PHENOMENAL WOMAN MAGAZINE

WOMAN W WOMAN Wphenomenal

HOW ARE YOU ADDING JOY TO YOUR LIFE?

TERESSA DOATYJOHNSON

OWNER, PAWS PLAY

HOW SECRET SPENDING CAN LEAD TO FINANCIAL INFIDELITY

India Pierce Lee, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Tri-C

Beletu (Belé) Wondwossen

Founder / Publisher

Shelley M. Shockley

Managing Editor

Writers

Shelley M. Shockley

Marsha Walker Eastwood

Brittany Garrett

Rhonda Crowder

Creative

Belé Wondwossen

Jason Garrett

Cover Story: Shelley Shockley

Photos: Jason Garrett

The Blush Gallery

Contributing Writers

Rhonda Crowder

Michelle Phillips Fay

Marianna Marron

Letitia Nall

Stephanie Phelps

Kimberly Smith-Woodford

Advertising Sales ads@phenomenalwoman.me 216.702.0845

Phenomenal Woman Magazine A subsidiary of Atlantic Creative Productions 5247 Wilson Mills Road #141 Cleveland, OH 44143

©2024 Phenomenal Woman Magazine. All rights reserved

ISSN 2330-2534 (Print) ISSN 2330-2550 (Online)

maynotbereproducedinwholeorinpart in any form of this publication without prior permission from

and

FromtheEditor: Shelley M. Shockley

HOW ARE YOU ADDING JOY TO YOUR LIFE?

We are entering one of the year's busiest seasonscelebrating moms and dads, proms, graduations, weddings, reunions, and more Amid all of the festivities, how do you find joy? Yes, these are joyful occasions, but they are also very stressful, especially if you are the person planning the activities.

Finding joy is something I strive for, and one year ago, I had a major health scare, causing me to look for joy in every aspect of my life. As women, we consistently ensure the lives of those around us are fulfilled, yet we often forget about meeting our needs.

Spring and summer, I find joy on two wheels - riding my bicycle, and despite the spectacular weather Cleveland has experienced, I haven't pulled my bike out. I'm looking forward to the constant rotation of the wheels and the wind hitting my face - that's joy! Another source of joy is spending time with friends and family. That happens a lot in the summer months so I'm excited to begin hanging out with them.

Photography has also been a source of joy and a way to remember the events that shape our lives. I haven't taken as many photos in the last year, but that will change this summer.

Life is fleeting, and we must cherish our time on earth.

India Pierce Lee, our cover feature for this issue, is one of Cleveland's biggest cheerleaders. She says Cleveland is “the best-kept secret and has the best assets, including Lake Erie.” I would agree with Lee, and I encourage you to get out and enjoy them. Here are a few of my favorite activities during the summer - Wade Oval Wednesdays (WOW) a great activity for the family, The Cleveland Metroparks also have some of the best parks in the country, and my favorite is close to home - Euclid Beach.

I encourage each of you to take time to enjoy the beauty of nature in Cleveland as you seek your joy If

outdoors doesn't bring you joy, find what does and take advantage of whatever it is.

Let's say you enjoy being outdoors; take this issue with you and read about India's work in developing some of Cleveland's thriving community and how she will translate that energy in her new position as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Cuyahoga Community College. Lee's career has included being an air traffic control officer and leading initiatives to help reshape neighborhoods. She finds joy in spending time with her family and attending the gym three times a week. Read more about this dynamic woman in this edition.

Teressa Doaty-Johnson, JumpStart's Impact Program Pitch Winner and owner of Paws Play, works out every morning at 6 a.m. as part of her self-care routine. That may bring her joy, but when you read her story, you will see that giving back to the community does bring her even more joy A former U S Airman with a love for dogs has established a special home-awayfrom-home for your furry friend. Learn more about her inside.

If you're stressing about your finances while hiding the problems from your spouse, you may find joy in Marsha Walker Eastwood's column, “How Secret Spending Can Lead to Financial Infidelity.” She describes the pressure and stress that comes with “following the leader” and how keeping a gambling problem from your spouse can lead to an implosion of finances and potentially the dissolution of a relationship. The moral of her column is to communicate and find joy in being yourself To learn more about the signs, be sure to read her column.

After reading the features we have compiled for you, take a few minutes to note what brings you joy After thinking about them, grab a journal and write them out before beginning a weekly practice incorporating these joyful activities into your routine. When you finish experiencing joy, journal about it! Let us know if you increase the levels of joy in your life and howyou never know, you might help someone else!

As always, be safe until we meet again!

HOW ARE YOU ADDING JOY TO YOUR LIFE?

CLEVELAND NATIVE SHAMIKA BONAPARTE SERVES ABOARD U.S. NAVY FLAGSHIP

URSULINE RANKED THIRD IN OHIO FOR NURSING MASTER'S DEGREE

INDIA PIERCE LEE

“Being an entrepreneur has without a doubt been one of the toughest things I have ventured into and sustaining Paws Play over five years is an accomplishment that I am proud of. It has been a lot of fun as well, and I enjoy the journey of learning, creating, and providing superior service,” says Teressa Doaty-Johnson, entrepreneur and owner of Paws Play.

...More on page 8.

For over six decades, Tri-C has been a beacon of excellence in higher education, empowering the residents of northeast Ohio to believe in a future of endless possibilities. As the first and largest community college in the state, they have provided high-quality, affordable education and programs to over 1 million community members, making a significantimpact on the region.

To maintain this level of excellence and continue this unparalleled legacy, the college hires skilled thought-leaders like India Pierce Lee, who serves as executive vice president and chief strategy officer Lee joined the senior leadership team of Tri-C president Michael Baston last spring, and a statement announcing her appointment explained her role to “work with leadership to establish accountability measures and help fulfill mission-conscious strategic goals and initiatives, focusing on advancing student success, improving the employee experience and deepening Tri-C's reach in the community”

... More on page 16.

By: Marsha Walker Eastwood, BS.Ed, MSHSVC PWM Contributing Writer

HOW SECRET SPENDING CAN LEAD TO FINANCIAL INFIDELITY

“Financial infidelity occurs when couples lie to each other about money matters. It can include things like hiding debt, hiding big purchases, and lying about income. Financial infidelity can drastically affect trust between partners and the financial stability of the relationship.”

~Robert Hinojosa LCSW

In today's society, people seem so quick to judge others by their clothes, hair, ethnicity, religion, politics, lifestyle, their responses to fear, love, pain, their observations, and their past. People are dissected, ostracized, and compartmentalized, or put another way - pigeon-holed according to a set of standards, origins unknown, however, the lifestyle is oftentimes what breaks the bank. A simple explanation can be found in the follow-the-leader mentality. If you recall, “Follow the Leader” is a children's game where one child is chosen as the leader, and the remaining children line up behind them. The leader moves around, and the other players must mimic their actions. Any players who do not follow or mimic the leader are out of the game. This is especially true of those craving inclusion.

From the year, make, and model of the vehicle you drive to the type of home you have to the label on the wine you drink, your ticket to inclusion is constantly scrutinized by those in your circle - social, professional and others. The problem arises when you can no longer afford to follow the leader. If you can only afford a “beater” and you sign a lease or purchase the type of vehicle the leader and the other sheep drive, then financialmisery looms ever large.

Of course, bad financial decisions are much more than what kind of car you drive. They include everything that identifies you as a person and how you manage financial matters. The need for inclusion is now the bane of your existence. That warm emotional blanket of being in social lockstep with others in your circle has allowed you to throw caution to the wind (and money as well), that is, until the bills start to come in, and your mailbox is stuffed with disconnection and dunning notices.

Case in point is Rose Turner (not her real name). Rose grew up in abject poverty – the shabby house she grew up in, the meager meals she and her siblings ate, and the hand-me-down clothes from her mother's employer that always seemed to be handed down one time too many. Despite all her hardships, she graduated from college, secured a middle management job with an architectural firm, and established herself in the corporate social circle. She was well-liked, a real joiner, and always on a guest list. Although occasionally reckless with her spending habits, she became skillful at juggling money and selective deprivation – peanut butter and jelly to pay the new dress

bill. On occasions, her more recent purchases had to be returned to bring her credit card balance down. This system worked and did not work for her because she had no one looking over her shoulder for accountability

That all changed when she married Neil, a tenured college professor revered by students and colleagues. His family even gave them a well-appointed family house as a wedding present. The marriage required Rose to entertain more, and while her wardrobe was more than adequate for a college professor's wife, she continually added to it by buying more expensive dresses, hats, bags, and shoes. Although she was an excellent cook, Rose chose to hire caterers for their in-home entertainment venue. Unfortunately, her contribution to the family budget fell far short of what was needed, and the in-her-head accounting method left much to be desired in any realistic attempt to keep up with her new spending habits.

It was not long before Rose realized the depths of her financial transgressions. Dunning letters and disconnection notices began to stuff the mailbox. Every time the first of the month rolled around, she was on pins and needles to get the mail before Michael saw it. She began to eat antacids the way kids eat M&Ms. To make matters worse, she started taking out small loans and opening new credit cards just to stay financiallyafloat.

Neil Williamson had always been the type of man who kept things close to the vest. Ever since his college years, he had played the ponies, and for a while, his winnings made up more of his income than his professor's salary. Since Rose managed the family budget, they never really discussed money The bills were being paid, food was on the table, and life seemed surprisingly good until his good luck changed. He had not bet on a winner in weeks, and although he knew he should not have considered it, he decided it was time to take out a small loan using some of the equity in his home. That way, Rose would not have to know. When the bank turned him down, Neil had no recourse but to ask Rose for money from the household budget to clear some of the debt. This is where their financialsecrets were revealed.

A US News & Report survey sketched out how widespread “financial infidelity” is. Some 30% of couples questioned by researchers described lies they had experienced or told in their relationship, the main one being secret purchases (31%), followed by hidden debts (28%) and dishonesty about income (23%).

EMY'S MARKETPLACE EMY'S MARKETPLACE

8247 Day Drive, Parma, Ohio 44129 216-624-9440

Emy's Marketplace sponsored by Simply Emy is a not-forprofit venture created to provide a brick-and-mortar location for micro businesses to expand and grow in an 8'x10' foot space that can be designed to meet their needs. Handcrafted items, new clothing, shoes, handbags, cottage bakery items, plants, jewelry, organic skincare products and more.

We are open: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday - 10am-6pm Friday and Sunday - 11am-6pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday

Susanna Abse, a psychoanalytic psychotherapist who often works with couples, says, “Deceit can be a form of coercive control, as one person seeks to dominate the decisions of the relationship by hiding key information. It can also be poor communication around money and the powerful shame of debt, corroding trust inch by inch. And it can be driven by other lies, other humiliations, such as gambling, is incrediblyhard to disclose.”

Normally, when infidelity is discovered in a relationship it is one partner being responsible for the betrayal. However, in this case, Rose and Neil experienced feelings of being upset, angry, and disappointed in each other and a misplaced loss of trust. Why misplaced? The fact that Rose and Neil never discussed finances revealed a serious lack of communication. Neither felt the need to discuss financial priorities, establish common goals, or collectively figure a way out of their individual messes that significantly impacted the marriage. They needed to figure out why it happened in the first place. Each had disastrous spending habits before the marriage. For Neil, life was a financial crapshoot, and for Rose, it was all about doing what she perceived was necessary to continue to play and follow the leader. They both knew that if the marriage were to survive, they would need to create a survival plan.

Once Neil and Rose were outed, the discovery method led to transparency, which was the most crucial step. Step two required them to share their feelings without fear of judgment or repercussions on why they didn't feel a need to discuss their financial issues rather than keep secrets from each other

Step three addresses each one's relationship with money, i.e., a means to an end, social status or to feed an exaggerated ego. Step four: Create a value system.

According to Claire Parker of Xentum, “Personal values can significantly impact money decisions. Our personal values are the principles and beliefs that guide our behavior, and they influence the choices we make in all aspects of our lives, including how we manage our finances.”

Step five: Define your budget. It is clear to see that neither Rose nor Neil had a budget. It was spent until there was nothing left, and then try to figure out how to pay for things, which usually worsened the situation. A budget is integral to financial health and should happen before marriage. Step six: Prioritize and establish personal and relationship money goals. Discuss what, if any, financial baggage each partner brings to the relationship and how it will be addressed.

Step seven: Know the warning signs. Remember when Rosa was suffering such high anxiety trying to get the bills from the mailbox before Neil saw them? She experienced all the warning signs of being financially underwater. These included collection, severe cash flow problems, opening a new credit card to pay an existing one, or having more money available to maintain her spending habits, only to default on those. Step eight: Accepting responsibility. Rose and Neil were addicts. They could not stop until the bottom nearly fell out. Their recovery was contingent upon seeking help from a professional and a determination to follow their new financial rules and not fall off the wagon.

Keeping secrets from partners can be devastating to a relationship in many ways. Following the steps to financial recovery may not be an easy pathway, but even in a case like theirs, problems can be addressed and corrected if both parties are willing to make the effort. g

TERESSA DOATY-JOHNSON,

Owner, Paws Play, JumpStart’s Small Business Impact Program Pitch Winner

“Being an entrepreneur has without a doubt been one of the toughest things I have ventured into and sustaining Paws Play over five years is an accomplishment that I am proud of. It has been a lot of fun as well, and I enjoy the journey of learning, creating, and providing superior service,” says Teressa Doaty-Johnson, entrepreneur and owner of Paws Play.

Johnson who proudly served in the US Air Force for seven years, learned the importance of 'service before self, excellence in all we do, and integrity first.' She then worked for the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority while launching and growing Paws Play for almost five years.

Phenomenal Woman recently spoke with Johnson to learn more about her career journey and her work in our communities.

A Cleveland native, Teressa grew up in the inner city on Cleveland's east side, raised in a single-parent household, yet she said she was 'happy and balanced.' While her mom raised her as an only child, she recalls 'spending lots of time with her older siblings by her dad.'

Following her successful completion of grade school at Catholic and Charter schools, Teressa continued her education at Kent State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Business Management and her master's degree from Cleveland State University

Johnson earlier joined the U.S. Air Force's Air National Guard and served for seven years as an aircraft electrician. “My time in the Air Force solidified many of the personal values I grew up with! I learned a lot about myself and believe it was the first time that I reckoned with the idea that I was made to do and could do tough things.” She continued, “I shot my first firearm, ran miles like never before without quitting, and fixed airplanes. Things I never thought of doing or being interested in before joining the Air Force. Not only did I do it, I excelled. This experience has given me grit, tenacity, and courage beyond belief.”

She then worked for the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) where she held various positions and delivered tangible results. Thanks to her professional development and leadership qualities, she

made her way up the ladder and was eventually made department head of RTA's Physical Assets.

When asked what inspired her to establish her company, Paws Play, Johnson said, “My love for dogs, business, and this city are three things that inspired me to launch Paws Play in Cleveland, creating jobs and economic and community development. I simply wanted to elevate the experience dogs have when they can't be with their Pawrents. Being a particular parent myself, I knew what it would take to create an experience that left the humans feeling secure, happy, and satisfied in their decision to choose us.” She continued, “I have always had a serving spirit and customer service comes easy to me. I knew that everyone on the team would have to embody that same skill and deliver it every time. Throughout my professional career, I have also learned about the type of leader I am. This translates directly to my work with Paws Play as I lead others and help them discover themselves.”

Johnson said she's always had a love for dogs and a passion for business so combining the two for her was a dream. Paws Play offers different services: i) Full-Day Daycare, ii) Overnight Boarding, iii) Full-Service Grooming, and iv) Birthday Pawties. Proud of the services that her company delivers, Johnson said, “All of our services have built-in amenities to enhance their experience. With daycare, you may find toys, music, or bubbles. For overnight stays, they receive four outdoor walks per day, in-suite cameras and spacious suites to relax in. Our grooming team is very patient and kind and not afraid to offer treats during services.”

According to Forbes, women-owned businesses pack a powerful economic footprint, generating $2.7 trillion in annual revenue and employing almost 12.2 million people. While these results demonstrate a boost for our economy and transform lives, much more could have been achieved if attention was given to overcoming the challenges faced by women-owned businesses. From her own experience as an entrepreneur, Johnson stated, “I would have to say access to capital is a challenge as an entrepreneur in my experience. To grow and scale, capital is necessary; however, it is tough to identify products with institutions to understand our model and goals.” She continued, “I think more advocacy and recognition will go a long way to support small businesses better. We make up a large portion of the economy, and our sustainability is vital.”

To enhance her entrepreneurial skills, Johnson participated in the twelve-week Core City: Cleveland Impact Program, organized by JumpStart Inc. The free program is designed to “drive economic impact in Cleveland by helping individuals overcome obstacles to entrepreneurship through hands-on advising and industry-specific mentoring.”

The program ended with a pitch competition and the judges chose Johnson's pitch as the most compelling pitch. She received the highest prize and her win demonstrates a clear testament to how far she has come in building her company. She stated, “I enjoyed every moment of the training program. My goal was to learn something and take home the grand prize to help Paws Play expand. We did just that. I learned a lot about the details of our finances and team organization. I am a better business owner because of the program.”

While she has put in a lot of hard work, Johnson understands she could not have achieved this level of success without many individuals supporting and guiding her journey. First and foremost, she said, “My mother laid a lot of the groundwork that speaks to my character, values, and how I treat others. These principles made me confident when speaking with influential people along my life's journeys. I have always been the type of person to pick and pull different aspects of people that align with who I am or who I want to be. I have learned so much about hard work, smart work and longevity from many sources.”

Others who inspired and supported her include her good friend and entrepreneur, Derrick, who taught her a lot about navigating business ownership and balance; her uncle Tommy, who was always 'very influential as a real-life example of what was possible with his lifestyle,' and her mentor and friend, Larese, who taught her 'to do well and then to do good.' Johnson noted that 'I have a giving spirit and doing well became the goal so that I could then help more people.'

Through her engagement with the community organizations, Johnson is living her lifelong dream of giving back to the community that has given so much to her. In this regard, she has been affiliated for nine years with “The Mission Continues,” an organization that helps to bridge the gap between civilians and veterans. She is also involved with “The City Mission,” which provides help and hope to Cleveland's hurting and homeless, and Laura's home, their sister organization for women and children.

She said with a sense of personal fulfillment in serving others in need, “I find myself in the mentoring space often via peers, old classmates or daughters of my friends. I am proud to be able to be sought out in that way. I am an open book. I am always willing to pass along what I know, mistakes I have made, and help in any way that I can.''

Continued on next page ...

With these tasks and responsibilities, the al question is how she balances her career with her personal life. Johnson said, “I am not sure that I will ever quite crack the code to work-life balance. However, I have learned a few things that help me not burn out or go overboard. One, not everything gets 100%, sometimes 70% is enough, two, keeping a schedule, and three, taking time for myself.” She continued, “I workout at 6 a.m. when most people who pull from me throughout the day are still sleeping. It also helps to know it is out of the way in case anything comes up. It is okay to be selfish in this regard, and I learned not to look for permission to rest or serve myself. I cannot pour from an empty cup, so keeping it full has become a priority and is a non-negotiable.”

Closing out the interview and sending messages to the next young girl aspiring success, Johnson stated, “What I have learned and wish I believed sooner is that I am truly powerful beyond measure. If the seat at the table does not exist, create one and dare to be bold and seen. Young girls should use their resources to the best of their potential and not take no for an answer.” She continued, “Nos will come undoubtedly, and just because it is not the yes they may be looking for does not mean they are not on the right path. Every no is one step closer to the yeskeep going!”

Boarding

Cleveland native Master Chief Petty Officer Shamika Bonaparte serves aboard U.S. Navy flagship in Japan

YOKOSUKA, Japan - Master Chief Petty Officer Shamika Bonaparte, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, serves in Japan aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship, USS Blue Ridge.

Bonaparte graduated from Glenville High School in 1997.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Cleveland.

“I learned the lessons of inclusivity because Cleveland is a major city,” said Bonaparte. "It's a melting pot of diversity. It helped me understand people from diverse backgrounds and how we can come together to form a stronger team.”

Bonaparte joined the Navy 26 years ago. Today, Bonaparte serves as an informationsystems technician.

“I joined the Navy because I wanted to see what opportunities were available to me outside of Cleveland,” said Bonaparte. "I wanted to do something where I could provide some impact on a larger scale.”

Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and, as the 7th Fleet command ship, supports an admiral's staff that actively works to foster relationships with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. 7th Fleet provides security alongside allies and partners throughout a free and open Indo-Pacific. As the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet operates roughly 50-70 ships and submarines and 140 aircraft with approximately 20,000 Sailors.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Bonaparte serves in Japan as part of the forward-deployed naval forces. These naval forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Bonaparte has many opportunities to achieve accomplishmentsduring military service.

“I am most proud of my longevity,” said Bonaparte. "As I was advancing throughout my career, I understood that I am in control of my destiny. Being able to nurture, mentor and advance sailors is very rewarding.”

Bonaparte can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy means stepping out of my comfort zone and challenging me to do things no matter how hard they are,” said Bonaparte.

Bonaparte is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to especially thank my mother,” added Bonaparte. "She was reluctant to me joining the Navy but she was my biggest supporter. Even after I decided to do this, she has been there from the beginning as a caregiver and providing emotional support when I was struggling. She always encouraged me. I owe her a lot.”

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel, Navy Office of CommunityOutreach

WOMAN W WOMAN Wphenomenal

A PLACE WHERE WOMEN ARE

Ursuline Ranked Third in Ohio For Nursing Master’s Degree

In its annual Best Graduate Schools listing released this week, US News and World Report ranked Ursuline College's master's degree in nursing as third in Ohio sharing the position with University of Cincinnati. The program was in a five-way tie for 41st spot in the nation.

“The rankings demonstrate that small colleges provide students with an excellent nursing education, great clinical experiences and dedicated professors,” states Patricia A. Sharpnack DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAAN, Dean and Strawbridge Professor of Ursuline's Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions. “After graduation, our students are hired the country's premier health systems, many located right here in Cleveland.”

In the past year, the College has expanded its repertoire of graduate nursing degree offerings and welcomed its first cohort for its online nurse anesthesia track within its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in partnership with Somnia Nurse Anesthesia Program (SNAP). At the same time, it has grown its healthcare footprint outside of nursing with new programs to educate physician's assistants and respiratory therapists.

Dr. Sharpnack, who serves as chair of the National League for Nursing, notes that since the new registered nurse licensure exam, Next Generation NCLEX or NGN, was launched in April of 2023, the College has had a 100% pass rate among firsttime takers. She explains, “At Breen, we're committed to providing quality nursing education and care but also to meeting the full spectrum of the nation's health care needs.”

Photo: Scott Pease

India Pierce Lee

Continuing to Strengthen Communities as Executive VP and Chief Strategy Officer for Tri-C

PHOTOS: JASON GARRETT

The Blush Gallery

BY SHELLEY SHOCKLEY PWM MANAGING EDITOR

For over six decades, Tri-C has been a beacon of excellence in higher education, empowering the residents of northeast Ohio to believe in a future of endless possibilities. As the first and largest community college in the state, they have provided high-quality, affordable education and programs to over 1 million community members, making a significantimpact on the region.

The college offers over 1,000 credit courses each semester in more than 200 career and technical programs. Tri-C also grants short-term certificates, certificates of proficiency, and post-degree professional certificates. Additionally, more than 600 noncredit workforce and professional development courses are offered yearly.

To maintain this level of excellence and continue this unparalleled legacy, the college hires skilled thoughtleaders like India Pierce Lee, who serves as executive vice president and chief strategy officer Lee joined the senior leadership team of Tri-C president Michael Baston last spring, and a statement announcing her appointment explained her role to “work with leadership to establish accountability measures and help fulfill mission-conscious strategic goals and initiatives, focusing on advancing student success, improving the employee experience and deepening Tri-C's reach in the community.”

A native Clevelander, born, raised, and still residing in the Glenville neighborhood, Lee's professional background is vast and varied, making her an ideal choice. She was raised by parents who instilled in her the importance of family and “having pride in your community” When she was heading off to high school, the City of Cleveland was in the throes of race riots, and as a Major Work student, she attended high school in the neighboring Collinwood community. Collinwood, at the time, was not racially diverse, and Black students were often taunted and harassed as they traveled to school. This experience, she said, grounded her the most, “My parents taught me that even though we're going through this, don't let the actions of a few people make you think everybody is like that, treat everybody the same. You have good and bad in every race and every background. Take people for who they are, not by the acts of a few ” That sage advice has helped her navigate working in male-dominated spaces and find opportunities to work with the same individuals she was advised to steer clear of because “they will not work with women, they don't like Black people,” but these people Lee said helped her the most.

Lee recently sat down with Phenomenal Woman and shared the wisdom she received from her parents and a glimpse at her path to Tri-C a path steeped in community with a heart for the underserved.

After graduating from Collinwood High School, Lee hoped to become an airline stewardess to fulfill her dream of traveling the world. A family tragedy changed the trajectory of her life. A stray bullet struck her youngest brother, leaving India numb with little desire to do anything. Instead of exploring the world, she stayed home, enrolling at Cleveland State University and later transferring to Dyke College while working full-time at Navy Finance. It was a difficult time, she said, “because I was not looking to do anything much.” Even without drive and determination, Lee followed her family's expectations: “My parents always told me to either go to school or go to work. I did both.”

For two years, she worked full-time during the day and attended college full-time in the evening while still finding time to enjoy the life of a young woman in Cleveland. In her early twenties, a friend told her about the air traffic control test being offered that week, and having no knowledge of what the position entailed, Lee filled out the application, traveled to Oberlin for the test, and passed. After passing the test, she said, “I got a call that said they were doing a special program where you could spend a year and go through the tower, flight service, and center options - all three, and you had a choice of Chicago or Indianapolis.” Chicago was her choice, so she called her parents and told them she was going to Chicago.

The woman, always open to new things, knew nothing about air traffic before joining, but she soon learned that this was a formidable job She said of the experience in the FAA Academy, “It was challenging. There were times you wanted to give up, but because I'm one of those people, you have to knock me down three or four times because I don't believe in no; I keep getting up and keep trying.” In the Academy, her stubborn resolve was needed because, she remembers, “It was the only place I saw grown men crying every day, and the washout rate was about 75 percent.”

As a trained air traffic controller, Lee entered a workforce of predominantly white men with a military background. Still, she persevered and began her tenure in Cleveland at the Cuyahoga CountyAirport.

“I’m just blessed to work here at Tri-C with some very committed people. It’s a big place, it's complex, but at the end of the day I have never worked where so many people care about the people they serve, and that’s students, employees, and the community.

“

While working at the County Airport, Lee's father passed away, and as a self-described “Daddy's Girl,” she had a hard time dealing with the loss. To separate herself from her grief, she began applying for positions nationwide and vowed to take the first opportunity The call came from Ypsilanti, and she worked at the Willow Run Airport until the air traffic control strike on August 3, 1981. From that experience, she has jokingly told people, “I was fired by the President of the United States - anybody else that fires me, it doesn't matter.”

Lee's versatility was evident after her tenure in air traffic control. Instead of returning to Cleveland, she remained in Michigan, managing a Bowling Alley before working for a Credit Union in Ann Arbor When she returned to Cleveland, she worked for First National Bank before being tapped by former Councilman Tyrone Bolden to serve as Program Director for Housing with Mt. Pleasant Alive. The challenge with this position, she said, was, “I didn't know anything, and community development at the time was still nascent here even though we had Community Development Corporations (CDCs).” Bolden was not deterred when she told him she didn't know anything; he simply replied, “You'll learn.”

Continued on next page ...

Learning a job was nothing new to Lee after training for the air traffic controller position. Still, at Mt. Pleasant Alive, she entered unfamiliar territory where the rocky landscape was evolving. As a Community Development Corporation (CDC), Mt. Pleasant Alive relied heavily on the City for finances, and Lee learned, “At the time, they had a lot of issues and hadn't paid their taxes, so the City was not renewing their contract.” Now, she had a dual challenge, learning how to build homes on the east side of Cleveland, with the added burden of creating a new CDC. Lee was fortunate to have the assistance of one of her mentors, Katie Dixon, and others to lay the groundwork for Mt. Pleasant NOW, the CDC replacing Mt. Pleasant Alive. She said of Dixon's help, “She taught me how to write the bylaws and articles of incorporation to start a new organization, and I wasn't the Executive Director”

The next hurdle was learning how to build houses when organizations worked on one or two rehab houses through the Cleveland Housing Network. However, her plan in front of her called for new construction of single-family homessomething unheard of on Cleveland's east side.With the assistance of Chris Warren, Rob Curry, Pat Kenney, Mark McDermott, and others who mentored her and taught her about the industry, Lee led the charge to build new housing in Mt. Pleasant.

Even with the support of C.A.S.H. and the unheard interest rate of 4.99% on a 30-year mortgage when the market rate was 11-18%, it was hard to get developers to build in the neighborhoods. Lee went door-to-door to talk to the residents to earn respect and interest in the community. When working with developers and banks, she told them, “Just because we live in the city doesn't mean everybody is uneducated, doesn't mean everybody is poor - we want the same things.” Advocating for these residents started her journey to bring the same things you would have anywhere else to Cleveland. She said her passion for this work, “helped me become less of an introvert because when you're out there trying to find resources for neighborhoods, imagine going to a bank trying to get loans to restore the neighborhoods and being told no.” To push back, she had to develop a strong voice. Finding her voice paid off when they built the first manufactured housing in Cleveland at the corner of E. 140th and Milverton. It wasn't easy; she recalls going to two banks - Society National Bank and National City Bank

to get $150,000. During her tenure, Mt. Pleasant Now constructed the first single-family new construction with low-income housing tax credits and 50 scattered-site construction homes. The Lease Purchase program allowed residents to live in the house for 15 years and own it after 15 years.

Her crash course in community development led to a career fighting for underserved communities with the City of Cleveland's Empowerment Zone, Local Initiatives Corporation, Neighborhood Progress Inc., and the Cleveland Foundation. Lee was recruited for each of these positions and utilized her early entrenchment in communitybuilding to add more tools to her toolbox.

Lee said the biggest challenge in community development never changed, “It was always the fight to convince people why investing in the city made sense.” To overcome this obstacle, she put in a lot of work, which included serving on boards to gain the ear of those making decisions. One of the tactics she enjoyed the most was hosting tours of Cleveland neighborhoods. She explained, “I did tours of our neighborhoods across the entire city of Cleveland for almost thirty years. Working with Lolly the Trolley and others, I took people through the neighborhoods, off the commercial corridors, showing them why investing in people, in the community was important.” She continued to be told, “No you can't do this.” Still, she kept pushing until they were able to have success.

Using the west side communities of Tremont, Ohio City, and Detroit-Shoreway as examples, Lee explained the transformation of those neighborhoods took twenty to thirty years. The work, she said, involved many CDCs and “took a lot of grit, faith, and a lot of tears, but because we believed in our neighborhoods and the community, that's what drove us.”

When Lee began working with the Cleveland Foundation, she realized the hard work of CDC's was good, but the planning was shortsighted. She began to understand that most people viewed Cleveland as unprepared, partially because they were planning five years out instead of 20 or 30. With this new understanding, she said it's still a challenge because it takes a long time to get things done, but it's getting better. “We are learning to plan for success.”

Working with the Foundation and the Greater University Circle Initiative and anchors like Cleveland Clinic, Case Western Reserve, and University Hospitals, she and others learned how to leverage the support of these agencies for the betterment of communities.

While working at Neighborhood Progress Inc., Lee recalls leaders at the Cleveland Foundation - Ronn Richard, Jay Talbot, and others, beginning conversations with the anchor institutions around University Circle to come together as they each worked on new developments. She explained, “Ronn Richard began pulling the anchors together, not to change anything they were doing, but instead of operating in a vacuum to look at the approximately $3.5 billion of institutional development on the table and work together.”

The Cleveland Foundation served as the convener, bringing all of the institutions, the City of Cleveland, the Governor's office, nonprofits and other foundations together to look at ways to leverage the investments the institutions were already working on for the betterment of the surrounding neighborhoods.

After the Cleveland Foundation hired Lee, she said the goal was to “See how we leverage the balance sheets of these institutions, not for charitable reasons, but really to change the lives of people and rebuild the community.” This resulted in the multi-anchor Greater University Circle Initiative. She said they looked at ways to get people employed at the Clinic, Case, and University Hospitals. An example of that work is “Step Up to UH,” a national model where the hospital hires from the community

The group also looked at other ways to employ people in the neighborhood, which led to the launch of the Evergreen Cooperatives and New Bridge Cleveland Center, which are all still in operation. Partners in this work included Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, Neighborhood Connections and Towards Employment, among others.

Lee's tenacity and expertise in community building will serve her well in her new position overseeing Institutional Research, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Grants Management and Access and Community Engagement. After serving as the Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer for a little more than a year, one of her early takeaways was the number of programs offered for students and what is available to the community at no cost or with scholarship assistance. The programs include getting your GED (general equivalency diploma) and noncredit credentials to help you advance in the workforce.

Knowing these programs exist is great, but hearing firsthand the impact on lives offers a better understanding, and Lee experienced this when she served as the keynote speaker for the “Women in Transition Program” in the fall.

In preparing for her address, she met with women from the program to understand how the program impacted their lives. She said that generally, people think of women in “transition” as those who are down and out, but she found the opposite when researching this program. The program is more than four decades old, and participants include women seeking a career change, recently divorced women, and those who want to improve their skills for advancement.

One example was a mid-level leader in a large non-profit here in Cleveland. She wanted to make a career change and enter the corporate world, so she quit her job and went through the Women in Transition Program, which she said was the best decision. Further explaining the encounter, Lee said, “I've been meeting with her, talking about her next career move and how I can help make connections for her. Now, she's graduating from the Project Management Program to sharpen her skills.”

Lee said, “Building relationships like this is part of my work. Understanding where we are doing the work, how we broaden our engagement in the community to get more people in the door” She had a similar experience when she met with team members, and a young man recounted the work he was doing with a woman who had recently received her GED, and he was working to help her get a position with the City, one with a thriving wage. Lee said he is working toward, “what Dr. Baston has been espousing. Regardless of where you are, all our students or residents should work toward having for thriving wages to help them in their trajectory for their families.”

Continued on next page ...

As the leader of the Institutional Advancement Council, a group of 23 senior-level leaders representing every area of the college, she said they are looking at our processes and plans. “How we vet new initiatives and projects that come through so instead of operating in a vacuum, we have eyes on it from every aspect so we can make the best decision about its alignment with the presidential goals, and alignment with where the college is headed, and ensuring it is student-focused,” she said. Lee further explained, “We have to center everything around our students. We now have a collective voice making decisions and recommendationsup to the Cabinet.”

Tri-C's Access Centers are another area of focus for Lee. The Centers are located in neighborhoods and provide easy and convenient access to education and job training for residents to build a brighter future. These programs can lead to a job with family-supporting wages or a path to a college degree.

Partnering with the College are local organizations, including Esperanza Inc , MetroHealth System, University Settlement (Broadway-Slavic Village), Olivet Housing and Community Development Corp (an arm of the Olivet Institutional Baptist Church), and Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority

Lee and her team are looking at the Centers and how they reach out to the community, and ways to put more programs in them while making sure they are accessible to the community.

Her position and institution have changed, but at its core, the work Lee does is all about community She said, “People ask why did you come to Tri-C? I left the oldest and first community foundation in the world to come to the oldest and largest community college in the state to continue to have an impact on people. That's what gets me up every day, that's what keeps me inspired on even the hardest days - knowing that somewhere you can make a difference, and sometimes it's not always being popular to make a difference.” She continued, “I'm just blessed to work here at Tri-C with some very committed people. It's a big place, it's complex, but at the end of the day I have never worked where so many people care about the people they serve, and that's students, employees, and the community”

When asked about highlights in her career, Lee said, “Cultivating other people. Because we need the next generation behind us to continue and have that same voice and be able to stand up for our community.” Lee has mentored both formally and informally in the community and continues to do the work of helping others.

When she's not working, spending time with family, reading, listening to music and self-care are her focus. She and her husband Peter spend most weekends with their great nieces cultivating another generation's love for Cleveland by enjoying the many cultural amenities living in the Glenville community affords them. This includes bike riding, visiting the Lake, Cultural Gardens and museums, along with building Legos. When it comes to self-care, Lee has recently committed to working out at least three times a week, and she is getting more rest. She also loves to cook.

One of Cleveland's biggest cheerleaders she said, “Cleveland is the best-kept secret. We have the best assets, the best neighborhoods, and it's the people in those neighborhoods that make the difference.”

Lee is a member of Bethany Baptist Church under the tutelage of Rev. Stephen Rowan where her spirit is

Phenomenal Facts:

B.S. Management Dyke College

M.S. Social Administration

Case Western Reserve University

MA, Psychology with specialization in Diversity management Cleveland State University

Completed the Prestigious Loeb Fellowship

Graduate school of Design, Harvard University

Recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award College of Graduate Studies, Cleveland State University

Serves as Commission Member, Civil Service Commission, City of Cleveland

Member of Board of Directors

Global Cleveland

Member of Board of Directors

Cleveland Neighborhood Progress

Member of Board of Directors

Destination Cleveland

First Non-Jewish Board Member Mt. Sinai Health Foundation

Received a Distinguished Alumna Award Case Western Reserve University

Served for three years on the CSU Foundation Board of Directors and more than ten years as Chair of the Visiting Committee at Levin College of Urban Affairs.

Mentored students through a program founded by former State Sen. Grace Drake.

rejuvenated because she said, “It's only by faith and the Grace of God that she's kept going. I've also always been an optimist.”

For this principled woman and a community champion, the true measure of success is to know that you have made a positive difference. By all objective measurements and evaluations, it's safe to assume that she has passed it with flying colors! <

Better-for-You Meals From Breakfast to Dinner

Bring Loves Ones Together With Protein-Packed Peanuts