After 15 years of holding senior executive positions with several multinational companies, Jason Abodeely pivoted to the mission-based nonprofit Sunshine Communities. For the past 11 years he has led a team of compassionate caregivers - nurses, therapists, and direct service professionals - who help children and adults with developmental disabilities live their best lives. Empowerment, dignity, inclusion, and community are central to Jason’s leadership approach. 

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

It’s been an amazing personal journey for the mission-driven Amanda Held. Overcoming significant odds, Amanda figured out how to merge her love/respect for horses with her military experience to found H.O.O.V.E.S., a nonprofit that provides equine-assisted therapy and intensive programming for veterans and others navigating trauma. For the past 13 years, she has leveraged her extensive knowledge of horse and human behavior to provide high-impact retreats and workshops aimed at helping veterans manage PTSD and find a path forward. She is also co-producer of the award-winning documentary H.O.O.V.E.S. – Healing our Veterans. Prior to running H.O.O.V.E.S., Amanda served in the Air Force in various roles associated with human resources. After finishing active duty in the Air Force, she joined the Air National Guard and is currently a First Sergeant for the 127th Medical Group at the National Guard base in Selfridge, Michigan. Amanda has received numerous recognitions for her life-saving work including being selected as one of Success Magazine’s People of Influence, Hometown Hero (3 times), and the Toledo Community Impact Award.   

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

Through his straightforward approach to sharing local, national, and global news, Emmy award-winning TV news anchor Lee Conklin has been connecting with viewers and listeners for 40 years. His trustworthiness, respect for others, and humility are distinguishing personal traits that make him a highly respected news journalist and community leader. 

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

In addition to being a teaching professor at Bowling Green State University, Brad Felver has been writing professionally for over 15 years. His short stories and essays have been published in a wide array of literary magazines. He was recently bestowed the O. Henry Prize for best fictional writing in 2024. This was the second time he has received this prestigious national award. Brad has also been honored with the Drue Heinz Literature Prize, Ohio Arts Council Excellence Award, and Zone 3 Fiction Prize. 

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

Jeff Mielcarek’s entire career has centered on elevating the positive, life-shaping impact that athletic experiences have on players, coaches, fans, organizations, and communities. He has excelled in multiple leadership roles including general manager of an athletic club, director of CYO athletics, high school baseball coach, and basketball referee. For his mission-based approach and the way he conducts himself, Jeff was inducted into several Hall of Fames and awarded the Ethics, Integrity, and Sportsmanship Award from the Ohio High School Athletic Association. 

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

At a very young age, Susan knew that she wanted to be an educator. After beginning her career as a high school teacher, she transitioned to the Toledo Museum of Art where she has served in the roles of docent, president of the docent program, director of development, and board trustee. For decades she has been actively involved in community service organizations and charitable initiatives. Education and the arts have been the focus of Susan and her husband Tom’s philanthropic work. The University of Toledo, Ohio Wesleyan University and Toledo Museum of Art are a few of the beneficiaries of the Palmers’ generous spirit.  

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

For over 16 years, Christina has been leading a life-giving organization that helps low-income single moms pursue their educational goals and break the cycle of poverty. Her own harrowing experiences as a child growing up on the west side of Chicago propel her to provide opportunities and hope to young moms and their children traveling a tough road. She is also a beacon of light in the areas of human rights, education, and social justice. As a result of her passion and efforts to improve the human condition, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine tapped her to lead the statewide Martin Luther King Holiday Commission. 

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

Drawing upon his journalism background, love of athletics, and ability to connect with people, Eamonn guides the narrative for the Detroit Lions. He oversees a constant flurry of media activity involving local/national news organizations, reporters, players, coaches, and front office personnel. In 2023 Eamonn and the Detroit Lions Communications team received the prestigious Pete Rozelle Award for excellence in public relations. He credits family members, educators, and coaches for giving him meaningful experiences that prepared him to handle a high-profile and fast-paced position. 

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

For over 30 years Levi has held corporate leadership roles and been a strong supporter of numerous charitable organizations and worthy causes throughout the Metro Detroit area. As Vice President and Community Impact Officer for Systems Technology Group (headquartered in Troy, Michigan), Levi leads the company’s sales, new business, and diversity efforts. He also serves on numerous boards including the Motown Museum, Teen Street Skills, and Metro Detroit Youth Clubs. Mentoring young people is one of Levi’s passions. Levi’s father was the standout lead singer for the iconic Four Tops. In addition to his dad’s influence, the artists and songs that comprised the Motown music experience were life-shaping. 

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023

Amy Chang, who grew up in Taiwan and came to the United States as a high school exchange student, began playing the cello when she was 10 years old. She honed her musical skills at the Taiwan Academy of Arts, Music Institute of Chicago, and Eastman School of Music. Throughout her highly accomplished career as a cellist, Amy has used the platform of music to move people’s emotions and provide a sense of uplift. She believes that a fully expressive musician needs to be courageous and vulnerable in order to connect with listeners. 

Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023