| The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome its newest staff member, Workforce Initiatives Manager Megan Stretavski! While we'd love for you to meet Megan in person, we'd like to introduce you to her with this short Q&A about who she is, what brought her to the Toledo Chamber and where you can expect to see her in the community. |  |
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I graduated from Maumee High School and continued my education at Owens Community College, obtaining my associate's degree in Law Enforcement Technology. With the two-plus-two program, I transferred to Bowling Green State University to obtain my bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Criminology. While I was attending BGSU, I started working at Northwest Community Corrections Center in security, and was promoted to a Vocational Education Specialist helping returning citizens navigate their job search and obtain employment before release. After moving to Toledo, I worked for Harbor Behavioral Healthcare in their Career Connections division teaching TANF Recipients job readiness skills and job searching. I transitioned to Lucas County Department of Job and Family Services working with TANF recipients to become self-sufficient and determined eligibility for SNAP, TANF and Medical programs for over 13 years. Before the Chamber, at Lucas County Department of Planning and Development, I worked with area colleges and students who needed funding for On Demand Training, worked with Ohio Means Jobs staff to help with supportive services and helped students with the job search once they obtained their credential.
2. What brought you to the Chamber?
It has been my dream to work with the Chamber and focus on bringing area businesses, workforce and community programs together to improve the status quo and make the Toledo area a great place to live.
3. What do you hope to accomplish in your role at the Chamber?
I feel like I will bring a different point of view working with several different community partners and impoverished citizens for over 15 years. I hope to help businesses blossom, grow, thrive and prosper in their time of crisis due to COVID-19.
4. What do you anticipate enjoying most in your role at the Chamber/what do you look forward to doing in your role?
Working with returning citizens has always held a special place in my heart. I feel like everyone deserves a second chance, and with the ReEntry Development Initiative (REDI) program I will be bringing businesses and returning citizens together to help fill the workforce gap. “Surveys conducted by the Chamber and other studies show that compared to the general workforce, these individuals have lower turnover rates, lower absenteeism, higher retention rates, and higher loyalty.”
5. What is your proudest career achievement?
My proudest career achievements have been when I have been able to provide a service to a customer, and to watch them flourish after working hard and achieving their goals, completing school, finding a job, purchasing a home, owning their own companies and providing for their families.
And now to get a little more personal...
1. Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I love to cook, walk and ride my bike at area Metroparks, plan parties, and make people feel special.
2. What is your favorite book or movie?
My favorite holiday movie is Elf.
3. What is your favorite meal or food?
I love to check out new restaurants, but my favorite food is Mediterranean.
4. Tell us about some of your favorite hobbies or things you’re passionate about.
I am passionate about traveling, seeing new things and making memories with my family. For my 40th birthday, I planned a trip around Ohio by myself (I needed some alone time after being stuck in the house due to COVID-19). I stayed in a castle, mini home, tent, hotel and apartment. I visited Ohio tourist attractions, Native American historical sites, state parks, casinos, wineries, breweries and restaurants. I hiked, canoed, drove and marveled at everything Ohio!
I graduated from Maumee High School and continued my education at Owens Community College, obtaining my associate's degree in Law Enforcement Technology. With the two-plus-two program, I transferred to Bowling Green State University to obtain my bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Criminology. While I was attending BGSU, I started working at Northwest Community Corrections Center in security, and was promoted to a Vocational Education Specialist helping returning citizens navigate their job search and obtain employment before release. After moving to Toledo, I worked for Harbor Behavioral Healthcare in their Career Connections division teaching TANF Recipients job readiness skills and job searching. I transitioned to Lucas County Department of Job and Family Services working with TANF recipients to become self-sufficient and determined eligibility for SNAP, TANF and Medical programs for over 13 years. Before the Chamber, at Lucas County Department of Planning and Development, I worked with area colleges and students who needed funding for On Demand Training, worked with Ohio Means Jobs staff to help with supportive services and helped students with the job search once they obtained their credential.
2. What brought you to the Chamber?
It has been my dream to work with the Chamber and focus on bringing area businesses, workforce and community programs together to improve the status quo and make the Toledo area a great place to live.
3. What do you hope to accomplish in your role at the Chamber?
I feel like I will bring a different point of view working with several different community partners and impoverished citizens for over 15 years. I hope to help businesses blossom, grow, thrive and prosper in their time of crisis due to COVID-19.
4. What do you anticipate enjoying most in your role at the Chamber/what do you look forward to doing in your role?
Working with returning citizens has always held a special place in my heart. I feel like everyone deserves a second chance, and with the ReEntry Development Initiative (REDI) program I will be bringing businesses and returning citizens together to help fill the workforce gap. “Surveys conducted by the Chamber and other studies show that compared to the general workforce, these individuals have lower turnover rates, lower absenteeism, higher retention rates, and higher loyalty.”
5. What is your proudest career achievement?
My proudest career achievements have been when I have been able to provide a service to a customer, and to watch them flourish after working hard and achieving their goals, completing school, finding a job, purchasing a home, owning their own companies and providing for their families.
And now to get a little more personal...
1. Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I love to cook, walk and ride my bike at area Metroparks, plan parties, and make people feel special.
2. What is your favorite book or movie?
My favorite holiday movie is Elf.
3. What is your favorite meal or food?
I love to check out new restaurants, but my favorite food is Mediterranean.
4. Tell us about some of your favorite hobbies or things you’re passionate about.
I am passionate about traveling, seeing new things and making memories with my family. For my 40th birthday, I planned a trip around Ohio by myself (I needed some alone time after being stuck in the house due to COVID-19). I stayed in a castle, mini home, tent, hotel and apartment. I visited Ohio tourist attractions, Native American historical sites, state parks, casinos, wineries, breweries and restaurants. I hiked, canoed, drove and marveled at everything Ohio!
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