrnThis forum will examine disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, highlighting how policy decisions, advocacy efforts, and community-based organizations influence care for marginalized communities. Through discussion and shared perspectives, the conversation will explore how inequities show up in real-world healthcare experiences and what is being done to address them at local and national levels.rnrnThe forum aims to provide students, educators, and community members with greater insight into the systems that shape healthcare access, while encouraging thoughtful dialogue around equity, accountability, and change.rnPanelistsrnCathe CarawayrnCoordinator for Region 1, Healthcare for All Ohioans / Single Payer Action Network Ohio (SPAN Ohio)rnrnKatie Davis BellamyrnChief Operating Officer, MetroHealth Community Health CentersrnrnModeratorrnNakshatra MohanrnStudent, Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School

Baldwin Wallace University has a new President, and Lee Fisher is ushering in a new era as the University's 10th President. Tapping into his deep and diverse career spanning the public, private, nonprofit, and academic sectors, President Fisher hopes to redefine what's possible and lead the charge toward a bold, sustainable future in higher education. President Fisher took the helm in late 2025, the same year the University celebrated its 180th birthday. With his first 100 days behind him, what are the challenges, opportunities, and strategies ahead for the mission and vision of BW?rnrnBefore being named President of BW, Fisher served as the Dean and Joseph C. Hostetler-BakerHostetler Chair in Law at Cleveland State University College of Law. Fisher served 18 years in state-elected public office, including as Ohio Attorney General and Lt. Governor.

The Department of Homeland Security has escalated immigration enforcement in recent months, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers conducting raids in Los Angeles, Chicago, Portland, and most recently Minneapolis, where ICE agents fatally shot two U.S. citizens, Ren?e Good and Alex Pretti, detained countless citizens and legal immigrants, including multiple children.rnrnThose incidents have sparked widespread protests, bipartisan criticism in Congress, where Democrats have moved to block funding for the agency, and multiple lawsuits, including from the states of Minnesota and Illinois. A federal judge in Minnesota said that ICE had violated nearly 100 court orders.rnrnIn Ohio, Haitian immigrants in Springfield are bracing for ICE activity as their Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is set to expire on February 3rd; and immigrant communities across the state are facing increased anxiety over ICE enforcement in the Buckeye State.

In 2009, 246 people were victims of gun violence in Omaha, Nebraska. In 2022, that number was 121, reflective of a steady decline over more than a decade. That reduction in gun violence was the result of the work of Omaha 360, a persistent and consistent effort by organizations and leaders across the city who come together every week to share data, coordinate strategies, and respond to community needs. This work is paired with youth engagement, reentry services, and engagement with law enforcement agencies-supporting violence prevention from every angle.rnrnWillie Barney founded Omaha 360 through his work with the Empowerment Network, a community building initiative that has grown from an idea into a broad community-wide collaborative supporting efforts in education, workforce development, and housing. Douglas County, Nebraska's Sheriff's office was a key partner to the effort. Wayne Hudson--now Chief of Police in Shaker--helped to lead and support the work.rnrnMeanwhile, municipalities across Cuyahoga County have long sought to reduce gun violence. Recent years have seen emergency departments consistently reporting more than 300 gunshot wounds each year. And in 2025, County Executive Chris Ronayne appointed Myesha Watkins administrator of the county's Office of Violence Prevention, and the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas has recently created a new Violence Intervention Program.

In Washington State, 42% of Black households have zero net worth. It's a statistic echoed in Black communities across the nation--including here in Cleveland. The legacy of historical policies like segregation and redlining has impacted both homeownership and opportunities to build generational wealth today. Now, skyrocketing rents and a shrinking housing supply have put homeownership out of reach for many. But what if it doesn't have to be this way?rnrnEmerging in 2021, the Black Home Initiative is a new regional effort based in the Seattle-Tacoma region that seeks to target the racial inequities at the core of the housing ecosystem. The initiative is powered by the Civic Commons through a large network of 122 public, private, philanthropic, and nonprofit institutional partners. Together, they focus on growing the pool of homes for purchase; supporting Black households who want to buy a home and obtain a mortgage; and improving collaboration to create a more efficient and effective ecosystem for Black homeownership.rnrnHow can we work together to grow wealth and build vibrant communities through homeownership? Join us at the City Club as Alesha Washington from The Seattle Foundation leads a conversation with Michael Brown from the Civic Commons on what we can learn from the Black Home Initiative.

Two years after Hamas invaded Israel, a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States brought the conflict one step closer to resolution. That October 10th agreement created to conditions for the return of remaining Israeli hostages and the bodies of deceased captives in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. It also opened up channels for the delivery of humanitarian aid at levels that had not been seen since the October 7, 2023, invasion.rnrnThe 20-point peace plan is complex and fragile. Hostilities continue to break out episodically, and though aid has scaled up, many Gazans continue to face chronic food insecurity. Hamas has not disarmed, and Israel continues to remain in a wartime posture. Despite uncertainty, progress toward a lasting peace remains the stated goal of the warring parties.rnrnBoth Michael Koplow and Ahmed Alkhatib know this conflict intimately.rnrnBorn in Saudi Arabia to Palestinian parents, Ahmed Alkhatib is a writer and the head of Realign for Palestine. a project of the Atlantic Council, Realign advocates for Palestinian statehood and self-determination.rnrnMichael Koplow is Chief Policy Officer at the Israel Policy Forum. His writing frequently appears in the Atlantic, Foreign Affairs, and Foreign Policy, among many other publications.rnModerated by Cleveland Council on World Affairs' CEO Marti Flacks.

Throughout 2026, and in partnership with the America 250-Ohio Commission, the City Club will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States by exploring all the ways that Ohio has contributed to U.S. history for 250+ years. In January, our state will recognize the unique contributions of Ohio's firsts and originals.rnrnSince day one, and throughout the entirety of our country's formation, Native Americans served as defining threads - and participants - in U.S. politics. Article 1, Section 8 (also known as the "Indian Commerce Clause") in the U.S. Constitution establishes a unique federal-tribal relationship, acknowledging tribal sovereignty and self-governance. Today, it serves as the backbone for federal Indian law, which spans hundreds of years, impacting both tribal and non-tribal communities. What are the landmark moments in history that influenced the trajectory of our nation, particularly in the Great Lakes region? And how are modern Native Nations influencing the growth of the United States today?rnrnMatthew L.M. Fletcher is a leading tribal law expert, and is the Harry Burns Hutchins Collegiate Professor of Law and Professor of American Culture at the University of Michigan. He teaches and writes in the areas of federal Indian law, American Indian tribal law, Anishinaabe legal and political philosophy, constitutional law, federal courts, and legal ethics. He sits as the chief justice of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians; as well as an appellate judge for many other tribal nations. Fletcher also co-authored the sixth, seventh, and eighth editions of Cases and Materials on Federal Indian Law and three editions of American Indian Tribal Law, the only casebook for law students on tribal law.

Over the past decade, the Center for Christian Virtue has emerged as one of the most influential nonprofit advocacy organizations in the state of Ohio, notching legislative victories on school choice and building coalitions with state government leaders. Much of this has happened under the leadership of Aaron Baer.rnrnBaer joined CCV as President in November 2016 after a number of years in policy and advocacy in Arizona. Known at the time as Citizens for Community Values, the organization traces its roots to religiously driven anti-obscenity organizing in Cincinnati in the early 1980s. In 1990, CCV famously opposed and filed criminal charges against the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati over the museum's exhibition of photos by Robert Mapplethorpe.rnrnUnder Baer's leadership, the organization moved to a statehouse adjacent location in Columbus, changed its name, exponentially grew the budget and headcount, and now hosts a well-attended annual summit focused on Christian faith and policy, which features many elected leaders. The organization is not without controversy, however. In 2015 and again in 2023, the Southern Poverty Law Center designated CCV as a hate group because of its stance and rhetoric toward members of the LGBT community. Meanwhile, CCV has been praised for its efforts by the Heritage Foundation, whose president recently noted, "So much of our nation's societal decay stems from our education system, and institutions like CCV are spearheading the effort to save our children and restore morality and sanity in our schools."

Rock Entertainment Group (REG) is not just Cavs basketball, winning streaks, and league standings. It's a company that also aims to give back, serve as a community asset, and demonstrate true leadership in shaping Cleveland's rise. In the lineup is a much-anticipated riverfront project, which includes both the Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center and Cosm's immersive entertainment venue in 2027; and a WNBA franchise returning to Cleveland in 2028.rnrnAt the helm is Nic Barlage, CEO of Rock Entertainment Group-which manages the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers, the AHL Cleveland Monsters, the NBA G League Cleveland Charge, the Cavs Legion in the NBA 2K League, and the newly formed Rock Entertainment Sports Network. REG also manages operations of key venues such as the Cleveland Clinic Courts and Rocket Arena. "A strong urban core is the strongest form of the heartbeat of a region," Barlage said in an interview with Crain's Cleveland Business. "If the heart is strong, the body will be stronger."

Artificial Intelligence is now widely embedded in industry from workforce recruitment and healthcare to business operations and design, transforming how people work and solve problems. In education, the conversation often centers on AI as a subject to be taught, a skill to be practiced, or a risk to be managed. Concerns around cheating and plagiarism have dominated early classroom discourse. What is emerging now, however, is a more productive shift: the opportunity to reframe AI not as the goal itself, but as an enabler that unlocks new possibilities for teaching, learning, creativity, and school design.rnrnLeading organizations in this sector are moving beyond AI literacy alone and toward AI fluency - the confidence and ability to build solutions, workflows, and learning experiences with AI that expand what educators and students can achieve. From rapid ideation to personalized learning pathways, AI is proving most powerful when it strengthens human capacity rather than replacing it.rnrnPanelists in this forum see AI as an enabler that expands what schools and educators can achieve, not the subject itself. ISTE and ASCD, guided by Chief Innovation Officer Joseph South, focus on AI-enabled learning environments that amplify teaching and accelerate responsible innovation. The Reinvention Lab, where senior designer Mike Yates leads future-of-learning prototyping, helps students and educators invent educational solutions faster. Vero Learning, led by Chrissybil Boulin, is the first decision intelligence platform that measures how people think, adapt and decide under pressure. At TIES, Jeremy Shorr works with organizations, schools, and policy makers to scale innovation and deepen student learning by using AI to expand educator capacity, transform systems, and change outcomes.

In a world driven by fast-fashion, mass production, and shifts in retail shopping habits, the fashion industry has faced its fair share of challenges lately-particularly for entrepreneurs and small businesses.rnrnYet, Valerie May?n has remained committed to sustainability and the art of hand-crafted garments that fit everybody and every body. Valerie is the Latinx female powerhouse behind Yellowcake Shop Fashion, where her unapologetic approach to representation and empowerment through fashion has earned her multiple accolades, including Crain's Cleveland Woman of Note, Notable Latino Leaders, and the Cleveland Arts Prize, among others.rnrnValerie grew from humble beginnings as a student at the Cleveland Institute of Arts and an Etsy shop owner before gaining international recognition through Project Runway (Season 8 and All-Stars Season 5). She ultimately scaled Yellowcake from zero to six figures, without external support. Her entrepreneurial journey is filled with real-world lessons on creativity, integrity, and a lived experience on how Northeast Ohio can better support entrepreneurs.

Congressman Greg Landsman represents the 1st District of Ohio, which includes the city of Cincinnati, Warren County, and borders the state of Kentucky. He is widely known for his work in child and family advocacy, and bipartisan legislative efforts that support veterans, housing affordability, and public safety.rnrnBefore joining the U.S. House of Representatives in 2023, Greg served on the Cincinnati City Council for five years where he led investments in public safety and core services. He also served as the Director of Faith-based and Community Initiatives under former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. He currently serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, including the Subcommittee on Health, Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, and the Subcommittee on Environment.