I started my career in retail, where I spent many years developing my customer service and problem-solving skills. In 2018, I made the decision to transition into the banking industry, and since then, I’ve gained a wide range of knowledge that continues to grow every day.

In 2020, I joined Citizens just weeks before the onset of COVID-19, starting as a teller. After nine months, I was promoted to banker, where I quickly became a top performer for four years. Now, I’m proud to take the next step in my career as a branch manager, leading my team to success.

My areas of expertise include student lending, business banking, and home lending. I’m passionate about financial literacy and have had the privilege of serving as an ambassador for student financial education. I’ve also been actively involved in multiple business resource groups at Citizens, including PRISM, the Women’s Impact Network, and Elev8, all of which have helped me grow as a leader and mentor.

Outside of work, I love cooking, working out, spending time with friends and family, traveling, and reading. I’m always looking for ways to challenge myself, both personally and professionally, and I’m excited to continue making an impact in the banking industry and my community.

Megan started working at the City of Toledo as the Business Inclusion Coordinator in January of 2025. In this role, she assists small businesses by providing resources and helping them navigate the process of “doing business with the City.” This includes obtaining their Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), and Veteran Friendly Business Enterprise (VFBE) Certifications, as well as bidding on City of Toledo contracts. Megan also serves on The Program Inc. Board of Directors. Previously, Megan was the Workforce Initiatives Manager for the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce 2020 to 2024.  In this role she developed strategic relationships and connected the dots from employer to community provider to employee. At the Chamber, she conducted workforce consultation meetings with business members to obtain a better understanding of current hiring practices and provided connections to untapped talent. Megan was also the convener of the Northwest Ohio Manufacturing Alliance (NOMA) Industry Sector Partnership. She participated in seven local school district Business Advisory Committees and held a seat on the Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio Board of Directors. In her role at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, Megan led the Re Entry Development Initiative (REDI) where she was invested in working with businesses and community partners to move the needle in a positive direction for fair chance hiring. Megan’s passion has always been to assist individuals in overcoming barriers to become self-sufficient.  For over 20 years, she helped individuals find employment, connect to supportive services, obtain Cash, Food and Medical assistance, and funding for training at Northwest Community Corrections Center, Harbor Behavioral Healthcare, Job and Family Services, and Ohio Means Jobs.

I am an entrepreneur myself. I know how hard it is to start a business and get it to a point of viability. I want to help others achieve their dream of starting their own business and having it grow to something they never imagined before. Also, I am a big Toledo supporter. I want metro Toledo to do well. One way to do that is to grow the local business environment.

Zachary Keeney’s career has spanned various industries, beginning with his undergraduate business degree from the University of Michigan and an Executive Leadership Development Program with Domino's Pizza. He gained extensive experience in people development, management, and operations across different countries, eventually owning and operating a successful franchise by focusing on team development.

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In 2023, Zachary co-founded FortMesa, a cybersecurity startup supporting service providers, and launched TriUnity Strategies, his consulting firm aimed at helping SMBs, MSPs, and restaurants achieve operational excellence. In 2024, he expanded TriUnity to mentor tech founders and guide them in developing their startups. Zachary is passionate about the intersection of technology, people, and business, and he is always eager to mentor motivated problem-solvers.

Michelle Pommeranz, CFP®, is a Financial Advisor at Lehner Shope Wealth Group. The Lehner Shope Wealth Group is a boutique advising and investment firm with locations in Perrysburg, Canfield and Canton. She brings over 21 years of experience in comprehensive financial plans and investment portfolio management to work towards meeting all investment goals.

Michelle is a proud Toledo native. After graduating from the University of Toledo in 1999 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, minor in Accounting, she accepted a Financial Advisor position at Morgan Stanley Dean Witter. Michelle is series 7 and 66 registered and is also Life, Accident, Health and Annuity Insurance Licensed. Michelle also obtained a Certification in Financial Planning from Bowling Green State University Michelle has enjoyed a successful career as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ since 2005.

Michelle currently resides in Monclova with her husband Martin, their son Madden and their happy lab Marx. Michelle has been involved in many charitable and social organizations and volunteers her time with the Make A Wish Foundation and St. John’s Lutheran Church. She is currently serving on the Women of Toledo Board of Directors as the CFO and the new membership committee at the Maumee Chamber of Commerce. In her spare time Michelle enjoys golf, volleyball, cooking, gardening, and traveling.

Kristen Shinaver is the Owner and Operator of The Digital Marketing Mom and current Marketing Manager at The University of Toledo’s startup business incubator and coworking space.

In 2012, Kristen launched her marketing and branding consultancy within weeks of graduating Magna Cum Laude from Eastern Michigan University. Since its foundation, her focus has been to help regional businesses achieve their goals through her work in branding, digital marketing, search engine optimization, social media, reputation management, advertising, and public relations.

Kristen has been with The University of Toledo since 2019. In her role as the LaunchPad Incubation Marketing Manager, she oversees event promotion, outreach, and growth of the department’s brand throughout Northwest Ohio. She also serves as an advisor for Launchpad’s clients and tenants.

Kristen’s formal background in public relations and psychology lets her utilize knowledge of consumer behavior to craft compelling marketing and communications strategies dedicated to driving conversions. Her focus is to teach clients about core marketing and branding concepts so they can advocate for themselves as they scale from a startup to a sustainable business.

Megan Reichert has 20 years of experience in supporting innovative and entrepreneurial ventures. Reichert is currently the Director, Innovation for Bon Secours Mercy Health, Toledo Region serving 9 of 50 hospitals within the ministry. In addition to technology-based economic development, she supports and advocates for historically disadvantaged businesses, with a particular focus on the Cherry Legacy Neighborhood.  She is a member of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s Research Foundation. Her B.A. program in English is from Indiana University and has an MBA from the University of Toledo.

Reichert previously served as the Director for the Defense Manufacturing Assistance Program at the University of Michigan’s (UM) Economic Growth Institute (EGI) formerly known as the Institute of Research on Labor, Employment and the Economy (IRLEE). She was the Director of the Clean and Alternative Energy Incubator at the University of Toledo. Reichert was formally a member of the Board of Directors for the National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) - now known as the International Business Innovation Association (iNBIA).

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Reichert spent over 11 years with a closely-held automotive manufacturing company and has over 15 years in economic development. Reichert’s economic development projects have been involved with both the private and the academic sectors related to cluster development, business incubation, technology transfer, technology commercialization, entrepreneurship, and minority business development.

Lenora McIntyre, CBA®, Business Advisor for the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC). As a Certified Business Advisor and small business coach my passion lies with helping empower the minority business community by providing resources and assistance for growth and sustainability including job creation, scalability, and economic impact initiatives such as access to capital, training, and networking opportunities. 

Justin's passion lies in empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs in the community by helping them gain access to government contracts, funding opportunities, and valuable networking connections. Justin ensures that each client receives tailored support, and the resources needed to thrive in competitive markets. As an advocate for minority and women-owned businesses, Justin is committed to making a meaningful impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem and fostering an environment where diverse companies can succeed and flourish.

Reanna is an alumni graduate of the Misa Hylton fashion academy based out of New York. Since graduating she has worked for celebrity stylist Jason

Rembert, June Ambrose and Misa Hylton, also having the opportunity to work on several different projects with NYFW with designers such as Sergio Hudson Claudia Li Bibhu Mohapatra and many more.

ReAnna has well as working with with celebrities such as Issa Rae, Michael B Jordan., James Harden and Mary J Blige for Met Gala in 2021.

Having other amazing

opportunities to also worked on the music videos with artists such as Rapsody, The City Girls and working on sketch comedy series for Complex as well.

ReAnna works with artists locally in Toledo and surrounding areas as well styling those who are in need of her assistance 

My name is Anwer Ali, I m a Physician with a MBA, own several business Healthcare consulting, Research, Pharmacy and a business promoting products made by women to USA and other international market.
Serving on the board of various organizations, naming some TSCI, Mental health board Lucas county sub-committees, offered a board position on MHB wood county, served on some international organizations board, being a member of various committees of chamber of commerce of various cities, Rotary, TORCH, Leading family homes of Toledo,
EX-board member of Rescue foundation, Ross college, TIFF, Welcome Toledo, Child abuse and prevention center, Ability center.
I love reading gardening, traveling, playing tennis and golf.
 

Sheila is the driving force behind Elevate People Solutions, serving as its founder and CEO. A seasoned expert with over 25 years of experience, Sheila is a Maxwell Leadership Certified Leadership Development Coach, International Speaker, Trainer, Coach, and Consultant.

She specializes in personal growth and professional development, helping individuals identify what’s holding them back and achieve greater self-esteem and happiness. She works with businesses to solve their important business problems and provides consulting in a number of key areas, such as organizational development, human resources, and training. Her expertise lies in empowering leaders to build their confidence and competence and unleash their full potential. Her passion is to help people grow.

Stephanie Villegas born and raised in the South Toledo area. With 20 years in Business Management, Stephanie has spent the last ten years educating financial literacy. Inspired by the strong woman who raised her, Stephanie is passionate about small business and community which has led her to the Northwest Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (NOHCC). Helping woman-owned businesses accomplish their goals is also a passion for her. Stephanie is the Director of Lending and Sales for ECDI. Stephanie enjoys cooking and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Linda Lucas Faye Lucas is a business specialist at the Toledo Lucas County Library where she works with existing business owners, business professionals and prospective entrepreneurs to help them find the data and research to advance their business goals.  She has firsthand experience in the world of small business having owned several businesses including, Changing Lanes in Maumee Ohio; a licensed before and after school day care center in Maryland; counseled over 300 small business owners in Delaware while Director of the Delaware Small Business Development Center; and has spent too many hours doing personal and business taxes. She has a bachelor’s in library science from Eastern Michigan University and an MBA in accounting from Augusta State University where she lettered in cross country, too. She has received the YWCA Milestones award and the Maumee Hometown Hero award. When she is not doing business development and entrepreneurial training, look for her in her Maumee, Ohio garden where she lives with Bill, her husband; one mutt; and one ghost named Aunt Phoebe.  Not far from her home are her two children’s families with two grandsons, Desmond and Lucas and one granddaughter, Valerie.

Justin Leahey is a Certified Business Advisor and the Certification Specialist for the Minority Business Assistance Center, with extensive expertise in guiding businesses through the process of securing state certifications, including Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), Encouraging Diversity, Growth, and Equity (EDGE), and Veteran-Friendly Business Enterprise (VFBE). 

Justin's passion lies in empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs in the community by helping them gain access to government contracts, funding opportunities, and valuable networking connections. Justin ensures that each client receives tailored support, and the resources needed to thrive in competitive markets. As an advocate for minority and women-owned businesses, Justin is committed to making a meaningful impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem and fostering an environment where diverse companies can succeed and flourish.

Serial Entreprenuer, Meme, Mom, Dog Lover and Nature Enthusiast... Tina Saunders is here to mentor!

Tina is the Founder of THR-5. She has almost 30 years of leading successful technology, ecommerce and marketing teams. She has also built and sold two start-ups, and is still active in several business ventures as an owner/operator or investor/consultant. Tina earned her undergrad from BGSU long ago and more recently her Masters in Business Administration from Heidelberg.

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As a seasonal side hustle, she enables adventure for Toledo area visitors and natives alike with Pop Up Paddle Adventures. Ready for a one to one? If the season is right, Tina loves to host meetings on the water! 

Tina's leadership has spanned marketing, sales, strategy, operational excellence and the customer journey. She is dedicated to helping small, local, women/family owned businesses succeed and THR-5 (thrive).

Passionate about holistic health and wellness, Tia continuously seeks innovative ways to enhance patient outcomes and advocate for compassionate treatment. She believes in the importance of kindness and respect in healthcare, striving to empower individuals on their wellness journeys.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Tia enjoys spending quality time with her family, traveling, and embracing the beauty of the outdoors—especially during rainstorms. Her dedication to both her profession and personal interests reflects her belief in the importance of balance in life.

Brittany Stork is a Relationship Manager with ECDI with more than 20 years of experience in Finance, Lending, Business Development, Business Management, Community Engagement, Financial Wellness and Investigations. Brittany is thankful for her mentors, and the people who have helped her become who she is today. She has the passion to help and make a difference within her community mentoring.

Sandy Spang is currently serving as the sixth president of Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments.

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She previously served as the deputy director of economic development for the City of Toledo and as an elected member of the Toledo City Council. Spang, also a business owner, spent her time on council and with the administration focused on finding ways to help entrepreneurs support their businesses and access programs designed to support their success. She worked with the economic development team to create and update grant programs that help business owners offset costs for facade, fire, accessibility, and building code upgrades.

Spang also led the team that created Permit Planner, a scoping tool that helps businesses and residents understand what permits, incentives and special restrictions apply to their construction projects. She facilitated the Forward Cities E3 program, which brought the community’s entrepreneurial support organizations together to create a more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem and resulted in the launch of the Toledo Ramp (www.tolramp.biz), an online platform for free counseling, events, and access to capital.

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Spang is a certified Ohio economic developer who has served on the National League of Cities Community and Economic Development National Committee. She’s also a founding member and co-chair of the Northwest Ohio Women’s Business Council and a board member for Lott Industries.

She has long been an advocate for regional planning and partnership and has participated in TMACOG as a member of the Leadership Development Committee and Executive Committee and has been an advocate for planning and partnership at the regional level.

Debby has always had high expectations for herself. And she thinks she can accomplish most anything she wants. Her business, Connext Nation (a division of TriNet360) is now in its 18th year. Previous to that she was a high producing sales person within the payroll service industry and then became the sales manager that could turn beginning sales people into champions. Her next challenge is to move the an online education delivery platform for her referral-based training. She is a contributing author to Masters of Sales and Masters of Networking. Additionally she has written a book, "Tell Me Exactly What to Say: 33 Conversations That Will Make a Huge Impact on Your Networking Life", which is in the editing phase currently.

Kerri is the owner of Brimming Design, offering marketing support, graphic design and website services. After college, Kerri worked at a small advertising agency, and then led a corporate graphic design department for most of a decade. In 1997 she and a business partner took the plunge to start a custom invitation business, Naptime Productions, which made custom photo announcements and invitations for 17 years. With the launch of Brimming Design in 2014, she has become an active networker and greatly expanded her circle. Kerri loves the variety in her work, and is especially happy to assist organizations that are making a change, like Women of Toledo.