{"id":13824,"date":"2024-10-03T15:52:48","date_gmt":"2024-10-03T15:52:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/?p=13824"},"modified":"2024-10-06T00:26:38","modified_gmt":"2024-10-06T00:26:38","slug":"debra-sue-ceo-a-community-champion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/03\/debra-sue-ceo-a-community-champion\/","title":{"rendered":"Debra Sue, CEO: A Community Champion"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"
Debra Sue with Jodie Summers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By Asia Nail<\/strong><\/em>
\nThe Truth Reporter<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Have you ever felt alone in a crowded room? It\u2019s a feeling many experience, especially when others seem distant or too busy. Debra Sue<\/strong>, the CEO of Glass City Talent 419<\/strong> & Founder of the Historic Vistula Community Awareness Connection<\/strong> in Toledo, Ohio, believes it shouldn\u2019t be this way. She understands that when adults take an active role in their communities, it helps us all feel more connected and supported. Let\u2019s explore how Debra Sue is working to bring back the idea of community trust and why it\u2019s important for everyone.<\/p>\n

Who is Debra Sue?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Debra Sue has spent over a decade in the entertainment world, influencing countless artists across the country. Picture her as a lighthouse guiding ships safely to shore\u2014she helps artists navigate their paths and discover opportunities beyond their local scenes. \u201cIt has always been very important to me to help artists open their minds and consider opportunities outside of their comfort zones,\u201d she explains. This commitment to growth is at the heart of everything she does.<\/p>\n

Her passion for music stems from her own experiences as a performer. After spending years on stage and backing well-known artists, she turned her attention to helping others shine.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Creating a Creative Hub<\/strong><\/p>\n

Debra Sue founded Glass City Talent 419 <\/strong>(GCT419), transforming a historic building in Toledo into a vibrant creative hub known affectionately as “The Compound<\/strong>.” The space is like a mini-Motown, where artists gather to compose music, practice performances and learn about the music industry.<\/p>\n

This building isn\u2019t just a recording studio; it houses a beauty salon, a clothing boutique and even a classroom for industry education. It\u2019s a space buzzing with activity, showing that creativity and community can thrive as one. Yet, before she fully embraced her passion for music, her career in the medical field demanded much of her time.<\/p>\n

Moving Forward Together<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI worked in radiology with Mercy Health <\/em>for 23 years and, when I retired, I purchased a historic building built in 1886 in the Vistula area. I couldn\u2019t help but realize that my neighbors needed help,\u201d she notes. \u201cIt was important to me to become a part of the fabric of the community\u2014so I started a non-profit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her non-profit, the Historic Vistula Community Awareness Connection<\/strong> (HVCAC), aims to restore confidence among neighbors through grassroot initiatives. \u201cWe connect and re-establish neighborhood trust,\u201d she explains, highlighting the need for unity in facing challenges like violence, poverty and food deserts.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Vistula area is going through a regeneration. A new park is breaking ground in 2025, and the re-pavement of the entire Lagrange area from the Greenbelt all the way to Summit Street will also be complete in the next few months,\u201d she explains. As improvements occur, she emphasizes the importance of involving residents in the process.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe must remember to keep the neighbors involved and ask what they want so the City\u2019s master plan is ideal for the area\u2019s youth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"A Focus on Youth<\/strong><\/p>\n

When you think about your own neighborhood, who are the adults that inspire you? Maybe it\u2019s a teacher who believes in your potential or a neighbor who shares fun stories. Debra Sue emphasizes that every adult can play a role in supporting children. \u201cI love people. Having a non-profit has shown me that as adults we need to be more involved in the lives of the children in our neighborhoods\u2014not solely our own children.\u201d<\/p>\n

To combat this issue, Debra Sue leads initiatives like the Vistula area Free Cuts for Kids, Backpack Giveaway, <\/strong>and Coats for Kids<\/strong>, ensuring that every child has what he or she needs to succeed. \u201cAs adults, we need to be our children’s safe zone,\u201d she states. This kind of support helps children feel cared for and understood, reminding us all of the importance of being there for the next generation.<\/p>\n

Reflecting on Our Roles<\/strong><\/p>\n

Have you thought about how you can contribute to your community? Each small act can create ripples of change. When adults show up for kids, it strengthens the bond and encourages them to pursue their passions. Debra Sue is a perfect example of how one person can inspire many.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce a year, I throw a community day block party,\u201d she says, describing the joy of bringing people together through music, food, and fun. These gatherings help people connect, fostering the sense of belonging we all need in the communities where we live.<\/p>\n

\"\"Connecting the Community<\/strong><\/p>\n

Debra Sue takes pride in organizing the annual Historic Vistula Jazz Fest<\/strong>, which has become a cherished community event. This year marked the festival’s fourth year, held at the vibrant Ostrich Towne<\/strong> development on N. Summit Street. The free music festival showcased local talent, Arthur Bishop, the Mixed Company Band w\/Debra G, and Ellie Martin & Friends<\/strong>. Attendees brought lawn chairs and picnic baskets as they enjoyed a relaxed live musical atmosphere.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe connect the business community with their neighbors. Back in my day that\u2019s how it was done\u2014so that\u2019s how we do it now. It’s a very effective and people centered way for people to gather,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Debra Sue\u2019s Vision<\/strong><\/p>\n

Debra Sue also hosts a podcast called \u201cTOLEDO to the WORLD<\/strong>,\u201d where she interviews various professionals. It\u2019s like a bridge connecting local talents to the wider world, reminding everyone that their voices matter. By highlighting the stories of others, she shows kids that they too can dream big and make a difference.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you have a desire to tell your story, I can help you make that happen,\u201d she encourages, inviting those interested in promotion to express themselves and realize they are not alone in their experiences.<\/p>\n

\"\"A Call to Action<\/strong><\/p>\n

As we think about Debra Sue\u2019s impact, it\u2019s essential to remember the importance of community. When adults take an active role in kids\u2019 lives, it creates a sense of belonging and hope. Just like a team working together to win a game, everyone\u2019s contributions matter.<\/p>\n

Debra Sue acknowledges, \u201cA significant change I\u2019ve seen in the non-profit space is a loss of funding. To combat this challenge, I see organizations working together to sustain. That\u2019s when ingenuity sets in.\u201d<\/p>\n

She raises an important question: \u201cIf we nonprofits don\u2019t figure out ways to sustain, where will people go who live in food deserts or who need clothing, housing assistance, or medical supplies?\u201d<\/p>\n

What can you do to help build a stronger community? Whether it\u2019s volunteering, mentoring, or simply being a kind neighbor, every little bit counts.<\/p>\n

Looking Ahead<\/strong><\/p>\n

Debra Sue is more than just a CEO; she\u2019s a community champion. Her dedication to helping artists and children shows us all the true power of connection in environments where everyone feels supported.<\/p>\n

So, the next time you feel alone or see someone else struggling, remember Debra Sue\u2019s example. Let\u2019s all strive to be the adults who uplift the next generation, ensuring that no child feels isolated. Together, we can revive the spirit of the community village and nurture our dreams into fruition.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Asia Nail The Truth Reporter Have you ever felt alone in a crowded room? It\u2019s a feeling many experience, especially when others seem distant or too busy. Debra Sue, the CEO of Glass City Talent 419 & Founder of the Historic Vistula Community Awareness Connection in Toledo, Ohio, believes it shouldn\u2019t be this way. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":13827,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,21,17],"tags":[],"wf_post_folders":[256],"class_list":["post-13824","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-economy","category-cover_story","category-local"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13824","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13824"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13824\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13838,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13824\/revisions\/13838"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13827"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13824"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13824"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13824"},{"taxonomy":"wf_post_folders","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wordpress.thetruthtoledo.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wf_post_folders?post=13824"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}