![](https://clevelandmagazine.imgix.net/sitefinity/images/default-source/community-leader/annette-blackwellb1bec497-b660-409c-84ff-552ba8503bcc.jpg?sfvrsn=b6b4eb8c_1&w=600&auto=compress%2cformat)
Annette Blackwell
City of Maple Heights
Education: Bachelor’s degree in public relations/corporate communications, Ursuline College
Toughest Challenge: Completing college
Greatest Inspiration: My maternal grandmother
Favorite Quote: “If you don’t get out there and define yourself, you’ll be quickly and inaccurately defined by others.” ― Michelle Obama, Becoming
Most Inspiring Person: Dr. Michael Nochomovitz, University Hospitals
Best Advice: Be a lifelong learner
Proudest Moment: 2021 Commencement Speaker, Ursuline College
What Keeps Me Up at Night: Talking to God
Important Lesson Learned: I am good enough.
What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: “Some dreams do come true.”
Fun Fact: I write poetry.