Maumee Valley Hosts Issue Day Focused on Toledo Revitalization

Toledo, OH – Maumee Valley Country Day School’s Upper School will host its annual Issue Day on Jeudi, Mars 20. Organized by the Global Leadership Program (GLP), this year’s event will focus on revitalization efforts in the City of Toledo with the theme of “Community: Connect & Create.” Issue Day is a cornerstone of the GLP, a student-led initiative that fosters global and cultural awareness through year-round programming.

The day-long event brings together community leaders, experts, and students for engaging discussions and interactive sessions on a range of topics related to urban development, community engagement, and sustainability.

“Issue Day is an opportunity for students to engage with real-world challenges and be inspired by leaders working to create meaningful change in our community, ” said Hanah Eltahawy, one of the student organizers of Issue Day. “Our goal is to foster discussions that empower students to think critically and take action beyond the classroom.”

“We’re excited to bring together such a dynamic group of speakers to explore the revitalization of Toledo,” said Penny Weiner, another student organizer. “This event highlights how different sectors—arts, business, environment, and community development—can collaborate to make a lasting impact.”

Keynote Panel: Revitalization Efforts in Toledo

The keynote panel discussion will highlight various aspects of revitalization, including brownfield redevelopment, community engagement, downtown real estate development, and the role of the arts in urban renewal. The distinguished panelists include:

• Nathan Mattimoe – Arts Commission and TDC Board, overseeing Toledo’s Art in Public Places program.
• Matt Killam – Chief Outreach Officer for Metroparks Toledo, instrumental in transformative projects like the Glass City Riverwalk.
• Sally Gladwell – Senior Vice President and Principal at MSG, specializing in brownfield revitalization and sustainability.
• Ambrea Mikolajczyk – Founder of ARK Restoration & Construction, known for rehabilitating historic and underserved properties in Toledo.
• Ryan Bunch – Studio Director at Toledo Design Collective, an advocate for inclusive urban design and community engagement.

Following the panel discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with the speakers.

Event Schedule

• 8:20 – 9:20 a.m. – Keynote Panel Discussion, Millennium Theatre
• 9:20 – 9:35 a.m. – Keynote Q&A
• 9:35 – 9:50 a.m. – Break
• 9:50 – 10:45 a.m. – Session 1 (Breakout Sessions)
• 10:45 – 10:55 a.m. – Break
• 10:55 – 11:50 a.m. – Session 2 (Breakout Sessions)
• 11:50 – 12:50 p.m. – Lunch
• 12:50 – 2:30 p.m. – Simulation Exercise (Upper School students only)
• 2:30 – 2:35 p.m. – Break
• 2:35 – 3:00 p.m. – Reflection Session (Upper School students only)

Breakout Session Highlights

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with local leaders and experts in a variety of breakout sessions, covering topics such as education, health care, environmental advocacy, and entrepreneurship. Notable speakers include:

• Stephanie Moore – Elementary school counselor, Discussing TPS Schools and service dogs.
• Jason Kucsma – Executive Director, Toledo Lucas County Public Libraries.
• Correy O’Neil & Alyson Stoner – Founders of Movement Genius, improved app accessibility workshop.
• Arturo Polizzi – President and CEO, ProMedica, on hospital corporate community impact.
• Rhonda Sewell – Director of Advocacy and External Affairs, Toledo Museum of Art, cultural art curating.
• Claudia Annoni & Alex Zappone – Executive director, Head chef, SAME Cafe, on food accessibility and sustainability.
• Steve North – Cherry Street Mission Ministries, on community engagement with marginalized populations.
• Stacy Jurich – Owner, Boochy Mama’s Kombucha.
• Heather Gallant – Executive Director, 577 Foundation.
• Ian Townsend – Business Development, The Lathrop Company, on leadership.

Issue Day provides Maumee Valley students with a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insights from industry professionals and thought leaders, reinforcing the school’s commitment to experiential and inquiry-based learning.