Neema David is a dynamic community advocate, mentor, and emerging leader whose journey reflects resilience, purpose, and the power of possibility. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Neema spent three years in a Ugandan refugee camp before immigrating to the United States in 2016. She proudly calls Cleveland, Ohio her home, a city that shaped her growth, her confidence, and her commitment to uplifting others. 

After arriving in Cleveland, Neema started her education at Joseph M Gallagher Middle School, Then went to John Marshall High School, and later Cleveland State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Communication. Her academic and personal journey ignited a passion for youth empowerment, educational access, and helping young people believe in their own potential. 

Neema has served as a mentor, tutor, and student success leader through various youth-centered organizations, most recently through her impactful work with City Year Cleveland. She now continues her mission as a Career Coach Specialist, supporting young people as they prepare for college, careers, and the future they envision. 

Beyond her professional roles, Neema is a voice for immigrant people, a storyteller, and a champion of hope. Her lived experience fuels her desire to inspire young girls especially those who come from challenging beginnings to dream boldly, lead confidently, and trust that their story matters. Today, Neema stands as a proud Congolese American woman, a first-generation graduate, and a rising leader dedicated to service, empowerment, and community transformation. 

Danna J. Higuera Varon is a Colombian licensed attorney who moved to the United States on June, 2024, seeking to reunite with her family after they fled Colombia due to regional violence.

In Colombia she worked in environmental projects as a consultant in a NPO and now in the United States she has been working with Sus Abogados Latinos in her new discovered passion for Immigration Law. She recently was accepted to Case Western Reserve University for the LL.M. In Global Studies with the goal of sitting for the Bar Examination to be able to represent the immigrant community as a licensed attorney in the United States.

Maryana Rybay is a finance professional and community leader with a unique
background spanning Ukrainian and U.S. financial markets, entrepreneurial success, and legal expertise. As the Senior Loan Officer/Branch Manager at the Ukrainian Federal Credit Union, Osnova Branch, in Parma, Ohio, Maryana is instrumental in the branch’s operational success.

Maryana’s professional journey in Ukraine included rising from a Customer
Relations Economist to the Deputy Director of the Corporate Clients Department at a major bank.

She possesses over a decade of hands-on experience as an entrepreneur, having
built and scaled a business from inception to securing international contracts.
Maryana holds a Master’s degree in Finance from the Banking Institute of the
National Bank of Ukraine and a Master’s degree in Law from the Institute of Internal
Affairs of Ukraine. She is also multilingual, proficient in four languages, and has
participated in international training programs in Poland and Germany.

Dedicated to cultural preservation, Maryana is an active Board Member of the
Ukrainian Museum-Archives in Cleveland. In this role, she leverages her business acumen to oversee and manage the Gift Shop operations, handling supply chain and daily activities to support the museum’s mission.

Maryana arrived in the United States from Ukraine in 2023, bringing a wealth of
international perspective and proven leadership to her roles in finance and community service.

Leta Obertacz serves as the Senior Vice President of Philanthropy at the Cleveland Foundation, where she leads the strategy that grows and strengthens one of the nation’s most respected community foundations. With over two decades of fundraising leadership, Leta has become known for making philanthropy accessible, mission-driven, and community-centered. Her impact includes guiding major campaigns at the Cleveland Zoological Society—such as the Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve and the transformational Primate Forest expansion—while building meaningful relationships that have brought millions of dollars to initiatives across Greater Cleveland.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Leta is celebrated for her deep commitment to service and civic engagement. She has held leadership roles with EDWINS, Motogo, and The City Club, and has been recognized by Cleveland Magazine, Crain’s Business, and the Soul of Philanthropy for her influence and vision. A Brown University and Baruch College alum, and a former national performer and presenter, Leta brings passion, authenticity, and a lifelong dedication to empowering others.