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2023 Movers & Shakers Awards recipients:
  Laylah Allen | Social Entreprenuer and Nonprofit Leader, COPE Network

Passionate about youth mental health, Laylah launched COPE Network, a social business empowering youth and their families to overcome mental health challenges and stigma through training and education. COPE Network profits support community events in Cleveland. Laylah, a proud first-generation college graduate, studied Healthcare Administration at The University of Toledo and MBA (Management) at Ursuline College. Laylah is CEO of The Missing Link, COPE Inc., and YWCA Cleveland board member.

  John Bannon | Strategy Manager, Accenture

John Bannon is a alumni of John Carroll University. He started his career at a local start-up and has become a successful management consultant focused on Technology Strategy and M&A. Within the firm, John volunteers as a local leader in civic engagement partnering organizations like Business Volunteers Unlimited.
John serves on the United Way's Emerging Leaders Board helping host fundraising and philanthropic efforts. John also volunteers as an Advisor for the JCU MBA Program.

  Jackie Baraona | Graphic Designer and Bar Journal Editor, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association

Jackie Baraona is a creative, community-minded nonprofit founder & president and graphic designer. In 2016, she founded Young Professionals of Parma, a network of more than 1,000 young professionals striving toward the enhancement of the Parma area, for which she volunteers hundreds of hours per year advancing organizational initiatives, overseeing operations, and managing events. Jackie has worked as a professional designer for the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association for over 11 years.


  Emily Baxter | Lawyer, BakerHostetler

Emily Baxter works as a litigation associate for BakerHostetler. She moved to Cleveland during the pandemic to clerk for the federal district court, joining her husband (and former 2030 Mover and Shaker) Scott Skinner. Originally from Erie, PA, Emily is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School, and holds degrees from The London School of Economics and Dartmouth College. Before law school, she worked on electoral campaigns and in work-family policy at a think tank in Washington, D.C.


  Miranda Bryant | Chief Creative Director, Spectacular Performances & Events

Miranda Bryant is a professional in the performing arts industry with 12 years of experience. She has owned a successful business since 19, and has gained recognition as an industry expert. Her business acumen and passion for the arts has taken her to speak at various events around the country. Miranda also has a business podcast and is a philanthropist, donating thousands to non-profit organizations for children. She is known for making magic and dreams come true for those she works with.

  Michael Bustamante | Director of Diversity and Strategic Initiatives, Case Western Reserve University

Michael is a DEI expert, international public speaker, and social entrepreneur in the travel space.
He has more than a decade of experience working at non-profit organizations, government offices, and higher education institutions. He holds a master’s degree in cross-cultural studies and he will soon complete a master of public administration degree from Ohio State.
Last year, he was a finalist in the Accelerate 2022 pitch competition, participated in SEA Change—a social enterprise accelerator program, named one of the 100+ Latinos Cleveland Must Know, and deemed a Pogue Fellow by the Cleveland Council on World Affairs.

  Anna Cerveny | Executive Director at Dance Project Cleveland; Physical Therapist at University Hospitals

Anna Cerveny received her BS in Chemistry from Carnegie Mellon and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Columbia University. She travelled internationally as the PT for the Broadway play, WarHorse. She now works at University Hospitals, as a founding PT in the dance rehabilitation program, where she works with Cleveland Ballet. In 2017, she founded Cleveland Dance Project (an all level adult dance organization), and in 2019 CDP Company (a 501c3 dance & wellness company).

  Bre Ganuelas-Tischler | Manager, Marketing & Communications, Girl Scouts of North East Ohio

Bre earned her degree in Communications from Kent State University & entered the marketing industry immediately after. In her role at GSNEO, she uses her communication, organization, strategic thinking, and writing & design skills every day. In her spare time, Bre coaches high school girls’ lacrosse, serves on the Leadership Council for Engage! Cleveland, serves as VP Women's Game on the USA Lacrosse North Coast Ohio Chapter Board, and serves on the Associate Board at the Beck Center.

  Kevinee Gilmore | Chief Executive Officer, #FosterCare

Kevinee Gilmore is a consulting guru for non ­profits and a strategist for child welfare initiatives. Born & raised in Cleveland, Ohio Gilmore was placed in 13 foster homes and attended college only for housing. Kevinee has worked closely with Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, and Congresswoman Marcia Fudge. Kevinee is the creator of #FosterCare a 4x award winning non profit. Kevinee has been featured in "Huff Post" & Good Morning America.

  Matthew Grimes | Head of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion; Cleveland Guardians

Matt Grimes (he/him/his) is an award-winning Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging scholar-practitioner whose work centers on helping organizations develop a highly skilled, culturally proficient, & racially diverse workforce at all levels. A multiracial-millennial, functional poverty survivor, and education evangelist, Matt currently serves as the Head of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion for the Cleveland Guardians. He holds a Bachelors degree in Spanish and earned a Masters from Harvard.

  Crystal Ann Hall | CEO at High Crown Marketing Group/Bright Beginnings; Lead Creative Specialist & Outreach Supervisor at Northeast Ohio Help Me Grow

Crystal Ann Hall is a skilled graphic designer, digital media marketer, and operation manager with over 15 years of work experience in digital marketing and managing projects. Bolstered by an educational background in digital media and business communications, Crystal is a graduate of SuccessTech Academy and Cleveland State University. Crystal works closely within her community in various capacities of community volunteering, and early childhood and education advocacy.

  Jen Johns | Executive Director, Academy of Medicine of Cleveland & Northern Ohio

Prior to joining the AMCNO, Ms. Johns served as Director of Government Relations for Cleveland Clinic, where she was responsible for leading the organization’s state government relations work in Columbus. Before her tenure with the Clinic, she lived in Washington DC, lobbying for health care issues on Capitol Hill. She has an MPH in Health Policy and Management from the University of Pittsburgh and a BA in Political Science from The Ohio State University.

  Omar Kurdi | Chief Executive Officer, Friends for Life Rehabilitation Services

Omar Kurdi is the CEO of Friends for Life Rehabilitation Services, an agency that provides services to adults with developmental disabilities. He holds a master’s in Public Administration and a bachelor’s in International Relations. He is a founding member of Masrah Cleveland Al-Arabi, a Cleveland Public Theatre resident company. He’s the co-founder of Arab Americans of Cleveland – Young Professionals Network. He sits on the Board of Directors of Cleveland Public Theatre.

  Jack Lupica | Retirement Plan Consultant, CBIZ, Inc.

Jack Lupica, a life-long and devoted Clevelander, has been formed and shaped by so many wonderful people and institutions in our great city. After graduating St. Ignatius and John Carroll, he went on to work at a Cleveland-based accounting and benefits organization, CBIZ, Inc. Jack also serves on a few non-profit boards and committees, working to advance causes he is passionate about. In his free time, Jack enjoys traveling and playing the piano.

  Caitlin Miller | Associate Director, Corporate Philanthropy, United Way of Greater Cleveland

Caitlin is passionate about helping people and believes everyone deserves dignity. She serves as an Associate Director at the United Way of Greater Cleveland. Caitlin is a Certified Yoga Teacher, offering accessible classes for all people, bodies, and abilities. A Certified Death Doula, she volunteers with the Cleveland Clinic’s Hospice Program and hosts a free monthly Grief Gathering. Caitlin is a Member of The Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club and The Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless.


  Kristin Okel | Senior Advancement Officer, Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana

Kristin is a Senior Advancement Officer for Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana and dedicates her work to supporting children and families in northeast Ohio. Since 2016, Kristin has managed select fundraising relationships and corporate partnerships. Kristin serves as staff lead for Cleveland's Wish Gala, an event raising more than $1M in 2022. Prior to joining Make-A-Wish, she spent five years in development at a local emergency food assistance non-profit, managing events and marketing.

  Coral Pais | Senior High Performance Designer, DLR Group

Coral began her career in 2014 after completing her Masters in Indoor Environmental Quality in Schools. As a building systems engineer with a research background, she applies evidence-based data to elevate the design experience. Coral enjoys using her passion for data to help designers make decisions that are integrated, holistic and mindful of the triple bottom line. Coral is the current Chapter President of ASHRAE Cleveland and is a Young Adult leader in the Diocese of Cleveland.

  Malory Sanchez | Early Talent & Diversity Program Manager, The NRP Group

Malory joined NRP as the Early Talent & Diversity Program Manager. She has played a key role in the growth and prioritization of NRP’s DEI and Early Talent hiring initiatives. Prior to NRP, she spent 6 years with Nestlé in HR and recruiting. She is a graduate of Penn State University. She is currently a Board Member of Seeds of Literacy, a mentor for College Now, and on the leadership council for Engage! Cleveland. She currently resides in Cleveland Heights with her husband and English Bulldog.

  Kamaal Shakkour | AVP, Middle Market Relationship Manager, Fifth Third Bank

Kamaal Shakkour is a life-long westside Clevelander. He attended Amherst Steele High School, and went on to Cleveland State University where he graduated with his bachelors degree in Finance. Kamaal is the son of 2 Palestinian immigrants, and also has 1 brother, with an extended family that is far too large to count. He enjoys spending most of his time with his family, playing card games, and attending as many Cleveland sports events as possible.

  Brian Siggers| Cleveland Metro Advocacy Director, Ohio Environmental Council

Brian D. Siggers is a graduate of Ohio University and earned his degree in Political Science. He has since worked on several judicial and mayoral campaigns in multiple capacities. Brian currently serves as the Cleveland Metro Advocacy Director for the Ohio Environmental Council. He also is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc., the NAACP, and the Urban League of Greater Cleveland.

  Hannah Smith | Attorney - Counsel, Tucker Ellis LLP

Hannah defends clients, both corporate and individuals, in matters involving fraud, public corruption, and RICO. Her experience includes extensive trial practice – having litigated more than 65 trials. Prior to criminal defense work, she spent six years in the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office as an assistant prosecuting attorney handling violent cases within the county. Given her background and experience, she actively participates in the Cleveland Council of World Affairs.

  Jacqueline Sosnowski | Program Manager, Valtronic Technologies (USA) Inc.

Jacqueline (Jackie) Sosnowski is a Program Manager for Valtronic Technologies (USA) Inc. She earned her BSBA in Management from John Carroll University (JCU) in May 2016.
A Girl Scout since the age of five and recipient of the Gold Award, she serves as a Gold Award Mentor for the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio. Jacqueline is the President of Cleveland West Alumnae Chapter for Kappa Delta Sorority and is on the Boler Alumni Council for John Carroll University Boler College of Business.

  Julie Wagner | Education Programs Senior Manager, Playhouse Square

Julie has the pleasure of working at Playhouse Square, the largest performing arts center outside of New York. In her current position, she works with talent agents and artists around the world to help build the show season for schools and young audiences. She oversees the field trip coordinators to ensure performances reach their expected ticket and revenue goals. Julie is also a freelance stage manager in theatres throughout Cleveland, Ohio.

  Regime Willis | Founder of The Public Health Notebook; Education Manager at The Alzheimer's Association

Regime, an Ohio native, earned a BS with honors in Public Health. Now an Education Mgr at the Alzheimer’s Ass. she fights the stigma of the disease in underserved communities. Knowing the lack of relatable, community-based platforms, she decided to take matters into her own hands by founding The Public Health Notebook. TPHN, has become a vital source for the community, providing access and support for healthy living. Regime has been involved in leadership and volunteerism throughout her career.

  Bob Whitney| Neighborhood Planning Manager, Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity

Bob Whitney was born and raised in Cleveland, attended St. Ignatius, and returned home in 2017 after graduating from college in Los Angeles. He loves our city and supports it in multiple ways, including as Neighborhood Planning Manager at Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity. He loves working with diverse collaborators to help families become homeowners and contribute to the revitalization of communities. Bob also enjoys living in West Park and supporting local nonprofits and businesses.


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