Throughout March, we celebrate Women’s History Month, honoring the remarkable contributions of women who have shaped the Toledo Region. All month we’re spotlighting inspiring women who lead, innovate, and make a difference.
Join us as we share their stories, insights, and advice. This week, we highlight Marriah Kornowa, MOL, Executive Director of NAMI Greater Toledo.
Join us as we share their stories, insights, and advice. This week, we highlight Marriah Kornowa, MOL, Executive Director of NAMI Greater Toledo.
Tell us about your career path that you led you to where you are today?
I have always been drawn to creating change and challenging the status quo. My career began in the corporate sector with Owens Corning and Xerox Corp, where I learned about continuous improvement and organizational development. But I knew my purpose was beyond business—it was about people, impact, and shaping the future.
That calling led me into nonprofit and education work, helping families reunify, teaching anger management, and preparing individuals for the workforce. I found a passion for empowering others to believe in their own potential—whether it was youth envisioning their futures, returning citizens re-entering society, or families navigating mental health challenges.
My journey took me through community-based violence interruption, restorative justice, and advocacy, which deepened my understanding of how systemic barriers affect people's well-being. As I completed my master’s in Organizational Leadership, I fell in love with the idea that leadership is a responsibility—one that requires both courage and accountability.
Now, as Executive Director of NAMI Greater Toledo, I stand at the intersection of advocacy, mental health, and leadership. My mission is to build bridges, create understanding, and inspire hope. I want to break stigma, encourage empathy, and equip leaders with the tools to create lasting change.
Above all, my greatest motivation has been my role as a mother. My daughter, now 20, has shaped my perspective on leadership and the kind of world I want to leave behind. I wanted my work to matter—not just for me, but for her, and for every person who needs to know that their story, their voice, and their future matters.
What were some of the barriers or obstacles you’ve faced & how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is the cost of living as a single parent while building a meaningful career. Balancing financial security with passion-driven work has required resilience, resourcefulness, and trust in my long-term vision.
Another struggle was learning to embrace my own energy and presence. I was often told I was too much—too passionate, too outspoken, too ambitious. It took me years to stop shrinking myself and start seeing my authenticity as my greatest strength. The moment I stopped apologizing for being different was the moment I stepped fully into my purpose.
I also learned that time is never on our side. Instead of trying to squeeze everything into a perfect “work-life balance,” I flipped the script: LIFE comes first. If we don’t prioritize our well-being, our loved ones, and our personal growth, then everything else loses its meaning.
Who inspired you to become a leader and why?
I was raised by a strong, single mother who taught me how to stand firm in my convictions and fight for what is right. She inspired me to take hard stances for justice, to be fearless in my pursuits, and to never accept the world as it is, but to push for what it should be.
My daughter is also a constant source of motivation. I wanted her to see that leadership is about service, courage, and the belief that change is always possible.
I’ve been shaped by incredible mentors and some truly difficult leadership experiences. Seeing the difference between transformational leaders and ineffective ones taught me that leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about action, about showing up, doing the hard work, and holding yourself accountable to the people you serve.
Pursuing my master’s in Organizational Leadership was a turning point. It solidified my belief that leadership is a calling, and that when we lead with authenticity and purpose, we don’t just inspire change—we ignite it
What advice do you have for women looking to grow either their own business or within the company they work for?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned? You are worthy of peace and success without having to earn it through endless burnout.
How do you balance your career, personal life and passions?
I’ve redefined balance as prioritizing what matters most. LIFE comes before work. No matter how important my job is, my health, my family, and my happiness must come first.
I’ve also realized that we are in this for the long game. Change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to adjust. It’s okay to reevaluate what works and what doesn’t. Its also okay to not be okay, but how can we reach in and help one another.
And the hardest lesson? Ask for help. I used to think I had to do it all myself, but true strength comes from knowing when to lean on others.
Most importantly, be in the driver’s seat of your own life. Don’t be a passenger. Own your decisions, your priorities, and your purpose.
What specific strategies or resources do you believe would help women develop or enhance their leadership skills?
The best leaders aren’t the ones who have all the answers—they’re the ones willing to listen, learn, and evolve.
What upcoming TRCC event are you most looking forward to attending?
I get excited for the Legislative Breakfast and the Annual Meeting. These events bring together leaders and decision-makers to discuss advocacy, policy, and the future of our community.
Being at the table for these discussions is essential. We have the power to influence change, to amplify voices, and to ensure that our community continues to move forward in a way that benefits everyone.
I have always been drawn to creating change and challenging the status quo. My career began in the corporate sector with Owens Corning and Xerox Corp, where I learned about continuous improvement and organizational development. But I knew my purpose was beyond business—it was about people, impact, and shaping the future.
That calling led me into nonprofit and education work, helping families reunify, teaching anger management, and preparing individuals for the workforce. I found a passion for empowering others to believe in their own potential—whether it was youth envisioning their futures, returning citizens re-entering society, or families navigating mental health challenges.
My journey took me through community-based violence interruption, restorative justice, and advocacy, which deepened my understanding of how systemic barriers affect people's well-being. As I completed my master’s in Organizational Leadership, I fell in love with the idea that leadership is a responsibility—one that requires both courage and accountability.
Now, as Executive Director of NAMI Greater Toledo, I stand at the intersection of advocacy, mental health, and leadership. My mission is to build bridges, create understanding, and inspire hope. I want to break stigma, encourage empathy, and equip leaders with the tools to create lasting change.
Above all, my greatest motivation has been my role as a mother. My daughter, now 20, has shaped my perspective on leadership and the kind of world I want to leave behind. I wanted my work to matter—not just for me, but for her, and for every person who needs to know that their story, their voice, and their future matters.
What were some of the barriers or obstacles you’ve faced & how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is the cost of living as a single parent while building a meaningful career. Balancing financial security with passion-driven work has required resilience, resourcefulness, and trust in my long-term vision.
Another struggle was learning to embrace my own energy and presence. I was often told I was too much—too passionate, too outspoken, too ambitious. It took me years to stop shrinking myself and start seeing my authenticity as my greatest strength. The moment I stopped apologizing for being different was the moment I stepped fully into my purpose.
I also learned that time is never on our side. Instead of trying to squeeze everything into a perfect “work-life balance,” I flipped the script: LIFE comes first. If we don’t prioritize our well-being, our loved ones, and our personal growth, then everything else loses its meaning.
Who inspired you to become a leader and why?
I was raised by a strong, single mother who taught me how to stand firm in my convictions and fight for what is right. She inspired me to take hard stances for justice, to be fearless in my pursuits, and to never accept the world as it is, but to push for what it should be.
My daughter is also a constant source of motivation. I wanted her to see that leadership is about service, courage, and the belief that change is always possible.
I’ve been shaped by incredible mentors and some truly difficult leadership experiences. Seeing the difference between transformational leaders and ineffective ones taught me that leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about action, about showing up, doing the hard work, and holding yourself accountable to the people you serve.
Pursuing my master’s in Organizational Leadership was a turning point. It solidified my belief that leadership is a calling, and that when we lead with authenticity and purpose, we don’t just inspire change—we ignite it
What advice do you have for women looking to grow either their own business or within the company they work for?
- Stop apologizing for other people’s insecurities. If your confidence makes someone uncomfortable, that’s their issue, not yours.
- You belong in every room you step into. Never let doubt convince you otherwise.
- Let go of perfectionism. It’s exhausting and unattainable. Aim for progress instead.
- Treat yourself with the same grace you give others. Be kind to yourself.
- Rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Sleep. Unplug. Recharge.
- Gratitude is your superpower. Recognizing the good—even in hard times—keeps you grounded and resilient.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned? You are worthy of peace and success without having to earn it through endless burnout.
How do you balance your career, personal life and passions?
I’ve redefined balance as prioritizing what matters most. LIFE comes before work. No matter how important my job is, my health, my family, and my happiness must come first.
I’ve also realized that we are in this for the long game. Change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to adjust. It’s okay to reevaluate what works and what doesn’t. Its also okay to not be okay, but how can we reach in and help one another.
And the hardest lesson? Ask for help. I used to think I had to do it all myself, but true strength comes from knowing when to lean on others.
Most importantly, be in the driver’s seat of your own life. Don’t be a passenger. Own your decisions, your priorities, and your purpose.
What specific strategies or resources do you believe would help women develop or enhance their leadership skills?
- Each other. I used to think I didn’t need anyone, but I’ve learned that resilience is built through connection.
- Be open to new experiences. Growth happens when we step outside of our comfort zones.
- Learn from leaders you admire. Observe how they navigate challenges, make decisions, and build relationships.
- Reach in. Don’t wait for someone to invite you into leadership—step into it.
- Keep learning. Blinkist is a great tool for staying informed and inspired.
- Be willing to be vulnerable. Growth requires change, and change requires courage.
The best leaders aren’t the ones who have all the answers—they’re the ones willing to listen, learn, and evolve.
What upcoming TRCC event are you most looking forward to attending?
I get excited for the Legislative Breakfast and the Annual Meeting. These events bring together leaders and decision-makers to discuss advocacy, policy, and the future of our community.
Being at the table for these discussions is essential. We have the power to influence change, to amplify voices, and to ensure that our community continues to move forward in a way that benefits everyone.
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