Volume 5
Winter
S p r in g 2019
Celebrating 5 years of publication!
The Urban League of Greater Cleveland:
Confident Advancement!
An intimate interview with Marsha A. Mockabee, President & CEO CAREER & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
MORE INSIDE: Dreyfuss-Wells, CEO Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District by Montrie Rucker Adams EXECUTIVE PROFILE: Kyle
America the Healthy by Linda D. Bradley, MD ENTREPRENEUR PROFILE:
Ethan Holmes by Richard T. Andrews
Defining Leadership for Women in the 21st Century by Alexandria Johnson Boone
GOING THE DISTANCE
FOR OUR
COMMUNITIES. At Dominion Energy Ohio, going the distance for our customers means more than just delivering safe, affordable natural gas. It means being a positive force in the communities we serve. Our EnergyShareÂŽ program has raised $6.8 million and helped more than 70,000 people in Ohio alone. These resources, combined with more than 6,300 volunteer hours from our employees, have benefited organizations as diverse as the American Red Cross, the Boy Scouts of America and the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition.
contents COVER
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The Urban League of Greater Cleveland: Confident Advancement! An Intimate Interview with Marsha A. Mockabee, President & CEO 102 years old and counting: Read about the legacy of the Urban League of Greater Cleveland and why they are still going strong. Board members from left to right, standing: Lee A. Chilcote, Esquire, The Chilcote Law Firm LLP has provided invaluable support for debt resolution and chaired the most recent Strategic Planning Process; James R. Myers, former chair and retired UPS executive, leaves the board in a strong position to continue to govern effectively according to its mission; Nicolette Jaworski, director of external affairs at AT&T, chairs the Strategic Planning Committee as it implements new goals and objectives; and Bennett L. Gaines, chief information officer for First Energy, and former secretary of the board, is the new chair with history and knowledge to continue spearheading the future growth of the organization. Seated: Marsha A. Mockabee and Kim Manigault, treasurer and chief diversity and inclusion officer for KeyBank, brings her wealth of experience in finance and fiscal responsibility.
ENTREPRENEUR PROFILE
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Ethan Holmes by Richard T. Andrews Do you like applesauce? Of course you do, we all did when we were kids. Well, Ethan Holmes has grown up, and is now in the business of producing Holmes MouthWatering Applesauce. EXECUTIVE PROFILE
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Just Show Up! by Montrie Rucker Adams Read about the woman executive at the helm of the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, Kyle Dreyfuss-Wells.
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Are You Fabulous or Fraudulent? by Erica Merritt Take a test to determine who you really are in the workplace!
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Defining Leadership for Women in the 21st Century: Seven Tips to Achieving Career Success! by Alexandria Johnson Boone C L Publisher offers keen insights about women and leadership. CONTENTS continued on page 6 WINTER / SPRING 2019 | 3
contents LIFESTYLE
CL Magazine Team
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Spring Book Club Suggestions Tap into creativity, disconnect from technology, and create financial security with these best-selling books!
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America the Healthy: Cooking the Food You Love for the Health You Deserve by Linda D. Bradley, MD Dr. Linda Bradley, a renowned professor of surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Women’s Health Institute, is also skilled in the kitchen! Read about how you can cook and eat the foods you love and be healthy too!
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Failure is Not an Option! by Pastor Natalie Brown Rudd, BA, RN Pastor Rudd, founder of Because of His Grace Ministries, shares tips about how to live our best lives, spiritually.
Publisher and Chief Editorial Officer Alexandria Johnson Boone Creative Director Jennifer Coiley Dial Senior Copy Editor Michelle E. Urquhart Business Manager Paula T. Newman Assistant to the Publisher Bernadette K. Mayfield Senior Strategist, Subscriber & Community Development Simone E. Swanson Database and Information Coordinator Cheretta Moore For advertising information please contact us at: advertising@CL-Magazine.com Subscribe free online: www.CL-Magazine.com
CLMagazine_ CLMagazine_ CLMagazine C L Magazine is published digitally on a quarterly basis by the Women of Color Foundation (WOCF), a 501 (c) (3), tax-exempt organization, for the benefit of women and girls of all colors. Our offices are located at 4200 Warrensville Center Road, Medical Building A, Suite 353, Cleveland, Ohio 44122. Toll Free Phone number: 866.962-3411 (866.WOCF.411). Copyright Š 2014-2019. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be distributed electronically, reproduced or duplicated in whole or in part, without written permission of the publisher. Readers and advertisers may subscribe for free at: www.CL-Magazine.com Magazine Production: GAP Communications Group
Publisher’s LETTER Dear Friends and Supporters, 2018 was an amazing year for the Women of Color Foundation and our innovative digital publication, C L Magazine. But as the saying goes, we could not have done it without YOU! In these times of limited charitable funds and tight corporate sponsorship budgets, it makes a profound statement and a powerful endorsement that you, our advisors, sponsors, advertisers, grantors, volunteers, faculty and supporters continue to invest in the advancement of women; the enhancement of their leadership skills; and the expansion of their career opportunities, through the Women of Color Foundation’s programs and activities. We are well aware, that there were many options where you could have chosen to direct your time, energy and financial resources elsewhere. But you chose us, and for that, we are most grateful. When we founded the Women of Color Foundation, we had no idea that 17 years later our embryo
of an idea would blossom into a “movement” that would touch the lives and careers of thousands of women and girls throughout the state of Ohio, and beyond. And in 2014 when we launched C L Magazine, we had no idea that we would be celebrating our 5th anniversary year of publication in 2019. We survived in spite of the odds! Already in 2019, another amazing thing has happened. I met former First Lady Michelle Obama. Mrs. Obama is everything people say that she is. Beautiful, intelligent, kind and engaging. I met some of her staff, she signed my book and took this photo with me. Michelle Obama rocks!
we anticipate with heightened excitement, seeing another generation of seasoned and aspiring women leaders making their mentors proud and showing the way to those who will follow in their footsteps.
More importantly however, her visit to Cleveland has reinforced my motivation to be my best self in 2019, to write a book and to continue my important work on behalf of women and girls of all colors, nationally.
Sincerely,
As we look towards the future,
We invite you to continue the journey with us!
Alexandria Johnson Boone Publisher/Chief Editorial Officer and Chairwoman/ Founder, Women of Color Foundation
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Kyle Dreyfuss-Wells CEO, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District WHEN MOST PEOPLE think of sewers, what may come to mind are smelly, murky places where rabid rodents reside, and fictional scary monsters creep out at night. Talking to Kyle Dreyfuss-Wells, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District’s (NEORSD) Chief Executive Officer, all those images may quickly subside.
She speaks of making decisions that impact the NEORSD’s over 800 employees. She draws your attention to the way wastewater is treated and how she keeps top-of-mind the over one million people the NEORSD serves. She talks about being clear when communicating to people so that there is no question about their roles and responsibilities. She mentions volunteering in the Peace Corps in Samoa where she taught biology and math to students in their last year of secondary school with plans to go to college. Like her name sake Kyle Rote, the former New York Giants’ tight end, Dreyfuss-Wells is tough, focused, quick and “doesn’t take any crap.” You’re not thinking about sewers when you talk to her. You’re thinking about the fact that the NEORSD is led by someone who is fearless, competent and committed. Dreyfuss-Wells took the helm as CEO two years ago. Having worked at the NEORSD since 2008, she served as Deputy Director of Watershed Programs, helped develop and implement the Regional Stormwater Management Program and was instrumental in reducing the amount of raw sewage discharging into the environment. In a NEORSD article, Darnell Brown, Chief Operating Officer for the City of Cleveland and NEORSD Board President said, “Dreyfuss-Wells has demonstrated enthusiastic leadership and a commitment to this region. She has not only played an integral role in addressing wastewater issues like combined sewer overflows, she’s a visionary and a pioneer in matters related to stormwater issues.”
Montrie Rucker Adams, APR Visibility Marketing info@visibilitymarketing.com www.visibilitymarketing.com
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Westerly Maintenance Team receives employee recognition award, 2019.
Dreyfuss-Wells spent her formative years in Shaker Heights, graduating from its high school. She received her BS from The Ohio State University, and an MPA and MS in Environmental Science from Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs. She thought she would get a PhD in field science and teach “something ecology related.” When Dreyfuss-Wells was diagnosed with dyslexia, she was told she would never learn to read. “My mother wasn’t having it,” she declared. “She had the ability to access the resources that I needed.” Having that diagnosis, and needing to learn different
routes to solving problems has been pivotal in Dreyfuss-Wells understanding the value of hard work, figuring out other ways to see a solution and solving problems. There is always more than one route to the correct answer. A “very efficient person,” Dreyfuss-Wells does not procrastinate. She is very organized, keeps a comprehensive calendar, plans ahead and always knows what’s going on. An avid runner, her health or wellness is not sacrificed for the sake of work. Though she admits to working long and hard, her wellness is one of the most important things on her list
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Westerly Storage Tunnel groundbreaking (above) and an NPR interview with Dreyfuss-Wells (right) at the site of the 1969 Cuyahoga River Fire.
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of things to do. “I find time to do what I need to do,” she says. “In terms of balancing career and lifestyle, it’s having an understanding of what it is you want to do, but it’s also having folks around you that help you do that,” she said.
What is the toughest decision you’ve made professionally? Human resource decisions are tough. The decisions that have the impact on an individual employee where either answer can have serious ramifications are difficult. The job of leadership is to make decisions.
Her mantra? “Just show up! I find it to be vital. The secret of life is to participate. Be present The essentials to creating a harmonious in the interactions you’re having. It’s very work environment are… There’s a courage that is important in important.” organizations so that people know where Thinking back to your early years, was there they stand. My philosophy is that people relax a teacher or professor that had a significant into leadership. You provide an environment where people understand their job, they can impact on your professional journey? Very early on I had a teacher named Sally excel, they can get the help that they need, Brown, who along with my mother, saved my and the decisions that they need, and people life. They helped me learn to read, which was can really relax and focus. fundamental. She was the one who helped me learn how to learn. The whole thing with What have you come to learn about dyslexia is figuring out compensating routes success? to get you where you need to go. She was Success comes from hard work, collaboration and respect for other people. Folks need to pivotal. realize that it’s rare in our work that you’re Throughout grad school, I had teachers who successful on your own. You’re successful as took the time and helped me to the level of part of a team. explanation that I needed. I have definitely benefited from a long list of patient teachers. What part of your job brings you the most joy? Equity, diversity and inclusion are vital to the I like to solve problems. I love when things longevity and success of any professional. come together when you have a problem in On your most challenging day, where do you front of you. Where there’s some decisions draw inspiration to continue feeding your that must be made, you can find your way to a great solution. passion for this work? Remembering that it’s not about me, it’s about the organization and the people who are here doing the work. Viewing from an equity, diversity and inclusion lens, a very basic principle is the more diverse, the stronger. When you bring a bunch of voices, you have ways for the voices to be heard.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned professionally? I think professionally and personally it is really important to understand how you come across in a group. How are you interacting with other people? Are you listening? Are you being responsive? Are you a helpful part of the team? CL
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Tap into creativity, disconnect from technology, and create financial security with these best-selling books!
Spring Book Club Suggestions Keep Going BY AUSTIN KLEON In his previous books Steal Like an Artist and Show Your Work!, both New York Times bestsellers, Austin Kleon gave readers the keys to unlock their creativity and showed them how to become known. Now he offers his most inspiring work yet, with ten simple rules for how to stay creative, focused, and true to yourself—for life. The creative life is not a linear journey to a finish line, it’s a loop—so find a daily routine, because today is the only day that matters. Disconnect from the world to connect with yourself—sometimes you just have to switch into airplane mode. Austin Kleon will be at Cuyahoga County Library Parma-Snow Branch for a talk and book signing on April 26. Women with Money BY JEAN CHATZKY Ask successful women what they want from their money and they’ll tell you: independence, security, choices, a better world, and — oh yes — way less stress, not just for themselves but for their kids, partners, parents, and friends. Jean Chatzky gets women to open up about the one topic we still never talk about. Then she flips the script and charts a pathway to this joyful, purpose-filled life that today’s women not only want, but also, finally, have the resources to afford. Through Chatzky’s candid three-part plan — formed through detailed reporting with the world’s top economists, psychiatrists, behaviorists, financial planners, and attorneys, as well as her own two decades of experience in the field — readers will learn to: 1. Explore their relationships with money, 2. Take control of their money, and 3. Use their money to create the lives they want. This book will help readers apply tactical solutions to get paid what they deserve, become inspired to start businesses, invest for tomorrow, make their money last, and then use that money to foster secure relationships, raise independent and confident children, care for aging parents, leave a legacy, and — best of all — bring them joy!
Photos and summaries courtesy of Amazon.com
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WELD develops and advances women’s leadership to strengthen the economic prosperity of the communities it serves.
Membership in WELD provides the best opportunity to leverage our leadership programs, influential connections, and highly visible volunteer positions to propel your career or business forward.
BE THE CHANGE
Learn how WELD can benefit your career and business today! Visit us at
www.weldusa.org
Tap into creativity, disconnect from technology, and create financial security with these best-selling books!
Spring Book Club Suggestions Digital Minimalism BY CAL NEWPORT The bestselling author of Deep Work introduces a philosophy for technology use that has already improved countless lives. Digital minimalists are all around us. They’re the calm, happy people who can hold long conversations without furtive glances at their phones. They don’t experience “fear of missing out” because they already know which activities provide them meaning and satisfaction. Now, Newport gives us a name for this quiet movement, and makes a persuasive case for its urgency in our tech-saturated world. Common sense tips, like turning off notifications, or occasional rituals like observing a digital sabbath, don’t go far enough in helping us take back control of our technological lives, and attempts to unplug completely are complicated by the demands of family, friends and work. What we need instead is a thoughtful method to decide what tools to use, for what purposes, and under what conditions. The key is to use technology to support your goals and values, rather than letting it use you. This book shows the way. The Surprising Science of Meetings BY STEVEN G. ROGELBERG A recent estimate suggests that employees endure a staggering 55 million meetings a day in the US. This tremendous time investment yields modest returns. No organization is immune from common meeting gripes: those that fail to engage, those that inadvertently encourage participants to tune out, and those that disregard participants’ time. Most companies and leaders view poor meetings as an inevitable cost of doing business. But managers can take heart: researchers now have a clear understanding of the key drivers that make meetings successful. In The Surprising Science of Meetings, Steven G. Rogelberg, researcher and consultant, draws from extensive research, analytics and data mining, and survey interviews with over 5,000 employees across a range of industries to share the proven practices and techniques that help managers and employees enhance the quality of their meetings. For those who lead and participate in meetings, Rogelberg provides direction, guidance, and relief, offering a how-to guide to change your working life starting today. Photos and summaries courtesy of Amazon.com
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Flavor Over Fat:
A MULTICULTURAL WOMEN’S HEALTH & WELLNESS SUMMIT
Linda D. Bradley, MD Founder and Chair, Celebrate Sisterhood®
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Cooking SELF CARE: MadeYour Passpo Healthy Life Simple!
a collection of recipes from chefs across the region
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Fabulous
or Fraudulent?
Erica Merritt, CDP, BCC Founder & Principal Consultant, Equius Group, LLC erica@equiusgroup.biz www.equiusgroup.biz
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Have you ever been given an opportunity and then gotten that sinking feeling that someone made a mistake? The first time that I was asked to write something for a publication, I was extremely excited. As time wore on and the need to write my first entry approached, my excitement turned to fear, and my fear grew into panic. I suffered from a severe case of writer’s block, the voices of doubt erupted in my head leaving me wondering if I had anything to share that was worth writing or reading for that matter.
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Everything about this opportunity was perfect for me, so what was my problem? Interest in writing… check. Expertise in issues that impact women…check. Belief in my own capacity…conspicuously absent. I am no shrinking violet, I’ve spoken in front of hundreds of people. So why was I literally paralyzed by the thought of writing eight hundred words? Since I was a college freshman more than twenty years ago, I’ve dreamt of launching my own magazine. Being a blogger may be as close as I will ever get to that dream. Instead of diving into the opportunity I was bouncing around on the diving board measuring the distance between me and the water. Asking myself, are you sure that there’s enough water in that pool? Are you sure that you are enough? What if your submission sucks? As the deadline loomed, I had an epiphany. All the signs were there, I was suffering from a severe case “Imposter Phenomenon.” Impostor phenomenon occurs among high achievers who are unable to internalize and accept their success. I was asked to be a part of the project because I am capable and have something to contribute. On my best days, I agree so why did I feel like such a fake? Much has been written about the prevalence of imposter
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phenomenon in women. In fact, I’ve witnessed it over and over in my work. Women who have successful careers discount their accomplishments and describe themselves as “just” a lawyer or attribute their success to chance not talent or hard work. I remind other women “just” how fabulous they are and that they are worthy of all the accolades. Yet, here I am doubting myself. Too many of us have that little voice in our heads that questions whether we really deserve that promotion or amazing new job. Then we worry about what will happen if someone discovers our fraudulence. There are ways to quiet the voices and acknowledge that we are deserving of our accomplishments and opportunities. Confirm Your Fabulousness Sometimes we need to hear it from someone else before we believe what’s true. If you recently received a promotion or landed a career changing project, ask your boss why he or she thought you were the best person for the opportunity. There’s no need to let on that you are questioning whether you deserve the opportunity. You can frame it as an opportunity for feedback about your strengths. Evaluate Your Accomplishments As a high achiever, you undoubtedly have a long list of accomplishments. No one handed you that 4.0 G.P.A. in college, that recognition on Crain’s Forty Under Forty or that recent promotion. You did those things. Consider making a list of your accomplishments. When you’re feeling like a fraud the list can serve as a reminder that you are fabulous. Learn from Your Failures I once had a conversation with a former boss where I described myself as a failure. She encouraged me to separate the facts from my feelings and reminded me of the many things that I’d accomplished. No one is good at everything and you will eventually fail at something. Failing does not make you a failure! Learn the lesson and move on. One failure does not negate your many accomplishments. Know Your Super Power We all do something better than almost anyone else. I am not able to leap building in a single bound or move faster than a speeding bullet, but I can facilitate sensitive conversations in even the tensest circumstances. This has come in handy, especially when I am working with groups around issues of diversity, inclusion, equity and justice. If you aren’t sure what your super power is, ask yourself why others seek your assistance? Or come right out and ask people with whom you work closely. You won’t be cured immediately, but with some effort you will begin to recognize your imposter phenomenon symptoms more quickly so that you can interrupt them. Trust me, I’m still a little nervous about this piece. However, my desire to give it a shot is stronger than my fear of being “found out” so right now I am feeling pretty fabulous. CL
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Defining Leadership for Women in the 21st Century:
Seven Tips to Achieve Career Success! A natural beginning to this article, could be making some basic observations about women as leaders. However, we must first address the historic assumptions made over the years about women leaders, their leadership styles and their overall business acumen. History tells us that women are seen as emotional, flighty and often hesitant to accept roles with more responsibility than they have at the time. We are seen as afraid to take risks, be assertive, speak up, demand respect and offer new ideas in the workplace. But I am happy to report, that those days are long gone! Below are seven helpful tips for increasing your chances of rising to a significant leadership role in your career and in your organization:
1. Identify an internal organizational mentor
Selecting an executive (male or female), in your organization to serve as your mentor is critical to career success. This individual’s role is not only to advise you, but to speak on your behalf when you are not in the room. They can recommend you for advancement, promotions, management programs, professional/career development and training and special projects where you can expand your skillset and gain additional exposure. However, this relationship should be mutually beneficial and should not take a lot of the mentor’s time. Simply establish a monthly meeting time and location.
Alexandria Johnson Boone President/CEO, GAP Communications Group Publisher, C L Magazine alex@cl-magazine.com WINTER / SPRING 2019 | 19
2. Invest in your own professional development and training
Take every opportunity to attend professional development, leadership development and career enhancing conferences, workshops and retreats at your own expense if necessary. Organizational budgets for these types of programs have been significantly reduced over the years, but if you offer to pay your own registration fees, they will often give you the time off with pay, to attend these activities. This is a fair exchange. Join professional and industry associations that offer free training. Research local organizations that offer leadership and career development activities and programs for women, such as the Northeast Ohio Women’s Leadership Conference (NEOWLC); Women for Economic Leadership Development (WELD); and the Women of Color Foundation (WOCF).
3. Volunteer for special projects in the organization
Let it be known that you are interested in working on special projects with in the organization. This would give you significant exposure and expand your internal network and relationships. You can showcase your special skills and offer an additional perspective on issues being addressed during special projects.
4. Always follow-up and meet deadlines
People often discount or place little emphasis on the importance of follow-up in business. Never, ever fail to followup on contacts, promises or assignments in the workplace. Your professional reputation and brand depend on it. Even in the community, it is important to protect your reputation A good reputation management strategy is to under promise, and over deliver, early!
5. Define and embrace your leadership style
It is important know your leadership style and how others in
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your organization perceive you. Are you an inclusive, assertive, and encouraging leader? Are you a leader who puts their staff and/or team out front and acknowledges and rewards their successes? These are important questions to ask yourself. Positive and effective leaders must possess and embody most or all, of the following traits: • Good oral and written communications skills • Understand diversity and inclusion, and the value of different perspectives • Confidence and trustworthiness • Accountability for mistakes and successes • Passion and commitment for their work, the organization and their immediate team • Honesty and integrity • Strong decision-making skills and the ability to bring consensus • Creativity and openness to the ideas and perspectives of others • Understanding of the organizational and financial goals • Ability to delegate and trust the expertise of others
6. Assess your professional brand by asking others how they see you Often good leaders will take the “temperature” of the organization and how they are perceived internally. Engaging with others will allow you to address any shortcomings or deficiencies and improve and strengthen your leadership style and brand.
7. Network with women (and men), who are at the level you wish to attain
Spending time with people who have already attained success at various levels in the organization is equally as important. Observe and evaluate their leaderships styles and assess if you need to “re-tool” your own style. In summary, I offer the following final observation: “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” This applies to your life and your career. CL
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Ste-Aira Hatchett, Marsha A. Mockabee, and Billy L. Sharp Photos by Rodney L. Brown
The Urban League of Greater Cleveland: Confident Advancement! An intimate interview with Marsha A. Mockabee President & CEO
Amonica and John Davis
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“We had the thrill and honor of being called on at 2:00 am in 2008 to clean then-candidate Barack Obama’s plane. When we asked why we were selected, we were told ‘Because you answered the phone.’ At that point, we realized how accessible you have to be as a business owner and ready for any opportunity that comes your way.
reminds you of how far you’ve come, but it also represents new steps and a new direction for the future. We go forward with a sense of confident advancement.
What gives you confidence is knowing where you’re going, knowing the path you want to take, and having some sense of what the signs are along the way. Confidence also The Urban League’s inter-section of service delivery comes from being surrounded by people of employs a multi-faceted, wrap-around approach. vision and determination. You may go to them for one thing and find a whole Our organization enjoys renewed support host of other disciplines that are available. We from the philanthropic and business learned through workshops, among other things, community which is funding capacity how to write a business plan, how to be financially building activities to make programs even literate, how to network and the importance of more impactful. The confidence of our technical training. They introduced us to the supporters is rewarded as we leverage their investments to deliver quantifiable ServiceMaster Clean franchise opportunity.” – Amonica and John Davis improvements for the people in our communities. This is just one of many stories where our programs and services have created the When you have confidence, it empowers ability for African Americans and other you to advance. minorities to achieve success! A growing and well-seasoned board, For the first 100 years, from 1917 to 2017, representing various segments of the the Urban League of Greater Cleveland community, gives us the assurance and (ULGC) has touched and improved the support to advance with all deliberate lives of tens of thousands seeking a better speed. Leading our board is our new chair, life for themselves and their families. The Bennett L. Gaines of First Energy. “My goal and mission have not changed–we involvement with the League dates back want those we serve to develop and realize to 2013,” he said. “The energy and forward their potential through education, research, thinking on the board are easy to embrace. I am pleased to lead this organization during advocacy and provision of services. these challenging, but exciting times.” Our We truly have become known, in our time, as outgoing board chair, James R. Myers, a movement, and the Cleveland affiliate (1 of echoed those sentiments and added, “It’s 90 across the country) has played a major a great feeling being part of a collective role in the development and expansion of effort and turning over the reins of an organization in an improved condition after that movement. having served for ten years.” Now, our attention is fully focused on the Our auxiliary organizations continue to next 100 years. evolve. A well-positioned Guild under the Milestones are important in any journey. It leadership of Billy L. Sharp gives us an WINTER / SPRING 2019 | 23
James R. Myers and Patricia Ramsey took on the task as transition board chairs during some of the League’s most tumultuous times. Pat was the first transition board chair and James followed, chairing the board once we returned to full governance in 2012. Pat continued to keep a leadership role on the board as she moved from one financial institution to another.
additional source of influential volunteers. They’re a brilliant team of ambassadors who promote the League and share our collective vision and passion about our programs and services throughout the community at large. And, most notably, they accomplished an outstanding job during the “get out the vote” campaign for the last midterm election. The newly chartered Young Professionals Chapter acting president Ste-Aira Hatchett, will provide added strength and vitality from younger segments of our community. They are committed to supporting the League through volunteerism, philanthropy and membership development. Under my leadership as president and chief executive officer since 2009, the League has embarked on a successful comeback initiative. 2018 marked the entry of the ULGC into a new century as a legacy organization which empowers people to push ahead against powerful political, social and economic headwinds.
“When you have confidence, it empowers you to advance.” 24 | CL MAGAZINE
Connexions Consulting, Inc. is an organizational development firm dedicated to creating inclusive, culturally competent workplaces. We help organizations achieve their mission, goals, and objectives by optimizing talent, unleashing creative and inclusive environments and enhancing organization’s reputation in the marketplace. At Connexions Consulting, we focus our services on helping our clients to define the end goals. Along the way, we tap into some, or all, of our core services, including:
◉ Customized strategic plan consulting ◉ Inclusion and Diversity strategic plans, audits and assessments ◉ Development and implementation of diversity councils and employee resource groups ◉ Alignment of talent management with diversity ◉ Inclusion and Cultural Competence education and training ◉ Community capacity building facilitation ◉ Human resource compliance Together we can achieve your mission. Find out how: Charmaine Brown President / CEO Connexions Consulting, Inc. 216-970-6740 charmaine.brown@connexconsultinginc.com
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A collaboration of the Project Ready Program, funded by United Way, and the ACE Mentoring Program, supported by Construction Employer’s Association, was implemented at Ginn Academy as an example of how we are building career pathways for high school students.
These conditions are not new to the Urban League. They existed during the Great Migration, during the Civil Rights Movement and during times of civil unrest and disappointment in our systems which were designed to give all citizens access to life liberty and the pursuit of happiness, but often did not do so. Currently, the ULGC delivers services in three strategically aligned areas, referred to as an “intersection of service delivery”: Economic Empowerment, Education & Youth, Workforce Development, and is undergirded by Civil Rights and Racial Justice. By being systems driven in our three focus areas, we continue to address gaps in equity by removing the barriers to access for all people,
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regardless of race or class.
Steven A. Minter, Urban League Board longtime senior advisor.
We assist individuals who seek us out to participate fully in the American dream by being community responsive. No one is turned away. And, we are collaboratively positioned, seeking out meaningful, committed partnerships to continue the job at hand. ULGC fosters “economic empowerment� through a series of time-tested solutions for new and emerging entrepreneurs. By increasing their business acumen and developing solid growth strategies, entrepreneurs can become job creators and wealth builders. Recognizing the need for a ready source of WINTER / SPRING 2019 | 27
Part of the ULGC’s Business Development Strategy is the Entrepreneurship Center (EC): a resource to help start, sustain and grow small businesses in Greater Cleveland. Principal programs of EC include: • Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides business counseling and assistance to individuals who are starting or growing their businesses. • Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) provides MBE and EDGE entrepreneurs with management, technical, financial and contract procurement assistance, in addition to loan and bond packaging services. • UBIZ Connect is a revenue and jobs accelerator that provides small businesses room to grow and technical assistance to speed their development. • Capital Access Fund (CAF) was born out of a unique collaboration of local and national institutions who were committed to break the capital formation logjam faced by these firms and to ensure the success of those borrowers.
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capital for minority firms, an $8 million Capital Access Fund (CAF) was launched in December 2016. Within two years of its inception the CAF has provided close to $4 million in small business loans to 26 minority businesses in the Greater Cleveland community. The League has charted a new course with a stronger financial position and re-invigorated programming which we describe as “empowering” the communities we serve, and “changing lives.” Our recently released two-year Strategic Plan is the first step on our journey into the next century of delivering hope to those who have been left behind in their quest to build a better life for themselves and their families. The work has already begun. Our Plan’s goals, objectives and strategies include governance; financial support and sustainability; public awareness; partnerships and alliances; and programming. These are being converted into implementable tactics which will form part of the League’s annual or operating plans. By harnessing the expertise we have developed and the community confidence we have earned through the strategic leadership of a dedicated Board of Trustees, the input of invested community leaders, the commitment of philanthropic and corporate partners, the trust and participation of our community and the work and dedication of our staff and consultants, our course has been set for a growing and thriving ULGC in the second century of operations. Yes, we look forward to future milestones, confident in our advancement and ability to serve the needs of the people of Greater Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. CL
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Ethan Holmes ENTREPRENEUR PROFILE
It’s a blessing to know and embrace early in life what you are called to do. Ethan Holmes knew early on he wanted to be an entrepreneur. By age 15, he was in the library, reading Entrepreneur magazine instead of doing his homework. He was raking leaves and doing other odd chores to start a capital to fund his dream. Inspiration came from everywhere. He devoured Reallionaire, a book published by Farrah Gray at age 21, sharing lessons from his first fifteen years in business. Studying a local chocolatier’s success, Ethan learned to make candy bars on YouTube and tried selling them in the school cafeteria during lunchtime. When his friends and would-be customers told him they weren’t worth the five dollars he was charging, Holmes got strategic. Understanding that food manufacturing is essentially a commodities business, he shifted his focus to a simpler product — applesauce — with near universal appeal. At age 15, he was smart enough to call on his paternal grandfather to get the family recipe, and began to focus on a target market: kids.
Richard T. Andrews Editor & Publisher, The Real Deal Press richardandrews@gmail.com
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Ethan Holmes, Founder/CEO, Holmes MouthWatering Applesauce www.holmesapplesauce.com
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Ethan Holmes with Shark Tank Principal Daymond John “I’m a kid,” Holmes explains methodically. “I know what kids want. I’ll make a product for kids.” Holmes Made Foods LLC was officially launched in 2014 and secured a spot on supermarket shelves its first year. Holmes Mouthwatering Applesauce, its signature product, can today be found in three flavors on grocery shelves in 250 stores in six states; those are numbers CEO Holmes has visions of expanding of growing exponentially. Gross annual sales are in the low six figures, but Holmes’ goal is to hit $1 million in sales by 2022. Holmes is comfortable that the case for market validation has been made: sales are increasing even where he goes head to head with industry giants Mott and Musselman, whose sales costs and retail prices are lower than his. He sees his competitive edge in his product being high quality and organic. All Holmes Applesauce items are vegan-friendly, non-GMO, gluten-free and unsweetened. 32 | CL MAGAZINE
Preparing the apples for processing Holmes sees two primary obstacles to company growth, and they are interrelated. He needs to raise $250k in capital to expand production capacity and lower unit costs. And he needs to invest more in B2B marketing. In the grocery business, distributors who impact allocation of shelf space and convey the product to market, are often more critical than retailers. Holmes says the best way to reach the distributors is through industry trade shows that cost thousands of dollars to attend and are also time consuming. Holmes is the company’s chief marketing officer — one of the many company hats he wears — and he speaks knowledgeably about branding. It helps that Janae, his girlfriend of six years (they met as undergrads at Hiram College) handles the branding through her company, Auden & Co. But Holmes sits astride every aspect of the company’s business, and learns quickly from his mistakes. He briefly tried to outsource production but brought that back in WINTER / SPRING 2019 | 33
Holmes MouthWatering Apple Sauce uses all natural ingredients house when quality suffered and costs spiked. Now he has a trusted production manager — high school chum David Pritchett — who oversees operations at a 13,000 SF facility in a southeastern Cleveland suburb. A motivated student, Holmes taught himself how to read and understand the company’s financials, as well as every aspect of the company’s business. Numbers roll off his tongue when discussing output, batch sizes, equipment costs, or product shelf life. He continues to learn by studying companies like KIND Snacks and Cleveland Kraut, food brands that have created a culture and fast growth from using real ingredients. Only in his free time does Ethan resemble a typical 25-year old. Apart from spending time with girlfriend Janae, he prioritizes napping and Netflix. And of course, that’s in addition to the time he spends giving back to the community, speaking in public schools and participating in programs like the US Young Entrepreneurs Institute. Asked what skills are most important on the path to successful entrepreneurship, Ethan is quick to cite problem-solving, persistence, and believing in yourself. “Challenges will arise daily,” he says. How quick you can solve them is important.” CL 34 | CL MAGAZINE
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America the Healthy: Cooking the Food You Love for the Health You Deserve America has found unity in diversity. In life, love and eating, we’re enjoying our own and each other’s cultures as never before. Food is at the center of every culture, and America excels in bringing them all together. Our national table is set with a vibrant array of foods reflecting the tastes of people from many regions, many backgrounds, and foods from every possible spice and flavor niche. We enjoy our ethnic cooking straight up, or combined with other types of food in ways that are characteristic of our innovative spirit. Some food critics say that we are in an era of food fusion. We’ve proven over and over again that our national palate is flexible and adventurous. Now it’s time to leverage that appetite for change to make our country healthier and happier – to enjoy our favorite foods in a more nutritious form, and enjoy a more positive attitude toward life. A manifesto for healthier living and smarter eating has been energized by the insights of top physicians, nutritionists and chefs worldwide. Too often, chronic disease such as hypertension, depression, overweight/obesity, cardiac disease, and premature death of all causes often points to poor food choices and not eating well. Good health and good eating is attainable. Now more than ever, we realize that good nutrition and quality food is medicine. Can the “Farmacy” replace our reliance on the “Pharmacy”? We have begun to incorporate engaging Linda D. Bradley, MD Professor of Surgery Vice Chair Obstetrics/Gynecology and Women’s Health Institute Founder/Chair Cleveland Clinic Celebrate Sisterhood bradlel@ccf.org
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psychology of eating through the mindbody connection and the positive joy of health coupled with increased movement. What feels better than optimal health? To become, America the Healthy in our changing 21st century, requires strong guidance, vigilance, label reading, a basic understanding of caloric intake, and strategies that grocers, restaurants, and advertisers use to increase your consumption of junk food, sugary drinks, and overall nutritionally empty calories. Most importantly, I’d ask you to just cook at home more often. Just reclaim your kitchen. Because for all its vibrancy and excitement, the American diet has deep downsides. The chief culprits are salt, fat and sugar. We know how they get into our bodies: through prepared foods, snacks, fast foods and sweet supersized drinks and even specialty coffees. More ominously,
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they come dressed as our most cherished ethnic foods – the touchstones of our identity and the dishes we enjoy when we come together as extended cultural families. The truth is some of the least healthy foods on the planet are some of the most beloved and most closely identified with particular nationalities and ethnic groups. These foods may be hallowed reminders of harder times, when some of us were oppressed, deprived and restricted to scraps from the larger table. So we take pride in their sometimes rough idiosyncrasy and associate them with good times, togetherness, picnics, weddings and laughter and with sad times such as hospitalizations, funerals and grieving. What can a program of change look like for you? The easiest way to leverage your current food preferences to achieve better health is by spending time at the kitchen in front or your stove, substituting ingredients, learning new kitchen techniques and redirecting old habits. Every culture embraces certain cooking techniques and seasonings that could use an updated, upgraded, and reformulated method to improve health without sacrificing flavor and our iconic cultural favorite recipes.
in our diet. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Get savvy. I suggest a tapered approach to transform your family favorite recipes and rework recipes with healthier substitutions.
The Art of Substitution Be private—don’t tell your family that it’s a “healthier version.” Sometimes when we say that a recipe is healthier, friends will automatically draw conclusions that it’s not tasty or authentic. When you creatively learn substitutions, they will ask you “what’s the recipe?” Here as some discreet examples of reformulation of a recipe: o Decrease fat in recipes by choosing a dairy product with less or no fat and increase other ingredients to enhance the taste. For example, when a recipes calls for whole milk, substitute with a lower or no fat version—1% -2% or no fat version. Or substitute a nonmilk source, such as soy, almond, rice milk, yogurt, apple sauce, or kuzu. o Shake the Salt Habit—is an acronym based on key areas to decrease salt consumption. o The bulk of dietary salt comes from processed food or foods eaten in restaurants.
o Salt your water when making pasta or rice and then don’t add Transforming our favorite food is any more during cooking. possible. Give your tongue and taste buds time to undergo transition. o Be vigilant and opt for purchases For many of us—our taste buds of canned goods that have nohave be hijacked and up-regulated salt added. Or when using canned to crave more sugar, salt and fat beans and vegetables rinse the 38 | CL MAGAZINE
beans generously.
hands will taste the best—and not require additional salt or sugar, because the food is exceptionally flavorful, nutritionally richer and less expensive.
o When fruits and vegetables are out of season, buy frozen vegetables and fruits. They are harvested at the peak of freshness. Make sure the label only lists the food o A tincture of time: give your taste buds within the bag—no added salt or sugar. a few weeks to accommodate to the less saltier version of your favorite foods o Keep the salt shaker off the dinner table— and instead make your own seasoning Making wiser lifestyle choices, improving blend or purchase a no-salt added herbal your culinary and nutritional literacy, and blend. understanding the cultural influences on lifestyle choices will increase your longevity o Brighten and enliven food with the citrus and quality of life. I hope that I can inspire zest of lemon, limes, oranges, and other you at every level of commitment to health dried or fresh herbs (or a blend). Add citrus and good eating to change your life for just before serving to enhance flavors. the better – and recover the qualities of body and spirit that will bring our nation o When possible eat by the season. Fruits together again, for good health and better and vegetables that are picked seasonally, times. CL sold at farmer’s markets, or grown by your WINTER / SPRING 2019 | 39
Pastor Natalie Brown Rudd, BA, RN CEO & Founder, Because of His Grace Ministries Chaplain, Women of Color Foundation boh.grace@gmail.com
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Failure is Not an Option!
Success versus Fulfillment: What drives you? In today’s society, we are all about living the good life, or at least what appears to be the good life. On the outside, we appear to have it going on. We have the designer handbags, we have the luxury vehicle, we have the envied title and corner office, we have the high six-figure salary, the significant other, the perfect family, oh and yes, we live in the best zip code. For all appearances sake, we have appeared to arrive and achieved worldly success! It feels good. Or does it? The pursuit of success is supposed to bring a sense of happiness and a feeling of completeness. That is the American dream that has been sold to us. I mean this is why we all chase after these things to be happy and have a sense of accomplishment in life. Right? If that is correct, then why do some successful people - those who appear to have everything end up bankrupt, miserable, and worse yet, committing suicide because they were unhappy? I think about my beloved Michael Jackson. I loved that man. In my humble opinion, no one can match his talent. He appeared to have everything - literally. Yet, his life ended way too soon. And what about fashion designer Kate Spade? Her designer handbags was a must-have item for most professional women. She had achieved global success and yes, appeared to have everything. Yet, she committed suicide.
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So if success is supposed to bring happiness why are people not happy? This question caused me take a close look in the mirror. I chased after success all of my adult life. I chased after the financial freedom to have the liberties to live life on my terms. And by Yahweh’s grace, I achieved it all. However, in the pursuit of success, there was a deep sense that there has to be more. These things are beautiful, and they add to my happiness, but they do not fulfill me. There has to be more. I fundamentally knew that happiness was an inside job, not an outside job based on my circumstances. I learned from firsthand experience that material possessions could be taken away in a blink of an eye. In 2007, I lost everything I owned when my home caught on fire. I went to bed with everything but woke up to find everything gone. And what I did not lose in the fire thieves came and stole. Wow - kick a girl when she is already down. Through that traumatic experience, the feeling that I had buried deep down started bubbling up - there has to be more in life than the accumulation of things because in a blink of an eye they can disappear. And when that happens am I still considered successful? As I replaced those material things and started rebuilding my life my values shifted. My priorities changed. My taste buds were left with a bad feeling about chasing after things. The things became a means to an end, rather than attaching my identity and my self-worth to them. I let go of having to have those things to consider myself successful. In fact, I have taken a leap of faith and walked away from my corporate job, leaving behind the title, the office, the salary, and all of the great perks. I have laid aside all of the outward things
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that the world deems as a sign of success. I left a great career, great people, and great work that I loved to do. As one of my colleagues asked, “Who leaves a great job like this?”
It is hard work to achieve success, and it is even harder to sustain it. And I have done the hard work and reaped the benefits. Do not misunderstand, achieving fulfillment is even harder work, but it is much simpler to maintain.
I did. And I have not regretted one moment since the day I left. In retrospect, I believe experiencing the fire in 2007 was the start of my journey to Why did I take a leap of faith? prepare me for this season of walking in my purpose. I am always amazed at how To chase after fulfillment and to walk in my Yahweh our God, also known as the master purpose. You see in the pursuit of success chess player, has a way of using the things to find happiness it became about the in our lives to teach us lessons about Him accumulation of things and accolades. and about things to come. I am grateful that While that brought temporary happiness, I have a personal relationship with Him, and it did not bring fulfillment. It did not allow that I can see His hand on my life positioning me to embrace my purpose and pursue my me to walk in my purpose for this season of life’s work fully. Now, I am walking in my my life. purpose every day. And the fulfillment that I am experiencing makes me feel hugely Taking a leap of faith is not about blindly successful. leaping but it is about having a vision for your life, trusting in the provision of Yahweh, Taking a leap of faith has allowed me the and while you do not have all things in place, freedom to focus on my life’s work of pouring you leap anyhow. Someone wise once said the love of Yahweh our God into others that when you decide to take a leap of faith, teaching them how to live a lifestyle of faith your faith tells you that one of two things so that they too can find their purpose in will happen: you will have a solid step to life and live a fulfilled life every day. land on, or you will be taught how to fly. For the pursuit of fulfillment, I am gladly letting go of all things shiny for a simpler life that fills me up with joy, peace, and contentment. In addition to leaving my corporate job, I have turned in my luxury vehicle, and I am not running to get another one. I have decreased my cost of living to pursue something bigger than me that is amazingly fulfilling. Most people think I am crazy. I just chuckle because I am happier than I have ever been in a long time.
In the pursuit of fulfillment, I have learned how to fly, and I am feeling more successful than ever before. What is driving you, success or fulfillment? One of my favorite motivational speakers Tony Robbins said: “Success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure.” For me, failure is not an option. I want both success and fulfillment. What about you? CL
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