Meet Our Storytellers & Community Leaders

Learn from the Leaders Who Are Shaping Columbus

One of the most distinctive aspects of the Columbus Impact Academy is the opportunity to learn directly from the people who are building, leading, and transforming our community.

Throughout the six-month experience, participants hear authentic leadership stories from executives, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, public officials, educators, artists, and changemakers from across Central Ohio. These conversations go beyond résumés and accomplishments to explore the real challenges, failures, decisions, and defining moments that have shaped each leader's journey.

Our storytellers don't simply give presentations. They share lessons learned, answer questions, encourage meaningful discussion, and inspire participants to discover their own leadership path.

Every session is designed to connect participants with diverse perspectives, practical insights, and relationships that continue long after graduation.

  • Aditi Bhatiya

    Aditi Bhatiya

    Founder of Passport to Fashion · Owner & CEO of The Spice Age Group

  • Ashkan Salem-Naraghi

    Ashkan Salem-Naraghi

    Manager of Talent Development at Worthington Steel

  • Ben Kessler

    Ben Kessler

    Mayor of the City of Bexley, OH

  • Bhumika Patel

    Bhumika Patel

    Deputy Director of the Human Service Chamber of Franklin County

  • Bob Szuter

    Bob Szuter

    Co-Founder, Head of Operations at Wolf's Ridge Brewing

  • Dr. Chenelle Jones

    Dr. Chenelle Jones

    Assistant Dean of Community Engagement, and Chair of the Public Safety Programs at Franklin University

  • Chris Amorose Groomes

    Chris Amorose Groomes

    Mayor of the City of Dublin, OH

  • Dr. Christian Espinoza

    Dr. Christian Espinoza

    Co-Chair of Hispanic Origin and Latin American (HOLA) Employee Resource Group at Worthington Enterprises

  • Dr. Christopher Washington

    Dr. Christopher Washington

    Executive Vice President & Provost at Franklin University

  • Christopher Wyche

    Christopher Wyche

    City of Columbus Councilmember

  • Colin Page McGinnis

    Colin Page McGinnis

    Chief Executive Officer at SproutFive

  • Dave Kaufman

    Dave Kaufman

    President of Capital University

  • Dilara Casey

    Dilara Casey

    CEO & Founder of Totally Employable

  • Emily A. Keeler

    Emily A. Keeler

    City of Grandview Heights Council President

  • Emily Quick Schriver

    Emily Quick Schriver

    CEO of The Matriots

  • Gabrielle Solange

    Gabrielle Solange

    Billboard charting singer, songwriter, producer, author, and mixed-media artist

  • Ira Sharfin

    Ira Sharfin

    CEO at Continental Office

  • Jane Grote Abell

    Jane Grote Abell

    Executive Chairwoman of the Board & Chief Purpose Officer at Donatos Pizza

  • Janet Chen

    Janet Chen

    CEO at ProMusica Chamber Orchestra

  • Javier Sanchez

    Javier Sanchez

    Owner at R.E.A.C.H. Communications, Inc.

  • Jerry Tsai

    Jerry Tsai

    President at Acceptd

  • Jochele (Jo) Miller

    Jochele (Jo) Miller

    Co-Director & Podcast Host at Passport to Fashion · Creative Director at MJOCHELE

  • Dr. Julie Wilkes

    Dr. Julie Wilkes

    Entrepreneur, author, yoga/fitness studio concept owner, retail boutique owner, published author, motivational speaker, and certified life coach

  • Kenneth L. Wright

    Kenneth L. Wright

    Mayor of the City of Westerville, OH

  • Michael T. Bivens

    Michael T. Bivens

    Mayor of the City of Whitehall, OH

  • Michael M. Sera

    Michael M. Sera

    Board President, Japanese American Museum of San Jose

  • Neil Collins

    Neil Collins

    Executive Director at Innovate New Albany

  • Nicole Lucas-Lee

    Nicole Lucas-Lee

    Vice President, Leaders Of Tomorrow Program at NBMBAA Columbus

  • Phil Washburn

    Phil Washburn

    President and CEO of the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio

  • Phyl Flanagan

    Phyl Flanagan

    Justice, Equity & Belonging Program Manager at YWCA Columbus

  • Ralph Smithers, Jr.

    Ralph Smithers, Jr.

    Assistant VP, Inclusion, Belonging and Community Relations at Encova Insurance

  • Sarah Crabtree Perez

    Sarah Crabtree Perez

    Firm Managing Partner at Perez & Morris LLC

  • Shannon Hardin

    Shannon Hardin

    City of Columbus Council President

  • Subha Lembach

    Subha Lembach

    Executive Director at Charity Newsies

  • Terry Green

    Terry Green

    Founder and CEO of Think Make Live Youth

  • Vicki Bowen Hewes

    Vicki Bowen Hewes

    Founder Emeritus at Dress for Success Columbus

Our Storytellers Represent

Business & Corporate Leadership • Entrepreneurship & Innovation • Nonprofit & Community Impact • Government & Public Service • Education • Healthcare • Arts & Culture • Economic Development • Civic Leadership • Philanthropy • and more

More Than Guest Speakers

Many of our storytellers become mentors, connectors, and champions for the next generation of leaders. Their willingness to share both successes and setbacks creates an environment of authenticity, curiosity, and growth that defines the Columbus Impact Academy experience.

Interested in Becoming a Storyteller?

We're always looking for passionate leaders who are willing to invest in the next generation of professionals by sharing their experiences and perspectives.

If you're interested in speaking with a future cohort, we'd love to hear from you.

Become a Storyteller

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