After her mom passed away, seven-year old Ginny Boggess found solace in shooting baskets in her backyard. Basketball helped Ginny navigate a traumatic personal loss and created a pathway to life-shaping opportunities. She parlayed a successful playing career on the hardwood at Wingate University into the field of coaching. For 22 years she has used the platform of coaching to develop players on and off the court. Goal-oriented and high-energy, Ginny’s leadership approach is grounded in work ethic, gratitude, and faith.

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

By observing her parents’ kindness toward others and her own personal experiences with volunteering, helping people became a driving force early on in Kate Sommerfeld’s life. She is a mission-driven and collaborative servant leader dedicated to lifting up communities, organizations, and individuals. Her enthusiasm for philanthropy is rooted in a steadfast belief in worthwhile causes and people’s generous spirit.

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

As an undergraduate student at the University of Toledo, Matt Schroeder worked three jobs to help pay his way through school and earn a bachelor’s degree in business management. He now leads the organization that put his life on a positive trajectory. As interim president, Matt is laser-focused on elevating the student experience and making the University of Toledo a vibrant part of the Toledo region.

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

At an early age, Robin Whitney knew she wanted to be an engineer. Throughout an extensive career, Robin has utilized her engineering and people skills to shepherd large-scale community initiatives and building projects. She’s a person of vision and a problem solver who strives to elevate the quality of life for organizations and the Toledo region.

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

Since 2020, Adam Levine has served as the president, director, and CEO of the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA). His leadership efforts are focused on TMA’s world-class collection, visitor experience, organizational culture, and community outreach. He is a respected scholar of ancient art and a highly sought-after presenter by art museums, universities, auction houses, and think tanks. Raised in NYC, Adam credits family trips to major art museums initiated by his parents and robust art history courses in high school for sparking his lifelong passion for art.

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

After 15 years of holding senior executive positions with several multinational companies, Jason Abodeely pivoted to the mission-based nonprofit Sunshine Communities. For the past 11 years he has led a team of compassionate caregivers - nurses, therapists, and direct service professionals - who help children and adults with developmental disabilities live their best lives. Empowerment, dignity, inclusion, and community are central to Jason’s leadership approach.

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

It’s been an amazing personal journey for the mission-driven Amanda Held. Overcoming significant odds, Amanda figured out how to merge her love/respect for horses with her military experience to found H.O.O.V.E.S., a nonprofit that provides equine-assisted therapy and intensive programming for veterans and others navigating trauma. For the past 13 years, she has leveraged her extensive knowledge of horse and human behavior to provide high-impact retreats and workshops aimed at helping veterans manage PTSD and find a path forward. She is also co-producer of the award-winning documentary H.O.O.V.E.S. – Healing our Veterans. Prior to running H.O.O.V.E.S., Amanda served in the Air Force in various roles associated with human resources. After finishing active duty in the Air Force, she joined the Air National Guard and is currently a First Sergeant for the 127th Medical Group at the National Guard base in Selfridge, Michigan. Amanda has received numerous recognitions for her life-saving work including being selected as one of Success Magazine’s People of Influence, Hometown Hero (3 times), and the Toledo Community Impact Award.

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

Through his straightforward approach to sharing local, national, and global news, Emmy award-winning TV news anchor Lee Conklin has been connecting with viewers and listeners for 40 years. His trustworthiness, respect for others, and humility are distinguishing personal traits that make him a highly respected news journalist and community leader.

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023