Emerging Leaders

Be a part of the next generation to help transform education in Cleveland and prepare scholars for choice-filled lives!

Mission

Working in partnership with the Friends of Breakthrough Board of Directors, the Emerging Leaders group is dedicated to engaging Cleveland’s young professionals in support of educational equity. This dynamic group will increase community involvement with Breakthrough Public Schools by raising awareness of the network’s mission, organizing volunteer initiatives, and hosting events that bring together like-minded professionals passionate about making a lasting impact in urban education.

What Does an Emerging Leader Look Like at Friends of Breakthrough Public Schools?

Age 18 and up – there's no upper limit!
In the early to middle stages of your professional journey
Eager to learn and grow with guidance from experienced community leaders
Passionate about educational equity and the belief that every child can succeed—no matter their zip code
Committed to the idea that education is the great equalizer

Whether it’s through volunteering your time, making a financial contribution, or advocating for high-quality education for all children—we welcome your support!

Reasons to Participate

Make a direct, meaningful impact on the lives of Breakthrough students and alumni
Build relationships and gain insights from Friends of Breakthrough Board members and other community leaders
Grow your network by connecting with professionals who share your passion for educational equity
Amplify awareness of Breakthrough Schools and support key fundraising and advocacy events
Develop leadership skills while advancing a cause that transforms lives and communities

Membership Tiers & Benefits

Membership Term: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

Social Membership

free membership with completed registration form

Quarterly updates on Emerging Leaders (EL) initiatives and events
Access to volunteer opportunities
Networking opportunities with:
- Fellow young professionals from diverse backgrounds
- Members of the Friends of Breakthrough Schools Board
20% discount on all Emerging Leader pay-per-event registrations (excludes BASH)
Exclusive rate for the annual Breakthrough BASH on Friday, April 24, 2026: $200/person (Must be a registered Emerging Leader)

Leadership Membership

$150 minimum annual donation

Includes all Social Membership Benefits, plus:
Exclusive Emerging Leaders polo shirt as a thank-you gift
Free admission to EL-hosted social, networking, and programming events
Opportunity to take on a leadership role within EL

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Expectations of leadership

Attend meetings virtually or in person: September, November, January, March, May
Tour at minimum 1 of our 5 campuses
Become familiar with:
- Breakthrough's mission, history, structure, key school statistics
- Emerging Leaders mission
Attend Emerging Leaders volunteer, awareness and fundraising events
Invite personal contacts and peers to attend events and tours with you

Our Leadership Team

Lauren Andrews

About Lauren

Lauren Andrews
AVP, LOB Risk Specialist Sr.
PNC Bank
LinkedIn

I support Breakthrough because Breakthrough empowers the scholars to lead impactful lives full of opportunity, instilling confidence and helping provide the necessary skills to help reach ones’ full potential.

As an Emerging Leader, I am able to give back while having a great time. Every volunteer event, Breakthrough Bash, or fundraising event you attend with Breakthrough, it’s guaranteed you will be surrounded by people who share the same passion for equity in education and you will leave with at least one more friend than you came with! Which leads me into my second point of effortlessly growing my network. I have met so many amazing Friends of Breakthrough Board members, teachers, young professionals, etc. who have welcomed me with open arms and make you feel part of the Breakthrough family.

Taylor bowen

About Taylor

Nick Hylant

About Nick

Derrick Johnson

About Derrick

Derrick Johnson
Breakthrough Alum (2016)
Los Angeles Dodgers
Player Development Fellow
LinkedIn

I support Breakthrough because Breakthrough Schools are special. As a former student, I remember being supported by so many different people, and now I want to return that support.

As an Emerging Leader, I've gained new relationships--not just with people who are passionate about furthering their careers, but also committed to helping the next generation reach their goals.

Celeste Kamasa Scott

About Celeste

Celeste Kamasa Scott
Breakthrough Class of 2011
Singh+ Associates
Mechanical Engineer
LinkedIn
Friends of Breakthrough Schools Board of Directors

Breakthrough is more than just a network of schools, it’s the foundation that provides an education for thousands of scholars that guides them to lives full of impact and opportunities. Breakthrough holds true to their mission of empowering scholars to reach their full potential in life and provides continued support beyond graduating.

Being an emerging leader provides the opportunity to foster an environment for others to not only learn about and support Breakthrough. But also, being an emerging leader, stays true to it’s name through events that allow for networking and providing useful tools to become leaders and have a positive impact in their communities.

Aurora Kitko, Chair

About Aurora

Aurora Kitko
Paycor, A Paychex Company
HCM Sales Consultant
LinkedIn
Friends of Breakthrough Schools Board of Directors

I support Breakthrough because all kids deserve their hierarchy of needs met and an equitable education, no matter their location, background, or socioeconomic status and the best way to be a part of the solution is to get involved in your community.

I'm grateful to be a conduit between the EL board and the FOB board to ensure that the most impactful people can join our team to serve our mission of fundraising and advocacy.

Mac Lagor

About Mac

Mac Lagor
Corporate Development Manager
TransTech
LinkedIn

I’m a volunteer for Breakthrough Schools in Cleveland, helping provide opportunities and support to our community’s young learners.

Supporting young students through Breakthrough Schools matters to me because early education lays the foundation for the future of our communities. In my view, few things are more important than education—and Breakthrough goes beyond the classroom to make a lasting impact on the lives of the next generation.

I joined the Emerging Leaders group to connect with other young professionals who care about expanding educational opportunities in Cleveland. It’s a chance to give back, grow as a leader, and support Breakthrough Schools’ mission in a meaningful way

Cooper mead

About Cooper

Cooper Mead
Pella Windows and Doors | Gunton Corporation
Strategic Development Manager
LinkedIn

I believe education is critical for personal and societal advancement. Breakthrough provides strong, cutting-edge education and programming to those that may not have had access without it.

As an Emerging Leader, I am able to be an advocate for Breakthrough to bring awareness to this great organization. I am also fortunate to experience firsthand the power of education in our local community.

Shintaro Ng

About Shintaro

Shintaro Ng
Glenmede Trust Company
Management Associate, Wealth Advisory
LinkedIn

I support Breakthrough Public Schools because they combine my belief in progress through education with my love for the Cleveland community. I’ve been impressed by Breakthrough’s commitment to its students, even beyond their time in the K–8 schools, through the Beyond Breakthrough program. Their continued engagement with alumni reflects an impact-driven mindset that resonates with me.

I joined the Emerging Leaders program because it offers an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded young professionals who share a passion for education and a love for this city. I’ve found the community to be welcoming and diverse in experiences, while maintaining a shared commitment to the program’s mission.

Leadership Members

Ryan Sowers

About Ryan

Lead the Way

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More Ways to Give

Kindergarten to Career. Every Step. Every Stage. To help support, donate today via credit card, check, or stock. Thank you!

Donate by Check

Checks payable to: Friends of Breakthrough Schools

3615 Superior Avenue E
Bldg 44, Suite 4403D
Cleveland, OH 44114

Donate Stock

Please contact Melodee McCrodden for NEW stock account information!

Email Melodee

Calendar & Events

Featured Event

Professional Development Speaker Series

Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025

Location: Breakthrough Schools 3615 Superior Ave. Suite 4403A, Cleveland 44114

Time: 8:00-9:30am

Information & Registration

Recent Events

Trivia Happy Hour

The energy was infectious! From bursts of laughter over tricky questions to collaborative team huddles, the night was focused on letting loose and enjoying the process. This event successfully blended a stimulating mental workout with a genuine chance to build your professional and social circle within the community.

Thank you to everyone who made this evening a success. Keep an eye out for our future events—we look forward to continuing to host spaces where Emerging Leaders can connect, learn, and have a blast!