Soul of the Glass City

Jeanette Hrovatich is the Director of Planned Giving for Lutheran Ministries of Mercy and its affiliates, where she cultivates relationships with donors, churches, and financial professionals across Northwest Ohio and Southern Michigan. Beginning her career as a classroom teacher, Jeanette has spent over 40 years in nonprofit leadership, helping raise more than $30 million through events, planned giving, and grants to support community programs. She has served numerous organizations, including the Ronald McDonald House of Toledo and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society of Northwest Ohio.

Somica Alexander, also known as Coach Milli, is a transformational author, speaker, financial educator, and certified trauma-informed life coach. As author of Beating The Odds: The Blueprint to Becoming, and the creator of the B.A.M. Method™ (Being Authentically Me) she empowers individuals to rediscover their authentic selves, align with their purpose, and live with intention. Combining storytelling, financial literacy, and healing-centered conversations, Coach Milli helps people overcome limiting beliefs, rewrite their narratives, and transform challenges into opportunities for growth.

Brandon Robert Johnson, a beloved entrepreneur and philanthropist from Deshler, Ohio, passed away on December 5, 2024. At just 44, Brandon left behind a lasting legacy through his many successful ventures, including Team Johnson Limo and Charter, Team Johnson Trucking, and several other businesses he founded and nurtured. Known for his generosity and boundless spirit, he dedicated his life to helping others, from organizing annual holiday gift programs to supporting his employees and community. His mother, Becky Johnson, his sister, Bobby Jo Raftery, and his son, Landon Johnson, gather in the studio to honor his memory, carrying forward his mission of giving and inspiring others to do the same. Brandon’s legacy lives on through his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness, and compassion.

Toi Creel is a multi-hyphenate creative originally from Michigan. She spent a significant chapter of her career in Toledo, Ohio, where she began as an entertainment reporter for NBC24. Her journey then took her to California, where, as a red carpet interviewer, she had the opportunity to connect with Oscar-winning stars like Regina King. Throughout her career and entrepreneurial ventures, Creel has remained deeply committed to the art of communication and believes strongly in the power of storytelling.

Sonia Flunder-McNair is the founder of SONIA Organics Products LLC, a USDA-registered urban farm in Lucas County, Ohio. She integrates food production, youth workforce development, and herbal product formulation to create economic opportunities in underserved communities. Sonia also developed the Urban Agriculture and Herbalism Curriculum and founded Urban Wholistics to expand agricultural education in Toledo. She has testified before the Ohio Senate on SB 134 and SB 120, advocating for non-traditional farming systems and youth agricultural workforce pathways.

Anna Toney is a Toledo native and the Executive Director of Leadership Toledo, a position she embraced after first participating in the organization's Signature program. Her passion for the nonprofit sector and the Northwest Ohio community led her to join the team and ultimately take on a leadership role. Anna holds a BA in Musical Theatre from Indiana University and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Lourdes University. She is deeply committed to community engagement, serving on the board of the Valentine Theatre and as President of the Beverly Elementary PTO, in addition to previously serving on the board of Notre Dame Academy. A wife, mother of four, and avid lover of the outdoors, Anna is as dedicated to her family as she is to the communities of Toledo.

Angela Lucas is an entrepreneur, community builder, and the co-founder of TolHouse, a private social club, and Earth Coffeehouse, a cafe and collaborative workspace in Toledo’s Historic Vistula District. A 2025 graduate of the University of Toledo, Lucas completed her degree while building multiple businesses. Her professional journey spans public service roles, including serving as executive assistant to the Mayor of Toledo and co-managing the City’s Human Relations Commission. Alongside her husband, she is also a real estate developer, revitalizing Toledo’s waterfront properties to create spaces that foster community. Angela’s work, whether in business, real estate, or leadership, is rooted in the belief that proximity matters and that the right room can spark transformation.

Jason Young is a Toledo-based creative, designer, and community builder known for blending the arts with fashion and cultural experiences. A graduate of the University of Toledo, he first gained recognition through his immersive art exhibition, Rossi, which fused contemporary art, music, and community engagement. In 2020, he pivoted to founding his footwear brand Donny, showcasing his skills in brand development and creative direction. Committed to community wellness, he founded the BRB Running Club in 2025, inspired by his own personal wellness journey. Tune in to learn more about how Jason continues to merge creativity, culture, and community to drive positive impact and foster meaningful connections.

Isabella Weik is an entrepreneur and the CEO of the Toledo Mindfulness Institute, a growing wellness company focused on yoga, mindfulness, and on-site corporate and school wellness programs. A proud graduate of the Toledo School for the Arts and the University of Toledo, Isabella has been recognized as a "20 Under 40" recipient in 2021 and named one of Toledo's "Visionary Leaders" in 2025. A musician, songwriter, and poet, she seamlessly blends wellness, creativity, and community building to help people reconnect with themselves and with Toledo, guided by her personal motto: “slow, steady, intentional, grateful.”

Autumn Gineen is a self-taught couture designer whose childhood sewing lessons with her mother planted the seeds for her career by blending tradition and personal expression. Gineen's philosophy in her designs emphasizes individuality, embracing what others might see as “flaws" as unique characteristics that become features rather than drawbacks. Beyond making clothes, Autumn channels her passion into education, utilizing her atelier, House of Ginnie, to teach people of all ages to create for themselves. Learn how Autumn empowers those around her by encouraging individuals to craft their own style.

Dr. Shanda Gore is a #1 International Bestselling author, President of Mays and Associates, Ltd., host of the PinLeader™ Podcast, and a consultant featured on the Big10 Network. Dr. Gore is recognized for her work with major collegiate athletic conferences, and her latest book, The PinLeader Path, became a #1 Amazon Bestseller in HR and Personnel Management in March 2025. Tune in to find out more about Dr. Gore and her perspectives on organizational leadership.

LaShawnda Kinnebrew is an advocate whose life’s work centers on empowerment, healing, and community transformation. Kinnebrew is a proud mother, and grandmother who channels her strength and empathy into creating opportunities for others to grow and thrive. Following the tragic loss of her son, Christopher Kinnebrew, to gun violence, LaShawnda founded Angel's Haven to honor his memory and uses its proceeds to support families affected by similar loss and to raise awareness about gun violence. Guided by her belief in the transformative power of compassion and opportunity, LaShawnda continues to inspire hope, resilience, and positive change in every community she touches.

John Alvitre, is a proud Mexican-American and physician assistant, whose life journey embodies resilience, service, and transformation. From his early years growing up in the heart of Los Angeles to a 25-year career in the U.S. Armed Forces, Alvitre’s story is one of perseverance against the odds. After retiring from the military, he found purpose in education, mentoring the next generation of physician assistants at the University of Washington. Traumatic circumstances caused life to shift dramatically for Alvitre, but his strength, and courage helped him to adapt, so that he could rebuild his life, continue to grow, and give back to society.

Dr. Valerie Simmons-Walston and Jim Snodgrass bring a powerful blend of leadership, strategy, and community-focused vision to their business partnership. Dr. Walston, CEO of Next Chapter Enterprises and VP of Public Relations at Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union, is a seasoned higher education executive with over 30 years of experience driving strategic partnerships and community engagement. Her career in academia, nonprofit leadership, and public service, focuses strongly on empowerment, wellness, and transformational leadership. Jim Snodgrass complements this partnership with over 15 years of operations and supply chain expertise in the automotive industry. A strategist passionate about mental and financial wellness, Jim holds a BBA from the University of Toledo and an MBA from Wayne State University. Hear how they use their combined expertise to build innovative pathways for personal and organizational growth in Toledo communities and beyond.

With an entrepreneurial spirit that started in junior high school, Christian is no stranger to getting it out of the mud. From planning events and icebreakers as a freshman at the University of Toledo, to graduating with a Bachelor's in Business & Marketing, Christian and his identical twin brother Christopher are the proud owners of a prominent nightclub in downtown Toledo. Hear how growing up in Glass City helped to shape his career and his ideas for the future.

Saundra Irvine, is the current Director of The Inspiration Kitchen at Lott Industries. Spending the majority of her career in the food and beverage industry, Irvine has done impactful work in workforce development and community engagement. An experienced chef, consultant, and lecturer, she has developed and led multiple programs aimed at helping individuals with employment barriers achieve self-sufficiency, including The Opportunity Kitchen at Catholic Charities and the CENARE program at The Sophia Quintero Art & Cultural Center.

Born in Toledo, surrounded by a supportive family and raised in diverse communities, Lance Self recalls fond memories of growing up in the Glass City. After college, Self helped to found a non-profit called the YNOTT? Foundation, which helps educate pediatric transplant patients. Self is also 20 Under 40 Award recipient, and one of the co-founders of the Strictly R&B Park Jam, which has become one of Toledo's largest R&B Music Festivals. Tune in as Lance shares with us what he loves about the Glass City, and how he plans on continuing to impact its growth.

Many find their purpose later in life, but Audrey Johnson always knew that her world was rooted in the arts and community services. A native of Canton, Ohio, Johnson made Toledo her home after graduating from Bowling Green State University. An artist, mother, and entrepreneur, Johnson founded the Unbounded Artists Development Community (UADC), is the Development and Communications Coordinator for Toledo Fair Housing, and a local coordinator for American Cultural Exchange Service (ACES).

Brittany Shaw is a wife, mother, businesswoman, and social media influencer born, raised, and has lived all her life in the Glass City. As a strong woman who contributes a lot to her city, she shares with us how she wouldn't have been as accomplished as she is today, if it weren't for the love and teachings of her father. Tune is as we discuss our love for her dad, who, even though he has passed away years ago, his legacy still lives and continues with her.

Michigan native, Kim Buehler, chose to make Toledo her permanent home after pursuing a music career in the Glass City following graduation from high school. Kim has maintained a wholesome career rooted in music ever since; landing a job at TSA in 2000, (where she taught voice lessons), to becoming the Executive Director of the Toledo Jazz Society for many years, Kim holds a Bachelor's in Education and a Master of Music degree from the University of Toledo. Tune in to learn more about music educator, and Jazz singer Kim Buehler.

We all know that our youth are our future. Zara Sediqe is a senior Ottawa Hills High School, who is proud to be an example of what our city's next generation of leaders look like. Sediqe is an advocate for her peers and a spokesperson for youth who seek to get into the modeling industry. Landing her own TEDx before the age of sixteen, Zara will be sharing with us what she loves most about being in the fashion business and how having a mentor has inspired her journey.

They say that, "A picture is worth a thousand words", well just as much can be said about M.Ed, mother, President of Delta Sigma Theta Toledo chapter, and professional photographer, Ambershaun aka Amber Byrd. A true success story who was born, raised, and stayed to build a strong foundation in the Glass City. Tune in to find out how Amber turned her passion into her purpose through her love of her hometown and photography.

Known around town as the charismatic radio show host and founder of one of Toledo's top annual fashion events, Steve Reamey has been touted as the guy who gets it done. Originally hailing from Ohio's state capital, Columbus, Reamey moved here in his teens, and went on to become a proud Toledo Rocket. His story gets even more interesting, as he chose to make the Glass City his forever home base after that. Tune in to hear about the complexity of social savant Steve Reamey.

How does a man go from a specialized career in law enforcement to becoming the CEO of one of the leading youth mentoring non-profits in the Glass City? In this episode, Dr. Marvin Whitfield talks about his upbringing in the state of New York, traveling the world as a professional consultant, to finding his future and purpose in Toledo, Ohio. He explains how mentors early on in his career helped to shape his outlook on life as well as how he pays it forward in communities with our youth today.

LeSean Shaw is a man who has always held the belief that Toledo is a great city. Moving around a lot as a child growing up with his mother, he was fortunate enough to live on different sides of town, befriend many people, and have diverse cultural experiences. As he grew older, he cultivated his education and those relationships to very lucrative careers, eventually landing a role as a vice president of a tech company. Even though that didn't go as planned, leaving Shaw in a tough place, he never gave up on his dreams and he is now one of the leading minds of the future AI (Artificial Intelligence) movement in the Glass City. Tune in to hear the challenges and triumphs of LeSean Shaw.

LaDale L. Whaley, is a multi-faced educator and creative who began her journey right here in the Glass City. Inspired by her mother, who she watched be an entrepreneur from childhood, Mrs. Whaley also became a proud mother and business owner herself and has persevered to overcome many obstacles. Obtaining her Masters degree and becoming a college professor, Whaley moved back to Toledo after living in Florida for the past 10 years. Tune in to learn more about the life and career of LaDale L. Whaley.

Ronald had a great childhood growing up with his parents in Illinois. When it was time to go to college, he chose to go to The University of Toledo, and he has made the Glass City his home ever since. Whether he is working as an Executive Assistant at the Board of Lucas County Commissioners, serving his community as a Public Health Professional, or running in a marathon somewhere in the U.S., Ron is always promoting health and wellness within the movements of his daily life. Tune in to find out more about the informative and often times fashionable Ronnie (as he is sometimes called by friends and family) Wells Jr.

From moving to and from various foster homes in his childhood to fostering and mentoring many children in his adulthood, Dr. Deonte Moss turned his struggles into success. A PhD, author, actor, teacher, social media influencer, husband, and father, Dr. Moss uses his education and influence to inspire others by meeting them wherever they may be in life. Known also by his comedic alter-ego, "The Nosey Neighbor," Dr. Moss shares with us how he unexpectedly became a social media star, which led him to meeting our current POTUS.

A Toledoan to the bone, Robert Pasker grew up, "Out Hill," enjoying his childhood amongst a tight-knit community of homeowners. This foundation helped to pave the pathway of his future career endeavors. A dedicated father and a serial entrepreneur, Pasker went from being the guy everyone knew for selling green tea to one of the youngest African-American real estate brokers in the state of Ohio.

Tune in as we get to know Arlinda Self, a dedicated wife, mother, and serial entrepreneur who inspires others through her love of meditation, yoga, and dance. From her wholesome childhood and upbringing in Holland, Ohio, to leaving the state, and performing around the country with a world renowned dance company, Arlinda brings her experience, knowledge, and wisdom back to the Glass City.

Though his upbringing in Toledo was very wholesome, as soon as Armani Derden graduated from high school, he chose to broaden his horizons by leaving his hometown and joining the U.S. Navy. After serving in the military for 3 years, traveling the world, and gaining many valuable career/life skills, Armani eventually settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Quickly realizing that there is no place like home, he decided to relocate back to Toledo and has since then been enjoying and appreciating what makes the Glass City so great.

Meet Kamilah Brown, a Michigan transplant, who has built a name for herself in Toledo. A dedicated wife, mother, and an entrepreneur of many talents, Kamilah shares with us how she manages it all with a sense of joy and optimism.

If you are from or live in the Toledo area, then you probably know of or have heard of John Eikost. Though he does his best to move under the radar, it's hard to miss him because he does so much to promote all of the positives of the Glass City. John has been the mind behind one of the most popular event resource websites in Toledo for almost two decades. He loves our city, and in this interview, we will learn more about his life growing up in the Glass.

It was fun getting to experience some great events in Toledo this Summer! Tune in to hear about some of the cool functions that I was able to experience these past 3 months within the 419 and out of town as well.

If you watched Bad Boys 2, 3, or 4, then you know of actor Dennis McDonald, aka "Reggie," from the billion dollar franchise of movies. Dennis, who grew up in the Bronx, New York, initially wasn't planning to be a Hollywood star. He actually wanted to be an NBA player, but fate had other plans. Tune in to hear Dennis tell us his story.

What began as a love of dance as a child, turned into a hobby as a teen, and blossomed into a full-blown career! Meet Jonté Williams, better known as @SirEstoDance, who is now a social media sensation and celebrity choreographer who talks about how he got his humble start in Toledo, Ohio.

Pat McCarty has worn many hats in his diverse career. From a husband and father to a high school teacher and a successful insurance salesman. Tune in as we take a fun journey with McCarty, as he shares his unique story of how he became the man we have come to know as the Guy in the 419.

We get a chance to hear from a few of the voices who were present for the 2024 Diversity Equity Access Inclusion ALLiance of Northwest Ohio's 3rd Annual Summit & CEO Panel. Listen to DEAI allies and trailblazers, Marquis Miller, Akousua Barthwell Evans, Tiff Thompson & Matt Killam, as they share their unique career experiences.

In this episode, we take a trip to The Release: An Art Exhibition, which was a unique event to celebrate art enrichment in Toledo. We get to meet the host photographers Alexandria Armand and Dirtykics, talk about their latest work and the creative inspirations behind them. We also get to know professional saxophonist Sax B, who provided part of the musical selection for the evening.

We take a moment to step into the life of Debora Gregory. We discover how Debora grew up in Toledo and how a deep loss caused her to find her ultimate purpose. Gregory has made a life-long career helping others learn how to heal from grief through her personal experiences and ministry.

Monique sits down with Anita Lopez.

Raina Dawson is an attorney and philanthropist who has dedicated her life to human rights, social justice, and community activism. As a proud Toledoan, Raina shares with us how being born and raised in the Glass City has helped shape her life and career.

An in-depth talk with Candice Harrison who is well-known for being a champion of women's causes, youth development, and community advocacy. As the Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion at international architectural and engineering firm SSOE, we learn about how Harrison manages her roles as a wife, mother, corporate woman, and philanthropist who was born and raised in The Glass City.

Take a glimpse into the life of the first African-American female Mayor of Toledo. From her humble beginnings in Hamilton, Ohio to her current role as an Ohio State Senator, we get a chance to know the dynamic activist, mother, attorney and politician that is Paula Hicks-Hudson.

A conversation CEO & Founder, La'Shardae Scott, of Scott Center for Observation, Treatment & Transition. Join us for her journey of being a mother of two Sickle Cell Warriors to becoming a dynamic professional advocate for other individuals living with sickle cell.

In this debut episode for 'Soul of the Glass City', Monique sits down with community newspaper owner, longtime Toledo resident and Ivy Leaguer, Fletcher Word, who shares with us his love of the Glass City.