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Whether you want to earn a degree, improve your skills, get certified, train for a new career, or explore a new hobby, you can choose from many programs and courses.

Get Started
What type of student are you? New Student Returning Transfer Visiting International College Credit Plus Non-Credit All Student Types

Classes & Programs

Explore your interests and find a program that puts you on the path to a bright future. Tri-C offers both credit and non-credit courses as well as certificate programs in most career fields.

View all

Degree Programs & Certificates

More than 1,000 credit courses are offered each semester in more than 200 career and technical programs. Tri-C also grants short-term certificates, certificates of proficiency and post-degree professional certificates.

View A-Z Program List

Workforce Training & Professional Development

Tri-C's Workforce Training provides both non-credit and credit training for individuals and businesses to assist individuals with skills leading to employment. Tri-C's Corporate College provides professional development and corporate training opportunities.

Learn more

Community Programming for Adults & Youth

Tri-C offers a variety of affordable and convenient community programs for both adults and youth. These programs are designed to promote individual development.

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The Women's Summit

The Women's Summit 2025 Panelists and Speakers Committee
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The Women's Summit

Tri-C's Women's Summit 2025 Save the Date: Catch the Fire: Women as Agents of Change in the Workplace; Friday, March 1, 9 a.m. at Corporate College East, Warrensville Heights

Cuyahoga Community College embraces and affirms the value and power of women.

Breaking Barriers: Women Transforming Public Service

Friday, March 7 | 9 a.m.
Corporate College East, 4400 Richmond Road, Warrensville Heights, OH 44128

Meet women who broke barriers and overcame challenges working in public service.

2025 Panelists and Speakers

 

2025 Program Schedule

9-9:30 a.m.

Continental Breakfast and Registration
Lobby and Super Conference Room (Room 126)

9:30-9:35 a.m.

Summit Opening Remarks
Sonja Elekhtaby and Terri Zernechel
Super Conference Room (Room 126)

9:35-9:38 a.m.

Andrea Kitchen Memorial Scholarship
Shelia Howard
Super Conference Room (Room 126)

9:38-9:48 a.m.

Welcome Address
Claire Rosacco
Super Conference Room (Room 126)

9:48-10:38 a.m.

Opening Keynote
Congresswoman Shontel M. Brown
Super Conference Room (Room 126)

10:38-10:45 a.m.

Transition

10:45-11:45 a.m.

Concurrent Breakout Sessions

Breakout Session I (Room 223)
Women on the Frontlines: Redefining Public Safety Leadership
Join a dynamic conversation about the evolving role of women in public safety. This session will explore the unique perspectives and contributions women bring to law enforcement, firefighting, emergency services and beyond. Learn about overcoming barriers, building support networks, and advancing equity in these critical fields. Whether you're a seasoned professional or considering a career in public safety, this session offers inspiration and practical advice for driving change and breaking new ground.

  • Shelia Mason, Retired Chief of Police, Village of Woodmere

Breakout Session II (Super Conference Room)
Self-Care + Wellness: Tiny Habits, Huge Impact — Cultivating Self-Care in Everyday Moments
In today's fast-paced world, it is easy to neglect self-care. This interactive session will empower you to take charge of your time and prioritize your well-being. Through engaging discussions, practical activities and a rejuvenating gratitude practice, you will learn to:

  • Identify your unique self-care needs
  • Create a sustainable self-care routine
  • Cultivate a positive mindset
  • Reclaim your 24 hours and live a more balanced life
Join us on this journey to self-discovery and renewal.
  • Angela Baker, Interim Director, The Learning Commons, and Manager, Adjunct Services, Western Campus, Tri-C
  • Sonja R. Elekhtaby, Manager, Adjunct Services, Eastern Campus, Tri-C

Breakout Session III (Room 229)
From Community Advocate to Changemaker: A Guide to Public Leadership
Take the next step in your leadership journey by exploring the essentials of running for office and serving on boards. This session offers actionable advice, insider insights and inspiring examples to help you turn your passion for community service into impactful leadership. Learn how to navigate candidacy, build your platform, and contribute meaningfully through board service. Whether you are new to public leadership or ready to elevate your impact, this session will empower you to create lasting change.

A 25-minute session, presented by Shayla Davis, followed by a 20-minute panel discussion with Gabe Crenshaw, Magda Gomez, Denise McCory and HerBrina Shepherd

  • Shayla L. Davis, President and CEO, Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (OLBCF)
  • Gabe Crenshaw, Campus Director, Student Financial Aid and Scholarships, Westshore Campus, Tri-C
  • Magda Gomez, Executive Director, Impact and Community Connection, District Offices, Tri-C
  • Denise McCory, President, Metropolitan Campus, Tri-C
  • HerBrina Shepherd, Specialist, Transfer Center, Metropolitan Campus, Tri-C

Breakout Session IV (Room 230)
From Hustle to Legacy: Building Economic Power With Purpose
This discussion will focus on economic growth, entrepreneurial action, community investment and balancing hustle with long-term goals. Gain insight on how to balance getting and gaining success for a legacy for tomorrow.

  • Belle Espinal, Founder and President, Sisters of Economic Action (SEA)
11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

Lunch
Super Conference Room (Room 126)

12:45-1:45 p.m. 

Networking Session
Delia (Dee Dee) Pfister, Associate Vice President, Academic Professional Development, Instructional Design) and Online Learning, Tri-C
Super Conference Room(Room 126)

1:45-2 p.m.

Mindful Movement
Cortney Stoutemire, Certified Yoga Instructor and Birth Doula, Peace Within Wellness
Super Conference Room (Room 126)

2-2:15 p.m.

Snack Break 

2:15-3:15 p.m.  

Trailblazers Panel
Moderator
India Pierce Lee, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Tri-C

Panelists
Wendy Batch-Wilson, Interim Campus President, Western Campus, and Dean of Nursing, Tri-C
Francine "Frankie" Goldberg, Judge, Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court, Cuyahoga County
Jasmin Santana, City of Cleveland Council Member, Ward 14
Kristin Warzocha, President and CEO, Greater Cleveland Food Bank
Super Conference Room (Room 126)

3:15-3:30 p.m.

Announcements and Closing Remarks
Magda Gomez, Executive Director, Impact and Community Connection, District Offices, Tri-C
Super Conference Room (Room 126)

Thank you for a great summit from the 2024 committee!

2024 Committee

A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors for their continued support!

Alexander's Floral Design
Cleveland Public Library logo
Margaret W. Wong & Associates,
Phenomenal Woman Magazine
Regency Construction

View video highlights from the 2024 Tri-C Women’s Summit: Catch the Fire: Women as Agents of Change in the Workplace

Opening Keynote Speaker: Renee Tramble Richard, J.D.
Networking Session
Trailblazers: Women Who Paved the Road for Those Who Follow

How to reach us

Terrii Zernechel
terrii.zernechel@tri-c.edu

Sonja Elekhtaby
sonja.elekhtaby@tri-c.edu

© 2025 Cuyahoga Community College
700 Carnegie Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44115

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