Torchbearers

To wrap up the summer, Torchbearers hit the ground running for Road Rally, a city-wide scavenger hunt that took teams all around Akron.

Congratulations to this year’s winners, Rubber City Sleuths!

We can't wait to see who wins next year's event or what corner of Akron our members find themselves in.

Earlier this year, many of our members and alumni had the opportunity to participate in Akron's Longest Table. This event put on display so many of the things we love about this community: The generosity, the welcoming atmosphere and the determination to join together to make a greater impact. For one day, we were one community sharing laughter and food. Join us in reliving that impactful day by watching the short document OTHRWRLD and Civic Saturday Akron :

Everybody Eats: Akron's Longest Table EVERYBODY EATS: AKRON'S LONGEST TABLE, produced by OTHRWRLD and Civ...

Earlier this morning, several current Torchbearers members were recognized at the Greater Akron Chamber's 30 For the Future breakfast. Congratulations to:
Alexis King – President, Class of 2022
Alison Matas Smith – Class of 2025, Leadership & Development Co-Chair
Megan Gossett Hatfield – Class of 2025, Membership Co-Chair
Marissa Rufe – Class of 2026, Community Impact Committee
Sam Harsh – Class of 2025, Events Committee Co-Chair
Meka Purdie-Moore- Class of 2025

Your leadership reflects the very best of our organization, and we're proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition. You can read more about these outstanding leaders on our website: https://torchbearersakron.com/celebrating-our-2026-30-for-the-future-honorees/

Congratulations to the Torchbearers who have been selected as part of Leadership Akron's Signature Class 43!
* Vish Bhatt, Class of 2016
* Kandice Lacy, Class of 2018
* Michael Carlson, Class of 2023
* Nicole Farrell, Class of 2026
We can't wait to see what the next chapter in your leadership journey has in store for you!

Meet the 39 leaders stepping into a ten-month journey across Greater Akron, one designed to expand how they see the region and how they lead within it.

Over the coming year, this class will move beyond familiar routines and into the people, places, systems, and conversations shaping our community. They'll engage directly with Greater Akron's institutions, sit with the opportunities and challenges facing the region, and build relationships across sectors that last well beyond the program itself.

We're glad you're here, Class 43. Let's expand your experience together.

👉🏻 Meet the class: https://www.leadershipakron.org/signature43

Change is inevitable — but how we show up through it is up to us. 🔥
During our Class of 2026’s latest Leadership & Development session, we explored how our personalities shape the way we react to and navigate change.
As Torchbearers, we’re learning that leadership is about knowing yourself, understanding others and being willing to adapt and grow — both as leaders and members of our community. ❤️

Torchbearers isn’t all fun and games… but it is always a good time! Members of the Class of 2026 attended an Akron RubberDucks’ game last week to relax and celebrate the end of summer. Outings like these form lifelong friendships that Torchbearers is known for!

A few of our members rolled up their sleeves to clean cabins at Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs last week!

🏳️‍🌈☀⛈Rain or shine, Torchbearers had a phenomenal time at Akron Pride Festival this past weekend. Thank you to our members and alumni who joined in for the Equity March as well as our Trash Trooper volunteers!

Please join us in giving a HUGE congratulations to Class of 2026 member James Yarbrough IV on the publication of the first children’s book he has illustrated! James worked with local author Kenan Bishop on this vibrant retelling of the childhood classic, Cinderella. There’s even a rap recording of the book for little musicians to enjoy!

James told us, “Being a Torchbearer has inspired me to do hard things to reach those big goals.”

You can learn more about the book, and even order your own copy, here: https://www.kenanbishopcoaches.com/so/3bP-uv33t?languageTag=en