FreshFaces

In September 2016, Shelly Gracon launched Glo Cleveland with a vision of creating a collaborative studio for artists in all media and a place to collaborate and build on each other’s energy. Gracon has spent the past two years incubating and executing her larger vision for an innovative and creative event space, from co-working areas and offices to an organization that focuses on female entrepreneurs.

Jacqueline Gillon, a lifelong Clevelander and community organizer, acts as the community engagement specialist for the Western Reserve Land Conservancy in addition to serving as co-chairwoman of Black Environmental Leaders.

Tom Gill saw a gaping need in his community. Filling it meant stepping on some toes. Gill, 36, has led the Urban Community School on the near West Side for two years, providing education to many students who come from low-income households and lack access to health services. 

Steph Buda, one of our Fresh Four, is the founder of The Kids of 216, a vocational summer school that teaches at-risk teens trade skills, including safety and tool orientation, as well as life skills, such as learning how to take care of overdue traffic tickets and other skills that high schools aren't teaching.

Welcome to FreshWater Cleveland's Fresh Faces! FreshWater Cleveland is an online publication focused on the people, places, and projects shaping and transforming our city, and this podcast focuses on the first part of that equation: the catalytic talent making change in Cleveland.