Mar 01, 2023
EPIC Toledo | Member Highlights
Get to know your EPIC Toledo members through our member highlights! A new spotlight will be posted every month.
Tony Washington | EPIC Toledo Advisory Council Member
Tony has been involved in EPIC Toledo for 3 years. He is currently serving his second year on the EPIC Toledo Advisory Council.
What brought you to Toledo and what has kept you here?
I played football at The University of Toledo from 2008-1012. After I graduated I fell in love with the potential of the city and the affordability of the lifestyle. I’ve raised my family here and I could not be happier.
What keeps you involved in EPIC Toledo?
The relationships I have formed have brought value to my life not only professionally, but personally as well, making many good friends as well as connections. I’ve felt welcome since day one and that feeling has never changed.
What leadership skills have you learned from being involved in EPIC Toledo?
I’ve learned to talk less and listen more. I’ve learned how large conferences are organized through working with the Leadership Summit. I’ve also honed my networking skills through the many socials and events.
At which EPIC Toledo events did you learn these leadership skills?
Leadership Summit, Advisory Council, and the monthly socials
Andrew Smigelski | EPIC Toledo Advisory Council Member
Andrew is an Investment Professional at Savage and Associates and has been involved in EPIC Toledo for 3 years. He learned about EPIC through his participation in the Toledo Chamber’s Summer in the City program in 2019. He is now serving his first year on the EPIC Toledo Advisory Council.
What brought you to Toledo and what has kept you here?
I was born and raised here, and I came back for the opportunity to build the career I wanted in an area where I can raise a family too. To see the growth and change of the area now from what it was as a kid is impressive, and we continue to move in that direction.
What keeps you involved in EPIC Toledo?
The community of Young Professionals looking to strive in their individual businesses, as well as foster good connections with the future leaders of the Toledo area. And, the fun socials and the golf outing is a bonus!
What leadership skills have you learned from being involved in EPIC Toledo?
I have developed my ability to network and step out of my comfort zone, as well as being able to network and connect with people outside of out age range.
At which EPIC Toledo events did you learn these leadership skills?
The socials and the Leadership Golf Outing. Building relationships is key to so many of our businesses and EPIC fosters a great environment to do that, often in a casual and fun setting.
Jedah McGee| EPIC Toledo Advisory Council Member
Jedah is the Lead Producer and Photographer at Creadio and this is her first year serving on the EPIC Toledo Advisory Council and involved in EPIC Toledo.
What brought you to Toledo and what has kept you here?
I am originally from Toledo, and since I have been back I have been grateful for the many opportunities and connections I’ve made with the work that I do. I have had so many different experiences connecting with a range of individuals and organizations and have grown an attachment in being able to help tell their stories to the community. I think what has kept me here is seeing the development and strides Toledo is making to really provide a place where everyone of any background can find something that they are interested in and get involved, so long as they are searching for it.
What keeps you involved in EPIC Toledo?
I think what attracts me to EPIC is truly the individuals that we have the opportunity to sit in the room with. Everyone is doing SOMETHING and striving toward success and that pushes me to want to do more, connect more, and learn more. Plus we get to have fun while doing it!
What leadership skills have you learned from being involved in EPIC Toledo?
I’ve been put into many different leadership roles that I did not expect for myself but that others saw for me. As a new member and advisor I am really hoping to be a source and an example for young diverse creatives and entrepreneurs who are seeking to be more involved with their network and make connections in their industry that can better prepare them for their future.
At which EPIC Toledo events did you learn these leadership skills?
I’m very excited for the Boss Talk series where we chat with local leaders and professionals who are truly making strides in our community and for our community. I think in whatever industry you choose to be part of you can always learn something from listening to others perspectives. How you choose to apply them in your own field is where the growth truly comes. One thing about me, you will see me listening before you hear me speak but when I have something to say you will know. A leader willing to learn from others is one I am working to become, and I am glad EPIC Toledo is a part of that journey.
Lyndsey Stough | EPIC Toledo Advisory Council Member
Lyndsey is an architect at Stough & Stough Architects. She has been involved in EPIC Toledo for five years and is a member of our advisory council! Lyndsey is also serving as a project champion of our strategic plan and helping to build a formal mentorship program for EPIC Toledo!
What brought you to Toledo and what has kept you here?
I grew up in Sylvania, left to study architecture at OSU, then returned to Toledo for a break before grad school. I always figured I would move away to some “insert-big-name-cool-city” for my masters but during those couple years I saw the region with new eyes, fell in love, and kept close for my next round of studies. I discovered a deep appreciation for the people, size, and energy of the area. Since then I have consistently and increasingly invested myself in the community and I am often floored at the support, care, and opportunity returned. This place is truly a gem and I’m grateful to be here.
What keeps you involved in EPIC Toledo?
I work in a small firm and EPIC Toledo is one of the best ways to connect with other young professionals while exploring fun spots around town. In addition, many members move to town for work and are, at first, hesitant about Toledo. I love watching their transition into embracing their new home as Toledo gets in their blood.
What leadership skills have you learned from being involved in EPIC Toledo?
Strategy is one of the leadership skills I’ve developed during my involvement in EPIC Toledo. From effectively pairing volunteers with non-profits and participating in 15+ person meetings, to learning about the experiences of local leaders over coffee, I have expanded my ability to right-size, target, and connect dots towards mutually beneficial results.
At which EPIC Toledo events did you learn these leadership skills?
Non-profit Matchmaker, Advisory Council, and Boss Talks.
Dana Lumbrezer | EPIC Toledo Advisory Council Member
Dana is a Director of Internal Audits and Assurance Consulting at Clifton Larson Allen. She has been involved in EPIC Toledo for five years and is currently serving in her second year on the advisory council!
What brought you to Toledo and what has kept you here?
I was born and raised in Northwest Ohio. I attended my freshman year of college in Oshkosh, WI and knew immediately I would be moving back to Northwest Ohio and transferred to Bowling Green State University to finish out my college education. I then began my career locally. I would not change any of it! The city has offered me everything I need. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE traveling, but Toledo is my home! It also helps my family is here as well. My husband and I now reside with our daughter in the area and we are beyond blessed and have the privilege of being having our families assist us in raising our family.
What keeps you involved in EPIC Toledo?
EPIC Toledo has become the post-college community I never knew I was looking for. It has helped me gain a sense of connection, passion, and purpose to getting better connected within my community and helping foster the next generation of leadership for Toledo. Through continuous involvement in EPIC Toledo, the individuals not only became connections but true friends as well!
What leadership skills have you learned from being involved in EPIC Toledo?
The importance (and execution) of networking is a cornerstone to opportunities. It’s not always what you know, but who you know! The ability to take initiative and break out of my comfort zone are key leadership skills EPIC Toledo has exposed to me as well. Being able to learn and practice those skills along with becoming aware of the happenings and developments around Toledo has been very rewarding.
At which EPIC Toledo events did you learn these leadership skills?
I have had the opportunity to practice networking, initiation, and venturing out of my comfort zone through the monthly socials and Leadership Summit committee meetings. I have gained knowledge to Toledo happenings and places through the various socials and Boss Talks hosted throughout Northwest Ohio. The Leadership Summit is always a great personal development day that teaches and fosters learning.
Alec Falkenberg | EPIC Toledo Advisory Council Member
Alec is a financial professional at Wealth Wave and and has been involved in EPIC Toledo for two years!
He currently serves on our advisory council and is chairing our membership engagement committee in 2023!
What brought you to Toledo and what has kept you here?
Toledo born and raised! After graduating from The University of Toledo I wanted to make the most out of the city I have always been in. Through EPIC, I have learned about new businesses, events, and communities I never knew existed. Even though I have been here my whole life, I am falling in love with this city all over again. The future is so bright for Northwest Ohio and I plan to be part of the change!
What keeps you involved in EPIC Toledo?
I love the vision of what this organization has both for the collective, but also the individual. By being involved and around the high caliber people that associate with EPIC makes me a better person and drives me to improve daily. Not only have I made great professional associations through networking, but have made new fantastic friendships!
What leadership skills have you learned from being involved in EPIC Toledo?
My view on networking has completely changed for the positive from “what’s in it for me” to “how much can I give back, what new friends can I make?”. I would also say that EPIC has helped me expand my vision for what I can do professionally, how I can work and collaborate with others, especially with others that might have different points of view.
At which EPIC Toledo events did you learn these leadership skills?
Being on the Advisory Council, monthly socials, Boss Talks and the Leadership Summit have fostered environments for me to grow organically and strategically.
Jake Wittmer | EPIC Toledo Advisory Council Member
Jake is a Realtor at The Wittmer Team of Danberry Realtors and has been involved in EPIC Toledo for three years!
What brought you to Toledo and what has kept you here?
I moved here when I was younger when my mother started her career with BGSU. We moved to Charleston SC for a while, but came back because we knew this area was fantastic to raise a family and home prices are super affordable compared to other areas!
What keeps you involved in EPIC Toledo?
I love seeing what is happening in the community and all of the great things happening in Toledo.
What leadership skills have you learned from being involved in EPIC Toledo?
The power of networking and collaboration is immense when you have a group of individuals working towards a common goal and adding individual skillsets that benefit the community!
At which EPIC Toledo events did you learn these leadership skills?
The annual Leadership Summit conference and through serving on the EPIC Toledo Advisory Council.
Kristy Kaufman | EPIC Toledo Advisory Council Member
Kristy is the Director of Client Services and Business Development at Rehmann and has been involved in EPIC Toledo for a little over a year.
What brought you to Toledo and what has kept you here?
I’m a boomerang! I left for 10 years. I lived in some fantastic cities and met even more fantastic people. With that said, no city I lived in compares to Toledo when it comes to opportunities to make a difference in your community. We’re a big small city where involvement in the community is highly encouraged and easy to achieve through great organizations like EPIC. So happy to be back in the Glass City!
What keeps you involved in EPIC Toledo?
The people and the community involvement. There’s no better way to develop relationships and build your network here in Toledo than through getting involved with EPIC!
What leadership skills have you learned from being involved in EPIC Toledo?
EPIC has given me so many opportunities to get involved in the community. I’ve made connections I otherwise would not have had the opportunity to make and I’ve been able to create collaborations between my company, my nonprofit, and my EPIC network. I’ve grown both professionally and personally with the opportunities I have gained through EPIC.
At which EPIC Toledo events did you learn these leadership skills?
I’ve definitely grown my leadership skills by finally accomplishing a goal of mine to join the board of a local nonprofit. Thanks to EPIC I found this nonprofit through their Nonprofit Speed Dating Event. The other opportunity that has allowed me to grow my leadership skills came to me when I was asked to join the EPIC advisory board.
Malena Caruso | EPIC Toledo Advisory Council Member
Malena is a Wellness Specialist at ProMedica and has been involved in EPIC Toledo for 5 years.
What brought you to Toledo and what has kept you here?
I moved to Toledo in January of 2013 to work for WTVG. Toledo was my “drive-by city” as I use to say. Toledo was my halfway point between attending graduate school at Northwestern University and my parents house in Akron. The Toledo community welcomed me with open arms and opportunities to grow and have a positive impact where I leave. Now, Toledo is home. I’m excited to start the next phase of my life here when I get married in the fall of 2023.
What keeps you involved in EPIC Toledo?
The excitement of being a part of the growth within our region keeps me involved with EPIC. I am the chair-elect for EPIC Toledo and I look forward to leading our efforts to engage our young professionals and inspire change.
What leadership skills have you learned from being involved in EPIC Toledo?
I’ve learned to be a leader who listens more than she talks. To truly listen to and hear people so they feel heard and seen. I’ve learned that relationships are the foundation to any type of personal or professional success. I’ve also learned more about myself, strengths and opportunities for improvements, through the different experiences I’ve had with EPIC.
At which EPIC Toledo events did you learn these leadership skills?
The EPIC Toledo Leadership Summit. This annual conference is filled to the brim with leadership training and professional development. As a past chair of this event, I know how much thought, time and energy is put into making this a day what will leave young professionals with tangible takeaways to grow their skillset.