Emerging Leaders Fore CLE
2023-05-09 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Topgolf, 5820 Rockside Woods Blvd N, Independence, OH, 44131, United States
Join United Way’s Emerging Leaders for the second annual Fore CLE! This signature event for young professionals and community leaders features networking, raffles, and a golf tournament. All proceeds benefit the Family Stability Initiative, a program that provides financial assistance to families so they can remain safe in their homes.

Register Here

United Way Family Day at the Zoo
2023-06-10 10:00 - 14:00 | Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH, 44109, United States
We’re celebrating our donors with a day of family, friends, and fun at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo!
Admission, snacks, beverages, music, animal shows, and gifts are included.
$5 tickets & $20 family packages available
Already have a zoo pass? Get a discounted ticket for friends or family!
Register here
Special thanks to our sponsor:

The State of Greater Cleveland: The Release of United Way of Greater Cleveland’s Community Needs Assessment
2023-06-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
For decades, Cleveland has topped national charts in the number of working adults, children, and older adults living in poverty. With the release of United Way’s triennial needs assessment, a panel of local experts will discuss the report’s key findings, including:

what has improved and the barriers to success over the past three years
how organizations are working to improve the health, economic, employment, and educational outcomes for Greater Cleveland residents
strategies for building on the existing strengths and assets in the community

Panelists
Gregory L. Brown Executive Director, PolicyBridge
Emily Campbell Chief Operating Officer, The Center for Community Solutions
Jacob Duritsky Vice President, Strategy & Research, Team NEO
Moderator
Marlene Harris-Taylor Director of Engaged Journalism, Ideastream Public Media
Register Here

The Social Impact of Utility Debt
2023-09-14 12:00 | Virtual
United Way of Greater Cleveland will host a Community Conversation on The Social Impact of Utility Debt on September 14.
The live panel discussion will be presented via Zoom beginning at 12 p.m. While the event is free, registration is required.
Thousands of households in the Greater Cleveland area and throughout Ohio are unable to afford their basic household utility costs such as electric, gas, heating oil, water, and sewer charges. One in five Cleveland Water Department customers are at least one month behind on their water bill, and more than 270,000 Ohioans had their gas or electric services shut off due to nonpayment.
According to a recent article in Health Affairs, low-income households and those comprising Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) are disproportionately affected by utility affordability. Several factors exacerbate these issues, including low-quality housing conditions; inflation; dated, malfunctioning, or nonexistent heating and cooling equipment; poor insulation and drafts; and reliance on older, less efficient appliances.
A panel of experts from Greater Cleveland will discuss the utility needs of renters and homeowners, ways housing quality impacts utility affordability, utility costs and impact on health, and ways utility assistance programs help address utility affordability.
Panelists
Genevieve Birkby, Program Manager, Rainbow Connects, University Hospitals Rainbow Center for Women & Children
Dr. Jacklyn A. Chisholm, President and CEO, Step Forward
Tonja Stewart Shaw, Senior Outreach and Education Program Specialist, Ohio Consumers’ Counsel
Moderator
Stephen Langel, Health Care Reporter/Producer, Ideastream Public Media
Click Here to Reserve Your Seat Today!

The Freakonomics of Cleveland: A Conversation with Stephen Dubner
2023-10-03 17:00 | Mimi Ohio Theatre, 1511 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44115, United States
The Freakonomics of Cleveland will feature Stephen Dubner, co-author of the bestselling Freakonomics book series and host of Freakonomics Radio. Dubner also created the popular Freakonomics blog, which has been called “the most readable economics blog in the universe.”
Following the keynote, Mayor Justin Bibb will join Dubner onstage to discuss how global and national forces impact us here in Cleveland and how local solutions can impact the nation and world.
This special event is hosted by United Way of Greater Cleveland, in partnership with The City Club of Cleveland, Ideastream Public Media, and our venue partner Playhouse Square. Light refreshments will be provided.
Pre-sale tickets are available on the Playhouse Square website with the promo code UWGC.

General Admittance: $60
10 Pack of Tickets: $500 – Please contact Katie Dager at kdager@unitedwaycleveland.org for group ticket information.

Hosted by

Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors

Thank you to our Partners

Local Government 101
2023-11-30 12:00 | Virtual
“Government of the people, by the people, for the people.” That is a phrase that many Americans are aware of, but what does government for the people look like? And how can an individual successfully interact with their local elected officials beyond simply casting a ballot on election day?
Our next Community Conversation – Local Government 101: What Your Elected Officials Can Do for You – will focus on the best way to communicate and engage with local government officials as you navigate city and county governments. Our panel of elected officials from Cleveland and Cuyahoga County will offer their insights on the role that elected officials play at each level of government, how they can help their constituents in a meaningful way, when to engage with your legislator, and where to go for help.
The panelists will share their current priorities and how they are working to make a positive impact in their districts and wards in what is sure to be an enlightening and educational discussion.
Join the live panel conversation on November 30 at noon via Zoom. While the event is free, registration is required.
Panelists
Blaine A. Griffin, Cleveland City Council President
Pernel Jones Jr., Cuyahoga County Council President

Moderator
Abbey Marshall, Government Reporter, Ideastream Public Media
Click Here to Reserve Your Seat Today!

Finding Your Best Fit: Vetting Board & Volunteer Opportunities
2024-03-14 17:30 - 19:30 | Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, 1375 E 9th St # 2, CLEVELAND, 44114
Join United Way’s Emerging Leaders for its second annual professional development panel co-presented by the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association.
The panel’s topic is, Finding Your Best Fit: Vetting Board & Volunteer Opportunities. In a city as philanthropic as Cleveland, it can be challenging for young professionals to sift through a wide variety of civic engagement opportunities to find one that aligns with both their personal priorities and professional goals. The purpose of this panel is to engage Cleveland’s next generation of leaders in a meaningful and practical conversation on how to do just that.
The panel is comprised of local experts in the volunteerism and experienced board members including Dr. Edward Barksdale (UH Rainbow Babies), Jonas Ng (KeyBank), and Beverly Schneider (STERIS), with moderator Heather Englander (Business Volunteers Unlimited).
Registration Link:
https://give.unitedwaycleveland.org/store/Category.xhtml?cid=1&commerceCampaignFormId=5093&clear=true&categoryId=52659

Co-presenter

Sponsors

Imagining a New Path to Prosperity in Cleveland: Universal Basic Employment
2024-04-04 12:00 | Virtual
Numerous government programs are designed to assist the most vulnerable members of our community, but according to United Way’s 2023 Community Needs Assessment, Cleveland remains the second poorest large city in the United States and approximately 207,000 individuals live below the poverty level in Cuyahoga County.
Universal Basic Employment is developing an innovative pilot program to address those gaps through a jobs guarantee model that creates sustainable wage jobs by investing in people, neighborhoods, and businesses. The program aims to demonstrate that a jobs guarantee policy will empower participants to create social and financial capital while providing businesses with the skilled workers needed to succeed.
Join our panelists as they discuss the pilot program’s purpose, background, and development; the impact and lessons learned from previous employment subsidy programs; and what can be discovered in the program’s outcomes, including its impact on racial economic equity.
While the virtual event is free, registration is required.
Panelists:
Devin Cotten, Founder and CEO, Universal Basic Employment
Emily Campbell, President and CEO, The Center for Community Solutions
Moderator:
Abbey Marshall, Government Reporter, Ideastream Public Media
Click Here to Reserve Your Seat Today!

Fore CLE Annual Event at Topgolf
2024-05-09 17:00 - 21:00 | Topgolf, 5820 Rockside Woods Blvd N, Independence, OH, 44131, United States
Join United Way’s Emerging Leaders for the third annual Fore CLE at Topgolf!
This signature event for young professionals and community leaders features networking, raffles, and a golf tournament.
All proceeds benefit United Way 211. United Way 211 serves as a vital connection to community resources for our neighbors in Cuyahoga, Darke, Geauga, Ross, and Belmont counties. Our social service professionals have extensive Community Resource Navigation training, which allows them to break down complex situations and help callers find the resources they need 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Reserve Your Spot
Fore CLE Registration

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

Vital Community Helplines: 211, 311, 911 and 988
2024-07-18 12:00 | Virtual
Everyone needs help at some point in their lives. But sometimes it can be difficult to know where to turn, especially in a stressful situation. Fortunately, there are several helplines available every day, each accessible with easily remembered digits: 211, 311, 911, and 988.
The need for those helplines is clear, as United Way 211 annually connects more than 150,000 community members with vital resources to help them secure such things as food, housing, and utility assistance; the City of Cleveland’s 311 line answers approximately 200,000 calls each year about non-emergency city services; 911 is available for immediate emergencies; and 988 provides emotional support for people in suicidal crisis, emotional distress, or substance use or mental health crisis.
Our panel of experts will offer insight into what to expect when you call one of the helplines, the important services available to community members, and discuss some of the misconceptions about why people utilize the various helplines.
Panelists include:

Michelle Snowden, Associate Director of United Way 211
Rick Oliver, Director of Crisis Services at FrontLine Service
Elizabeth Crowe, Director of the Office of Urban Analytics and Innovation at the City of Cleveland
Brandy Carney, Director of Public Safety & Justice, Cuyahoga County

The event is free, but registration is required.
Click here to reserve your seat!

Housing Affordability in Northeast Ohio
2024-09-10 12:00 | Virtual
As rent, housing, and property taxes continue to increase across Northeast Ohio, many community members already living paycheck-to-paycheck, are finding it more difficult to make ends meet, leading to a potential increase in housing instability and homelessness.
Moderator Abigail Bottar of Ideastream Public Media will lead panelists Ayonna Blue Donald, Vice President of the Ohio market at Enterprise Community Partners, Dawn Farrell, Executive Director of the Geauga Metropolitan Housing Authority, Sara Parks Jackson, Director of Cuyahoga County’s Department of Housing and Community Development, and Aaron Pechota, Executive Vice President of Development with The NRP Group, in a discussion on housing affordability in Northeast Ohio, the current number and availability of rental properties, available programs that help address housing affordability, and programmatic and policy recommendations to increase affordable housing options in Northeast Ohio.
According to United Way’s 2023 Community Needs Assessment, over 30 percent of households in Cuyahoga County spend almost one-third of their income on housing, and nearly 40 percent of renters face unaffordable housing. The situation is worse for households led by single females who rent, as 56 percent face housing unaffordability, making them the most affected group.
In Geauga County, housing affordability is particularly challenging for renters as only 49 percent of older adults who rent have affordable housing. For households led by single females who rent, only 44 percent have access to affordable rental housing.
Join the live conversation on September 10 at noon via Zoom. The event is free, but registration is required.
Click here to reserve your seat!

The Business Plan for Cleveland: The Untold Story of How We ALL Succeed
2024-10-09 17:30 - 19:00 | Mimi Ohio Theatre, 1511 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44115, United States
United Way of Greater Cleveland’s Signature Fall Event with best-selling author John Hope Bryant, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, and KeyCorp Chairman & CEO Christopher Gorman will explore how all Greater Clevelanders can build income and wealth to create a healthier, more prosperous region.

About the event
At United Way of Greater Cleveland, we envision a community where a strong regional economy benefits all of us, where everyone can succeed regardless of their starting point, and where the barriers that hold so many back are eliminated. Still, too many in our community continue to walk an economic tightrope, even with full-time jobs. This is why it is crucial that we take action to create sustainable, measurable change to create a more prosperous and equitable region.
This signature fall event, The Business Plan for Cleveland: The Untold Story of How We ALL Succeed, will explore how all Greater Clevelanders can build income and wealth to create a healthier, more prosperous region.
KEYNOTE SPEECH: John Hope Bryant, economic empowerment thought leader, philanthropist, founder of Operation HOPE and Bryant Group Ventures, and best-selling author of Financial Literacy for All
ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION with Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb and Chairman & CEO of KeyCorp Christopher M. Gorman
DATE: Wednesday, October 9
TIME: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., Reception to follow
LOCATION: Mimi Ohio Theatre
TICKETS: CLICK HERE to purchase tickets
DOWNLOAD THE FALL EVENT FLYER

About John Hope Bryant
Keynote speaker John Hope Bryant is an American entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, and thought leader on financial inclusion, economic empowerment, and financial dignity. He is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE, Inc., the largest non-profit provider of financial literacy and economic empowerment services in the United States, and is the Chairman and CEO of Bryant Group Ventures.
Mr. Bryant has served as an advisor to three sitting U.S. presidents from both political parties and is responsible for financial literacy becoming the policy of the U.S. federal government. Mr. Bryant has received hundreds of awards and citations for his work, including Oprah Winfrey’s Use Your Life Award and the John Sherman Award for Excellence in Financial Education from the U.S. Treasury. His bestselling books include: Financial Literacy for All; Up From Nothing: The Untold Story of How We All Succeed; The Memo; How the Poor Can Save Capitalism: Rebuilding the Path to the Middle Class; and Love Leadership.

Hosted by

Event co-chairs
Vanessa L. Whiting, Esq. • President, AES Management Corp
Paul J. Dolan • Chairman & CEO, Cleveland Guardians
James A. Ratner • Partner, The Max Collaborative
Andrew J. “Randy” Paine III • President, Key Institutional Bank

Presented by

Thank you to our sponsors

When Social Security is Not Enough: Accessing Older Adult Services in Northeast Ohio
2024-12-10 12:00 | Virtual
Although older adults in Cuyahoga and Geauga counties rely heavily on Social Security, retirement, and savings, many of them are still struggling to make ends meet, as 51 percent of older adults in Cuyahoga County and 40 percent of older adults in Geauga County do not have enough resources to afford their basic necessities. Moreover, Cleveland has seen an increase in the number of older adults living in poverty, 24.7 percent in 2023 compared to 20.9 percent in 2021. Even though there are programs and resources available for the older adult population, these services can be difficult to access and navigate, especially for those without Internet or transportation access, experiencing social isolation, or living with a physical disability.
Moderator Drew Maziasz of Ideastream Public Media will lead a panel of experts in a discussion on the current and emerging needs of older adults in our communities, programs designed to assist older adults and tips on navigating the service system, and policy recommendations to address the growing population of older adults living in poverty.
Panelists include:

Orion Bell, President and CEO, Benjamin Rose
Mark Dorony, Program Manager, United Way Services of Geauga County
Fatima Perkins, Director of Community Outreach and Advocacy, Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging

Join the live conversation on December 10 at noon via Zoom. The event is free, but registration is required.
Click here to reserve your seat!

Benefits Cliffs 101: The Hidden Cost of a Pay Raise
2025-02-25 12:00 | Virtual
Imagine you receive a pay raise at work, only to discover that the increase led to a loss of a much-needed public benefit. What would you do?
That is the dilemma many low-income workers face in Ohio, where earning even just a dollar more means potentially losing access to benefits. These benefits cliffs can:

keep workers trapped at their current wages and on public support;
keep businesses from filling open positions and retaining workers; and,
cost taxpayers who are funding a public benefits system that does not support individuals achieving economic stability.

We are excited to announce the panelists joining us:

John Rees, a senior policy adviser on the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Community and Economic Development team. In that role, John is engaged in research and partnerships to identify barriers to economic mobility and mitigation strategies that can improve economic security for families and meet the talent needs of businesses for a healthy economy.
Mindy Kowalski, an assistant director of health and human services with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Mindy has held several leadership roles since joining the organization in 2014, including policy and operations chief and assistant deputy director in the Office of Family Assistance.
Jack Schron Jr., President and CEO of Jergens Inc., a former Cuyahoga County councilman, and a longtime leader in the worlds of education, workforce development, and community service.

Moderator Josh Boose of Ideastream Public Media will lead John, Mindy, and Jack in a panel discussion on the impact of the benefits cliffs on the individual, employer, and community levels, opportunities to reform public benefit policies to address the cliff effect, and ways individuals can achieve economic mobility.
Be part of the live conversation on February 25 at noon via Zoom. The event is free, but registration is required.
Click here to reserve your seat!

Embracing Change, Driving Growth: Professional Development Panel
2025-03-06 17:30 - 20:00 | The Union Club of Cleveland, 1211 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44115, United States
Register Today
Join United Way’s Emerging Leaders for our third annual professional development panel, Embracing Change, Driving Growth, on Thursday, March 6 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Union Club of Cleveland. The discussion will explore organizational leadership, transformational change management, and how you as our next generation of leaders can prepare to continue to work!
Panelists include:

Sharon Sobol Jordan, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Cleveland
Tony Richardson, President of The George Gund Foundation
Vanessa Whiting, President of A.E.S. Management Corp

Your $25 ticket includes access to the panel, heavy appetizers, one complimentary drink, and networking opportunities! Dress code is business casual, no jeans. Attendees may pay $15 cash for parking at the Union Club or park in nearby garages.
Special thanks to our sponsors:

Fore CLE at Topgolf Cleveland
2025-05-15 17:00 - 21:00 | Topgolf, 5820 Rockside Woods Blvd N, Independence, OH, 44131, United States
Our Emerging Leaders group is hosting its 4th Annual Fore CLE fundraiser!
This signature event benefiting United Way 211 is set for Thursday, May 15 at Topgolf Cleveland. Tickets include entry into the golf competition, food, drink, networking, and access to raffles.
When you support this event, you make sure that United Way 211 remains a vital connection to community resources for everyone in our region.
Registration Site: https://bit.ly/ForeCLE2025

More Money for Working Families: The Impact of Tax Credits
2025-05-20 12:00 | Virtual
Imagine an extra $1,000 for you and your children every year. What would you do with that money, and how would it impact your family’s life? One way the government provides additional funds directly to people is through tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC). These are dollar-for-dollar amounts taxpayers claim on their tax return to reduce the income tax they owe. The EITC helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break and the CTC helps families with qualifying children earn a tax break. Individuals may be able to claim these credits even if they don’t normally file a tax return, meaning they could receive thousands of dollars every year. These tax credits are a strategy for improving family economic stability and helping families move out of poverty.
Some states have begun offering state-level tax credits, which reduce the amount of state taxes an individual is required to pay. In February 2025, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine included in his executive biennial state operating budget the creation of a $1,000 refundable child tax credit for families with children under the age of 6. If this policy is adopted, Ohio will become one of 16 states to offer a state child tax credit. There have also been several bills introduced in the Ohio General Assembly that would make the current state EITC partially or fully refundable, which would get more money back into the pockets of working families.
Panelists include:

Aidan Davis, a state policy director at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy in Washington, D.C. In that role, Aidan coordinates ITEP’s state tax policy research and advocacy agenda and works closely with national and state organizations, policymakers, and legislative staff to advance policy solutions that aim to achieve equitable and sustainable state and local tax systems.
Marci Blue, a senior program officer at Enterprise Community Partners, which oversees the Cuyahoga Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition. With expertise in program management, data analysis, and research, Marci is committed to connecting the community to resources that promote financial security for individuals and families.
Danielle Sydnor, CEO of the Rise Together Innovation Institute, which is a capstone of a larger, Franklin County-funded strategic plan to help an estimated 400,000-plus county residents find paths toward economic stability. A licensed financial advisor who has worked in banking since 2002, Danielle continues to drive initiatives aimed at fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth.

Join moderator Stephanie Czekalinski from Ideastream Public Media and our panelists as they discuss the impact of tax credits on working families at the state and federal levels, current advocacy efforts to expand tax credits, where to get assistance with filing taxes, and how tax credits can help move families out of poverty and on a path toward self-sufficiency and economic prosperity.
Be part of the live conversation on May 20 at noon via Zoom. The event is free, but registration is required.
Click here to reserve your seat!

Emerging Leaders Drink to Donate
2025-09-16 18:00 - 21:00 | OH
United Way of Greater Cleveland Emerging Leaders is partnering with Lakewood Truck Park to bring you 2025 Drink to Donate event on Tuesday, September 16 from 6-9PM
One dollar of every beer sold will be donated back to United Way of Greater Cleveland. Attendance is FREE, but we ask you to RSVP at https://give.unitedwaycleveland.org/drinktodonate

Ohio United Way ALICE Policy Summit
2025-10-14 10:00 - 13:00 | Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Join United Ways from across Ohio for the inaugural 2025 Ohio United Way ALICE Policy Summit. This free, in-person event will convene policymakers, business leaders, and community organizations from both urban and rural regions to spotlight the pressing challenges facing Ohio households that work full-time but still struggle to afford basic necessities, such as food, housing, and healthcare, challenges detailed in the 2025 United Way ALICE Report.
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When: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 10a.m.-1p.m.
Where: Ohio Statehouse Atrium; 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215
The event is FREE but registration is required

What to expect
The latest ALICE data:
The Report reveals that while 14% of Ohio households lived in poverty in 2023, another 25% are ALICE, Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Together, that means nearly 39% of Ohio households—almost 1.9 million—are working hard but unable to consistently meet basic needs.
Solutions and innovations:
Hear from panelists and speakers, including United Ways, legislators, nonprofits, and private sector partners, who will highlight strategies and policies aimed at strengthening economic stability and expanding upward mobility.
Collaboration for impact:
Connect with leaders across sectors who are committed to helping working families achieve financial stability and building a stronger, more prosperous Ohio. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how you and your organization can be part of the solution and help keep working people working in Ohio, creating a sustainable future for all Ohioans.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how you and your organization can be part of the solution and help keep working people working in Ohio, creating a sustainable future for all Ohioans.
Any questions? Contact Austin Spenzer

Thank you to our sponsor

Connect & Collect
2025-12-04 17:30 - 19:30 | Flannery’s Pub, 323 Prospect Ave E, Cleveland, OH, 44115, United States
You’re invited to the Third Annual Connect & Collect! For this event, we’re partnering with the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless to collect much needed items for their new seasonal shelter: bus passes, individually packaged snacks, cleaning supplies, towels, and visa gift cards. For every item you bring to donate, you’ll receive entry for a raffle – and there’s no maximum on the number of tickets you can get!
Date: Thursday, December 4
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Location: Flannery’s Pub (323 Prospect Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44115)
Price: $15 registration fee and your first drink is on us!
Register here

Day of Action
2026-02-11 13:30 - 17:30 | United Way of Greater Cleveland, 1331 EUCLID AVE, Cleveland, OH, 44115, United States
211 Day of Action
Join us on February 11 for an afternoon of service that brings volunteers together to support families across Cleveland. This year’s project focuses on creating 25 Blessing Boxes that will be installed at Cleveland Public Library branches. Each box will offer free essential items for neighbors who need them.

Event details
When: Wednesday, February 11 from 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where: United Way of Greater Cleveland office in Playhouse Square

Volunteers needed!
Volunteers will assemble and decorate Blessing Boxes. Each team will build alongside a community member from the neighborhood where the box will be placed.
Register a group of 5-10 or sign up as an individual to be added to a team.
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/dayofact26

Donate supplies
You can also support the project by donating items to stock the boxes, including:

toilet paper
cleaning supplies
feminine care products
soap
toothbrushes and toothpaste
floss
non-perishable food
shampoo and conditioner
baby wipes

Emerging Leaders Panel: Civic Engagement as a Career Accelerator
2026-03-12 17:30 - 20:00 | The Union Club of Cleveland, 1211 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44115, United States
Emerging Leaders is hosting their 4th annual professional development panel on Thursday, March 12 at The Union Club. The topic: Civic Engagement as a Career Accelerator.
Young professionals increasingly want meaningful careers, and civic engagement is one of the most powerful ways to accelerate professional growth. This panel explores how volunteerism, committee work, and community leadership open doors to new industries, build personal credibility, and create unexpected career opportunities. Panelists will share real examples of how giving back can also advance you forward.
Ticket cost includes networking, headshot station, one (1) drink ticket, and heavy appetizers.
REGISTER TODAY
Meet the panel
Kate Connor Warren, Director of 311 with the City of Cleveland
Scott Skinner, CEO of North Shore Coast Waterfront Development
Devin Cotten, Founder & CEO of Universal Basic Employment
Angela O’Donnell, Moderator, Cleveland Leadership Center

Thank you sponsors

Inside the All In Plan with Baiju Shah
2026-04-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
United Way’s Emerging Leaders are partnering with Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) on an exclusive virtual lunch and learn! GCP is the region’s leading business organization, working with partners to make Greater Cleveland a Great Region on a Great Lake.
Join Baiju Shah for a look at the priorities and projects moving Greater Cleveland forward. He will share insights on new strategies, development initiatives, and partnerships shaping a vibrant region for young professionals to live, work, and play. Following his remarks, Baiju will engage with the next generation of leaders, answering questions and hearing their perspectives.
Register here.
About the speaker
Baiju R. Shah is the President & CEO of Greater Cleveland Partnership, the region’s leading economic development organization and with over 12,000 members, the largest metropolitan chamber of commerce in the nation.
Prior to GCP, Shah served as the Senior Fellow for Innovation at The Cleveland Foundation, catalyzing economic growth initiatives including leading the Cleveland Innovation Project. Shah remains a member of the Impact Investing Committee which directs a $150 million portfolio allocation.
Previously, Shah was the CEO of BioMotiv and co-leader of The Harrington Project for Discovery & Development. Prior to that, he was CEO and co-founder of BioEnterprise, an industry growth initiative formed with Cleveland Clinic, Case Western Reserve University, and University Hospitals of Cleveland.
Shah serves as a Trustee of Destination Cleveland, Global Cleveland, Ohio Excels, and the Ohio Business Roundtable. Shah is recognized as one of Cleveland’s most influential leaders. He received a JD from Harvard Law School and a BA from Yale University.

Fore CLE
2026-05-07 17:00 - 21:00 | Topgolf, 5820 Rockside Woods Blvd N, Independence, OH, 44131, United States
Thursday, May 7 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Topgolf Cleveland
Join United Way of Greater Cleveland Emerging Leaders for Fore CLE, our annual fundraiser bringing together young professionals and community members for a fun, high-impact evening.
Enjoy golf, networking, raffles, food, and drinks while supporting United Way 211, a free, 24/7 resource that connects people across our region to help with food, housing, and more.
Reserve your spot today: buy tickets
Interested in sponsoring?Sponsorships are available online or by contacting Katie Martinovic at kmartinovic@unitedwaycleveland.org
Thank you to our sponsors

Breakfast on the Plaza
2026-08-11 07:30 - 09:30 | Playhouse Square Plaza, Euclid Ave. & East 14 St., Cleveland, OH, United States
Join United Way of Greater Cleveland for the Breakfast on the Plaza! This morning open house will bring together corporate partners, local leaders, volunteers, and donors to celebrate the impact we make together and set the stage for a successful year ahead.
REGISTER TODAY
📆Tuesday, August 11🕣 7:30 A.M. to 9:30 A.M.📍Playhouse Square Plaza🍳 A variety of breakfast options provided by RAKE Random Acts of Kindness Everywhere, Chris Cakes, and Enjoy My Donuts🎵Music by DJ Ik Dubaku, founder of The Early Start🎤 Emceed by Nicole Marcellino and Ahmaad Crump from the Cleveland Cavaliers🎉Special mascot guests from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Guardians, Lake County Captains, and more!🎒Collection of school supplies and other necessities to benefit the Blessing Boxes
Everyone will have the option to purchase a delicious breakfast while connecting with fellow community champions. The morning will feature plenty of entertainment including mascots, music, interactive games, and special appearances from local celebrities.
The Campaign Kickoff will also feature a collection drive benefiting the Blessing Boxes stationed in Cleveland Public Libraries. Attendees are invited to bring school supplies and basic necessities, like hygiene products and non-perishable food, to ensure hardworking families in need of some extra support can get what they need.
Be a part of the excitement, learn how you can make a difference, and help us kickoff another successful year at United Way. Together, we can bridge the gap from crisis to stability to opportunity for Greater Clevelanders!
