EPIC Toledo membership was thrilled to go to Toledo GROWs and get some valuable insights from our Boss Talk speaker, Executive Director Yvonne Dubielak. 

Dubielak gave a lot of context regarding her journey, informed us about Toledo GROWs' services and mission. Some of her best advice from the talk, which we wanted to share with you, is: 

• "All the jobs you work, you can accumulate skills and use to move toward the next step."
• "Even in tough times, you have to learn something from that."
• "Look at every step along the way as avenues to learn and pull skills."
• "Leadership can be lonely, so keep separate things for yourself. Friends, family, hobbies, another place to go to bring you life."
• "Other people who have different backgrounds and viewpoints can bring something to your leadership."
• "Surround yourself with smart, good people."

Following the Boss Talk, EPIC membership volunteered at Toledo GROWs, planting seedlings and working in the garden. Check out our volunteer photos, below, and head to Instagram or Facebook to watch our recap reel! 

Shawna Woody is the Vice President of Operations at HOPE Toledo. Learn more about why Shawna is one of the EPIC Toledo 2025 Mentors, below:
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A native of Toledo, Ohio, Shawna Woody graduated from Rogers High School and earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo with the support of a Toledo EXCEL scholarship. While at UT, she was a part of the Leadership UT (now Levis Leadership) program. She earned a master’s degree in Communication Studies at Bowling Green State University.

In 2004, Shawna began her 17-years-long career at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo as an 21st Century Afterschool Program Instructor at Spring Elementary. It didn’t take long before her exemplary ability for youth development, effective guidance, program planning, implementation, and evaluation prompted her to swiftly move up the ranks to become Director of Operations for the organization in 2008.

Shawna joined the HOPE Toledo team as the Vice President of Operations in 2021. Under the leadership of this non-profit’s president, John Jones, she responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures, program efficiencies, and other operational duties while furthering the mission of the organization.
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She serves on the board of directors for First Tee Lake Erie, Chicks for Charity, The Josh Project, and University of Toledo’s Eberly Center for Women; is a Center for Nonprofit Resources Minority Executive Leadership program graduate and mentor, a 2022 Leadership Ohio Fellow, a 2023 - 24 Ohio Education Policy Fellowship Program cohort member, a member of The Links Incorporated, and a mother member and secretary for the Toledo Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated.

Kengo Kato is the Chef/Owner of Kengo Sushi & Yakitori and Kato Ramen. He is also the creator of Shobu by Kengo, and has a new venture, Papa Kato Karaage, coming soon. Learn more about why Kengo is one of the EPIC Toledo 2025 Mentors, below:

Born and raised in New York City to Japanese immigrants, Kengo Kato grew up in his parents’ three restaurants, learning the importance of hospitality and hard work from an early age. His culinary journey took him through some of the most renowned kitchens, including the world-famous Masa. After that, he set out to fine-tune his art across the U.S., simultaneously helping others perfect their restaurants.

Bryan Blair is the Vice President and Director of Athletics at the University of Toledo. Learn more about why Bryan is one of the EPIC Toledo 2025 Mentors, below:

Since his arrival at The University of Toledo in May of 2022, Bryan B. Blair has helped position Toledo Athletics as one of the premier Group of Five athletic programs in the country. In that short time span, Toledo has won 13 Mid-American Conference Championships, earned the MAC’s Cartwright Award as the top overall program in the league in three consecutive years and set numerous academic records. In addition, Blair has been the catalyst behind some important and creative initiatives that have helped elevate Toledo into the national spotlight.

Blair is the 14th athletic director in the history of the University of Toledo and the first African-American to hold the post. When he arrived at Toledo, Blair was just 37 years old, the youngest FBS athletic director in the nation at the time. In 2024, Blair was named to the Sports Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” list. Blair, who was also recognized as one of the “20 Under 40” community leaders in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan in 2023, has focused on several objectives with the goal of elevating Toledo Athletics, including increased fundraising, community engagement and student-athlete support.

Among the new initiatives that have begun under Blair’s leadership is “Rise Together,” a strategic plan that outlines a roadmap for student-athlete well-being and success, community engagement and facility enhancements that aims to elevate the Rockets into national prominence.

Chrys Peterson is a leadership and communication consultant who helps train and empower leaders at organizations around the world. Learn more about why Chrys is one of the EPIC Toledo 2025 Mentors, below:

After a 30-year broadcasting career, including 20 years as the main anchor at WTOL, Chrys left TV news in 2014 to start her own consulting business helping a variety of local businesses and non-profit organizations. In 2020, Chrys was asked to become a Consulting Partner at Blanchard, one of the world’s top leadership training companies. A six-time Emmy Award recipient and Associated Press Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductee, Chrys also teaches people skills in communication, media relations, and personal branding. She is an engaging facilitator with a passion for helping others realize their full leadership capabilities.
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Chrys holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from James Madison University, and a Master of Organizational Leadership from Lourdes University. She actively serves a variety of civic and professional organizations, including NW Ohio Komen for the Cure; Lourdes University Board of Trustees, Sylvania Chamber of Commerce, The Victory Center, 20 Under 40, Hear Aide, Sylvania Schools, Sylvania Area Family Services, and the Toledo Police Foundation. Chrys' professional awards include 6 Emmys, 4 Edward R. Murrow Awards, Women in Communications Awards, the Ohio Associated Press Enterprise Reporting award and the 2005 Public Children Services Association of Ohio Journalist of the Year. Chrys has also been honored by the community with civic awards: Milestones, Toledo Press Club Touchstone and Golden Touchstone, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Hero Award, 20 Under 40, Women of Toledo and the prestigious Jefferson Award. She was 2016 Lourdes University Alumna of the year.

Chrys’ husband Tom Runnells is retired after a 41-year career in major league baseball. Their daughter Riley is the EPIC Toledo Manager at the Toledo Chamber of Commerce.