Who We Are
OUR MISSION
We are dedicated to helping young people discover the self-esteem, self-reliance, and empathy necessary to become future leaders that are driving forces of positive change.
Preparing young people for life-career success by reducing the number of students who fall off after graduation and are instead on a viable career path (military, workforce, or post-secondary education).
Our Current Outcomes
Total Number of Students Served from June 2023-May 2024: 1,886
Career Quest students had statistically significant gains (p<0.001) in career readiness according to a pre/post-survey
CareerQuest Seniors with a Clear Career Path: 96%
·Evidence-Based Social-Emotional Development: 96% of students had a +1 growth in SEL Skills
How We Started: Riley’s Story
During my first year as an educator, one of my students attempted suicide while at school. This shocking wake-up call helped me grow to realize that young people might be prepared academically, but they were not equipped to select a viable career pathway, communicate their ideas, or deal with the challenges, as one of my seniors put it plainly, of “being a human.”
At the time, I thought the solution would be to become a psychology research coordinator to understand underlying factors to create future change. However, after working as a researcher, I realized how much research already existed but was not being translated to directly impact young people’s lives.
So, I left the lab and stepped back into the classroom. I wasn’t sure how I was going to do it yet, but I was married to the idea of partnering with schools and nonprofits to develop and deliver innovative initiatives that prepared young people for life.
Since taking the courageous plunge, I have felt grateful for all the passionate educators, community leaders, and young people I’ve met along the way. The students in our programs bring so much joy and enthusiasm each day. They are indeed the future of the workforce and the future of our local communities.
Staff
Riley O’Grady, MA
Founder & Executive Director
An educator and entrepreneur at heart recognized for impassioned approaches, colorful ideas, and a mission to transform the workforce of tomorrow.
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Riley has a background as an AP Psychology and Health/PE teacher, social psychology researcher, professional career coach, and leadership/communication skills corporate trainer skilled at designing and delivering career education, life skills, and workforce programs. Her youth programs help young people develop self-efficacy—a belief in their own capacity to succeed—by providing opportunities to learn and practice these skills in safe, real-life settings. Riley has developed and delivered career and life-skills educational programs for YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, United Way of Warren County, and various other schools and nonprofit organizations in Ohio and Northern Kentucky.
Outside of work, Riley enjoys teaching scuba certification classes primarily to university students and teens. Riley also enjoys adrenaline-filled adventures such as diving with sharks at the Newport Aquarium, flying, skydiving, and traveling. As her sisters say, Riley is free-spirited—which explains her love of not wearing shoes, driving to be her own boss, and believing that with a bit of courage, it’s possible for people to create almost anything they want in life.
Kurtis Keller, MA
Kings Career Coach & High School Workforce Initiative Leader
Kurtis is a passionate advocate for experiential learning and student-centered education. He earned his Master’s in Applied Psychology from UC, where his research focused on student motivation.
Risa Watkins, MEd
Princeton & Norwood Career Coach
Risa is dedicated to fostering meaningful experiences that empower students to achieve their personal and professional goals. Risa earned her Master’s in Higher Education Administration from Kent State University.
Desie Southard
West Clermont, Goshen, & Little Miami Career Coach
Desie is passionate about equipping the next generation for success, both now and beyond graduation. With a Bachelor’s in Human Development and experience working with students of all ages, she is dedicated to fostering growth and achievement.
Trevor McMullen
Career Avenues (Norwood)
An accomplished and versatile educator championing a world of boundless opportunities through lifelong learning. Trevor implements the Career Avenues program at Norwood with other LEAD staff.
Karin Maney, MBA
Grant Writer
An experienced nonprofit consultant and grant writer with over 25 years of experience. She received her MBA from Southern New Hampshire University and has spent the last 11 years as the Executive Director of the Community Building Institute Middletown.
John Faucett
Business Operations Manager & Mason Career Coach
An Engineering Officer in the Army Reserves with experience in management and operations. John received his bachelor's from Xavier University and is a licensed private pilot.
Edna Gibbs, MEd
Career Coach & Future Leaders Instructor
A true student champion with a mission to help young people navigate their futures and evolve on their journeys with 15 years of experience working in college & career-readiness education.
Board Members
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James Biro, Board President
Supply Chain VP who excels at building winning organizations bound together by clear and common strategic intent and inherent empowerment.
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Dr. Erica Page, Board Secretary
Industrial/Organizational Psychologist with program evaluation expertise and a passion for helping Cincinnati youth.
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Autumn Cooper, Board Treasurer
Financial services professional passionate about K-12 financial literacy education who is eager to grow new relationships every day. Autumn graduated with her bachelor’s in Marketing and is currently getting her MBA from the Ohio State University.
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Carlin Stamm, Board Member
Retired executive with over 30 years of senior and executive-level corporate management experience dedicated to supporting innovative organizations.
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Shannon Howell, Board Member
Sourcing Analyst at Kroger passionate about advocating for youth and preparing students to succeed after graduation.
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Jim Manning, Board Member
Relationship building engineer and general manager with over 47 years of experience, passionate about implementing high-quality youth mentoring programs for the last 12 years.