Foodbanker since 2010
“Food security is a human right and is necessary to attain physical, emotional, mental and even spiritual wellbeing. As a mother and as a former teacher, I have seen how the lack of proper nourishment can create a variety of roadblocks for children, and in my past 13 years at the Foodbank, I have seen the impact food assistance can have on senior citizens and other vulnerable populations who are struggling with a multitude of social, health and economic issues. I envision a future in which food security is attainable for every person in our community. When we are all healthy, we can accomplish great things and tackle even bigger issues together.”
Colleen believes in the power of community. She first got involved with the Foodbank through its largest community campaign, Harvest for Hunger. In 2010, she joined the Foodbank’s team as a grant writer and led a variety of fundraising and advocacy initiatives. She led the Foodbank’s Growing for Good Campaign, facilitating an investment of $17.5 million in the regional capacity of the Foodbank, and was instrumental in the organization’s strategic planning efforts. She is responsible for the oversite of corporate and volunteer engagement, direct mail and individual and institutional giving. Prior to her work at the Foodbank, she managed the Newspaper in Education program of the Akron Beacon Journal and led community engagement of young citizens in community affairs.
She has served as chair of the Summit County Emergency Food and Shelter Program, was a member of Class XXI of the Summit County Child & Family Leadership Exchange, and a member of Leadership Akron Class 40. Colleen lives in Medina with her husband, Joel and son, Van. Together, they enjoy traveling and the great outdoors.