The City Club of Cleveland Podcast

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.

Union organizing in Cleveland has been gaining ground, and it's not just taking on large corporations. Driven by workers seeking fair wages, safer working conditions, and a voice at the table, local unionization has repeatedly made headlines here in Cleveland. One thing is clear: This isn't your grandparents' labor movement. Multiple sectors, including small businesses and nonprofits, are joining a growing effort to unionize as they face a rising cost of living, inflation, and a challenging political climate. What new strategies are needed to support workers, build solidarity, and create a more equitable workplace?rnrnPanelists: Tim Francisco, Director, The Center for Working Class Studies; Professor of English, Youngstown State University; Grace Heffernan, Executive Director, Northeast Ohio Worker Center; and Brian Pearson, Executive Secretary, North Shore AFL-CIO. Moderated by City Club Director of Programming Cynthia Connolly.

Celebrate the National Day of Giving with purpose and perspective.rnrnEvery day, Americans contribute more than $1 billion to charitable causes - a powerful reflection of generosity in action. Here in Northeast Ohio, local households give nearly $5 billion annually, fueling the missions that strengthen our communities.rnrnYet, the philanthropic landscape is constantly shifting - shaped by tax reform, community needs, political climate, and evolving donor expectations. On Giving Tuesday, join us for a free, energizing workshop exploring how intentional strategy and authentic connection can enhance donor satisfaction and amplify nonprofit impact.rnrnLed by Megan Bush Granson, founder & CEO of Inbloom Consulting, and Dan Mansoor, founder & President of GoodWorks Group, and this engaging session will offer fresh insights, actionable ideas, and renewed energy for the work you do every day.rnrnBeyond ideas and inspiration, this is a chance to connect with peers, recharge your perspective, and rediscover the joy of fundraising.

Quantum computing may sound like something out of a sci-fi TV show. But the future is here, and it's right in our own backyard. In 2023, Cleveland Clinic and IBM deployed the first quantum computer dedicated to healthcare research. It was part of a 10-year partnership to accelerate research in healthcare and life sciences. Unlike supercomputers, quantum computing uses "qubits" that harnesses the laws of quantum mechanics, making it possible to explore certain complex problems and calculations - calculations impractical or impossible for supercomputers. For context, in what would take a supercomputer years to execute, a quantum computer can complete in hours, if not minutes.rnrnThis is a complete game-changer when it comes to research bottlenecks, identifying new scientific discoveries. And it's not just Cleveland Clinic tapping into this innovative technology. Have we entered a new race to the top in tech? And what does it mean to have one of the first quantum computers powering advanced biomedical research right here in Northeast Ohio?

From underground clubs to sold out arenas, every musician and band who "made it big" started small. The success story of one of Akron's most successful bands, The Black Keys, is no different. Together with bandmate Dan Auerbach, Patrick Carney began recording in basements and touring in a 1994 Plymouth Grand Voyager. Ultimately, the band chose a similar minivan for the cover of their double-platinum album, El Camino, which rose to No. 2 on the Billboard album chart in 2011. It was a humorous nod to their humble beginnings and "band van" days.rnrnWhile the hustle and grind can seem like a rite of passage for rock bands, it doesn't necessarily need to be that way. John Panza at the Panza Foundation believes that even small amounts of assistance can have a profound effect on the artistic output and morale of independent artists. Established in 2014, the Panza Foundation aims to support local, independent musicians and bands--allowing those artists the freedom to pursue their craft with the best tools and opportunities possible.

What's the case for college these days? For much of the last fifty years, research very clearly suggested that college was the key to unlock the American Dream. A college degree not only ensured a route to a stable career but was also strongly correlated with future financial well-being. Events of recent years, along with the affordability challenges, seem to have stood that conventional wisdom on its head.rnrnAnd yet, more than 15 million students are enrolled in undergraduate programs at close to 4,000 institutions. And despite the headlines about name-brand private colleges and universities, it's important to remember that more than 70% of those students are at public institutions--community colleges and state schools that prioritize affordability alongside educational quality.rnrnTo make the case for college in these turbulent times, we'll hear from the President of one of the more affordable higher education institutions in Northeast Ohio, the chief executive of the regional organization that supports more than 42,000 individuals every year, and the best-selling author of The Black Family's Guide to College Admissions: A Conversation about Education, Parenting, and Race.

This is a youth-led forum, powered by student voices.rnrnFrom center stage to the sports arena, athletes and public figures have long used their platforms to do more than entertain. They have used their voices to lead, challenge, and inspire change. This youth-led forum explores how some of Cleveland's most recognizable names have influenced the city's culture, conversations, and commitment to justice.rnrnFrom the legacy of Congressman Louis Stokes' fight for fair representation and voting rights to the 1967 Cleveland Summit, when prominent Black athletes took a public stand for their beliefs, Cleveland has a deep history of leadership that connects sports, civic engagement, and advocacy. Today, new generations of athletes, artists, and influencers continue that tradition, using their visibility to push for equity, uplift communities, and redefine what civic leadership looks like.rnrnPanelists and students will discuss how influence can create real impact, what responsibility comes with a public platform, and how young people can learn from these examples to shape the next chapter of Cleveland's story.

Becoming a successful entrepreneur and maintaining success in a startup business has its own unique set of systemic and structural challenges. Many of those challenges start well before the hunt for investors and developers begins. Often, the toughest barriers can be found in simply trying to meet basic needs for themselves, or their families. Access to food, wraparound services, and community health can make a significant difference at the start of any entrepreneurial endeavor. Add to this, access to education, key resources, technology, and quality mentorship can truly make the difference between an idea launched, or shelved. What can we learn about the work being done here in Northeast Ohio that is truly breaking barriers, and building futures in entrepreneurship?rnrnTiffany Cashon is a Senior Director at Case Western Reserve University's think[box] is a seven story makerspace and entrepreneurship ecosystem that is free and open to the public. Opened in 2015, its goal is to bring together resources for venture creation and entrepreneurship under one roof.rnrnKate Fox Nagel is Chief Executive Officer of MetroHealth Community Health Centers. Launched in 2018, the centers support inclusive and equitable community wellbeing in collaboration with other critical community organizations.rnrnTiffany Scruggs is the VP of Community Access and Executive Director of Community Resource Center at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Opened in 2022, the Community Resource Center serves as a one-stop shop for a healthy choice food pantry and to connect with over a dozen social service partners all under one roof.rnrnModerated by Renee RichardrnPresident and CEO of Corporate College, Cuyahoga Community College

As the nation readies itself for what could turn into the longest federal government shutdown in history, 42 million people - or about 1 in 8 - are bracing for a pause in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Here in Cuyahoga County, 190,000 residents receive SNAP benefits. Funding for the program will run out starting on November 1st. Regardless of whether the government reopens or Congress passes a SNAP funding bill, changes to SNAP eligibility and work requirements will take effect beginning November 1-impacting immigrants, families with teenage children, and others.rnrnrnFood Banks across the nation are readying to meet increased demand. Yet, SNAP provides about nine times the amount of food aid compared to food banks. Add to this, 1.4 million federal employees are either furloughed or working without pay, stressing household budgets and driving up food insecurity. How are area organizations managing the increased demand? And how can we support the region's wrap-around services to become more resilient in the face of external pressures? rnSpeakers: Annette IwamotornDirector, Cuyahoga Human Services Chamber, Center for Community SolutionsrnPatrick KearnsrnExecutive Director, Re:Source ClevelandrnDavid MerrimanrnDirector, Cuyahoga County Department of Health and Human ServicesrnModeratorrnGabriel KramerrnReporter/Producer, Ideastream Public Media

In the 1960s, John Lewis led the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee, committed to the belief, as the New York Times put it, "that allowing himself to be beaten nearly to death in public would hasten the collapse of Southern apartheid." Which is more or less what happened, most notably at Bloody Sunday.rnrnJohn Lewis would go on to lose leadership of SNCC and decades later win election to Congress, representing Georgia from 1987 until his death in 2020.rnrnIn a moment in which our nation seems defined by both national politics and the activism those politics provoke, Congressman Lewis' life offers a model of resistance, optimism, and leadership, one that ultimately changed our nation for the better.rnrnAs part of the City Club's 2025 Annual Meeting, join us as Thompson Hine's Robyn Minter Smyers leads a conversation with biographer David Greenberg on John Lewis's remarkable life and the lessons it holds for all of us.

Known for his no-BS approach, irreverent sense of humor, and love of unicorns, Vu Le is the writer of the popular blog NonprofitAF.com. He is known for his satirical approach to calling out and unpacking challenges in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. Through humor, he says the quiet part out loud, underscoring many of the silent frustrations of nonprofit professionals.rnrnIn his latest book, Reimagining Nonprofits and Philanthropy: Unlocking the Full Potential of a Vital and Complex Sector, Vu Le goes where many dare not. It is a guide for nonprofit leaders, professionals, and donors seeking to completely reimagine the way nonprofits think, operate, and make an impact. Each chapter delves into a specific area of work - including fundraising, boards, and hiring - analyzes the challenges, and provides concrete solutions for change.rnrnVu Le is also the former executive director of RVC, a nonprofit in Seattle that promotes social justice by supporting leaders of color, strengthening organizations led by communities of color, and fostering collaboration among diverse communities.

This is the inaugural forum in The Kathryn J. Lincoln Series, a new annual series being presented in partnership with Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.rnrnFor the last several years, LAND studio, in collaboration with the North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation (NCWDC), has attempted to pin down an elusive solution that connects the city to its lakefront. Announced in 2023, the North Coast master plan was developed after numerous workshops, public forums, and community input. This summer, the project secured $960,000 from the Department of Transportation's BUILD program through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.rnrnNow, the project has wrapped the planning phase and is firmly entering the next era-it's time to do the work. Looking at peer cities that are further along in their own waterfront projects, what best practices can we learn, how were they successful, and how can we all prepare to get the job done?

Can Artificial Intelligence, or AI, make us all better off? Currently, experts anticipate shifts across various industries and occupations. They believe it is time to prepare workers, institutions, and ecosystems for the impact of AI on jobs.rnrnTiffany Hsieh is director of innovation programs in the Incubation practice at JFFLabs. She is responsible for strategy and operations for the launch of the Center for Artificial Intelligence & the Future of Work-which convenes stakeholders across sectors to shape the national dialogue on AI and the future of work and learning. Leading with discovery, design, and action, the Center ensures AI accelerates access to quality jobs by shaping policy, practice, and investment in innovative solutions.rnrnJoin us at the City Club as we gather for the fifth annual Deborah Vesy Systems Change Champion Award forum, in partnership with the Deaconess Foundation, to discuss the evolution of AI, the promise of its use in workforce development, and its implications for the future of work.

Dr. Warren G. Morgan will deliver his annual State of the Schools address at a pivotal time for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. The district is looking to improve on strong academic gains from last year, while also addressing the enrollment declines of recent decades and expanding opportunities for better student experiences across all schools.

For many Americans, Public Media is the home of NPR, PBS, and is synonymous with the likes of Mr. Rogers, Elmo, and Ken Burns documentaries. It is also a crucial resource for local journalism, discourse, and even emergency alerts. In July 2025, the Rescissions Act of 2025 was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump, cutting all federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting-which will close its doors in January 2026. The hardest hit are smaller market, rural, and tribal stations, some of which are seeing the loss of public safety grants intended to support disaster-prone regions of the nation. What are the impacts of these cuts? And what efforts are underway to support the most at-risk public media organizations?

Join Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne for the 2025 State of the County address at the Atrium Ballroom at the Huntington Convention Center in downtown Cleveland. The Executive will share key accomplishments, reflect on the progress made together, and outline his vision and priorities for the upcoming year.

Throughout history, young people have driven America's major social and political movements, and today is no different. From campus protests to debates over political expression, student activism remains a loud voice. Yet, efforts to silence these voices are also mounting.rnrnThat's why it has never been more critical to protect and foster youth leadership. A 2022 CIRCLE survey by Tufts University's Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement found that while 62% of young Americans say their political views are an important part of their identity, only 33% of those aged 18-21 feel well-qualified to participate in politics.rnrnAt the City Club's Youth Forum Council inaugural forum of the 2025-2026 school year, Youth Activism: How Students Can Create Change, we aim to equip students with knowledge and tools to take action on issues that matter to them. We will explore the significance of youth activism, share resources to amplify student voices, and discuss how educators and parents can support this work.

Celebrating 50 years in 2025, the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland has remained the leading nonprofit that empowers Northeast Ohio's LGBTQ community through advocacy, education, collaboration, and celebration. In fact, it is one of the first established LGBTQ centers in the nation.rnrnLeading the way is Phyllis Seven Harris, who has played a strong role as an advocate in Cleveland's LGBTQ+ community and has nearly two decades of leadership experience in Northeast Ohio. Her steady, strategic leadership comes at an unprecedented time when legislative policies and cultural shifts have impacted critical issues facing the LGBTQ+ community.

There is a tension in our region between those who view our future as constrained by resource scarcity and those who see ours as a region of plenty. Last year, Baiju Shah, President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, pointed this out in an essay for Crain's, "For too long," he wrote, "our region has approached major opportunities in an 'either-or' framing, with concern and caution. Focus on the lakefront or the riverfront? Develop new housing downtown, in neighborhoods, or suburbs? Grow research or businesses?"rnrnPerhaps the time has come for an abundance mindset. Some national thinkers would certainly agree.rnrnBaiju Shah, chief executive of the region's chamber of commerce, speaks about his vision for how a mindset change might make possible the future many in Greater Cleveland hope for. He'll discuss the region's growth and how business and civic leaders can work together to unlock the region's full potential.

The national debate over the state of free speech continues to intensify. With the assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah and the subsequent suspension of comedian Jimmy Kimmel over remarks regarding Kirk's death, recent events have reinforced a deep divide among Americans.rnrnAccording to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, there has been a continued decline in support for free speech, particularly among all students, and students of every political persuasion show a deep unwillingness to encounter controversial ideas. Meanwhile, Kimmel's suspension has drawn attention to the government's growing pressure on the media and private companies, and raises questions about what constitutes direct interference with First Amendment rights.rnrnIs free speech under attack? Or is the public's definition shifting? And what can we take stock of from current events, as well as long-term trends in this nation and our ability to exercise our First Amendment rights?

These days, becoming an entrepreneur seems riskier than ever. The market is fast-paced and increasingly advanced technology has changed the game. Today's entrepreneurial market is certainly not the same as those of past generations. What can we learn from those who know what it takes to build success, scale up, and improve our communities?rnrnKumar Arora is an entrepreneur, investor, and consultant behind many startups and brands you probably heard of: ILTHY(R), FutureLAND, Cleveland Cavaliers, and numerous Fortune 500 companies. His parent company Arora Ventures provides resources, investment, and consulting services to assist early-stage to mid-sized businesses. Consistently pushing the envelope on design and innovation, much of his work centers on the idea of creating novel products, teams, and scaling brands. His concentration lies in a variety of industries including consumer brands, entertainment, packaged goods, product development, marketing, & design.

In her recent book, P.O.E.T. (Power Over Emotional Trauma), Honey Bell-Bey asks, "What do you do with what did not kill you?" Trauma happens, she notes, but healing happens also.rnrnWidely known as the dynamic National Award-winning Poet Laureate (Academy of American Poets), Honey Bell-Bey isn't just a poet. She is also an Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist, and for decades, has used her talent in poetry as a vehicle for healing intergenerational trauma and other issues related to public health. Together with Dr. Scott Frank, an award-winning family medical doctor, Associate Professor Emeritus at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), and poet himself, they worked to underscore the importance of poetry as a public health need.

In 1855, an American named John Swanson Jacobs walked into the offices of the Empire newspaper in Sydney, Australia. The conversation that ensued between the editors and Jacobs, a fugitive slave, opened a path for both Jacobs and the Empire, a path for the newspaper to publish his story. Two weeks later, Jacobs brought them a manuscript titled The United States Governed by 600,000 Despots. This was not a typical slave narrative, and they published it.rnrnIn 2016, in the midst of other research, historian Jonathan D.S. Schroeder came across Jacobs' autobiography, which had been all but lost to time. An extraordinary work, more sociopolitical critique than life story, Despots offers a first hand account of how the enslaved truly viewed the institution of slavery, unmediated by white editors and writers as so many other slave narratives of the time were.rnrnIn celebration of the 90th Anisfield Wolf Book Awards and Cleveland Book Fest, Schroeder will discuss Jacobs' narrative and Schroeder's own scholarship with author, historian, and 2021 Anisfield Wolf Book Award winner Vincent Brown.

What if the conventional narrative of the 1960s civil rights era, by its very nature, limits the success, legal achievements, and persistence of Black Americans for generations? In Before the Movement: The Hidden History of Black Civil Rights, author Dylan C. Penningroth maintains that the fight for civil rights didn't begin with famous marches and courtroom cases of the 1960s. Instead, his research stretches from the last decades of slavery to the 1970s, and challenges nearly every aspect of our traditional understanding of civil rights history as we know it.rnrnDrawing on long-forgotten sources found in the basements of county courthouses across the nation, Penningroth centers the everyday lives of Black Americans and sheds light on their centuries-long tradition of legal knowledge to assert their rights, protect their families, and shape their communities.rnrnDylan C. Penningroth is a professor of law and Morrison Professor of history at the University of California, Berkeley. He specializes in African American history and legal history and is a MacArthur Fellow. Before the Movement won eleven book prizes and was shortlisted for four more. He is also the author of the award-winning book, The Claims of Kinfolk: African American Property and Community in the Nineteenth-Century South.

It is a rare opportunity to hear about a mission to space firsthand from any NASA astronaut, and Euclid, Ohio, native Sunita "Suni" Williams certainly has an extraordinary experience to share. On June 5, 2024, she was launched on the new Boeing Starliner spacecraft for what was intended to be an eight-day mission on the International Space Station (ISS). It ended up being a nine-month stay after technical issues forced the spacecraft to return to Earth uncrewed. While her timeline aboard the ISS faced uncertainty, Williams' work and commitment to science and innovation never wavered. Together with the crew, she completed more than 900 hours of research between more than 150 unique scientific experiments during her stay.rnrnThroughout her three-decade career, Williams has logged 608 days in space over her three flights. She has also completed 62 hours and 6 minutes of total spacewalk time. That's the most of any female astronaut, and fourth on NASA's all-time list.rnrnModerating the conversation is astronaut Douglas H. Wheelock. Like his colleague Sunita, he was also selected by NASA in 1998. On October 23, 2007, Wheelock launched on his first spaceflight aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. The retired Colonel has accumulated more than 178 days in space.rnrnTo mark Ohio Space Week, and in partnership with Great Lakes Science Center, join us for an inspiring conversation between two NASA astronauts - Sunita L. Williams and Doug H. Wheelock - on what it takes to live and work in zero gravity, and the importance of space exploration today.

Art is powerful. It can foster social cohesion and influence the mood of a moment. Murals aren't just decorative elements in a neighborhood; they are a tool for revitalization, connection, and storytelling that amplifies voices and strengthens both place and people.rnrnIn partnership with the Saint Luke's Foundation, Assembly for the Arts' Jeremy Johnson will be joined by Kevin "mr.soul" Harp, Stina Aleah, and Robin Robinson. Each of these talented artists have created stunning murals within the Saint Luke's footprint in the Buckeye-Shaker, Woodhill, and Mt. Pleasant neighborhoods.rnrnJoin us for a special FREE City Club Forum and Cookout in the Community as we hear from three inspiring muralists who have transformed their communities on Cleveland's East Side, and what more can be done to support art for the public good.

One of the underreported casualties of any war is culinary culture. It's not just family recipes that might get lost; when you recognize the importance of food to our essential humanity, you can quickly see how the loss of culinary traditions can lead to an erasure of cultural and identity. This is the terrain author and human rights investigator Michael Shaikh explores in his new book The Last Sweet Bite: Stories and Recipes of Culinary Heritage Lost and Found.rnrnRaised in Cleveland and Karachi, Shaikh has worked for nearly two decades in the field of human rights, spending extensive time in conflict zones mostly in Asia and the Middle East. Shaikh's book explores the impact of conflict on the most essential of human traditions--what we cook and how we nourish ourselves and our souls. From a refugee camp in Bangladesh to the legacy of Nazism and Soviet rule on Eastern European traditions, Shaikh unpacks what might have been lost if not for the resilience of diasporic communities and the amazing activists, home cooks, and chefs who have kept traditions alive.rnrnJoin us for a conversation moderated by chef and Marine Corps veteran Ben Bebenroth of the nonprofit Spice Field Kitchen.

Martin Luther King Jr. famously stated, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." And there are numerous notable figures in our country's fight toward this justice, and then there is Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II.rnrnFor decades, Rev. Barber has served as a powerful voice in movements that combined faith, morality, and activism. As the Co-Chair of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call For Moral Revival, Rev. Barber has launched a new movement that aims to address the same issues that Martin Luther King Jr. spoke against in the original 1960s campaign.rnrnRev. Barber is also President and Senior Lecturer of Repairers of the Breach, and a Professor in the Practice of Public Theology and Public Policy and Founding Director of the Center for Public Theology and Public Policy at Yale Divinity School. The author of five books, including We Are Called To Be A Movement, his most recent book White Poverty: How Exposing Myths About Race and Class Can Reconstruct American Democracy explores how we can join together to take on poverty and economic injustice.rnrnIn a moment when the strength of democracy is tested, and our country's bend toward justice is questioned, join us as we hear from Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II on how we can build social justice movements that uplift our deepest moral and constitutional values.

In November 2024, Bernie Moreno was elected as a U.S. Senator for Ohio. He is largely known for building one of the largest dealership groups in America, eventually employing over 1,000 Ohioans. Born in Bogota, Colombia, Moreno moved to the United States with his family at age five, becoming a U.S. citizen at 18. Following his business career, he turned his focus to public service.rnrnSenator Moreno has already sponsored signature legislation, including the USA CAR Act, which aims to give tax breaks for buying American-assembled vehicles, and the Transportation Freedom Act, aimed at boosting domestic auto manufacturing and easing certain emission rules.

In Cuyahoga County 1 in 10 children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday; and victims of trafficking can be women or men, girls or boys. Right now, organizations in Northeast Ohio are doubling down to address sexual violence and human trafficking. What are the current advocacy efforts and challenges to access to care right here in Cleveland? And what tools are available to help protect our communities in a time when uncertainty on policy, progress, and funding only adds to these challenges?rnrnJoin us at the City Club as we hear from leadership from the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center and Canopy Child Advocacy Center on the state of sexual violence and human trafficking in Cuyahoga County; and what each of us can do to ensure a safe and healing environment for all survivors.

The Great Lakes influence our surrounding regions' culture, economy, and environment. Yet, record-breaking temperatures and unprecedented weather events across these regions, and those who rely on the lakes for their way of life, are asking questions about what's to come.rnrnChris Winslow has the answers.rnrnChris is the Director of the Ohio Sea Grant's College Program, where he coordinates their research with Ohio State University's Stone Lab-Ohio Sea Grant's education and outreach facility on Lake Erie and part of The Ohio State University's College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.rnrnFor more than 100 years, professional researchers from across the nation have worked at Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Labs to help solve the most pressing issues facing the Great Lakes, such as invasive species and toxic algal blooms. Researchers provide critical science that informs policy, guides environmental management, and shapes public understanding of Lake Erie and the broader Great Lakes region. From ecosystem health to economic impact, this research plays a key role in ensuring a more resilient future for the communities that depend on the lakes.

There is no simple solution or singular approach to gender equality in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. But Anita Zaidi, President of the Gender Equality Division at the Gates Foundation knows that when women and girls can prioritize their own health and well-being, and be leaders in their societies, everyone benefits. In a piece for Harvard Public Health, Dr. Zaidi called for women's health to be a priority, "Systemic negligence-including the lack of effective treatments, poor care delivery, and the overall dearth of scientific research that centers women's health-has driven gender disparities in health outcomes."rnrnThrough her work at the Gender Equality Division, the Gates Foundation has invested in efforts that advance women's economic empowerment, improve and protect women's health and bodily autonomy, increase child survival and resilience, and more. Previously, Dr. Zaidi spent 30 years as a pediatrician and was Chair of Pediatrics and Child Health at the Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan, where she worked to reduce child mortality through the prevention and treatment of newborn illnesses and vaccine-preventable diseases.

Since its 2014 founding, The Marshall Project has changed how the media covers criminal justice, shifting from traditional crimes and court coverage to covering the system itself, along with abuses and malfeasances inside the publicly funded structures. The Marshall Project garnered major recognition, including two Pulitzers and a Peabody, and in 2022, opened its first local newsroom here in Cleveland, Ohio.rnrnThe Marshall Project--Cleveland has been responsible for a number of notable successes, including drawing attention to a sitting judge who was improperly steering divorce cases to a friend and spotlighting deaths inside the Cuyahoga County jail. Now, The Marshall Project is using the Cleveland newsroom as a model for other communities, expanding its local coverage to Jackson, Mississippi, and St. Louis, Missouri.rnrnAs our community hosts the annual convention of the National Association of Black Journalists, we bring some of the journalists leading The Marshall Project nationally and locally to our stage to talk about their work, their impact, and their plans for the future.

The Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center For Economic Development (NEOHCED) has led the way for Cleveland's Latino community, and includes multiple anchors that build success and equitable asset building: The Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has, for close to 40 years, represented the Latino and non-Latino business community in Northeast Ohio; They are home to Northeast Ohio's only Latino Small Business Development Center; and have been committed to community development and equitable asset building in Cleveland's Latino, and other underserved communities.rnrnAs President & CEO, Jenice Contreras is a beacon of leadership and a champion for economic empowerment at NEOHCED. Most notable is the new CentroVilla25, Cleveland's Premier Latino Market & Food Hall, which celebrated its grand opening in June this year. CentroVilla25 is a groundbreaking $12 million adaptive reuse initiative that truly changed the game on what is possible in La Villa Hispana in Cleveland's Clark-Fulton neighborhood.

Cleveland is repositioning its future as a dual waterfront city. Take a deep dive (pun intended!) as we reflect on the past, present, and future visions to transform our downtown into "Coastland".rnrnFor over a year, the local chapters of the American Institute of Architects, American Planning Association, American Society of Landscape Architects, and the Urban Land Institute (AIA, APA, ASLA and ULI) have collaborated on a topic of mutual interest and significance: our waterfronts and their connections to downtown. In summer 2025, multi-disciplinary professionals from these organizations hosted "From Cleveland to Coastland" featuring a 'design your own adventure' exploration of Cleveland's downtown, lakefront, and riverfront developments.rnrnPanelists from the Urban Land Institute, Greater Cleveland Partnership, and RDL Architects will discuss the results of the adventurers' collective experiences and expertise, offer insights on placemaking, architecture, and real estate development, and share impactful ways to transform connectivity between the shores and core.rnPanelists: Melanie Kortyka, Executive Director, Urban Land Institute Cleveland; Allison Lukacsy-Love, Managing Director, Major Projects, Greater Cleveland Partnership; Gregory Soltis, AICP, Senior Designer, RDL Architects; and moderated by Zaria Johnson, Reporter/Producer, Ideastream Public Media

A Panel with Mayor Justin M. Bibb, Cleveland; Mayor Todd Gloria, San Diego; Mayor Donna Deegan, Jacksonville; and Mayor Quinton Lucas, Kansas CityrnrnMayors will tell you they don't have the luxury of inaction. Despite chaos in Washington, Mayors have remained focused on providing a path forward and continuing to deliver for their communities -- on serving their constituents, solving problems, and executing promised reforms and improvements.rnrnThis summer, Mayors from across the country will gather in Cleveland for the annual convening of the Democratic Mayors Association (DMA), where Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb currently serves as president.rnrnImmediately following the Mayors panel, there will be a session featuring former Senator Sherrod Brown, "Dignity of Work: Winning Working Class Voters," and attendees are welcome to stay for that as well.rnrnThe DMA is comprised of mayors of cities of 30,000 and more, creating a network of municipal executives connected to leaders from business and labor. The summit is organized around the theme "Community over Chaos: A Path Forward."

Most known for "Random Acts of Kindness Everywhere," or R.A.K.E. this summer Ricky Smith launched his latest feel-good venture: Something Good Social Kitchen--a casual walkup food stand in Playhouse Square Plaza, which includes collaborators like Chef Michael Symon and exclusively features Cleveland-based providers.rnrnR.A.K.E.'s mission is simple: to support the community in a positive way. They aim to enrich lives, encourage kindness, and promote the act of "paying it forward." And just like R.A.K.E., Ricky Smith is bringing the same altruistic vibe to Something Good Social Kitchen: For every meal sold, R.A.K.E. donates one meal to people in need.

Right now, we are at a critical moment in our nation's political climate, where distrust and misunderstanding have driven the narrative of the public sector's role in solutions to our communities' critical and complex challenges. This includes issues like housing, climate readiness, land use and water management, transportation, municipal finance, social equity, and more. Today's public service requires resilience, leveraging new talent, and building skills for true urban vitality.rnrnThe Vibrant Communities Fellows program at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy is a foundational example of how to build vibrant, engaged communities marked by trust and agency for positive change. This collaborative program offers 24-weeks of expert coaching and peer networking to support public and private sector leaders in advancing sustainable community development.rnrnGeorge "Mac" McCarthy, President & CEO of the Lincoln Institute, leads the conversation with Gillian Prater-Lee, Program Assistant at LISC Cleveland, and Christine McIntosh, Planning Manager at the City of Euclid.

The 2025 Borderlight Festival returns to downtown Cleveland, July 16-19! This year, we are proud to share the stage with the artists behind Buckeyes; Buses and Baseball, and the Baseball Heritage Museum and dig into a history and epic achievement often overshadowed in Cleveland sports lore.rnrnInside the iconic League Park, the original home of Cleveland baseball on Lexington Avenue in Cleveland's Hough neighborhood, the Cleveland Buckeyes rose up to defeat the legendry Homestead Grays in the 1945 Negro National League World Series. This year is the 80th anniversary of that championship game.rnrnCreated in partnership with the Baseball Heritage Museum and the Dunham Tavern Museum & Gardens, BUCKEYES: Buses & Baseball is a new theater experience that combines spoken word, music, movement, and drama, and three performers explore this remarkable team. Each performance is a celebration of baseball, theatre, history, and the human spirit.

This July, the National Urban League Conference heads to Cleveland! This year's conference promises to be the largest and most influential gathering in the nation focused on civil rights and urban advocacy. Each year, the event attracts leaders from business, government, and social advocacy, all committed to addressing critical issues and advancing initiatives that impact communities served by the Urban League's network of 92 affiliates across the country.rnrnAt the helm of the National Urban League as President & CEO is Marc H. Morial. He served as Mayor of New Orleans as well as the President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Marc previously was a Louisiana State Senator and was a lawyer in New Orleans.rnrnMorial will be joined by Marsha A. Mockabee, President & CEO of the Urban League of Greater Cleveland, in a conversation led by Kevin Clayton, Executive Vice President, Chief Impact & Equity Officer at the Cleveland Cavaliers.rnrnTogether, they will have an in-depth discussion on efforts - both nationally and locally - that eliminate racial, economic, and societal barriers that prevent Black Americans and other communities of color from achieving their full potential.

As lead investigator into both January 6 and Charlottesville, Tim Heaphy discovered that American democracy was headed toward a reckoning. In his book Harbingers, which he completed before the November 2024 election, Tim concluded that apathy poses greater threats to the rule of law than would-be autocrats, and that widespread civic engagement would be essential to safeguarding our values and restoring faith in our institutions. He proposes a number of everyday measures that Americans can and must start taking right now in order to restore our faith and hope in the future.rnrnHeaphy served as Chief Investigative Counsel of the House of Representatives Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. He also oversaw the independent investigation into the August 12, 2017 riot in Charlottesville, Virginia. He is currently a partner at Willkie, Farr & Gallagher LLP and previously served as the Obama-appointed US Attorney for the Western District of Virginia. He lives in Charlottesville, Virginia with his family.

Artificial Intelligence, or AI in healthcare, is experiencing a rise in new technologies and applications. Generative AI, more specifically, is a form of artificial intelligence that's trained to find patterns in data and then generate new content. AI can enhance patient care, optimize clinical workflows, and drive innovation-while maintaining transparency and ethical integrity. But no matter how innovative and revolutionary the application, the future of AI in healthcare - and its successful adoption - is driven by patient trust.rnrnNow, leadership from MetroHealth, the Cleveland Clinic, AI Center of Excellence, WellLink, and Ohio Health Literacy Partners are coming together on the City Club stage to discuss real-world applications, challenges, and strategies for fostering trust in AI-driven healthcare transformation.

Last summer, our city played host to DC Studios' filming of the upcoming film "Superman". Early trailer footage gives Cleveland much love, putting many of our city's landmarks front and center. It was a sort of homecoming for Superman, who was created by two Glenville High School students in 1933, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Adding to the anticipation, the Siegel and Shuster Society, an all-volunteer nonprofit, announced they will construct a Superman statue in downtown Cleveland.rnrnBefore the July 11th theatrical release of "Superman," we will be joined by Bill Garvey from the Greater Cleveland Film Commission and Valentino Zullo with the Siegel and Shuster Society. Ideastream's Mike McIntyre will lead a conversation on what it takes to bring Hollywood to The CLE and how we can all honor the creators of The Man of Steel.

The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded in 1878 on a commitment to set the legal and ethical foundation for the American nation. Today, it exists as a membership organization and stands committed to its mission of defending liberty and pursuing justice. In August 2024, William "Bill" Bay became president of the ABA for the 2024-2025 term after more than 20 years in various leadership roles. His leadership thus far has been widely applauded due to his firm stance in support of the rule of law and defense of judicial independence.rnrnIn a June 1, 2025, President's Letter in the ABA Journal, Bill Bay did not mince his words: "Attacks on the rule of law, judges, lawyers, and the profession. The apparent disregard of due process. And now attacks on the ABA. All of this from our own government. The frequency and intensity show no sign of lessening." How are American lawyers standing up for the foundational principles that have served our country for 250 years?

Ohio's regional public universities - including Cleveland State, and the Universities of Akron and Toledo - collectively serve more students than any single university in the state, including the state's flagship. Yet they're often overlooked in both local and national big-picture conversations about higher education, even though most Americans who do go to college attend an institution within 50 miles of their home.rnrnThese colleges are being forced to reinvent themselves--dealing with local workforce demands, adapting to shifting student needs, and, sometimes, fighting for survival. It all comes amid enrollment drops, changing demographics, and pressure at both the state/federal levels. So, what is working? What's not? And what would it mean for Ohio's communities if these universities close their doors?

The former Director of Ohio's Department of Health, Amy Acton, M.D., MPH was the first Democratic candidate to announce a campaign for Ohio Governor. Dr. Acton was nominated Director of Ohio's Department of Health by Governor Mike DeWine in February 2019. She quickly became a household name, joining Governor DeWine during his daily afternoon press conferences in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.rnrnDr. Acton began her career as the Director of Project L.O.V.E, managing public-private partnerships between Columbus area hospitals and key community stakeholders. Amy then joined the faculty at Ohio State University, and eventually joined the Columbus Foundation, where she worked to improve the community's health and well-being, particularly in the area of women's health and youth homelessness.rnrnDr. Acton received her medical degree from Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine and completed her internship and residency training in pediatrics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, and at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus. Dr. Acton lives in Bexley, Ohio with her husband Eric, and together they have six kids.

Dave Yost was re-elected as Ohio's 51st Attorney General on November 8, 2022. A member of the Republican Party, Yost began his public-service career as Delaware County auditor, later winning election as that county's prosecutor. From 2011 through 2018, he served as Ohio's auditor of state. In January 2019, Yost began his first term as attorney general, and joined the City Club shortly after to discuss his goals and priorities.rnrnDuring his tenure as Ohio's Attorney General, Yost's leadership has been characterized by a commitment to defending Constitutional rights and innocent life; protecting individual liberties and Ohio families; creating a stable environment for economic growth; and fighting federal overreach--including COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine mandates.rnrnYost earned his bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University and law degree from Capital University. He and his wife, Darlene, live in Franklin County; they have three grown children and five grandchildren.

In February 2025, Ken Martin, was elected chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). A longtime party leader and organizer, he brings more than 20 years of experience working on behalf of progressive candidates and causes. Martin has a career focused on unifying the Democratic Party and evolving its national infrastructure to meet the demands of the current political moment, a moment characterized by a rightward shift that ushered Donald Trump back to the White House.rnrnIn his first few months as DNC Chair, Martin launched his "Organizing Everywhere" tour, spreading the message that Democrats must organize everywhere, compete everywhere, and build locally.rnrnThis is seen as a strategic response to polling, coverage, and punditry suggesting deep challenges for the Democratic party.rnrnA Midwesterner and Minnesotan, Martin sets himself apart from the "inside the beltway" DC elite, and brings a state-based perspective to national leadership.

The 1990s were a heady time. The Cold War had ended, and America's version of liberal capitalism seemed triumphant. And yet, amid the peace and prosperity, anxieties about the project of self-government could be glimpsed beneath the surface. So argued Michael Sandel, in his influential and widely debated book Democracy's Discontent, published in 1996. Now, a quarter century later, Sandel updates his classic work for an age when democracy's discontent has hardened into a country divided against itself.rnrnIn Democracy's Discontent: A New Edition for Our Perilous Times, Sandel extends his account of America's civic struggles from the 1990s to the present. The book is an essential--and ultimately hopeful--reading for all those who wonder if our democratic experiment will survive in the twenty-first century.rnrnMichael Sandel teaches political philosophy at Harvard University, where his legendary course "Justice: Ethical Reasoning in Polarized Times," fills Harvard's largest auditorium. Sandel is also the author of The Tyranny of Merit: Can We Find the Common Good?, which seeks a way beyond the polarized politics of our time. His other previous books include Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do? and What Money Can't Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets.

In 2021, Cuyahoga County sent four times more children to adult court - referred to as a "bindover" - than the next highest county, Hamilton, which includes Cincinnati. Racial disparities exist at every stage of our criminal legal system. Yet, as of September 2024, Black youth comprised 72% of Ohio's youth prison population.rnrnMembers of the Youth Justice Collaborative believe it is time for our public leaders, courts, and communities to prioritize effective interventions, rather than rely on "tough-on-crime" approaches that criminalize adolescence. Through the Collaborative, they have supported transformative grassroots efforts that placed community-led programs within the facilities of the Juvenile Detention Center. What lessons can the Collaborative share that will optimize impactful change?

Over the past two decades, the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) has been steadily replacing and rebuilding virtually its entire stock of low income and affordable housing across Greater Cleveland. As CMHA's CEO since 2012, Jeffery Patterson has led an ongoing process of neighbor and resident engagement, ensuring that every resident has a voice in the future of the community and the facilities that are being built.rnrnBy special request of the donors who created our annual Leadership for the Greater Good Forum, Jeffery Patterson will be joined by City Club CEO Dan Moulthrop for a collegial conversation about leadership and the importance of prioritizing community voice. Moulthrop has led the City Club since 2013, and his tenure has been recognized not only for the successful move to Playhouse Square but perhaps, more importantly, by the increasing relevance and accessibility of City Club forums.