Dr. Tania Jarosewich and Colleen Kassouf Mackey, Censeo Group
Dr. Jarosewich leads the Censeo Group team in developing research and evaluation strategies for each client. She has led large-scale evaluations for state departments of education, school districts, grant makers, foundations, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Her expertise includes evaluation of literacy; science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education; gifted and advanced placement programming; school reform; educational assessment; capacity building; evaluation of collaborations and networks; and evaluation of organizational effectiveness.
Lori Zoss Kraska, Growth Owl
Lori Zoss Kraska, MBA, CFRE is Growth Owl, LLC's Founder and Chief Principal where she works with nonprofits, associations, and other purpose driven organization to best position themselves to receive funding and resources from corporations and corporate foundations. She possesses over 22 years expertise in revenue generation management, corporate sponsorship support, corporate cause marketing, fundraising, corporate social responsibility, nonprofit consulting, executive sales management, training, and marketing strategy roles earning her a reputation for establishing pathways quickly to exceeding revenue/fundraising goals, building high performance teams, developing relationships quickly, and outpacing expectations. Lori also specializes in successfully engaging corporate DEI, CSR, Sustainability, and Accessibility thought leaders looking to align their brands as well as their community engagement resources with purpose driven organizations that share similar mission and values. Before starting Growth Owl, LLC Lori held key leadership and corporate sponsorship positions within organizations like ideastream (PBS/NPR), DAC Group, Clear Channel (now I Heart Media), University of Phoenix-Midwest Campuses, and Citysearch.com. She's been a regular featured speaker and panelist at The Non Dues a Palooza Conference, US Transcorp Leadership Series, Public Media Development and Marketing Conference, PBS Annual Meeting, American Marketing Association, Alumni Speakers Bureau, Baldwin Wallace University, and various local professional organizations. Lori holds an MBA in Systems Management and when time allows is an adjunct professor of Communications and Public Relations at Baldwin Wallace University. Lori earned the distinguished certification of Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), the world's only accredited certification for philanthropic fundraising professionals, by CFRE International in 2021. The American National Standards Institute accredits this certification. In 2020, Lori was nominated and selected to participate in the 30th Leadership Medina County Signature Program--an initiative that brings together cross industry professionals to explore complex county and regional issues. She received letters of commendation from the state of Ohio and the Ohio Senate for her commitment to help community organizations. Although Lori resides in the Greater Cleveland, OH area, she is proud to be of service to clients globally helping purpose driven organizations and corporations achieve their funding goals and empower them with the tools needed to build upon that success.
Selen Zarrelli, Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion
Selen Zarrelli (she/her/hers) is currently the Director of the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI) at John Carroll University (JCU). She is an immigrant from Turkey and received her B.B.A. in International Relations from Ege University/Universiteit van Gent, her M.B.A. from JCU. As a diversity consultant at a nonprofit organization, she traveled to Poland and Belgium to present in European Citizens’ Initiative. Her recent work with Mandel Foundation supported JCU’s family-friendly campus initiative. She works with Cleveland Fenn Foundation to improve the professional career readiness of historically underserved students seeking internships, employment, or graduate education while working with local nonprofit organizations and small business owners. At CSDI, she continues to advise and advocate for historically underrepresented students, as well as helps guide the university’s overall commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Beth Lucas, UCP of Greater Cleveland
Beth Lucas, newly named President and CEO of UCP of Greater Cleveland effective 1/1/22, served as UCP’s Chief Operations Officer since 2014 after joining the agency in 2008 as its Director of Development. She has spent her entire career in the nonprofit sector, first specializing in fundraising and marketing. Beth’s passion for developmental disabilities program development and sustainability drove her to pursue the operational and administrative sides of the agency where she is responsible for a budget of $10M and a staff of 160, including a significant number of direct support employees as well as professional staff. She oversees UCP’s various programs with multiple funding sources including group homes, community integration, day services as well as children’s therapy and educational programming. Throughout her time at UCP, Beth has been instrumental in many significant projects and initiatives, such as the growth of Team UCP at the Cleveland Triathlon, staff restructuring, enhancing the engagement of all UCP employees, and leading Agency re-opening efforts following pandemic-related closures, among others.
Beth has a Master of Arts in Nonprofit Administration from John Carroll University and a Bachelor of Arts from Baldwin Wallace University. She is a graduate of the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities Leadership Academy and has engaged in advocacy, outreach and fundraising efforts for UCP and other related social service groups. Beth believes in continuous learning and mentorship, exemplified by her time supporting professionals at all levels within her organization and in the community. She has spoken at the national level on the topic of engaging families and other stakeholders in nonprofit fundraising efforts and remains aligned with the non-profit sector.
Amy Wong, Dot Org Solutions
Amy Wong is president and founder of Dot Org Solutions, a creative and consulting firm specializing in nonprofits. She has nearly 30 years of experience in fundraising, marketing and communications, mostly in the nonprofit sector and has received national and regional recognition for programs she has developed. Amy has experience working for small, medium, and large-budget organizations and has held management level positions that help her understand how to manage large complex projects and teams. Amy has a wide range of experience in the nonprofit sector ranging from marketing and fundraising to operations and programs. Prior to starting Dot Org Solutions in 2009, Amy worked for several organizations with a national presence including Bowling Green State University, Akron Children’s Hospital and The Cleveland Orchestra, where she was responsible for raising dollars and promoting the brand of these institutions. She is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,0000 Small Business Program, a frequent speaker and presenter on nonprofit topics and an advocate for small businesses. Amy has a Bachelor of Science in journalism/public relations from Bowling Green State University.
Kerri Mollard, Mollard Consulting
Kerri Mollard is a respected authority on nonprofit board governance, planning, and fundraising, and has served hundreds of nonprofits since founding the company in 2003. Prior to consulting, she worked in positions as varied as public relations coordinator, box office manager, development director, and executive director. She has a master’s degree from Indiana University, a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University, and a Certificate of Nonprofit Board Consulting from BoardSource.
Shannon Lee, Leadership Columbus
Shannon Lee (she/her) is the Executive Director at Leadership Columbus with a drive to help current and aspiring leaders achieve their personal and professional aims. Her work at Leadership Columbus includes leading strategic direction as Leadership Columbus embarks on a new chapter. Shannon plans to build on Leadership Columbus and the Signature Program’s strong legacy while adding programs that further the mission to ‘develop, connect and inspire diverse leaders who serve as catalysts in building a healthy and vibrant community.’ Her favorite part of leadership is working with a team and helping them achieve beyond what they thought possible for themselves.
Previously, Shannon served as the Executive Director of Rela for the past 5 years. She helped transition the organization from a local chapter of a national organization (The Gathering Columbus) to one focused on the learning and development needs of Central Ohio professionals. In that time, Lee created over a dozen leadership experiences, including workshops, intensives, coaching programs, and a certification program. Additionally, Shannon wrote Servant Leader Mindset, and a book focused on the internal experience of those who wish to embrace the timeless principles of servant leadership. Her book and many of her training programs feature a model for servant leadership she created called CARE to Lead.
Lee’s concentration in the nonprofit sector has allowed her to work with many other nonprofits through service projects, training, workshops, and coaching. Shannon is passionate about helping nonprofit organizations receive the same best-in-class leadership development experiences as the for-profit community.
Shannon frequently speaks to and trains a wide range of audiences on mindfulness and intentionality at work, servant leadership as a management style and mindset, the CARE to Lead model, and more.
Lee is a Columbus native and graduate of The Ohio State University with a BS in Education. Together, Shannon and her husband Kris have three adult children, Jaren, Kaylee, and Nia as well as two dogs, Sammie and Gunner.”
Karen Hewitt, Leadership Columbus
Karen (Ze/Hir/Hirs and She/Her/Hers) is the Associate Director for Leadership Columbus. A Columbus resident, Karen was born and raised in Cincinnati. Ze holds a Master of Arts in Educational Policy and Leadership from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from St. Francis University (PA).
Karen is committed to doing the work of building connection, belonging, and community. Ze is a non-negotiable stand for the most marginalized and the dignity and value of every human life. Her professional reach is vast and includes competency and expertise in Leadership Development, Anti-Racism Facilitation, Transformative Justice Approaches, Poetry, Writing, Music, Comedy, and overall performance. Karen is seen as a necessary contribution at various community tables and conversations and is both celebrated and respected for her ability to be strategic in navigating difficult and nuanced conversations and barriers in a brave and productive way.
Karen is also a published author, creative, and musician. Ze is a 2020 recipient of the Create Columbus Visionary Award, a 2021 Cohort Poet in Scott Woods’ Rhapsody and Refrain, and an ensemble member in Counterfeit Madison’s Aretha Franklin Tribute; which performed in front of a sold out Lincoln Theatre in February 2020. In 2019, Karen self- published hir first book of poetry “Grounded” and recently released “Fire: Poetic Memoirs of a Movement” in August, 2021.
Karen serves on numerous committees, commissions, and collectives to further advance the work of racial and social justice, and to foster visibility and representation for Black, Queer, Women (presenting), Non-Gender Conforming and Non-Binary individuals and communities. Her work and presence compels others to journey inward, and encourages them to see the world in more expansive and hopeful ways. She is a non-negotiable stand for the most marginalized and the dignity and value of every human life.
Karen is also the co-founder of The Ohio REST Collective. The Ohio REST Collective (Restorative Equity through Sustainable Transformation) was founded to create space for individual and collective restoration.
Collin Ries, Leadership Columbus
Collin Ries (he/him) serves as the Program & Marketing Manager for Leadership Columbus. He manages Leadership Columbus’s marketing and social media presence, as well as providing programming and administrative support for the Leadership Columbus team. He is also the staff lead on the newly launched Nonprofit Board Governance Training.
Prior to joining the Leadership Columbus Team, Collin served as the Graduate Assistant for the Nonprofit Administration Program at John Carroll University (JCU), working to advance the program’s mission to “develop unapologetic social justice leaders.” He has also worked in various capacities at the CityMusic Cleveland Chamber Orchestra, Ohio Environmental Council and The Ohio State University.
A Columbus native, Collin holds a Master’s in Nonprofit Administration from John Carroll University and a Bachelor’s in Evolution and Ecology from The Ohio State University, as well as Certificate of Nonprofit Board Consulting from BoardSource. Collin was named a 2020 Nonprofit Leader of Tomorrow by the Nonprofit Administration Program at JCU. In his free time, he enjoys birdwatching in Columbus’s Metro Park system and continuing to explore all that Columbus has to offer.
Veranda Rogers, Pregnant With Possibilities Resource Center
Veranda Rodgers, MBA is a nonprofit guru and development leader with proven fundraising, strategic marketing and innovation solutions to serve vulnerable populations. Pregnant at 16 could have been the story to derail Veranda’s life; however that experience shaped her desire to provide culturally competent sexual health education, perinatal support, tools and techniques that confront the racial disparities in Black women’s maternal health. Veranda founded Pregnant with Possibilities Resource Center (PPRC) in 2015 securing over 1 million dollars to expand a home office to a brick-and-mortar resource facility. Through her leadership and ambitious disposition, Veranda was sought after to help others grow and expand their nonprofit organizations. In 2019, Veranda Rodgers Consulting was birthed to help fiercely passionate game changers create, grow and expand. Veranda earned a B.A, from Cleveland State University and then went on to obtain a Master’s in business administration. She is also an adjunct faculty member at Cuyahoga Community College and is an active community volunteer in Cleveland as a certified community health worker. She loves traveling, spending time with family and crafting. Her passion for excellence and advancement makes her an asset to everyone she meets.
Rachel Ciomcia, Cleveland Leadership Center
Rachel is Executive Vice President of Cleveland Leadership Center. In her role, she provides oversight for all evaluation and community impact work of CLC, development of custom programs and strategic opportunities, and the design and implementation of all CLC programs. She is a certified Tetra Map Facilitator, Strategic DoingTM Certified Workshop Leader, IDI Qualified Administrator, and has presented nationally on evaluation, impact, and engagement. Rachel graduated from Ohio University in 2002 with a BA in Psychology and continued her education at the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University, graduating in 2005 with a Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA). Rachel has worked as a social worker at MetroHealth Medical Center and as a Program Coordinator at Care Alliance Health Center. Through her work at Care Alliance, she designed, implemented, and measured a federally funded evaluation program and collaborated with nine other programs across the country. She has a special interest in social work issues with the HIV/AIDS community and healthcare. Rachel is a graduate of the Cleveland Bridge Builders Class of 2010 and is a member of the Cleveland Leadership Center Alumni Association. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the MetroHealth Foundation, a Program Committee member with Courage to Caregivers, and an Outcomes Committee member with the Greater Cleveland Foodbank. She has served on the associate board of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, most recently as Chair. She was named a Top 25 under 35 Mover and Shaker in 2013 by the Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club.
Natalie Leek, Providence House
Natalie Leek has 30 years of experience in non-profit and corporate environments focused in program development, data and outcomes measures, advocacy, marketing, fundraising, and education. Since 2001, Ms. Leek has been the CEO and President for Providence House, Inc., a non-profit crisis nursery for infants and children focused on keeping kids safe and families together. During her tenure at Ohio’s first licensed crisis nursery, Natalie has tripled the organization’s service capacity and revenues, engaged broad audiences in support of her agency, and has positioned Providence House as a nationally recognized leader in child abuse prevention, family preservation, and foster care diversion. In 2019, she and her Board launched “Giving Hope for the PHuture” – a $13 Million capital campaign to expand the organization to Cleveland’s near east side. Natalie is deeply committed to collaboration and community engagement in both the nonprofit and public sector. She is a thought leader, educator, and advocate at the state and national level on child welfare issues and policy barriers impacting families in poverty. She has served on a number of nonprofit Boards, is a regular presenter and lecturer at local and national conferences and universities, and consults with a range of interested parties across the U.S. who strive to adopt the unique program model she has developed at Providence House. She is an influential voice for our community’s most vulnerable citizens and issues, and a collaborative convener in city, state, and national arenas among nonprofit, government, business and civic constituents who seek positive action and systemic change. Natalie has received many prestigious awards including; The Medical Mutual Pillar Award for Nonprofit Executive of the Year, Crain’s Cleveland Business Woman of Note and Notable Women in Nonprofit, Smart Business News Progressive Woman, and the Community Shares Eleanor Gerson Leadership in Social Justice Award. A member of the Cleveland community her whole life, Natalie is currently a resident of Rocky River with her teenage sons and enjoys working in her art studio, reading, gardening, and home renovation.
John Corlett and David Miller, Community Solutions
John Corlett serves as the President and Executive Director of The Center for Community Solutions. Corlett’s career has included leadership roles in both the public and private sectors, including serving as vice president for government relations and community affairs at The MetroHealth System, and as the State of Ohio’s Medicaid Director. He has also held leadership roles in community organizations focused on families, children, behavioral health and women’s health. He serves on the Board of Directors of The Centers for Families and Children, The Greater Cleveland Food Bank and the Woodruff Foundation. He has been the recipient of many state, regional and local awards. Corlett holds a Bachelor of Specialized Studies from Ohio University.
David B. Miller, PhD, is an associate professor at the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University and serves as the Director of the International Education Program. Dr. Miller’s current research focus is on the health status of African American males. Specifically, he is currently investigating the awareness and knowledge of African American males regarding prostate cancer; and effects of chronic stress on adolescents and young adults.
John Gilchrist, Fundraiser Strategies
John is a dynamic and accomplished philanthropy executive with proven success in leading fundraising initiatives of various sizes, resulting in transformational gifts. He executes a range of annual and long-term development strategies and is passionate about bringing committed and connected community leaders to the table. John is a collaborative leader with expertise in leading governing boards to implement strategic fundraising plans, capture the organization’s vision, and build community relations to deepen donor relationships. He cultivates and nurtures productive relationships with donors, boards, professional advisors and community leaders. John is active in the Dallas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and is the Co-Chair of the 2020 AFP Dallas/Fort Worth Philanthropy Conference.
Greg Nielsen, Nielsen Training & Consulting, LLC
Gregory Nielsen is President and CEO of Nielsen Training & Consulting, LLC. He is an experienced nonprofit CEO and consultant committed to helping leaders and organizations excel. Gregory has earned the prestigious BoardSource Certificate in Nonprofit Board Consulting. He is also a frequent public speaker on nonprofit leadership and governance. Gregory previously served as CEO of the Center of Nonprofit Excellence (CNPE), expanding the reach of the organization to serve more than 500 nonprofit organizations through consulting and professional development. During this time, Gregory also helped launch Destination:Excellence, a 6 month leadership development program for nonprofit executives and Circles of Excellence, a peer-to-peer learning program for nonprofit leaders. The growth and accomplishments of CNPE under his leadership were recognized locally and nationally, and the organization was honored with awards from the Better Business Bureau for Ethics and the Louisville Urban League for championing diversity. Gregory joined CNPE with more than a decade of experience in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Prior to joining CNPE, he was the Executive Director for Green Hill Therapy, a nonprofit specializing in rehabilitative care for children with special needs and a Vice President with Bank of America. Gregory is a military veteran, having previously served as an officer and attorney in the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Government and International Relations from the University of Notre Dame and a Juris Doctorate from Notre Dame Law School. In 2016, Gregory was named a “40 Under 40” honoree by Louisville Business First publication.
Amanda Cole, Plexus LGBT and Allied Chamber of Commerce
Amanda Cole is the Executive Director of Plexus LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Education Foundation. Her background includes extensive work in the non-profit sector as an educator, trainer and facilitator, and director of development. She is passionate about professional development and strives to create inspirational learning opportunities. A graduate of Antioch College and Wright State University, she lives in Kent, OH with her wife, son, and father-in-love.
Plexus serves the LGBTQ and allied business community and advocates workplace equality issues in Northeast Ohio. Plexus is a strategic partner in the economic development of Northeast Ohio and serves as a point of connection for corporations, supporters, LGBTQ businesses and professionals.
Danielle Tong, The Columbus Foundation
Danielle P. Tong, MPH, LSW is a social worker and she uses the Social Work Code of Ethics to guide her professional journey. She is currently a community research and grants management officer for The Columbus Foundation, where she provides leadership to The Columbus Foundation’s capacity building programs. She also researches, reviews, and recommends grants and strategies for a broad spectrum of community needs, particularly through the lens of health and human services, public health, and capacity building. With a decade of experience using Lean Six Sigma, she continues to improve processes that drive better outcomes and reduced waste. Prior to the Foundation, Danielle owned a consulting firm that focused on strategic planning, implementation, and processes improvement for Ohio nonprofits. Danielle has also supported infant mortality mitigation efforts in her work with the Ohio Department of Medicaid, as Lean Six Sigma project manager and coach for quality initiatives with the five Ohio managed care plans. She also planned, administered, and evaluated programs that served people with epilepsy across 12 southwestern Ohio counties. Danielle holds a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt through Purdue University, and is currently in pursuit of the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. She is also a graduate of the OhioHealth Administrative Fellowship and the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital/ James Anderson Center’s Intermediate Improvement Science Series. Danielle holds a bachelor’s degree in social work, with a current and active license, and master’s in public health. She is also an active member of the National Association of Social Workers.