“What a fantastic program! The Columbus Impact Academy was a robust immersion in professional development. The sessions were highly engaging and covered a diverse set of topics. The academy allowed me to leverage my own background while developing new skill sets. Hearing from fellow classmates allowed me to shift my lens and perspective from that of an individual contributor to that of a community steward. I feel humbled and privileged to have had the opportunity to be part of such a well-designed, thoughtful, and impactful program.”

-Neethi Johnson (Cohort IV), Vice President of Digital Strategy at JP Morgan Chase

“The Impact Academy is a program that is true to its purpose. I had the opportunity to connect with like minded individuals passionate about making a difference in this community. The curriculum was interactive and engaging and my favorite session was the Impacting the Community Discovery Session. It allowed the group a chance to be vulnerable and to learn each person’s passion in improving our city.”

-Dennis Gullick (Cohort VI), Life Insurance Coach at New York Life

“The Columbus Impact Academy gave me the opportunity to reach outside of not only my comfort zone, but my sphere of influence to connect with, learn from, and network with individuals I otherwise wouldn't have had the chance to meet. I'm truly thankful for the opportunity Derek offered and the platform it was built on is something we all need. I would highly encourage any young professional who wants to do better in their community to take part in the Columbus Impact Academy and Columbus Young Professionals.”

-Trey Kauffman (Cohort III), CEO of Mosaic Life Creative

“These 15 weeks have gone by so quick and I learned so much. I want to give a huge shout out to Derek Grosso and his team for creating such an amazing experience that not only grew my knowledge from a leadership perspective but also introduced me to so many individuals who are making a huge impact in our community! You all have shown me that no matter how busy you are, there is always time to give back to our community. I encourage you to join CYP Club and apply to participate in the Columbus Impact Academy. You won’t regret it.”

-Barbara Ridilla-McClafferty (Cohort VI), Project Coordinator at Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.

“I have had a wonderful experience participating in the Columbus Impact Academy. The leadership, personal development, and community engagement lessons were poignant and timely. Thank you for all you do to lead this dynamic experience.“

-Briana Penn (Cohort IV), Senior Advisor, Ethics and Compliance at OhioHealth

“Even in its first year, the Columbus Impact Academy was the best run professional development program I’d ever witnessed. (And I’ve participated in many.) I know other Columbus area programs get a lot of prestige, but this program is a not-so-secret winner in value. Central Ohio employers: I highly recommend your company to consider sending your team members and investing directly in this exceptional program.”

-Doug Arseneault (Cohort I), Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA)

“The Impact Academy is a great resource for getting connected with business professionals in many different types of industries. You learn so much from everyone involved and this program helps to push you to think outside of the box. Highly recommend the Columbus Impact Academy!”

-Leslie Nutter (Cohort V), Sales & Marketing Coordinator at Greater Columbus Convention Center

“I am grateful I was able to be a part of such a wonderful program that allows you to make connections and become more involved in the Columbus community. Thank you to Derek Grosso and Chanie Scott for running an amazing Spring 2022 cohort. I would also like to thank our mentor Julie Wilkes for being a valuable resource throughout our journey!”

-Molly Chapman (Cohort VI), Office Manager at Danis

“This program has connected me to folks all over the city that I would have never met. I made lasting connections with people in all sectors. I have found that this group is extremely like minded in our commitment to civic action and engagement. I can't wait to see where these relationships evolve.”

-Kimberlee Goodman (Cohort IV), Jazz Arts Group

“I enjoyed connecting with other professionals from various backgrounds and ethnicities, working on a problem that we were all passionate about.”

-Manny Larcher (Cohort III), CEO at Stopwatch Creative

“The Columbus Impact Academy offered an outstanding way to deepen my connection to the Central Ohio region while making new personal friendships and expanding my professional network. I learned so many cool things about the people, businesses, and history of Columbus through the Impact Academy.”

-Jerry Tsai (Cohort II), President at Acceptd Inc.

“I can't say enough about how this has changed my perspective, my leadership and my impact on my community. I am forever aware of community, grateful for the opportunity and appreciative of CYP Club for providing this Impact Academy!”

-Yolanda Jackson (Cohort VI), Director of Financial Empowerment Services at The Columbus Urban League

“The Columbus Impact Academy provides access to some of the top leaders in our community, as well as critical tools and resources to help you strive in your leadership career. A great program for anyone looking to grow professionally and become more involved locally!”

-Courtney Stellar-Patterson (Cohort III), Visual Communications Manager at Better Business Bureau Serving Central Ohio

“Impact Academy allowed me the great opportunity to meet and make new friends, engage with influential leaders within our community and grow my business knowledge.”

-Maggie Ellison (Cohort II), Vice President at Event Marketing Strategies

"This was an eye opening experience for me. It gave me a better understanding of the place I call home while giving me a better understanding of my neighbors. It grew my community around me and made me want to find additional ways to help. I would recommend this to anyone that wants to have an impact in this city and the ability to take you out of your comfort zone and into a better place."

-Alex Goodman (Cohort IV), Owner at Franklin Morrow

“I was not sure how I would like this experience as it was so far out of my comfort zone, but I am so glad I participated in this!”

-Sarah Yarano (Cohort IV), Administration and Finance Manager at Glass Axis

“I definitely joined the Impact Academy to develop my leadership skills, but it has also helped me become more comfortable in Columbus - especially with the relationships developed here! Moving to a new city is always hard. Being a part of this group helped me find my niche and for that I am grateful.”

-Sanchita Ahuja (Cohort VII), Financial Analyst at Victoria's Secret & Co.

“The networking opportunities the Columbus Impact Academy provided have been wonderful. I have been able to meet, connect, and develop professional relationships with individuals I would not have had the privilege of meeting otherwise.”

-Emanuel Delaveris (Cohort VII), Interim Director of Admissions at Maryhaven

“The Impact Academy was a unique experience that allowed me to look at the community different. I had the chance to work with four other individuals and bring all of our ideas to light. It was a great experience!”

-Kayla Davis (Cohort III), Founder/Executive Director of A Step in the Right Direction