ystark!

Thank you to Amanda Van Buren with Jobs for Ohio's Graduates for speaking this morning at Sunrise Sessions, hosted at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.

Amanda shared her journey from being a participant in JOG to now serving as a Workforce Development Specialist, helping young people overcome barriers and pursue their educational and career goals.

We also learned more about JOG's mission to prepare Ohio's young people for success in school, work, and life by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to achieve their goals.

One of the key takeaways from the morning was the importance of a trauma-informed approach. Amanda explained how past experiences can shape how young people think, learn, communicate, and respond to challenges. By looking beyond behaviors and seeking to understand the story behind them, JOG creates opportunities for young people to be supported, empowered, and successful.

We're wrapping up our 2026 Twenty Under 40 honoree spotlights with one final introduction! 🌟 We're so proud of this year's outstanding honorees and the many ways they're creating a sense of belonging, making an impact and inspiring growth in Stark County.

✨ Miracle Walker — Co-Founder, Canton Creative Meetup, 27

We can't wait to celebrate all 20 honorees together THIS THURSDAY, June 25!
👉 https://business.cantonchamber.org/event-calendar/Details/ystark-19th-annual-twenty-under-40-awards-1621539?sourceTypeId=Website

Next Tuesday’s Sunrise Session speaker is Amanda Van Buren, Workforce Development Specialist at Jobs for Ohio's Graduates. ☕️☀️

Amanda works directly with young people to help them navigate challenges, build confidence, and achieve their education and career goals. Come hear how she's making a difference across Ohio and learn practical lessons on leadership, resilience, and supporting others.

Join us on Tuesday at 8:30 AM at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank to hear her story and connect with fellow young professionals!

Here's another look at our 2026 Twenty Under 40 honorees! 🌟 These leaders are making a difference every day by serving others, strengthening our community and leading with purpose.

✨ Allison Ryan — Owner, AMRestorative Counseling LLC, 30
✨ Rachel Schaefer — Regional Director, Ohio Attorney General's Office, 28
✨ Abigail Spraggins — Founder & CEO, Abby's Helping Hands, Hopeful Hearts, 34
✨ Sean Strong — Senior Distribution Manager, Systems & Executive Director, Strong Family Wellness, 38
✨ Megan Vance — Site Director, GiGi's Playhouse Canton, 29

🎟️ Join us on June 25 as we celebrate the 2026 Twenty Under 40 honorees!
https://business.cantonchamber.org/event-calendar/Details/ystark-19th-annual-twenty-under-40-awards-1621539?sourceTypeId=Website

Your interns have been introduced to Stark County. Now, help them discover the strengths they bring to the table. 💪

Join us for Leadership Development: Gallup Strengths Assessment & Training on Wednesday, July 8 from 8:30–11:30 AM at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

This session will help interns discover their top strengths and learn how to apply them in leadership, communication, teamwork and the workplace.

Interns will leave with stronger self-awareness, a better understanding of their unique strengths and tools they can use right away in their internships, team settings and future leadership opportunities.

Help your interns take the next step in their professional growth. Register at: https://business.cantonchamber.org/ap/Events/Register/yEFOOoYteCoCR

A special thank you to our event sponsor, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, for supporting this experience.

Meet the next group of our 2026 Twenty Under 40 honorees! 🌟 These young professionals are making an impact and shaping our community throughout Stark County. We couldn't be more proud!

✨ Alison Matas Smith — AVP, Communications and Talent Development, Schauer Group, 36
✨ Anna Moeglin — Assistant Civil Service Director, City of Canton Civil Service Department, 28
✨ Elissa Prazer Welker — Development Associate, The Aultman Health Foundation, 32
✨ Colin Riley — Learning and Development Manager, Stark Library, 38
✨ Chais Ross — CEO/Founder, Chasing Hope House, 33

Join us on June 25 to celebrate the Twenty Under 40 Honorees!
https://business.cantonchamber.org/event-calendar/Details/ystark-19th-annual-twenty-under-40-awards-1621539?sourceTypeId=Website

Your after work plans tonight: 🤝🍻

Join us at The Dive Bar for the Chamber Business After Hours from 5-7 PM. Check out one of Canton's newly renovated spots with great drinks, bar snacks and a fun atmosphere.

🔗 https://ow.ly/pQLs50Z9UZZ

It's time to shine the spotlight on our next group of Twenty Under 40 honorees! 🌟 These leaders are creating opportunities, strengthening our community and making a lasting impact throughout Stark County.

✨ Evahanna (Eva) Cruz — Coordinator, Community Engagement, Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, 25
✨ Kayla DeVitto — Development & Grant Manager, Canton Palace Theatre, 35
✨ Joanna Hallisy — Senior Application Engineer, The Timken Company, 30
✨ Schanel Harvey — HUB Director for the Community Action Pathways HUB Program, Stark County Community Action Agency (SCCAA), 39
✨ Aaron Lehman — Senior Account Manager, TKG, 38

Join us on June 25 as we celebrate the 2026 class of honorees!
👉 https://business.cantonchamber.org/event-calendar/Details/ystark-19th-annual-twenty-under-40-awards-1621539?sourceTypeId=Website