


By Bill Franz
By Y. K. Cuts
HO, HO, HO!
How many reindeer paws landed on the roof if all the deer showed up at your house? What is Cindy Who’s middle name? What is the longitude and latitude of the North Pole? Phew!!! You know them all??? Prizes await at the return of TheatreLab Dayton’s ‘Merry Quizmas 2.0!’ The popular sing-along and trivia night is set and ready to go, Tuesday Evening, Dec 17, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM!!
The night promises to be a fun one, as music fills the air, cookies fill your bellies and a trivia fills your brain! ‘We had such a positive response last year, we knew we had to bring this back. Similar to last time, we will have our little spread of food, hot chocolate and cookies, and of course, the space will be decorated in a fun and fanciful theme! If you like libations, yep, they will be there as well!’ says David Moyer, who can’t wait for the evening. ‘People love to sing holiday songs and get into the spirit!’
The event features Philip Drennen, TheatreLab’s Executive Director and Josh Stucky, Dayton’s Trivia Queen at the microphones. It is never a dull moment! Brennan Paulin tickles the ivories to keep music in the air! Some of the TheatreLab Company will perform as well!! ‘What makes the night so special is we all gather together and just enjoy an evening of fun! It’s a great kick-off for the holidays and, for trivia buffs, it’s a great way to show your smarts! Prizes are always a fun incentive!’ says Stucky. ‘Last year, one of winners said she planned to give her prize as a gift….so I guess it can be a shopping experience as well???’ he chuckles.
Although most of the trivia revolves around the season, there are Broadway Questions, Dayton trivia and more. The event takes places at the TheatreLab Dayton Studio, 116 North Jefferson St. 45402. Proceeds benefit TheatreLab’s ongoing goal of bringing amazing productions to the area. ALSO OF NOTE…THEATRELAB WILL ANNOUNCE THEIR SEASON AT THE EVENT!!! UH-OH!!
The space is limited, and tickets are moving…so click below and join the holiday fun!!
Tickets:
https://www.simpletix.com/e/merry-quizmas-2-0-holiday-trivia-tickets-196032
By Dayton937
Wright Dunbar, Inc. announces that 2025 Dayton Region Walk of Fame nominations forms are now available online. They can be submitted online or mailed to Wright Dunbar, Inc., 1139 W. Third Street, Suite 200, Dayton, OH 45402. Nominations must be typed and received by noon on Friday, February 28, 2025.
Individuals or groups from the Dayton region or who have spent a significant amount of time in the region and have made an enduring impact on the local community, the region, the nation and or world are eligible for nomination. Arts/Culture, Aviation, Business/Corporate Leaders, Community Service, Education, Entertainment/Media, Environment, Government/Military, Invention/Innovation, Law, Medicine, Philanthropy, Science, Significant Personal Achievement and Sports are the categories highlighted.
2024 honorees were The Breeders, Clay and MaryAnn Mathile, Idotha “Bootsie” Neal, The Osborne Brothers, and G. Douglas Talbott, M.D. A list of past inductees is available at the above website.
The Walk of Fame is located on West Third Street in the historic Wright Dunbar Commercial District between Shannon Street and Broadway. Visitors are welcome to tour and see stones.
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By Dayton937
Erika Wennerstrom, the lead vocalist of the renowned rock band Heartless Bastards, is returning to her hometown of Dayton this holiday season. She will perform two special “Up Close & Personal” shows at The Brightside Music & Event Venue. The December 19th performance sold out so quickly that Wennerstrom decided to add a second date on December 18th. Although this show is nearly sold out, a few tickets remain available.
“We are excited to welcome Erika back to Dayton for the holidays,” said Music Booker Libby Ballengee. “It’s a rare opportunity to see her in such a cozy venue. What a delight!”
Tickets for the show on December 18, 2024, cost $30 and can be purchased on the venue’s website: thebrightsidedayton.com. Doors open at 7pm., with the show starting at 8pm. It’s an all-ages event.
By Dayton937
The schedule for the 2025 Dayton Battle of the Bands has been announced! This is a fantastic chance to explore up-and-coming local talent and original music from the Dayton region. This year’s event series features 26 bands over 6 weeks, culminating in a grand finale featuring the top 6 acts.
The 2025 Dayton Battle of the Bands schedule
The annual series kicks off on January 16, 2025, at The Brightside Music & Event Venue, located at 905 E Third St. The playoff rounds run every Thursday through February 20th (keeping February 27th as a possible snow date). The finale will take place on Saturday, March 8th. Each week is dedicated to a different genre from: Alt / Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Hip Hop, Metal / Punk, Americana / Bluegrass, and Funk / Reggae.
This venue has become a favorite among music enthusiasts, offering plenty of free parking, superb acoustics, a friendly ambiance, and attentive staff. Although it hosts numerous private events, showcasing local artists remains a top priority.
“We receive so many requests from local bands wanting to perform here, making it quite a challenge to accommodate them all in our hectic schedule,” said Music Booker Libby Ballengee. “The Dayton Battle of the Bands is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase these new bands and consider them for larger shows throughout the year.”
Arrianna Holiday performing at The Brightside
Photo by Jordan Freshour
The organizers aim to elevate these bands in their musical careers. Every band is provided with professional photography for promotional purposes and garners significant local social media exposure. Additionally, they receive valuable industry feedback from their partners at ConcertArchives.org. Additionally, other music venues and festivals in Dayton, including Levitt Pavilion, Oregon Express, and HoliDayton, attend the Dayton Battle of the Bands to discover talent for their own lineups.
“While it’s termed a battle, we see it as a beautifully collaborative music series,” stated Carli Dixon, co-owner of The Brightside. “We are part of the local musical ecosphere and strive to continue uplifting local musicians.”
Finalists enjoy a plethora of rewards, such as a live music video produced by Sound Valley Dayton, pizzas for band practices from Dayton Pizza Factory, and a cash prize from The Brightside, along with other benefits. The winner of the Dayton Battle of the Bands will receive an EP recording session at Dayton Sound Studios, a performance spot in Levitt Pavilion’s summer 2025 lineup, 50 personalized t-shirts from Little Monster Printing, and $1000 from The Brightside, among other prizes to be announced.
Through December 7th, series passes are on sale for just $50 for all 6 weeks of competition and the finale. This saves $25 off the regular pre-sale price and $60 off the regular at-door rate for the entire series.You can purchose those at this link: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/dayton-battle-of-the-bands-full-series-2025-03-08-the-brightside-music-event-venue-dayton-70fc21/orders/new
Event Organizer, Libby Ballengee Photo by Jordan Freshour
Dayton Battle of the Bands is made possible by a partnership between The Brightside, Venus Child Productions and Sound Valley Dayton. This all female-run festival of local music is one that you will not want to miss!
Visit the Dayton Battle of the Bands website for tickets and details: https://www.daytonbattleofthebands.com/
By Dayton937
Five Rivers MetroParks is accepting nominations for its ninth annual OUTstanding Teacher Awards. New this year and in recognition of the importance of early learning, separate categories have been created for early childhood and K-12 educators. Nominations are due Jan. 31, 2025.
2024 OUTstanding Teacher Awards – Jessie Muhleman (Leader) and Southdale Elementary Students
A winner will be selected from each of the following categories:
“We are so pleased that the important work of early childhood educators will be considered and recognized through the Five Rivers MetroParks’ OUTstanding Teacher Award moving forward,” said Meredith Florkey, a representative from Miami Valley Leave No Child Inside. “This effort supports the years of work in the preschool, childcare and family-childcare industry that shares the importance of the first few years of life when most of the brain is developed.”
Awardees will be announced this spring. Winning teachers will also receive an awards package containing:
Funded through the James M. Cox Jr. Arboretum Foundation, the awards are for teachers providing students with outdoor, environmental experiences that inspire an interest in and positive attitudes about nature.
Anyone can nominate a teacher by writing a short essay or producing a video (less than five minutes in length) that provides examples from each of the following practices:
Additionally, award submissions should include two photos of the teacher that capture the great work he/she is doing getting kids outside and bringing nature into the curriculum and classroom.
Teachers can self-nominate. Nominations can be submitted by completing an online form and either posting a video to YouTube or uploading the written essay. Judging criteria and submission information can be found online at metroparks.org/outstanding. Videos do not have to be professionally produced, as the content of the message is what will be judged. Please be as specific as possible in your nomination, so judges have a clear understanding of the amazing work and the impact of your award nominee.
Community volunteers with a background in outdoor education will judge the awards. Five Rivers MetroParks employees and board members of the James M. Cox Jr. Foundation, Wegerzyn Gardens Foundation and Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation and their immediate families are not eligible.
Last year’s OUTstanding Teacher Award recipients were Molly Horne, Rising Star educator from Tippecanoe High School; Jessie Muhleman, Leader educator from Southdale Elementary; and Tracy Kuehn, Lifetime Achievement educator from Driscoll Elementary.
By Dayton937
The Dayton Ballet Barre‘s annual Sugar Plum Tea is a tea party before the matinee performance of The Nutcracker by the Dayton Ballet. Children, parents, and grandparents alike enjoy this wonderful holiday tradition! It takes place in the beautiful Dayton Woman’s Club, exquisitely decorated for the season and within walking distance of the Schuster Center.
The ticket includes tea party foods: cute sandwiches, fruit, and desserts, with hot beverages including hot chocolate, tea, and coffee. Children get to participate in a short dance class from the Sugar Plum Fairy and a reading of The Nutcracker under the Christmas Tree – both are perfect for taking photos of your little loved one and prepping them for the performance.
“We love hosting this every year, and helping make beloved childhood memories,” organizer Libby Ballengee shared with us. “Even if you’re little ones are too small to attend the performance itself, this is a fun way to introduce them to The Nutcracker tradition.”
Please note – this event/ ticket does not include a ticket to the Dayton Ballet performance. Those are purchased separately through DaytonLive.org
How to Go?
Sugar Plum Tea at Dayton Woman’s Club – 225 North Ludlow Street in Dayton
Sunday, December 22, 2024
Doors open at 12 p.m. (due to event set-up, we cannot let patrons in earlier than noon)
Event 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. (Dayton Ballet performance starts at 2:30 pm across the street – needs separate ticket)
$25 per ticket (all attendees – adults & children – need a ticket): www.ticketsource.us/dayton-ballet-barre
By Lisa Grigsby
The RubiGirls have been honored with an Ohio Historical Marker at their iconic Rubi Clubhouse, becoming the third recipient of an LGBT-related marker in the state. This historic recognition celebrates their incredible contributions to Ohio’s LGBTQ+ community, blending entertainment with advocacy to make a lasting impact.
The RubiGirls’ legacy of raising funds for important causes and promoting inclusivity has left an indelible mark on Ohio’s history.
Nine girls have performed for over 40 years, using 492 wigs to help raise over $3 million dollars which they then grant to hundreds of local nonprofits.
Catch them next hosting a night of trivia at The Dayton Art Institute on Thursday, December 19th from 6-8pm
$150 includes team admission, four drink tickets, a holiday snack basket and a private table. Teams are limited to four people and MUST preregister by December 16 to attend. The winning team will receive four tickets to the DAI’s newest signature event, “Curated,” a craft cocktail party happening on April 3, 2025.
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The Rubi Boys??
There’s a lot going on with the Dayton’s iconic RubiGirls these days. They are planning a show at the Arcade to Celebrate 40 years on November 30th. They just completed an archival interview that will live at the Ohio Historical Society, documenting their story and their success. A new documentary about them is nearing completion. And most importantly, they found a way to support over 100 non-profits for the 2024 season. PHEW! All that aside, the RubiGirls are realizing they can’t go on forever…but what they’ve created just might!
Don’t miss their Ruby Anniversary, which will be filled with the same laughs, love and loot we’ve all grown used to. The show stars Ileasa Plymouth, Cherry Poppins, Jackie O, Taj Mahal, Fonda Peters, India Summer, Radeema Coupon, Tara Miss and the hostess, Dana Sintell. There will be more to tell after the show that can’t be given away in the article!! HMMMM????? Something exciting, we are sure!
For information visit:
therubigirls.com
For Tickets to The Show Must Go ON! Visit:
https://www.flipcause.com/secure/event_step2/MjIyNzc5/286794
By Dayton937
Join Dayton Dinner Theater for a night shrouded in mystery, featuring themed food, drinks, music, trivia, and an interactive screening of the classic film Clue! This exciting event, held at The Brightside, includes creative pizza from Dayton Pizza Factory, a delightful salad, an appetizer, and dessert crafted by Baker Benji. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.
Award-winning and nationally known actor Andrew Mitakides will be leading an interactive murder mystery skit. Musician Matt will be performing live mystery songs and playing name that tune.
And of course, costumes are encouraged. Choose your favorite character to wear!
Doors open at 5:45 pm, with food and live music from 6 to 7 pm. The movie begins at 7 pm, followed by a brief intermission for dessert and trivia at 8 pm, concluding the film around 9:15 PM.
HOW TO GO?
Nov 24, 2024 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH
Tickets $28 – available here: https://www.daytondinnertheater.com/events/clue-mystery-movie-party
Table reservations only for parties of 6 or more, otherwise we have open seating. For table reservations or other questions, please email Daytondinnertheater@gmail.com
By Y. K. Cuts
TheatreLab is coming off of their community acclaimed ‘Lizzie,’ and switching gears with ‘Not Another Thanksgiving Play’….a sort of rom-com with honest, heartfelt themes. I was so fortunate to get to sit down with Philip Drennen, who has returned from NYC to direct the show at the TheatreLab Dayton Space.
937: Welcome home and congrats on the success of ‘Big Gay Jamboree’ in NYC! SO exciting!
PD: Thank you! It’s been fun.
937: I’m intrigued by NATP!! So, what is the gist of this show?
PD: Not Another Thanksgiving Play follows a group of 20-30 somethings who share a bond through Dungeons and Dragons. And no you don’t have to know anything about D&D to enjoy the show, I sure didn’t before I came on board to direct! The real story is each character coming to terms with their own happiness within their partner and themselves. Most of our characters are part of the LGBTQIA+ community and we see 2 of them go home to their family’s Thanksgiving after years of hiding their identities from their parents.
937: Ummmm, I think I lived that plot-line myself! Tell us why you decided to return home to direct his particular performance?
PD: While this may sound heavy, NATP is mostly a comedy of errors as we watch Daniel and Gemma take home beards (fake girlfriends) home to the parents; one set strict and conservative, the other warm and maybe a little TOO open. The play has a very “rom-com” feel to it and plays as a queer, millennial “Friends” or “Seinfeld”.
937: I know TheatreLab is known for its local casts!! What can you tell us about them this go’round?
PD: The playwright, Marley Masterson, is a local Dayton artist and a big reason we wanted to do this show. TLD prides itself on hiring and giving voice to local talent and all of our actors have been seen on our stages as well as starring in all of the Dayton theaters.
937: I know TheatreLab Dayton has been handling this season with a sense of mystery…can you hint at what’s to come? We know the theme is ‘Taking Back Their Story.’ Any more you can share??
PD: TLD has always been a bit unorthodox and this season is no exception as we slowly roll out our season one show at a time. We’re all about creating art for our community with the members of our community and we’ll do that however we need to!
937: I see what you did there….no hints! UmmmHmmm. What is the audience takeaway for this show in particular?
PD: A big takeaway from NATP is that family is important and can look different for everyone. For some it’s mom and dad, for others it’s the chosen family we find at work, in school, or through a gaming club. And true happiness comes when we are true to ourselves. It might sound cheesy, but that’s what the holidays are all about!
937: Not cheesy at all….important to remember that! I have to ask you….how is it feeling to be home after your NYC premiere?
PD: I’m really excited that I get to work on an original piece as my first project back in Dayton. Marley and I have worked together on this show as well as many past TLD productions and I wanted to make sure her voice gets heard. It’s a great way to get back into the Dayton Theater Scene!!
937: Well, congratulations to you, Philip. I know people are also tuning into your Dayton Drama Queens video-podcast. Much success with that as well. You can catch the latest TheatreLab Dayton performance on the dates times below.
November 21st – 7:30pm.
November 22nd – 8:00pm
November 23rd – 8:00pm
November 24th – 2:00pm
The performances take place at:
TheatreLab Dayton. 116 North Jefferson St. 45402.
Visit theatrelabdayton.org
By Dayton937
Square One Salon and Spa, a cornerstone of beauty and wellness in Ohio communities, announces its 25th anniversary on November 15, 2024. Founded in 1999 in downtown Dayton, Square One has grown to serve six locations across Ohio while remaining firmly committed to local ownership and operation, exceptional client care, staff development, and community engagement.
Joshua Stucky, Brent Johnson and Doug Henderson
From its inception, Square One has been guided by its Four Corner Focus, a philosophy that remains at the heart of the company’s operations today. This focus encompasses:
“We’re honored to be celebrating 25 years of serving and celebrating our clients, every single day,” said Brent Johnson, co-founder of Square One Salon and Spa. “This milestone reflects the trust our community has placed in us, the ongoing dedication of our incredible team, and the enduring relevance of our Four Corner Focus.”
From its beginning, Square One has expanded its services to meet the evolving needs of clients, now offering a comprehensive range of beauty and wellness services, including hair styling, expert hair color, all types of hair texture services, rejuvenating massages, advanced skincare treatments, and professional nail services. The salon also proudly carries products from renowned brands such as Aveda and Smashbox Cosmetics, emphasizing its commitment to quality and self-care.
Doug Henderson, co-founder, emphasized the salon’s holistic approach: “Over the past 25 years, we’ve evolved from a hair salon to a complete beauty and wellness destination. Our focus has always been on enhancing not just our clients’ appearances, but their overall well-being and confidence, all while staying true to our original mission and values.”
Key Highlights of Square One’s 25-Year Journey:
To mark this significant milestone, Square One is launching several initiatives:
Josh Stucky, co-founder, reflected on the salon’s impact: “As we look back on 25 years of growth and change, one thing has remained constant – our commitment to our local communities, as embodied in our Four Corner Focus. We’re not just a business in these communities; we’re neighbors, friends, and active community members dedicated to bringing out the best in the people and the communities we are so privileged to serve.”
The public is invited to join in the celebration by sharing their Square One memories on social media using the hashtag #SquareOne25 and by visiting any Square One location during the anniversary month to say hello.
By Dayton937
WYSO Public Radio, a nonprofit, community-owned public radio station serving Southwest Ohio with news, music and storytelling, has launched a music-only streaming channel called Novaphonic.
The channel can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by streaming online at novaphonic.fm or by broadcast on any HD radio.
With this dual-channel model, WYSO’s existing music programming—such as “Midday Music,” “Around the Fringe” and “Tables of Content”—will be simulcast on WYSO and Novaphonic, meaning there will be no interruption to the current WYSO schedule.
However, when WYSO begins a news show such as “Morning Edition” or “All Things Considered,” Novaphonic will continue to air locally hosted music shows. The result will be a 24/7 schedule of music curated by the WYSO music team and reflective of music and musicians from our region and beyond, and from numerous genres.
Juliet Fromholt
“Our goal is to support a community of musicians and music fans and for that community to feel welcoming and inclusive. Diversity is an essential part of our daily mix of music,” said Juliet Fromholt WYSO’s Music Director (left). “When we say ‘Roots,’ we’re talking about bluegrass and folk, country and Americana. Rock sounds obvious on the surface but gets richer when we think about everything from punk to indie rock and everyone from Big Mama Thorton to David Bowie to St. Vincent and the Linda Lindas. Rhythm is hip-hop, yes, but it’s also jazz, R&B, soul and of course some Dayton Ohio Funk! Pop music on Novaphonic takes those catchy hooks and melodies from mainstream music and puts them in the hands of artists on the fringes of it. So think Bjork, Sylvan Esso, Bartees Strange and Mitski. And world music brings us sounds and songwriting from artists whose musical traditions and influences find their home in many places, but especially the global South.”
More information, including the full program schedule for Novaphonic and a link to listen online, can be found at novaphonic.fm.
By Dayton937
The Better Business Bureau’s Women in Business Networking (WiBN) program is thrilled to announce the 2025 Women To Watch honorees. WiBN Women To Watch honorees are dynamic professional women who have been recognized for inspiring and encouraging those around them to actively challenge the status quo, working to improve their communities, develop their employees and advocate for women in general. Rather than being content with others just watching them work, these women involve those around them in their endeavors thereby increasing their collective impact. They embrace the WiBN theme for 2025 – ”Empower To Excel”.
Sheri Sword, WiBN executive director, shares, “WiBN is thrilled to spotlight the women in the Women To Watch Class of 2025. They are role models for women in our marketplace. They strive for excellence in all they do whether it’s in their work, play or volunteerism. We applaud their efforts.”
2025 Women To Watch include:
Claudine Bennett
Dayton Metro Library
Claudine is the External Relations Manager for the Dayton Metro Library. Prior to that, she was the Marketing/Communications Manager for 23 years for the City of Kettering Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department. She holds a BA in Communications from Wright State University and an MPA from the University of Dayton. Claudine brings 31+ years of communications experience with daily work in marketing, public relations, brand management, crisis communication, and strategic communications.
Kandise Bobo
Sincalir Community College
Kandise Bobo, an accomplished leader in business education and community engagement, serves as the Executive Director of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program at Sinclair Community College. Armed with an MBA and years of experience in both academia and the business world, Kandise provides small business owners with the resources and support they need to succeed. She also teaches business classes at Sinclair and the Dayton Correctional Institute, where she is dedicated to helping students of diverse backgrounds gain practical business knowledge. Kandise is also actively involved in various community initiatives, including her position as a board member of the Dayton Foodbank. Through her leadership and advocacy, she strives to address food insecurity and promote equitable access to nutritious food for all members of the community.
Demarus Crawford-White
NPower Ohio
Demarus Crawford-White is the Executive Director of NPower Ohio, bringing over 20 years of experience in education, with a focus on non-traditional age student populations. Deeply aware of the burden of student loan debt, she has consistently sought creative solutions to help students navigate and avoid its consequences. Crawford-White has a long history of community involvement in Dayton, volunteering with several organizations that align with her commitment to improving the community by empowering others. She is a 2024 Leadership Ohio fellow, a 2019 Leadership Dayton graduate, and an active member of the Dayton Metro Library Foundation board, WYSO Community Action Board, and the Downtown Dayton Residents Association. At NPower Ohio, she is passionate about helping young people, retired military members, and their spouses transition into well-paying careers without educational debt. She and her husband Michael, residents of Dayton, are proud grandparents of five amazing grandchildren.
Dr. Carmela Daniels
Department of Veteran Affairs
Dr. Carmela Daniels is a dedicated social work educator and practitioner with over 20 years of experience serving diverse populations. She is a leader in the field, known for her expertise in anti-oppressive practice and her commitment to racial equity within social work and homeless programs. Dr. Daniels is also a sought-after speaker, offering presentations and workshops that blend humanity with purpose in leadership roles. She is a social work educator who has taught social work at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of social workers. Currently, Dr. Daniels is spearheading initiatives within the Department of Veteran Affairs to address racial equity, focusing on transforming homeless programs into equitable and just systems. Her work is a testament to her lifelong dedication to social justice, community support, and empowering marginalized voices. She has received numerous awards and recognition for her service to communities in need.
Jocelin Dean
Dayton Development Coalition
Jocelin Dean serves as the Associate Talent Manager for the Dayton Development Coalition. In this role she works to support the workforce and talent needs of our long-standing local businesses and crafting recommendations to attract new businesses to the Dayton Region. Jocelin is a native Ohioan, growing up in Columbiana County before receiving her Bachelor’s in Communication from Wittenberg and settling in Dayton with her husband Nick and two children, Sophia and Miles. She’s involved in several community organizations including the Junior League of Dayton, Ohio Cooperative Education Association, Levitt Pavilion (joining their board in November) Engineer’s Club, Dayton Area Logistics Association, and Board Development Committee for Girl Scouts of Western Ohio. Additionally, she was recognized by the Dayton Business Journal as a 40 Under 40 recipient in 2019 and is a 2022 graduate of Leadership Dayton.
Amanda DeLotelle
Miami Valley Meals
Amanda DeLotelle is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Miami Valley Meals, where she leads a team in transforming donated food into nutritious meals for those facing food insecurity. Under her leadership, MVM is set to donate over 1 million meals by its 5th anniversary in 2025 and has earned accolades including the BBB Torch Award. Amanda holds a BA in Telecommunications and an MA in Digital Storytelling from Ball State University. Her career includes a successful tenure at the Victoria Theatre Association, where she advanced to General Manager of the Food and Beverage Department, refining her leadership and management skills. Deeply committed to her community, Amanda graduated from the 2023 City of Dayton Neighborhood Leadership Institute and is active in initiatives like the Montgomery County Food Equity Coalition. Amanda’s supportive family and team inspire her, and she is passionate about cultural engagement, travel, and making Dayton brighter for all.
Adrienne graduated from Northmont High School in 2016, where she participated in DECA, achieving Top 10 finalist placement at ICDC Nashville 2016. She attended Sinclair College and was a student ambassador, and continued her education commencing with a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Wright State University in April, 2024, where she served on the WSU President’s Student Advisory Panel.
Jessica Galloway
Visionary Home Solutions
Donnica Hawes-Saunders
The Averity Group
Donnica Hawes-Saunders is the Founder and CEO of The Averity Group, a full-service, solution-oriented public affairs firm that helps organizations transform their reputation at the intersection of communications, social impact, and public policy. In 2023, The Averity Group was named one of the top reputation management agencies in the U.S. by Design Rush. Donnica has been awarded the Yahoo Finance EMpower 100 Global Future Leaders & Top 20 Highest Achieving Changemakers for her strategy, execution, and advocacy in diversity, equity, and inclusion and the PRISM International Diversity Impact Award for creating and institutionalizing HBCU programming in global organizations. Donnica holds a J. D. from the University of Dayton School of Law, and received a B.A., magna cum laude, in Sociology and Anthropology from Spelman College.
Catherine Hernandez-Hogan
Wright State University
Catherine Hernandez Hogan, Senior Director for Latino Affairs and Community Engagement at Wright State University, has dedicated her career to supporting college students globally through recruitment, admissions, programming and inclusive excellence. During her tenure leading Latino Affairs, she increased the total Latino student population by about 30% from 2022 to 2024 and achieved a historic 16% increase in Latino student retention from 2023 to 2024. She was honored statewide with a 2023 Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Award from the Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs and regionally as a recipient of the 2024 Leaders in Diversity Awards by the Dayton Business Journal. Catherine serves on the board of the El Puente Learning Center and tirelessly advocates for Latino students, emphasizing that they belong on campus, that they matter, that they have what it takes to succeed, and that by getting their degree, they can impact their families for generations.
Jessica Holderman
Dayton VA Medical Center
Jessica Holderman is a licensed independent social worker currently serving in a healthcare administration role as the Executive Assistant to the Medical Center Director at the Dayton VA Medical Center. She received her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Cincinnati and her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, with a minor in Social Work, from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. She is a member of the American College for Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Jessica participated in and completed the year long VISN 10 Leadership Development Institute (LDI) in 2017 and the MidCon Administrative Officers Academy in 2021. She currently resides in Beavercreek, Ohio with her husband, Jordan, and her two children, Jack, and Juliet. Outside of work, she enjoys spending her time with her family, being involved and volunteering for her children’s extra-curricular activities and singing with her church praise and worship team.
Beth Hutter
MVH/GS Foundations
Beth Hutter’s career has included a wide range of experience, but her true love is non-profit fundraising. For the past 20 years Beth has focused on fundraising within the Dayton community. Currently serving as Vice President at both the Good Samaritan Foundation and the Miami Valley Hospital Foundation, she is deeply involved in all aspects of fundraising, including major gifts, planned giving, endowment development, and donor stewardship. Her expertise spans campaigns, grants, annual giving, and non-profit finance and operations management. Providing resources for the medical staff, volunteers, patients, and families every day brings meaning to her life, alongside her family. She has also served on various non-profit boards, further enhancing her commitment to community impact. Outside of work, Beth has been happily married to her husband Kurt for 38 years and takes great pride in their three daughters and son-in-law. She cherishes her border collie, Ace, and sweet cat, Zucca
Teresa Macalolooy
Macalogic
Teresa Macalolooy is the founder and CEO of Macalogic, an Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned Small Business (EDWOSB). Macalogic supports its federal clients in four domains: Software Development; Program Support; Enterprise Architecture; and Compliance. Macalogic IT consulting includes full system and network support for commercial clients. Ms. Macalolooy serves as a mentor to professionals interested in expanding their government careers. Macalogic is a people-centered company with a strong culture of value-added support to the community and our clients. Before starting Macalogic, Ms. Macalolooy spent nearly 30 years serving in a variety of technical, program management, business development, and leadership roles for large, small, and mid-size companies. Ms. Macalolooy earned a bachelor’s degree from Wright State University in 2001, graduating Suma Cum Laude. She is a lifetime member of AFCEA, where she currently serves as the Executive VP and Chair of the Wright Innovative Technology Summit (WITS) conference.
Beverly Martin
VA Center
Dr. Beverly Duffey Martin is a motivational speaker, accomplished musician, song writer, singer, author and pastor. She has been featured on television programs, including TBN, which she has hosted on numerous occasions. She authored an array of plays, poetry and has three albums to her credit. Dr. Bev’s international ministry has earned her numerous awards and recognitions, including being selected to participate in the Business & Professional Women’s Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.; was keynote speaker for Dept. of Defense (Defense, Finance & Accounting Service); and much more. Dr. Bev fulfilled most of her undergrad academia at Cal State University, completing her last year at Central State University, receiving a B.S. Degree in Education with a Music minor. She earned two master degrees: from IAU in Pastoral Counseling, and the University of Dayton Social Agency Counseling. Dr. Bev received a PhD in Counseling from IAU. She received a Doctor of Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary, specializing in Administration of Urban Ministry and Church Development.
Kirsten Mendoza
University of Dayton
Kirsten Mendoza is Associate Professor of English and the Associate Director of the Human Rights Studies Program at the University of Dayton. She received her B.A. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2012. A year later she graduated with a Masters in English from Loyola University Chicago. In 2018, she completed her Ph.D. at Vanderbilt University. Her research, which focuses on sixteenth and seventeenth century drama and literature, has been supported with grants from the Huntington Library, the Folger Shakespeare Library, and the American Council of Learned Societies. She has been teaching at the University of Dayton since August 2018. As a professor who educates future high school teachers, she is particularly committed to inspiring her students to understand the work they do in the classroom as a form of empowerment that engages with difficult social justice issues as they strive to create a world that is historically informed, compassionate, and just
Kathryn Mullen
Thomas B. Fordham Foundation
Kathryn Mullen has been with the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation since 2005. As Vice President for Sponsorship and Dayton Initiatives, she oversees the Fordham Foundation’s charter school sponsorship operation, comprised of a portfolio of ten public charter schools in sixteen buildings serving approximately 6,500 Ohio students. Her sponsorship duties include managing the charter school application and contract process, school evaluations, providing customized assistance to schools, managing charter renewals and non-renewals, facilitating school closures, negotiating contracts, consulting, researching policy solutions and sharing information on sponsorship best practices. Kathryn serves on the board of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) and is a regular presenter at NACSA’s annual conference. In Dayton, Kathryn leads the Fordham Foundation’s efforts to work with education, civic, community, and business leaders to strengthen educational opportunities for Dayton area children. Kathryn holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton, and a J.D. from Marquette University Law School.
Meghann Naveau
Brigid’s Path
Meghann Naveau is married to the cute guy she started loving in 2006 and mom to two confident kids. She is a proven marketing and communication practitioner who has worked with nonprofits and businesses across numerous industries to build brands, tell stories, and plan well. Meghann is a graduate of the University of Dayton (Communication) and an avid runner and reader. She is an active lay Marianist and collaborates on numerous faith-related projects that help people better love their neighbors.
Jessica Olsen
Greater Dayton RTA
Jessica Olson is the Director of Communications and Training for the Greater Dayton RTA, recently recognized with a national American Public Transportation Association AdWheel award for the agency’s “Proudly Serving Project” which highlights communities RTA serves through individually designed fixed-route buses. She also received the APTA AdWheel Grand Prize award in 2024 for RTA’s “Caring for Our Community” campaign highlighting good works by employees. She serves as Director of Marketing the Heart of Centerville Washington Twp., a small business association, where she’s assisted in the promotion and execution of large-scale events. She also serves on the marketing committee for the Americana Festival. Olson co-owns JJ’s Boutique, located in Front Street Art Galleries in Dayton, in which she creates artwork utilizing wood windows and dried flowers. She’s a graduate of Wright State University and resides in Centerville with her husband and four children.
Ashley Prichard
Waibel Energy Systems
Ashley Prichard, HR Director, just celebrated her 20-year anniversary at Waibel Energy Systems, Inc. She has held many roles with the company, including administrative, graphic design, and marketing. In her current role, she is passionate about improving the employee experience, creating growth opportunities, and workforce development. She advocates giving back to the communities in which we work and spearheaded a volunteer time off policy that gives associates paid time off to volunteer and support causes that are important to them. She is a member of the 40 under 40 class of 2023. Ashley lives in Springboro, has been married to her husband Zac for 15 years, and has three children: Stella, Savy, and Brooks.
Samantha Redden
Appliance Gallery
Samantha Redden is the Marketing and Community Relations Manager for the Appliance Gallery, podcast host, fitness professional, type 1 diabetes (T1D) advocate, and current Mrs. Ohio American titleholder. Samantha was diagnosed with T1D at the age of nine and has used her own diagnosis to raise awareness and support for others living with the disease. She was named the 2019 Diabetes Female Fitness Influencer of the Year by Myabetic and currently serves on the Southwest Ohio board of directors for Breakthrough T1D. As a fitness professional, Samantha remains committed to health and wellness advocacy. She also hosts “The Samantha Show,” streamed in over 37 countries, where she shares insights on confidence and personal development. Samantha won the title of Mrs. Ohio American in June of 2024 and recently competed at the national Mrs. American pageant in Las Vegas, NV.
Carolyn Rice
Montgomery County Board of Commissioners
Carolyn Rice has served as County Commissioner since January 2019 and as County Treasurer from 2007-2018. Carolyn worked in the private sector for 17 years before entering public service. As Commissioner, Carolyn has focused on issues including early childhood development, homeless solutions, work-based learning, addiction prevention, criminal justice, mental health, sustainability, and resiliency. Carolyn serves as Chair of the Land Bank and on numerous boards including Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce and the County’s Homeless Solutions Policy Board. She is active with the County Commission Association of Ohio, the National Association of Counties, Rotary Club of Dayton, Dayton Council on World Affairs, and the Dayton Sister City Committee. Carolyn has been recognized by the Ohio Land Bank Association, YWCA of Dayton, NCCJ, Dayton Business Journal, and the Dayton International Peace Museum. Carolyn graduated from Miami University of Ohio and Wright State University and is married with grown children.
Kellie Schneider
The Foodbank, Inc.
Dr. Kellie Schneider is a scholar and educator with a background in Industrial Engineering. Kellie is the Chief Knowledge Officer at The Foodbank Inc. where she and a team of other magical unicorns work to eliminate hunger and its root causes. Kellie supports the critical infrastructure of The Foodbank including compliance & reporting, warehouse operations, professional development, strategic initiatives, and continuous improvement. While delighted to be recognized, Kellie believes the women we should be watching are the ones she supports, mentors, and works along side of every day.
Denise Swick
Swick Real Estate Group
Denise Swick is a respected real estate leader with over 35 years of experience in the Dayton area and a track record of selling more than 3,500 homes. As the Owner of the Swick Real Estate Group, she expertly helps homeowners through every step of the buying and selling process. In addition, she is the Founder and CEO of Downsize Allies, providing full-service downsizing management to assist clients with transitions to smaller homes or new living situations. Denise’s career is built on a foundation of honesty, integrity, and a commitment to achieving the best possible results for her clients.
Tywauna Wilson
CompuNet Clinical Laboratories
Tywauna Wilson, MBA, MLS (ASCP)CM is an accomplished medical laboratory leader, author of “Some Leaders Wear Lab Coats,” and host of the “eLABorate Topics” podcast. With two decades of progressive medical laboratory and healthcare leadership experience, she leverages her clinical expertise to mentor and coach emerging and new leaders. Ms. Wilson is viewed as a leadership innovator in the medical laboratory community and has received several accolades in the past year including: 2023 American Society For Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Mentorship and the 2023 Diversity MBA Media Top 100 Under 500 Emerging Leaders awards. Mrs. Wilson currently holds the position of System Technical Director of Chemistry at CompuNet Clinical Laboratories, here in Dayton, Ohio. In this role, she leverages her clinical expertise to provide strategic planning, standardization, implementation, and collaboration across ten laboratory sites. Tywauna is committed to guiding the next generation of confident, competent laboratory leaders.
• Claudine Bennett, Dayton Metro Library
• Kandise Bobo, Sinclair Community College
• Demarus Crawford-White, NPower Ohio
• Dr. Carmela Daniels, Department of Veterans Affairs
• Jocelin Dean, Dayton Development Coalition
• Amanda DeLotelle, Miami Valley Meals
• Adrienne Draper, (post humorously), Montgomery County Treasurer’s Office and Englewood City Council
• Jessica Galloway, Visionary Home Solution
• Donnica Hawes-Saunders, The Averity Group
• Catherine Hernandez-Hogan, Wright State University
• Jessica Holderman, Dayton VA Medical Center
• Beth Hutter, Miami Valley Hospital/Good Samaritan Hospital Foundations
• Teresa Macalolooy, TM Capture Services, LLC dba Macalogic
• Beverly Martin, Veterans Affairs Center
• Kirsten Mendoza, University of Dayton
• Kathryn Mullen, The Thomas B. Fordham Foundation
• Meghann Naveau, Brigid’s Path
• Jessica Olsen, Greater Dayton RTA/Heart of Centerville
• Ashley Prichard, Waibel Energy Systems
• Samantha Redden, Appliance Gallery and current Mrs. Ohio American titleholder
• Carolyn Rice, Montgomery County Commission
• Kellie Schneider, The Foodbank, Inc.
• Denise Swick, Denise Real Estate Group & Downsize Allies
• Tywauna Wilson, CompuNet Clinical Laboratories
Learn more about all of the honorees at the Better Business Bureau website at the following link: www.bbb.org/local/0322/top25/honorees
A celebration for all of these honorees is planned for October 11, 2025.
By Dayton937
Do you love Anime? Japanese food? Have you started learning Japanese but need some help? Sakura Juku is bringing their Cincinnati based school to Beavercreek this winter. They focus on building a strong foundation in Japanese grammar and vocabulary, then use these skills for conversation and engaging class activities that will take your Japanese to the next level. But…SAKURA JUKU is more than just a language school. This is a place that provides opportunities to learn about and experience Japanese culture.
The class will run from January 22 – April 16, 2025 (12 weeks / 15 Hours)
Wednesday 6:00pm – 7:15pm (75 mins)
Holiday Inn Dayton/Fairborn I-675, 2800 Presidential Dr, Fairborn, OH 45324
The class costs $360 and is forAges 16+
Registration opens Nov 10th.
This course is designed for students who have little or no background in Japanese. Students are expected to do weekly homework assignments. The topics to be covered in this course include but are not limited to:
Required Books (Purchased separately by student – not included in the course fee):
Tsuzuki sensei was born and raised in Japan. She has been teaching Japanese at several universities since she graduated from WSU with a MA in English (TESOL), and has experience teaching students from 5 to 60 years old. She loves teaching and enjoys every minute of it! Tsuzuki-sensei enjoys good food, J-Pop, K-Dramas, shopping and laughing (especially with Japanese comedy shows). She also likes playing piano and reading books in her spare time. However, recently she feels that puzzle games suck up her precious time too much but she cannot quit!