Linking New Leaders
A “Speed Dating” Approach to Nonprofit Leadership
Wednesday, July 9
5:30 – 8:30 pm @ BOP STOP
Welcome!
Launched in 2008 as part of BVU’s Board Matching Program, Linking New Leaders is a “speed dating” event that transforms quick conversations into long-term impact.
BVU serves as the matchmaker, connecting emerging professionals to local nonprofit organizations for meaningful board and volunteer opportunities.
We look forward to hearing about the wonderful work you do together after tonight!

How It Works
Nonprofit representatives are seated throughout the room and will remain stationary. Each organization is assigned a table and letter. A variety of missions are represented tonight — scroll down to read more about each one!
Business participants will rotate around the room. Each one is assigned a number. Scroll down to read more about each candidate!
You have just FIVE MINUTES per conversation to make an impression (and potentially a match)! You’ll know time is up when you hear the bell ringing.
After the event, we’ll assess the results, identify top matches, and facilitate email intros. The “second date” is up to you!
DON'T FORGET
Use your personalized match sheet to take notes and mark your level of interest throughout the night. THEN RETURN IT TO BVU STAFF!
HOW TO BE A GOOD DATE
Be present and curious. Focus on uncovering mutual interest. Consider how you might help each other grow. Take good notes (your memory will thank you). Be sure to enjoy the food and bar!
Participating Nonprofits
Engage! Cleveland (A)
Mission: To attract, engage, and retain emerging, diverse talent to Greater Cleveland.
Vision: To enhance the vitality of Cleveland and surrounding communities by creating a strong community of emerging professionals and early to mid-career talent.
About: Engage! Cleveland is a community engagement organization for emerging professionals and business/community leaders who are passionate about making Cleveland a lasting home for the next generation. We create opportunities to help emerging professionals grow professionally and personally in Cleveland while helping them fall in love with our city and discovering everything it has to offer. We work with employers to engage and retain their current young and emerging professionals while focusing on helping them attract new top talent.
Opportunities: We are looking for prospective board members with marketing, IT, HR, strategic planning, legal, and finance skills to increase the expertise and size of the board.
Canalway Partners (B)
Mission: To preserve the natural and cultural experiences of the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area for the future by serving as a catalyst for projects and programs that connect people to place.
About: Canalway preserves heritage and natural assets by advocating for trail-oriented development and historic districts, and by fundraising for public spaces like the Towpath Trail and Canal Basin Park. Canalway hosts signature programs and events—including the Towpath Lantern Parade, Towpath Trilogy race series, River Sweep cleanup, Cycle Canalway, and Cuyahoga River Rally—that foster outdoor adventure, education, and community engagement. They collaborate with public, private, and nonprofit partners to enhance access to cultural and natural experiences, weaving history and environment into vibrant public settings.
Opportunities: Interested in potential board members with backgrounds in hospitality management, tourism, and outdoor programming.
Art Therapy Studio (C)
Mission: To enhance the quality of life for all people through art therapy.
About: Art Therapy Studio is a non-profit organization with a 50+ year history of providing art therapy in a safe space for all people. We serve those seeking healing, wellness, and self-care, including serving individuals from historically underserved populations. In 1967 Art Therapy Studio was co-founded by art therapist Mickie McGraw (d. 2023) and psychiatrist George Streeter, MD (d. 2013) as a part of their hospital’s rehabilitation department. The idea developed out of their long-time interest in art as a healing tool, as they both dealt with serious physical illness as children. The studio has since grown and expanded services to members of the community.
Opportunities: We’re seeking new board members with experience in fundraising, finance, marketing, HR, and community engagement to help expand our impact.
Courtney Jones Care and Cure Foundation (D)
Mission: To fund inclusive pediatric cancer research, create moments of joy for pediatric cancer & blood disorder patients and their families, and engage and empower youth and communities-at-large in the mission to end pediatric cancer.
About: The Courtney Jones Care and Cure Foundation was established to continue Courtney’s bold dream of helping children and families, as they battle against cancer and fight for a cure. Courtney’s dreams and the compassion of her school community continue to fuel the growth and impact of this 100% volunteer-run Foundation. The power of friends, families, and groups, joined together, will make a difference in the lives of these brave children. Engage in the fight. Build a team of care partners. This Foundation is You!
Opportunities: Seeking professionals to engage with charity in a consistent and meaningful way. Committee Chair or other meaningful contribution role leading to an Advisory board seat, if mutually desired. Needs are in Graphic/Video Design, Marketing Campaigns, Peer2Peer Fundraising, Donor Relations, Communication Journey Mapping, and CRM Management Skills
Inlet Dance Theater (E)
Mission: To create and perform innovative dance theatre at a high level of artistry, speak creatively about human life issues, and bring about personal development in the lives of individuals through training and mentoring.
About: Founded in 2001, Inlet Dance Theatre is one of the region’s most exciting professional contemporary dance companies with roots in American Modern Dance. Inlet embodies the belief that dance facilitates personal growth and development. The company’s concerts, event services, and education programs began as local initiatives and now reach regional, national and international markets. Inlet performs annually at Cleveland Public Theatre’s DanceWorks Series, Playhouse Square, Cain Park Evans Amphitheater, among other local venues and conducts national touring.
Opportunities: We are seeking individuals of various backgrounds and skills to add to the expertise of our current board of trustees. If full board involvement is not possible, we are also seeking volunteers to assist with various fundraising events.
Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank (F)

Mission: To foster literacy and a love of reading by distributing free books to children through collaboration with community partners.
About: The Book Bank works with over 1,000 partner organizations to get more than 45,000 books each month into the hands of kids across Cuyahoga and Lorain counties. By ensuring access to books, they support early literacy and help build home libraries for families who may not otherwise afford them. We have diversified our book sourcing. We’ve installed 22 outdoor book collection bins throughout Greater Cleveland. Between the books from these bins and the monthly book drives held by companies, schools, and individuals, more than 60% of our inventory comes from our community.
Opportunities: They are seeking new Associate Board members with marketing, strategic planning, and fundraising skills to further their mission through fundraising, engagement, and outreach activities.
Community Assessment & Treatment Services (G)

Mission: To address the needs of our community by providing quality, cost effective interventions that comprehensively address social justice, substance abuse and behavioral health problems.
About: CATS’ interventions are evidence-based, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Medication Assisted Treatment, Solution Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. We offer multiple levels of care ranging from non-intensive outpatient to high-intensity residential treatment. CATS also provides Community Housing, Peer Support, Transportation, and Employment programs. We offer Assessments, Group Therapy, Individual Counseling, Case Management, Peer Support, Crisis Intervention, Trauma Informed Care, and Urinalysis for adults. We are accredited by multiple organizations in behavioral health and criminal justice, reflecting excellence in both fields. Diverse funding allows for no or low-cost out-of-pocket expenses for most Clientele.
Opportunities: We are looking to increase the size and expertise of our board of trustees. Preferred capabilities range from legal, marketing, computer/IT, and fundraising.
Youth Challenge (H)

Mission: To bring together young people with physical disabilities and teen volunteers who inspire each other through adapted sports, recreation and social growth activities.
About: YC provides adapted sports and recreation programs to over 150 young people with physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, blindness/visual impairments, and others. We offer more than 300 free, year-round activities throughout Northeast Ohio. All programs are carefully adapted to meet the special needs of each child and are created to safely challenge appropriate age and skill levels. YC receives help from 450+ teen volunteers, ages 12-18, who are trained seasonally by professionals to assist and engage with their peers who have physical disabilities.
Opportunities: Young Professionals for Youth Challenge (YP4YC) is open to finding new members with all different backgrounds.
Cleveland Jazz Orchestra (I)
Mission: To increase awareness and appreciation of jazz by engaging the community with original music, exceptional performances, and inspirational educational programming.
About: The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra has been Northeast Ohio’s premier jazz voice since 1985. Led by award-winning composer and trombonist Paul Ferguson, the CJO promotes jazz in its historical and contemporary forms, through concerts featuring a stellar line-up of jazz luminaries, arrangers, composers, and educators. At a CJO concert, you will enjoy “the best jazz you’ve ever heard and the best jazz you’ve never heard.” Through inventive, original music and effective, innovative Educational Outreach, the CJO shepherds young and up-and-coming musicians and provides our region with unique and important cultural experiences.
Opportunities: Looking for potential new board members!
Ohio Citizen Action Education Fund (J)
Mission: OCAEF informs, organizes and mobilizes people to advocate for public interests across issue and campaigns. In person, by phone and online we engage people in actions that protect public health, improve environmental quality and benefit consumers. Our campaigns connect Ohioans and build a movement to protect democracy and create a sustainable and equitable future.
About: OCAEF are grassroots experts. Last year we knocked over 350,000 doors in 70 of 88 Ohio counties to inform Ohioans about how we can make elected officials more responsive to voters and address polarization and corruption by fixing gerrymandering. We’re also using deep canvassing to help build grassroots support for utility-scale solar projects in rural Ohio.
Opportunities: We need board members as dynamic and dedicated as our staff and volunteers to help us evolve and level up.
The Children’s Museum of Cleveland (K)

Mission: To promote the power of learning through play using innovative exhibits and programs designed for children birth to age 8 and is a valued resource to caregivers, families and community institutions that serve young children.
About: The Children’s Museum of Cleveland (CMC) was first established in 1981 by a coalition of parents, educators and civic leaders to provide educational programs and activities to elementary school classrooms. CMC is the only Museum in the region dedicated exclusively to early childhood education. In an average year, CMC serves nearly 200,000 individuals through our innovative facility, events, and educational programs. The Museum recognizes our role as an early childhood educational leader in our community, and our responsibility to contribute to a kinder and more just future for all.
Opportunities: We need board members with skill sets/backgrounds in Construction, IT, and Fundraising.
InMotion (L)
Mission: To help people with Parkinson’s disease feel better every day.
About: InMotion uses a community-based group approach to help people with Parkinson’s disease feel better every day. Located in Beachwood, Ohio, InMotion® provides evidence-based healing arts, physical wellness, education, support and symptom-specific programs that have been shown to slow disease progression and help people live well. Our team is compassionate and skilled professionals dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by Parkinson’s disease. This includes specialized trainers and committed staff and board members who work collaboratively to provide high-quality programming and support. The InMotion® Team brings expertise and unwavering dedication to our clients every day.
Opportunities: Board and committee member openings.
Rescue Village (M)

Mission: To act on behalf of animals and inspire people to build a more humane community.
About: To this end, we focus on operational excellence, ethical, honest, and transparent behavior, compassion, responsible management of all resources, and strong partnerships with staff, volunteers, and donors, as well as intake, legal, medical, and financial services partners, government entities and officials. Among the services we provide in the shelter are animal care; spay/neuter clinics; humane investigations; and humane education.
Opportunities: The scope of our board’s role is governance, accountability, and strategy; it is the organization with one voice, not individuals board members with many voices, that best serve our mission and vision. We would be pleased to meet people whose skills can enhance our existing slate, and who have time and willingness to fully participate by way of meeting attendance, and committee participation.
Saint Martin de Porres High School (N)
Mission: Inspired by the Gospel, Saint Martin de Porres High School is a Catholic college-preparatory high school that combines innovative academics with a unique work program preparing students of limited economic means to become men and women of faith, purpose and service.
About: Saint Martin de Porres High School prepares students for post-secondary success in education and work through a mutually transformative learning experience sustained by 21st century skills (communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking), good work habits and a commitment to justice and peace. We provide an innovative college preparatory curriculum focusing on the development of the habits of mind and spirit. Our community, including our board, administration, faculty, staff, corporate partners, donors, parents and students is committed to building a community of care rooted in the Catholic tradition, and welcomes people of all backgrounds to join us.
Opportunities: Seeking members for the Corporate Work Study (CWS) Jobs Committee. The committee is responsible for securing student worker jobs to support 40% of the school’s annual revenue.
Recovery Resources (O)

Mission: To help people triumph over mental illness, alcoholism, drugs and other addictions.
About: As an independent behavioral health 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Cuyahoga County, Recovery Resources has been helping people triumph over mental health challenges, alcoholism, drug, and other addictions since 1955. We offer a variety of services to our clients including employment services, recovery and supportive housing, case management, individual and group behavioral counseling, MAT (medicated assisted treatment) and MOUD (medication for opioid use disorder) services, forensic services, prevention services, and gambling treatment services. Our unique affiliation with The MetroHealth System, a nationally ranked 501(c)(3) nonprofit hospital system, allows clients to receive coordinated care for physical health, including primary care and preventative care options.
Opportunities: We are open to folks from all backgrounds, but we are specifically looking for: business development, local government/nonprofit, DEI, grant writing.
Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory & Educational Foundation (P)

Mission: Through teaching historical and innovative papermaking and the art of the book; and producing handmade papers – The Morgan educates, mentors, inspires emerging and established artists, students, community members to create. The Morgan Conservatory pursues its educational and charitable purposes by serving the greater community locally, nationally, and internationally with sustainable practices in an innovative green environment.
About: The Morgan Conservatory is an Ohio nonprofit art center dedicated to preserving and innovating the art of hand papermaking as well as letterpress printing and book arts. One of a handful of art centers in the country dedicated to these crafts, the Morgan draws an audience locally, nationally, and internationally as we provide educational and professional opportunities for emerging and established artists – through workshops, gallery exhibitions, artist residencies, internships, volunteer opportunities and more. Additionally, the Morgan has a half-acre garden where we grow our own plants for papermaking, embracing a holistic and sustainable cycle- from plant to paper.
Opportunities: The Morgan is looking for new board members with skills in Finance, Marketing, IT, Construction, and Fundraising to increase the expertise and size of its Board.
Providence House (Q)
Mission: To keep kids safe and families together, embracing them with support to enhance stability that strengthens communities.
About: Providence House is Ohio’s first and one of the nation’s longest-operating crisis nurseries among the 70+ in operation in the U.S. and Canada. We offer free, voluntary, non-custodial emergency shelter to children newborn through twelve years old who are actively living in crisis situations and support services to their families to help them stay together. Providence House has cared for and advocated for more than 15,000 children and families in crisis since opening our doors in 1981. To provide the support so desperately needed by our families, we deliver a holistic, integrated program focused on family preservation.
Opportunities: The Providence House Associate Board will present the opportunity to join an energetic group of young professionals and emerging leaders in Northeast Ohio. As a member, you would have the ability to join one of our four committees: Development – events and sponsorships, Engagement – member experience activities, Membership – recruitment and retention and Marketing – social media, event content, and newsletter.
Ronald McDonald House of NEO (R)
Mission: To provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare.
About: Emerging Leaders have a deep passion for the mission of Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Ohio, whether connected personally or professionally. We are advocates. In our personal and professional lives, we celebrate the mission of RMH NEO and share its stories of success. We follow through. As Emerging Leaders, we commit to annual goals, plan and host events and seek community support as accountable contributors to the overall goals of RMH NEO. We are generous. We dedicate our time, our energy and our resources, to ensure our diverse passions and expertise are utilized to their full potential to support RMH NEO. We balance work and recreation. As a group of younger professionals, we welcome opportunities for collaboration and celebration.
Opportunities: Leadership council co-chairs serve 2-year terms across our red, gold, volunteerism, and marketing committees.
The Literacy Cooperative (S)

Mission: To advance literacy through raising awareness, advocating for public support of literacy initiatives, and strengthening the network to improve literacy across the lifespan.
About: The Literacy Cooperative leads Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Cuyahoga County, a free (to the family) book gifting program that mails monthly, age-appropriate books to children under the age of five. In Cuyahoga County, 39,000 children are currently enrolled, 66,000 children under the age of five in Cuyahoga County and all are eligible. It is pivotal to laying the foundation for educational success. We share additional resources with families through social media and text/email communications, empowering parents with useful tools and techniques to support learning, as well as providing information on the availability of free community resources. TLC offers Professional Development sessions for literacy practitioners, volunteer tutors, and other cross-sector professionals. Contextualized Curriculum, TLC offers industry-based curriculums for healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, construction, and IT.
Opportunities: We would like to engage young professionals who are passionate about making a difference on the issues of low literacy.
Participating Candidates
1. Andrew Zager
Andrew Zager is the Chief Operating Officer at Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity, where he leads finance, operations, and ReStore strategy. He holds dual master’s degrees in Nonprofit Organization and Accountancy, with a focus on internal auditing. A former U.S. Marine and Peace Corps volunteer, Andrew brings a service-first approach to leadership. He has overseen statewide funding initiatives, mortgage sales, and the launch of post-purchase homeowner support programs. Originally from Akron, he now lives in the Novelty area and serves as an active volunteer in his community. Andrew is passionate about increasing access to homeownership and building collaborative solutions that support underserved communities across Ohio.
2. Joren Tengesdal
3. Vanessa E. Onia
4. Ryan Rosenthal
5. Karthik Sekharan
6. Rachelle Arwood
7. Michael Hogue
8. Marci Rathburn
9. John A. Carney
10. Hannah Woodruff
11. George Bashour
12. Lauri Hartmann
12. Gabriel Shetler
14. Karina Pantoja
15. Julianna Nicolli
16. Vince Losue
Upcoming Events
Role of the Board
Join us for The Role of the Board, a nonprofit leadership development event featuring an expert panel discussing roles, responsibilities, challenges & more in regard to nonprofit board membership.
Board & CEO Assessment Tools (Advanced Board Training)
In this 90-minute virtual session, our governance experts will share board and CEO assessment tools to help you lead with intention and foster meaningful improvement.
Role of the Board
Join us for The Role of the Board, a nonprofit leadership development event featuring an expert panel discussing roles, responsibilities, challenges & more in regard to nonprofit board membership.
Board Matching Celebration
A special gathering for current and past participants of BVU's Board Matching program!
2025 Board Matching Program Sponsors
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Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP
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Jones Day
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