I Invest in ME Leadership

Conference & Fundraiser

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The African American Leadership Council (AALC) of United Way of Greater Toledo proudly presents the 2026 “I Invest in ME” Leadership Conference & Fundraiser, themed “Jump Start Your Future.”

This engaging and empowering leadership experience is designed to inspire individuals at every stage of their professional journey—from college students and emerging leaders to experienced professionals, established executives, and individuals preparing for retirement or a new chapter in life.

The conference will provide practical tools, meaningful conversations, professional development, and opportunities to connect with leaders and peers. Through an inspiring keynote address, interactive breakout sessions, and a multigenerational panel discussion, participants will explore how to strengthen their financial foundation, lead with purpose, prepare for future opportunities, and intentionally plan the next stage of their personal and professional lives.

Your attendance directly invests in the next generation of leaders. Proceeds from this conference support the I Invest in ME Scholarship, which awards $1,000 scholarships to eligible college students in our community.

Invest in yourself. Strengthen your leadership. Build meaningful connections. Jumpstart Your Future.

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Pictures courtesy of Limitless Creatives, LLC.

Conference Agenda

Thursday, November 12
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Owens Community College – Veteran’s Hall

9:00 a.m. – Doors Open

10:00 a.m. – Welcome & Keynote
Cynthia Wilkes, City of Toledo
Keynote: Brian Byrd, Former Chief, Toledo Fire & Rescue

11:00 a.m. – Future Forward Leadership: Turning Vision into Action
Speaker: Kellie & Jewell Jones, Champion Living

12:00 p.m. – Financial Empowerment & Building Your Future
Speaker: Faye Smith, Fifth Third Bank

12:45 p.m. – Lunch
Catering provided by Bridgett Be Cookin’

1:00 p.m. – Leading with Awareness & Adaptability (Limited Space)
Facilitated by: Shayna Duke, Principal Business Enterprises

2:00 p.m. – The Professional Journey: Success at Every Stage
Moderator: Imani Jackson, Multimedia Journalist, 13abc
Panel: Cathy Bernardino Bailey, Aiyona Brownlee, Ashley Capri

2:45 p.m. – Closing Remarks
Cynthia Wilkes, City of Toledo
Amanda Davis, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department

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Thank you, Sponsors!

City of Toledo-Full Color-Public Utilities-RGB

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Chandler Fitzgerald, Savage & Associates

Fifth Third Bank

Principal Business Enterprises

N-SYNC – Getting Your Affairs In Order

Sponsorship Opportunities available! If you or your company would be interested in supporting African American Leadership Council and receiving some special benefits, please view our sponsorship package. Questions? Email africanamericancouncil@unitedwaytoledo.org.

Brian Byrd

Former Fire Chief, Toledo Fire & Rescue

Brian Allen Byrd is an accomplished public safety executive, safety professional, and community leader from Toledo, Ohio, with more than three decades of experience dedicated to protecting people, strengthening organizations, and improving emergency preparedness.

Brian served 33 years with the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department, progressing through the ranks through a career defined by leadership, operational excellence, and a commitment to public service.

He retired as department chief, where he provided executive oversight of fire operations, personnel, emergency response initiatives, 911 call-taking and dispatching, recruitment and department-wide safety and preparedness efforts.