Jason Beudert, 50, Restauranteur
As the president of Hangry Brands, which offers STEAK Tremont and Geraci's Slice Shop, among others, Beudert is more than flashy plates of steak, loaded pizza slices and crafty cocktails across his five restaurants and bars. A passion for charity, which started in 2013 when he founded the Northeast Ohio chapter of A Special Wish, a nonprofit organization providing opportunities to children with terminal illnesses, drives him. Get to Know Jason Beudert >>
(Courtesy Ken Carman)
Ken Carman, 38, Radio Host
Ken Carman has been celebrating and commiserating with Cleveland sports fans since 92.3 The Fan’s inception in 2011. While he’s best known for yelling “SUPER BOWL, SUPER BROWNS” or spilling his latest passionate rant through your car speakers, he’s also delivered poignant editorials on your television screen for Fox 8. Get to Know Ken Carman >>
Tina Lattouf Chamoun, 36, Entrepreneur & Blogger
A first-generation Lebanese American, Tina Lattouf Chamoun celebrates her culture through her blog, Your Lebanon, and as the owner and founder of Terranean Herbs & Spices — which specializes in za’atar, the versatile Middle Eastern spice and condiment. “It’s an authentic blend. And I don’t throw around the word ‘authenticity’ gently.” Get to Know Tina Lattouf >>
(Jesse Dittmar)
Carrie Coon, 43, Actress
A Copley native and University of Mount Union graduate, Coon has played roles in Gone Girl, Fargo, The Post, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire and Avengers: Infinity War. She stars as the ambitious, social-climbing Bertha Russell in Emmy-nominated Gilded Age and is cast in season three of HBO’s White Lotus, which premieres in February. Get to Know Carrie Coon >>
Emily O. Coyne, 25, Fashion Creator
The Rocky River resident turned a hobby of posting daily photos of her school outfits on Instagram into a career as a social media influencer, with more than 160,000 followers. Her lifestyle brand, emilyOandbows, boasts curated collections of home decor and fashion accessories as well as collabs with the likes of Amazon Prime, J.Crew, Kate Spade, Nest, Nordstrom, Rent the Runway and Steve Madden. Get to Know Emily O. Coyne >>
(Jon Geier)
John Delzoppo, 44, Pinball Pro
Currently ranked 30th by the International Flipper Pinball Association, Delzoppo won a pinball state championship in 2015 and has competed in some of the world’s toughest competitions, including the World Championships. In 2014, he founded Cleveland Pinball League. Get to Know John Delzoppo >>
Liu Fang, 40, Chef
Started as a pop-up in 2021, Abundance Culinary, now permanent in a former diner car in Cleveland Heights, is one of Cleveland's most exciting new restaurants. But before immigrating to Cleveland, the executive chef worked in the coal mines, helped create one of China's first microbreweries, overcame adversary and escaped COVID lockdowns in China before finding a new home in Cleveland. Get to Know Chef Liu Fang >>
(Courtesy Cleveland Cavaliers)
Mike Gansey, 42, General Manager
In the NBA, spending several years with the same organization is a rarity. After a stint of pro ball, Gansey started with the Cavs as an intern before working in various roles related to recruiting, logistics and draft preparation. After nearly 15 years with the Cavs, Gansey earned Executive of the Year in 2017 as general manager of the Canton Charge and now serves as GM of the Cavs under Koby Altman, president of basketball operations. “It’s been a dream come true, being from Cleveland, being a Cavs, Guardians, Browns fan my whole life, and now to be able to work for a team and then win a championship with them.” Get to Know Mike Gansey >>
Isabella Geraci, 23, Flag Football Player
Few people can say that they had the chops to play two NCAA Division I sports and won a gold medal for their country — in a completely different sport. However, North Ridgeville native Isabella Geraci is a pure athlete who has suited up for basketball and track and field at the collegiate level and now plays for the United States Women’s Flag Football National Team. She’s hoping to make a run at the Olympics when the sport debuts in Los Angeles in 2028. Get to Know Isabella Geraci >>
Lily Goodwin, 10, DJ & Author
Better known as DJ Lily Jade, Goodwin has hosted a radio show, published a book, served as a Cleveland Reads ambassador, been named a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree — all before middle school. Her four singles feature original production and raps about reading and making the honor roll. Get to Know Lily Goodwin >>
Stephanie Haney, 39, Journalist & Lawyer
A lawyer who passed the bar in Ohio and California, the journalist and digital anchor for WKYC is dedicated to finding the truth and fighting misinformation. Get to Know Stephanie Haney >>
(Courtesy Cleveland Guardians)
Austin Hedges, 32, Catcher
Austin Hedges knows he won’t be the American League MVP anytime soon, but he is a leader on a team that is thirsty for more playoff success. “I’m not necessarily the guy that’s going to go out there and get four hits tonight. I can do something to bring something to the table to help my teammates who are going to go out and get those hits.” Get to Know Austin Hedges >>
Lola Jacaj, 43, Restaurateur
Jacaj is the restaurateur behind Casa La Luna (formerly Luca Italian Cuisine), Acqua Di Dea and Oliva Steakhouse. In early 2025, the respected front-of-house pro and wine expert is set to open a French concept, completing her domination of West Sixth Street and St. Clair Avenue. Get to know Lola Jacaj >>
(Courtesy Ideastream Public Media)
Gabriel Kramer, 32, Journalist
Ideastream producer and host Gabriel Kramer started at the company in 2015 after graduating from Kent State University. He now reports on topics of diversity and inclusion for audiences of all ages. “I got into journalism because I cared about community. I felt like communities are overlooked — stories about people of color are so overlooked — and I wanted to be able to help change those things.” Get to Know Gabriel Kramer >>
Hermione Malone, 47, Executive Director
After years working as a print journalist and in the nonprofit sector, Malone is the newly appointed executive director for the Cleveland International Film Festival. She aims to deepen community partnerships and use her experience to elevate audience engagement and bolster inclusion and accessibility for all filmgoers. Get to Know Hermoine Malone >>
(Jacob Hammond)
Morelle McCane, 29, Boxer
McCane, who’s been boxing for 12 years, qualified for the 2024 Olympics in Paris — the first woman boxer from Cleveland to participate in the Games. She came to the sport accidentally and has big plans inside and outside the squared circle. Get to Morelle McCane >>
Rosemary Mudry, 40, Nonprofit Executive Director
After a decade working in community development, Rosemary Mudry leads Cleveland Public Market Corp., the new nonprofit tasked with running the West Side Market. The former teacher and coach wants to create vibrant, thriving gathering spaces — in both the market and the East Side brewery she runs with her husband. Get to Know Rosemary Mudry >>
(Courtesy Eva Pate)
Eva Pate, 24, Ice Dancer
Born and raised in Strongsville, Pate has been skating for nearly 20 years. She recently competed in Paris and Finland with her partner for the Grand Prix series, where only 10 teams globally are invited to participate. Get to Know Eva Pate >>
Jess Peacock, Clergyperson, 53
Jess Peacock is not your average pastor. The clergyperson of Community Church of Chesterland is covered in tattoos and piercings and paving the way for acceptance and advocacy in religious settings. Their current project, Queer Cleveland, is an interactive publication that helps raise the flags of local artists across the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Get to Know Jess Peacock >>
Mike Petrone, 52, Musician
Cleveland’s piano man, Petrone has been a constant at Johnny’s Bar since the day the Downtown Cleveland restaurant opened in 1993. You can find him performing classic Frank Sinatra and Billy Joel songs on the keys nearly every night — and he’s got plenty of stories to share from his unique, musical vantage point. Get to Know Mike Petrone >>
(Courtesy Cleveland Clinic)
Ben Shahshahani, 59, Chief AI Officer
Shahshahani is the first chief AI officer of the Cleveland Clinic, where he oversees strategies for the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence in the healthcare system. Get to Know Ben Shahshahani >>
Max Stakolich, 14, Guitarist
For the past three years, this 14-year-old riff master has been showcasing his talents to get Cavs, Guardians and Browns fans amped during pregame and halftime shows, performing to up to 65,000 people. “I get so pumped up by the crowd. I’m pretty sure my mom, dad and sister cried the first time they saw me play for so many people.” The youngster has accompanied Ozzy Osborne guitarist Zakk Wylde during the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-themed game and landed endorsement deals with EarthQuaker Devices and S.I.T. Strings, both out of Akron. Get to Know Max Stakolich >>
Eddie Taylor Jr., 49, Company President
After a career shift, this entrepreneur and former college football player found success in insurance and risk management, which propelled him to partnering with Oswald Cos. and creating one of the largest Black-owned insurance companies in the region with Taylor-Oswald. Get to Know Eddie Taylor Jr. >>
Chief Dorothy Todd, 51, Cleveland Police Chief
The leader of Cleveland Division of Police never thought being an officer was for women. But starting as a traffic controller, she's fought to overcome that stigma as she's risen through the ranks. Get to Know Dorothy Todd >>
(Courtesy ESPN)
Brian Windhorst, 46, Senior NBA Writer
Windhorst is among the best-known basketball writers in the country, writing for ESPN.com and appearing on NBA on ESPN and First Take. Graduating a few years ahead of LeBron James at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, he later earned his journalism degree from Kent State University in 2000. James, however, played a key role in Windy’s rise from Akron Beacon Journal and The Plain Dealer reporter to national star. Get to Know Brian Widhorst >>
Annie Zaleski, 45, Writer & Editor
There’s barely a topic that author, journalist and editor Annie Zaleski hasn’t written about. Contributions to publications such as Cleveland Magazine, Rolling Stone, NPR Music, The Guardian, Alternative Press and Oberlin Alumni Magazine have broadened her portfolio beyond measure. Get to Know Annie Zaleski >>
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