Leadership Stark County

05/20/2026

Last night, we celebrated the graduation of another incredible Spotlight Program class. 🌟

Over the past few months, these young professionals have explored their GallupStrengths, learned from community leaders, built meaningful connections and gained a deeper understanding of the Stark County community.

Through every conversation, activity and experience, they showed up ready to learn, reflect, and grow as leaders.

Thank you to the Canton Museum of Art for hosting, to Amanda Crowe for sharing the powerful impact art has on our community and to Nick Morris from Walsh University for inspiring the class to remember their purpose in everything they do.

Congratulations to our Spotlight graduates! We can’t wait to see where your leadership journey takes you next. 👏

05/19/2026

Networking is more than exchanging business cards or adding connections on LinkedIn.

It is about curiosity, confidence, follow-through, and building real professional relationships over time. 🤝

During Week 3 of Foundations of Leadership, participants focused on networking in person and online. They practiced starting natural conversations, asking better questions, listening with intention, and using LinkedIn as a tool to strengthen their professional presence.

A special thank you to Annette Garsteck Career Consulting for joining us and sharing practical LinkedIn tips, new ways to build meaningful connections, and encouragement with our cohort!

05/14/2026

Public speaking is a leadership skill that can set YOU apart as a young professional. 📢

During Week 2 of Foundations of Leadership, participants refreshed public speaking basics, drafted short speeches, and practiced communicating their ideas with more confidence and clarity.

Because strong leaders do more than have great ideas. They know how to share them in a way that builds trust, creates connection, and inspires action.

05/13/2026

Our 2026 Spring Spotlight class is almost done! 🌟

Over the past several weeks, participants have spent more time diving into their GallupStrengths and building stronger connections with one another and the Stark County community.

Recently, the class toured Shorb Market and Canton for All People’s new downtown apartments and homes to learn more about community development and the impact of creating spaces where people can thrive. Huge thanks to Gino Haynes for giving us the tour!

Participants also revisited the GallupStrengths through an interactive Jeopardy, guessing the top strengths of popular movie & TV characters. Thanks to the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank for hosting us and to Eva Cruz for giving us Foodbank updates and letting us know how to get involved.

Next stop: graduation 🙌

05/08/2026

Not your average alumni meetup. 🎨

Join us downtown for a guided Canton Art Walk with Mo Ater, CEO of ArtsinStark and 21st Class alum.

May 13, 2026, 4–6 PM
Limited spots available, recommended $20 donation (supports public art preservation)

Register here: https://ow.ly/u2NL50YV2nF

Expect local art, good conversation, familiar faces, new connections, and a reason to spend the evening in downtown Canton.

05/08/2026

Introducing the 2026 Twenty Under 40 Honorees! 🌟

These 20 outstanding young professionals are making an impact across Stark County through leadership, innovation and community service. They represent the future of our region, and we’re proud to celebrate all they’ve accomplished.

Join us on Thursday, June 25th for "A Night Among the Stars" to honor this year's class!
👉 https://lnkd.in/ebbEc8gp

Aaron Lehman, TKG
Abigail Spraggins, Abby's Helping Hands, Hopeful Hearts
Alison Matas Smith, Schauer Group, Inc.
Allison Ryan, AMRestorative Counseling LLC
Andrea Amendola, MA, Metallus Inc.
Andrew Burton, Schulman, Roth & Associates
Anna Moeglin, City of Canton Civil Service Department
Chais R., Chasing Hope House
Colin Riley, Stark Library
Elissa Prazer Welker, MBA, The Aultman Foundation
Evahanna Cruz, Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank
Joanna Hallisy, The Timken Company
Kayla DeVitto, Canton Palace Theatre
Lydia Carmany, Domestic Violence Project, Inc.
Madison Chapanar Robinson, Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co. LPA
Megan Vance, GiGi's Playhouse Canton
Miracle Walker, Canton Creative Meetup
Rachel Delaney Schaefer, Ohio Attorney General's Office
Schanel Harvey, MBA, SHRM-CP, Stark County Community Action Agency
Sean Strong, Checkpoint Systems & Strong Family Wellness

05/06/2026

Week 1 of Foundations of Leadership is complete! 👏

This week, participants focused on Professional Presence & Communication and explored how the way we show up shapes the way others experience us.

From first impressions and body language to professional introductions and email communication, the session focused on building awareness around the soft skills that matter in every workplace: communication, confidence, credibility, clarity, professionalism, and follow-through.

Participants also reflected on their own three C’s:, and shared what they hope to strengthen as they continue building their professional presence throughout the program.

We’re excited to keep building from here!

05/05/2026

CALLING ALL LSC ALUMNI 🎨

Reconnect with fellow alumni while enjoying a guided Canton Art Walk led by Mo Ater (CEO, ArtsinStark 21st Class). Take in the vibrant local art scene, enjoy meaningful conversation, and feel free to bring a guest to share the experience.

📅 May 13, 2026
⏰ 4–6 PM
🎟️ Limited spots available, recommended $20 donation (supports public art preservation)

Register here: https://ow.ly/X5FH50YV2lp

We hope you’ll join us!
Visit Canton ArtsinStark

04/30/2026

CALLING ALL ALUMNI!

CANTON ART WALK: Come to our exclusive Canton Art Walk, led by Alumni Mo Ater (CEO ArtsinStark, 21st Class). Bring your friends, significant other, or anyone who enjoys ART!
-Date: May 13, 2026
-Time: 4-6 PM
-Registration: This is LIMITED, so be sure to claim your spot ASAP. Recommended donation of $20, all proceeds go to public art preservation.

CAFFEINATED CONNECTIONS: Start your Friday with coffee, conversation, and connections! Stop by on your way to work, and stay for as little or long as you'd like.
-Date: June 12, 2026
-Time: 7:15-9:15 AM
-Location: UnionPark Coffee & Cocktails
-Address: 4700 Everhard Rd NW, Canton, OH 44718

***Registration for ALL events is on the Canton Chamber website (CantonChamber.org), under Event Calendar.

04/29/2026

Soft skills like professional communication, accountability, and the ability to represent your organization well set you apart.

Foundations of Leadership is a 6 week, cohort based program designed to help early career professionals build these skills through real world practice.

Applications close TOMORROW 4/30.
Apply now: https://tinyurl.com/FOLLSC

Don’t miss your chance to build the skills employers actually look for.

We all know soft skills matter, but is your organization teaching them?

Public speaking. Dining & Event Etiquette. Professional Presence & Communication.
These are the skills early-career talent is expected to have… but rarely taught.

That’s where Foundations of Leadership comes in.

A 6-week, cohort-based program designed to build real-world skills through hands-on learning, guided practice, and feedback; so participants can show up with confidence and represent your organization well.

Apply now: https://tinyurl.com/FOLLSC
Applications close April 30.

04/24/2026

We all know soft skills matter, but is your organization teaching them?

Public speaking. Dining & Event Etiquette. Professional Presence & Communication.
These are the skills early-career talent is expected to have… but rarely taught.

That’s where Foundations of Leadership comes in.

A 6-week, cohort-based program designed to build real-world skills through hands-on learning, guided practice, and feedback; so participants can show up with confidence and represent your organization well.

Apply now: https://tinyurl.com/FOLLSC
Applications close April 30.