Speakers
| Speaker | Date | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Melanie Carnes & Amie Espinoza-Gonzalez | Sep 11, 2026 7:30 AM |
Chief Executive Officer & Chief Programming Officer – New Avenues to Independence
Melanie Carnes 
Amie Espinoza-Gonzalez Join us on Friday, September 11, at 7:30 a.m. at TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Solon as we welcome Melanie Carnes, Chief Executive Officer of New Avenues to Independence. She will be joined by Amie Espinoza-Gonzalez, the Chief Program Officer. Celebrating more than 70 years of service, New Avenues to Independence empowers children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live meaningful, independent lives throughout Northeast Ohio. Melanie and Amie will share how the organization is expanding its impact, creating new opportunities, and helping individuals achieve their fullest potential. You'll also learn how New Avenues partners with families, businesses, volunteers, and community organizations to build a more inclusive community—and discover ways you can make a difference. Guests are always welcome! Friday, September 11 |
| Eva Zheng | Sep 25, 2026 12:00 PM |
SmartKidsGhana
 Local Student Making a Global Impact: Eva Zheng & SmartKidsGhanaJoin us for an upcoming Rotary Club of Solon lunch meeting as we welcome Eva Zheng, a senior at Beachwood High School and Lead Coordinator of SmartKidsGhana, a nonprofit working to expand educational opportunities for children in Ghana. Eva will share the story behind SmartKidsGhana, the work the organization is doing to support young students, and how a local high school student became involved in making a difference thousands of miles from home. Her story is a wonderful example of Service Above Self and the impact young leaders can make when they turn compassion into action. Friday, September 25 • 12:00 p.m. |
| Danny Caine | Oct 09, 2026 7:30 AM |
Data Centers, Local Communities & the Growing Demand for Power
 Join us on Friday, October 9, at 7:30 a.m. at TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Solon as we welcome author, small-business advocate, and podcast host Danny Caine (via Zoom) for a timely discussion about data centers and their impact on local communities. As the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and cloud computing drives demand for new data centers across the country, communities are facing important questions about economic development, energy and water use, infrastructure, and the costs and benefits of these massive projects. Danny is the host of the Building Local Power podcast and author of several books examining the relationship between large corporations, independent businesses, and local communities. He is also the former owner of the Raven Book Store, named Publishers Weekly's 2022 Bookstore of the Year. Join us for an informative conversation about one of the fastest-growing—and increasingly important—economic development issues facing communities today. |
| Leigh Goldie, Founder/Executive Director | Nov 13, 2026 |
Empowering Epilepsy
 Leigh will share the story behind Empowering Epilepsy and its work to raise epilepsy awareness, provide education and resources, and help individuals and families affected by epilepsy live fuller, more confident lives. Come learn more about an organization making an important difference in our community and the people behind its mission. |