Listeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey! In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Dan Sheaffer, director of Findlay Hancock County Economic Development. Sheaffer has a pivotal role in shaping Northwest Ohio’s future by attracting new investments, supporting business expansion and fostering a vibrant economic landscape. A multi-generational native of Findlay, Dan graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University. With more than a decade at Findlay Hancock County Economic Development, Dan was promoted to his current role in November 2022. His tenure i ..read more

Listeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey! In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Tom Daniels, director of Talent Management for Knight Insurance Group and Owens Community College alumni and member of the Owens Community College Foundation board of directors. Daniels has carved a niche in Northwest Ohio as a trusted coach, adviser, speaker and volunteer. His passion lies in empowering leaders to make a significant impact in their communities, which he believes starts with recognizing everyone's innate leadership potential and desire to con ..read more

Listeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey! In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Bryan Ashton, the chief strategy and growth officer of Trellis and head of Trellis Strategies. Trellis is a nonprofit corporation with a mission to develop and advance initiatives that grow individual economic mobility and expand community prosperity. Bryan's career trajectory has been marked by a deep commitment to enhancing the financial literacy and success of college students. Ashton’s journey began at Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Busine ..read more

Listeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey! In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Jen Hazel and Jane Berger, the dynamic duo leading Owens Community College’s BIG Read program designed to foster understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives through literature and related activities. Their combined experiences and passions make them an exceptional team to promote literacy and community engagement. Jen Hazel, a professor of English at Owens Community College for over 16 years, is known for her dedication to student success and ..read more

In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Alex Boylan, the creator, executive producer and host of the TV series The College Tour. After winning CBS’s The Amazing Race shortly after graduating from Jacksonville University with a B.S. in International Business, Alex’s sense of adventure catapulted him into the limelight, creating a successful and dynamic entertainment career both in front of and behind the camera. For nearly two decades, Alex has been a sought-after onscreen personality, having hosted the #1 food series on PBS At The Chef’s Table, the #1 animal series on PBS Anima ..read more

In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Jason Kucsma, the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library Executive Director and Fiscal Officer, a role in which his Toledo roots play an influential part. A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Jason's academic pursuits in Communications and American Culture Studies laid the groundwork for his professional trajectory. His entrepreneurial spirit manifested early on with the creation of Clamor magazine and the founding of Allied Media Projects, initiatives that underscored his commitment to independent media and the empowerment of commun ..read more

In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Amy Wachob, the President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio. Wachob earned her associate degree at Owens Community College and went on to obtain her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Toledo. She joined Goodwill Industries in 1991. Over her 32 years with the organization, she has held various leadership and management roles, including retail director, vice president and chief operating officer. She attended Goodwill Industries International, their award-winning executive development progra ..read more

In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with the City of Toledo’s Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz and Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development Rosalyn Clemens. Mayor Kapszukiewicz received a bachelor's degree from Marquette University in 1994 and a master's degree from the University of Michigan in 1996. Prior to his election to mayor, he served as Lucas County Treasurer, a Toledo city councilman and as a member of the Lucas County Board of Education. Director Clemens has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Maryland. She has also completed National ..read more

In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Sara Burke, PT, DPT, the chair and assistant professor of the Owens Community College Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Dr. Burke has won several awards, including the Owens’ School of Nursing and Health Professions Teaching Excellence Award, the American Association of Community College Dale P. Parnell Faculty Distinction Recognition, and the Owens’ Presidential Teaching Award. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Ohio State University-Lima Campus and her doctorate in physical therapy at the University of Findlay. Dr. Bur ..read more

In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Mark Wasylyshyn, the Wood County (Ohio) Sheriff since 2005 and a graduate of Owens Community College. The lifelong resident of Wood County graduated from Rossford High School in 1979 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hillsdale College in 1983. He is also a graduate of the Police Executive Leadership College and the National Sheriff’s Institute. Sheriff Wasylyshyn is a member of the executive committee of the National Sheriffs’ Association ..read more