HOPE Toledo is proud to announce that Shawna Woody, HOPE Toledo vice president of operations and Wendi Huntley, HOPE Toledo board chair and president of Connecting Kids to Meals, have been selected by Leadership Ohio for its new class of Fellows for 2022.
“HOPE Toledo continues to flourish and impact the community,” said Rev. John C. Jones, CEO and president of HOPE Toledo. “Shawna and Wendi are dedicated and inspiring leaders who will now be working at the state level to affect change in Toledo.”
This year, 43 leaders from across the state will be given the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and perspective of Ohio, while contributing to the Leadership Ohio legacy of impact, as the organization celebrates its 30th anniversary year.
“This is an outstanding cadre of highly talented and accomplished fellows,” said Nan Baker, president of the board, Leadership Ohio. “We are thrilled to welcome this diverse group during our 30th anniversary year, which will be intentionally focused on collaboration and impact.”
The 2022 Leadership Ohio class is one of the most dynamic in the organization’s history. Each Fellow was nominated and completed a competitive application process to be considered for the class. The fellows come from various backgrounds and communities, with leaders working in innovation and business, state reform, education, and more. They will engage in programming across the state from April through November, and the curriculum and experience will provide a thoughtful opportunity for different perspectives and backgrounds to come together to learn and grow.
“I’m honored to welcome these remarkably visionary and inspiring individuals,” said Dr. Lisa Duty, executive director, Leadership Ohio. “They are now part of a growing network of changemakers and catalysts who are building stronger communities and a stronger Ohio.”
Leadership Ohio’s Alumni go on to occupy positions of influence in leading companies, key government agencies, elected offices, commissions, and Ohio’s boardrooms.
Shawna Woody, HOPE Toledo, Vice President of Operations
Shawna Woody was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. She graduated from Rogers High School and, as a Toledo EXCEL scholarship recipient, earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of Toledo. Subsequently, she received her master’s degree in Communication Studies from Bowling Green State University.
In 2004, Woody began her 17-years-long career at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo as an instructor. Only four years later, her exemplary ability for youth development, effective guidance, program planning, implementation, and evaluation prompted her to swiftly move up the ranks to become the Director of Operations.
Woody joined the HOPE Toledo team as the Vice President of Operations in 2021 and is responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures, program efficiencies, and other operational duties while furthering the mission of the organization.
She serves on the board of directors for the Eberly Center for Women at the University of Toledo and with First Tee Lake Erie. Woody is a Center for Nonprofit Resources Minority Executive Leadership Program graduate and mentor, serves as co-lead for the youth pillar of the Toledo Racial Equity & Inclusion Council and is a member of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated.
Wendi R. Huntley, Esq., President, Connecting Kids To Meals
As President for Connecting Kids To Meals, Inc. (CKM), Wendi Huntley guides her nonprofit organization in providing hot, nutritious meals at no cost to at-risk kids in low income and underserved areas of NW Ohio. CKM partners with schools, libraries, community centers, afterschool programs, homeless shelters and other places where kids gather. Huntley is responsible for fundraising, community engagement, marketing, and brand management initiatives. CKM provides about 700,000 healthy meals to kids each year, and has been feeding hungry kids for over 19 years.
Huntley is also an accomplished attorney with nearly 30 years in corporate, litigation, intellectual property, sports and entertainment law. After working for a large law firm, she established her own firm, SPEC Group, with clients across the U.S. A native of Toledo, Ohio, Huntley earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Bowling Green State University and her Juris Doctorate from The Ohio State College of Law.
Huntley is active volunteering in the community and has received numerous awards of distinction. She was selected a 2020 Recipient of the YWCA of Greater NWOH’s MileStones Award and recently an Outstanding Community Responder (COVID-19) by the Association of Fundraising Professionals NWOH Chapter, to name a few. Huntley is Chair of the HOPE Toledo Board, and on the Board of Directors for Mercy Health, Partners in Education, Mobile Meals, and HEIRS CCC (Charlotte, N.C.).