Cleveland Leadership Center

Thank you to the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation for its generous support of the Civic Leadership Institute. Its commitment, both through philanthropic investment and by encouraging employees to participate in the program, strengthens civic understanding and leadership across our community. Learn more about CLC Corporate and Community Partnerships: https://lnkd.in/ez-VwHg8

Thank you to everyone who joined us for last night’s Central Neighborhood Community Forum! Together with the Sisters of Charity Health System, we explored the vision for the Health & Healing Hub, heard from key community partners, and dug into meaningful conversations during our Leadership Exchange roundtables. Your insights and energy are helping shape a brighter, more connected Central neighborhood. Thank you to Cuyahoga Community College and Michael A. Baston, J.D., Ed.D. for welcoming us into your space and to all of the speakers: * Michael Goar, Sisters of Charity Health System * Domonic Hopson, Neighborhood Family Practice * Eric Morse, The Centers * Anne Richards, Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio, Inc. Cleveland

✨ CLC Alumni: Let's Get Merry! ✨ Get your tickets now for the CLC Alumni Merry Meetup on Wednesday, December 10th from 5:00-7:30 PM at Stone Mad Pub. 🤝 Connect with CLC alumni across all programs and years–be sure to invite your classmates to join you. 🎵 Enjoy great music, light appetizers, and holiday cheer in abundance. 💝 Make a difference for families in need this season by bringing a wrapped family gift for Donté's Gift Express. Register now: https://lnkd.in/eVYNbnXz

CLI Fall 2025 wrapped up last week after six weeks of exploring Greater Cleveland's civic landscape. They gained an understanding of Cleveland’s neighborhoods, economic development, education, health and human services, and arts & culture. Their final session brought it all together into plans for how they will take action in the community. Thank you to the following organizations for hosting the cohort: The Foundry Community Rowing and Sailing Center, MAGNET: The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network, College Now, Stella Maris Cleveland, Rainey Institute, and WellLink. Learn more about CLI and register for the Winter and Spring cohorts: https://lnkd.in/e-nJdct

Yesterday, the OnBoard Cleveland Class of 2026 dove into an energetic session on personal branding and shameless self-promotion with Dr. Ken Schneck. They also explored what truly drives them through a personal values assessment. CLC’s own Christy Burke Walkuski, Ph.D. then facilitated a workshop on social change pathways to discover ways to turn those values into real-world social impact. Thank you to Michael E. Ferry and The Foundry Community Rowing and Sailing Center for welcoming the OBC class into their organization. Learn more about OnBoard at https://lnkd.in/e2wNyhR

🎉Help us give a warm welcome to Austin Harris, our new Director of Civic Leadership Institute! Austin brings a unique blend of creativity and community-focused expertise in project management, communications, and nonprofit work. As a Bridge Builders alum, he knows firsthand the transformative power of leadership development and the CLC experience. Austin is a natural connector who knows how to build meaningful connections and create spaces where people thrive. We’re excited for what’s ahead with Austin on board! Learn more about Austin: https://lnkd.in/dViJzga7 You can register now to join him in the Winter and Spring CLI sessions! https://lnkd.in/e-nJdct

Thank you to Benesch Law for renewing as a CLC Gold Corporate Partner. Special thanks to Ira Kaplan, Executive Chairman at Benesch and CLC Emeritus Board Member, for everything he does for CLC. His advocacy and leadership make an extraordinary difference in championing our mission. Learn about the benefits of a CLC Corporate Partnership: https://lnkd.in/ez-VwHg8

Got a vision that could transform Northeast Ohio? Your idea deserves a spotlight … and support to make it real. 💡 At Accelerate, there's a place for EVERY voice. No business plan or fancy credentials needed–anyone with an idea can apply! ⏰ Deadline to submit: December 5 🤝 Get coaching, make connections, and find champions for your cause 💰 Winners take home cash prizes to fuel their mission Don't just dream it, take the first step and Accelerate your vision on the road to reality. Apply today -> https://lnkd.in/ePPiAtSN Thank you to presenting sponsor Citizens for helping bring innovative ideas to life!

Yesterday, the Advanced Leadership Institute participants took a day to focus on resilient leadership and thriving team cultures. The session featured WellLink team members who shared insights from their organization's recent changes and their ongoing commitment to fostering a strong team culture. Thank you, Medical Mutual for hosting us. Throughout the program, this group of experienced professionals has been exploring essential leadership skills through real-world examples, and as they prepare for their final session in December, they continue to demonstrate a growth mindset and lead with intention and authenticity. Learn more about Advanced Leadership Institute: https://lnkd.in/gHeKNY_w

CLC was proud to support Global Cleveland’s work at their Annual Meeting yesterday. It was a who’s who of CLC alumni including remarks by Joe Cimperman (LC 2003), Councilman Michael J. Houser Sr. (LC 2026), Abbie Levin (LC 2025, CLI 2023), Chris Ronayne (LC 2007) Greater Cleveland RTA, headed by CLC Board Member India Birdsong Terry (LC2 2023, LC 2022), was honored with the Global Employer Award and Margaret W. Wong (LC 1984) received the Albert B. & Audrey G. Ratner Community Leader Award. Helen Forbes-Fields (LC 1994), Mayor Annette Blackwell (CLECHAMPS26, ALI25, LC 1997, CLI 2017), and Lucas Reeve (CBB 2023) presented the awards.