The Business Plan for Cleveland: The Untold Story of How We ALL Succeed

Last week, we hosted our Signature Fall Event, The Business Plan for Cleveland: The Untold Story of How We ALL Succeed. 

This event is just one of the ways we leverage our global network to bring in fresh perspectives to inform local problem-solving. I am so grateful for the generous support of our Presenting Sponsor, KeyBank, and the many others who made this event possible.

Watch the event video

Best-selling author, successful entrepreneur, and prominent thought leader on financial inclusion John Hope Bryant delivered a powerful keynote about how we can work together to make Greater Cleveland a place where we all succeed. 

A roundtable discussion followed when Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and KeyCorp Chairman and CEO Christopher Gorman joined John on stage to talk about how financial literacy and economic empowerment can help clear the path to economic opportunity and success.

 

Sparking ideas for regional change

I have three key takeaways to share about the steps our region can take to advance economic mobility and stability for all:

1. Financial empowerment and literacy are real game-changers for everyone in Greater Cleveland. Financial education doesn’t just improve individual lives—it has the power to lift entire communities.

2. True progress happens when government, business, and nonprofits come together. Working together, we can break down systemic barriers and build up solutions that stand the test of time.

3. Breaking down barriers to economic opportunity for all isn’t just a “nice-to-have” — it’s essential for Greater Cleveland to be a place where everyone can succeed.

Why United Way?

I appreciated the opportunity to share my thoughts about why our United Way matters to me. We all need help sometimes. When there is no place else to turn, United Way is here.

  • We are your “front door” to the entire social safety net. You can dial 2-1-1 anytime and we will pick up the phone to connect you with the help you need, when you need it. It’s completely confidential and open to everyone, no matter your income. Last year alone, we worked with callers on over 198,000 requests for help. 

  • We are working hard to break down the barriers to economic opportunity, clearing the way for more Greater Clevelanders to get good jobs, move up in their careers, and build financial security. With over a century of history and experience behind us, our United Way is committed to shaping a future where everyone has a real chance to succeed.

I also shared a few stories about our progress and the exciting road ahead. Check out my complete remarks, available in full here. My hope is that you might start to see our United Way in a new light—maybe take away something you didn’t expect or know before—but mostly, feel inspired to jump in with us.

Get involved in creating change

I often get asked, “How can I really get involved?” so here are a few ideas that I shared with our guests last week for ways that we would love to team up with you:

  1. If you have items to donate, contact United Way 211. This year alone, we’ve helped nearly 700 people donate everything from clothing and furniture to medical supplies and food and much more, all going directly to local families.

  2. Check out our Volunteer Portal. We have several meaningful opportunities for you to volunteer with family and friends or on your own. And we are happy to work with corporate partners to customize a team Day of Action.

  3. With new investments in data, analytics, and AI, we’re diving deeper to understand what drives community needs and why they fluctuate. We welcome your input to find better solutions to reduce them for good— so learn with us, ask questions, challenge us, and share your insights. To get started, check out our first piece on our website, How COVID-19-era assistance, policies, and weather affect housing and utility needs in Greater Cleveland.

  4. Finally, donate to United Way today. Your financial gift to our United Way is more than just your donation—it’s an investment in change. If your workplace has a United Way campaign, I hope you will participate. And soon, through our new mobile platform, you’ll be able to see community needs, track your giving history, and make informed decisions about where your support can have the most impact. With everything at your fingertips, you’ll be an active investor in driving change across our community. 

I hope you are taking away a fresh perspective on our United Way—maybe even a few insights you hadn’t considered before. The stories and ideas shared here and at our Signature Fall Event last week are just the start of what’s possible. I invite you to dive in with us to make Greater Cleveland a place where we all can succeed. 

Sharon Sobol Jordan

President and CEO

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