Carla Benjamin is a dedicated community leader and advocate for hope, equity and opportunity. She is a graduate of the University of Findlay, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Business with a minor in Business Administration. Her educational foundation, combined with her lived experience, has fueled her passion for supporting individuals and families striving for a better future.

As executive director of Welcome to a New Life, Carla plays a pivotal role in guiding individuals on the path to personal transformation. Her career is rooted in service, with past roles as a Member Service Coordinator for the Chamber of Commerce, a Sales Representative at WKXA 100.5 and a long tenure at The Ohio Bank.

Beyond her professional achievements, Carla actively contributes to key community initiatives. She serves as co-chair of the Hancock County Community Coalition on Addiction - Community Awareness Committee and is a member of the Affordable Housing Alliance, the Community Corrections Planning Board and the Community Advisory Committee. She is a past member of the Hancock County Cultural Humility/Health Equity Delegation and past board member for Cancer Patient Services.

Carla's leadership is further strengthened by her Minority Executive Leadership Certificate and her Certificate for Nonprofit Management from the Toledo Center for Nonprofit Resources. As the daughter of a migrant worker who overcame cycles of poverty, illiteracy and addiction, Carla’s story reflects her belief that everyone deserves hope and a second chance. She now works tirelessly to help others understand that, with hard work and determination, they too can create a new life for themselves and their families.