Most Interesting People 2015: Ashley Basile Oeken

Why she's interesting: She's an out-of-towner who thought she'd never stay. But after two years in Cleveland, Basile Oeken fell in love with our city and has become one of its biggest boosters, working to attract and retain young professionals. As the executive director of Engage Cleveland, she hosted the group's first-ever Cleveland Young Professionals Week, which brought 2,000 people together for networking and education.

Job market: Basile Oeken moved from Boardman in 2009 to accept a two-year fellowship at the Fund for Our Economic Future in Cleveland. During that time, she had a chance to learn about our city and could see its potential. "When I think about Cleveland, I think about how it's a big city with really a small-town feel. There's an opportunity to work in Cleveland and get a good position, to get involved with the community."

Millennial force: Engage Cleveland hosts networking events and speaker series at the City Club of Cleveland designed to help the 158,000 young professionals in the region meet and receive career development. "I know what it's like to be a newcomer and not know the city. The work Engage is doing really helps people in that space and enables them to become community advocates."

Family ties: She became Engage's first executive director in 2012 at age 26. She also sits on the board of the Greater Cleveland Partnership and the St. Luke's Foundation. She credits her mother for her drive and determination. "My mom was born in Lebanon and moved when she was 16. She had to teach herself English to read and write and made a great life for my entire family. She always fought hard for everything she has and instilled that mentality into me."

Engagement party: Basile Oeken arranged Engage's first-ever Young Professionals Week in October. The 2,000-plus attendees registered for events such as early-morning spinning and yoga classes, a noon dance party at the House of Blues and cleaning up the Cleveland Metroparks Marina at East 55th Street. "I was looking for something we could do to put the young professional community on the map — a signature event people could look forward to."

Beyond the city: While she cites trendy spots such has Ohio City and University Circle as great places to visit, Basile Oeken says her favorite spot is her adopted hometown of Olmsted Township. "I like some of the farther suburbs that people aren't as acclimated to. I love downtown Olmsted Township, with the falls running right through. It's on the other side of the earth. There's a tea shop that takes me back in time."