The Next Level Leaders of Stark County is a membership organization of individuals interested in professional growth in leadership. As a member, individuals can participate in three components of the program: Mentoring, Mastermind Sessions, and Executive Breakfast Conversations.

• Individual membership fee for young professionals: $225 per year
• Limit of members for first year: 50 people
• Limit of members representing a single organization: 3 people

3 Components

Mentoring

Members are matched on a 1:1 ratio with graduates of Leadership Stark County’s Signature Program. Mentor and mentee will meet in person at least quarterly for a minimum of one hour.

Mastermind Sessions

Members may choose two mastermind sessions per year. These small-group discussions promote collaboration, leadership development, and practical problem-solving. Groups are organized by experience level and topic.

Sample topics include:

Level 1:

• Finding your leadership voice
• Communicating effectively
• Office best practices
• Developing your management style
• Navigating difficult conversations
• Managing conflict
• Work–life balance

Level 2:

• Positioning for advancement
• Managing direct reports
• Building team culture
• Internal and external relationship building
• Self-reflection and feedback
• Active listening

Level 3:

• Career next steps
• Hiring and onboarding for culture
• Developing future leaders
• Networking and community engagement
• Fundraising and relationship building
• Data-driven decision-making

Executive Breakfast Conversations

Members may attend four Executive Breakfast Conversations annually. These small-group discussions with local executives offer insight, lessons learned, and leadership perspectives that accelerate young professionals’ growth.

Sessions are held on weekdays from 8:00–9:30 AM. A light breakfast is provided, and the format encourages open dialogue and real conversation.

Executive Breakfast hosts include: Anne Richards, Chris Goff, Joe Schauer, Kyle Stone, Lisa Zellers, Marisa Rohn, Ralph Lee