Be a part of the next generation to help transform education in Cleveland and prepare scholars for choice-filled lives!
QUICK LINKS:
Who Are We?
The Friends of Breakthrough Schools Emerging Leaders group comprises local young professionals that work on behalf of the Friends of Breakthrough Schools Board of Directors. Group members are passionate advocates of Breakthrough Public Schools, whose mission is to promote and increase community involvement in the school network. | FAQs about charter schools
What Do We Do?
The group assists with school tours and many fun volunteering opportunities and hosts social and networking events. Group meetings are held quarterly in person.
How Do I Formally Join?
It’s simple!
- Complete the Membership Form below
- FOB EL Dues - at least $10/month or $120/year
As a member of the Friends of Breakthrough Schools Emerging Leaders group, you will have access to networking opportunities, discounts to Breakthrough events, and invitations to see our students as they make their mark on Cleveland and the world!
Join us for March Forward
Don't miss out on this fantastic night guaranteed to make a lasting impact across Cuyahoga County, and right here at Breakthrough Public Schools!
Friday, March 28, 2025
House of Blues Cleveland, Cambridge Room
Featuring The Ryan Sowers Band
Ryan Sowers, a dedicated co-chair of the Emerging Leaders at Friends of Breakthrough, has been a passionate advocate for educational equity and community impact. His commitment extends beyond leadership—through his musical talents with the Ryan Sowers Band, he is using his platform to give back. A performance at the House of Blues, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Friends of Breakthrough Schools, not only promises an incredible night of live music, but also directly supports the students and schools that rely on community investment. Ryan’s leadership, both on stage and in service, makes this event an exciting opportunity to celebrate music, philanthropy, and the power of education.
Professional Breakthroughs:
A Fireside Chat with Bill Koehler
Start your morning with leadership insights, career development, and networking at Professional Breakthroughs for Emerging Leaders. This ongoing series features panel discussions with community leaders, and we are thrilled to welcome Bill Koehler, past chair and board member of Friends of Breakthrough, as our next speaker.
With 30+ years of experience as a banking executive, economic development leader, private investor, and board member, Bill brings expertise in business strategy, transformation, team building, and increasing value through organic growth or M&A. A skilled problem solver, he emphasizes collaboration, consensus-building, and aligning management with investor expectations to drive sustainable growth.
Following the panel discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Bill in a dynamic Q&A session. This event is also a great chance to connect with local professionals, community leaders, and Breakthrough Schools’ teachers and alumni—all over coffee, conversation, and inspiration.
Please join our Emerging Leaders at our next Professional Developments: A Fireside Chat event, in welcoming Bill Koehler, a leader whose work continues to shape businesses, communities, and industries.
Event Details
Date & Time
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Location
Breakthrough Professional Development Learning Center
10118 Hampden Ave. Cleveland 44108
Cost
$10/person
Registration
past events
Guest Speaker
Bill Koehler
Bill has held key leadership roles, including CEO, Community Bank President, and Business Unit Executive, and has been an influential board member in organizations across sectors. He has served as the Chair of several nonprofit boards, such as Team NEO, St. Ignatius High School, and Friends of Breakthrough Schools, demonstrating his commitment to community and civic engagement.
In addition to his senior leadership roles, Bill brings a deep understanding of finance, risk management, capital markets, and private equity. His expertise spans across multiple industries, including banking, fintech, manufacturing, and economic development. Bill’s experience also includes enterprise transformation, leveraged lending, and M&A, where he has worked with both privately held and private equity-backed companies.
Bill’s strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in driving significant outcomes,
including job creation, capital investment, and successful business turnarounds. His career is
marked by a focus on collaboration, relationship-building, and driving collective success, whether
in corporate boardrooms or community-driven initiatives
Fireside Chat Attendees Gain...
Exclusive leadership insights from Bill Koehler, past chair and Board member of Friends of Breakthrough.
Actionable strategies for career development and personal growth.
Network connections with local professionals, community leaders, and educators in a relaxed setting.
Information about how their support can drive meaningful change and help advance the mission of Breakthrough Schools through their involvement.
WAYS TO GIVE
Igniting Minds, Empowering Futures! To help support, donate today via credit card, check, or stock. Thank you!
Friends of Breakthrough Schools (Friends) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Tax ID 20-4948838
Donate by Check
Checks payable to:Â Friends of Breakthrough Schools
3615 Superior Avenue E
Bldg 44, Suite 4403D
Cleveland, OH 44114
Donate Stock
Please contact Melodee McCrodden
for NEW stock account information!
Give a Gift
Use the form below to become a monthly donor or make a one-time donation in support of the scholars and alumni of Breakthrough Public Schools. Thank you for your support!
Emerging Leaders
Lauren Andrews | Taylor Bowen | Nick Hylant | Derrick Johnson | Celeste Kamasa Scott
Aurora Kitko | Mac Lagor | Hunter Louthan | Cooper Mead | Ryan Sowers
Membership Form
Please use the form below to express interest in joining the Emerging Leaders program at Breakthrough.