7th Annual Discover Your Possibilities
A Celebration of Career Development Month: November 2026
What would you like to do? All FREE sessions are virtual and you can join from anywhere! For more information, email Denise Grupp-Verbon.
Monday, November 2 at 11 a.m.
Erin Kramer: From Campaign to Council
Erin will be talking about making the decision to run for office and mounting a successful campaign for local elected office, as well as the importance of local government and how City Council operates in Toledo. She will also touch on how the decisions made by local government bodies affect our daily lives.
Erin Kramer was sworn in to her role as a Toledo City Councilwoman on January 2, 2026. She is a proud Toledo, Ohio, native and resident. She works as the director of admissions at Owens Community College and has worked in higher education for the past 20 years. Erin has a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in English literature, both from the University of Toledo.
Erin launched a safe gun storage initiative called Locks Safe Lives in April 2026. Through this program, gun locks are given out for free at every branch of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library system. She has been a local lead for the Toledo chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America since 2017. Erin also volunteers with Equality Toledo, Toledo Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Toledo Persists, and Toledo Troublemakers.
In addition, she is also working to revitalize Toledo neighborhoods and help small business owners who want to bring their commercial enterprises to the city. She wants her fellow residents to be proud to call Toledo home.
Tuesday, November 3 at 2 p.m.
Kim Merritt: Taking Control of Your Creative Career
Creative careers rarely follow a predictable trajectory, and taking control of yours means learning how to shape it as you go. In this session, Kim will share more about building a creative career on your own terms—from starting out and building a portfolio, to finding your voice, growing confidence in your work, embracing community and collaboration, branching out on your own, and learning how to adapt as your interests evolve and industries shift. For anyone interested in writing, photography, design, advertising, content creation, entrepreneurship, or simply figuring out their next step, this session offers a glimpse at what’s possible in a modern-day creative career.
With a BFA in Advertising from the School of Visual Arts in New York, Kim Merritt is a writer and photographer with 15+ years of experience at ad agencies throughout New York, London, and Los Angeles. She’s worked on brands like Amazon, BMW, Netflix, and HBO, and now runs her own one-woman copywriting shop, Goodera, working directly with brands in the travel, adventure, and nonprofit spaces.
Monday, November 9 at 12:30 p.m.
Chloe Ward: The Power of Song
Songs carry a deep emotional resonance, both conscious and subconscious. They become attached to seasons of our lives, memories, heartbreaks, healing, and transformation. But what is it that makes certain songs stay with us forever? In “The Power of Song,” students will explore how their own experiences, vulnerabilities, and inner worlds hold that same power to move others through music and lyricism. Through reflective writing prompts, sensory-based storytelling, and lyric development exercises, participants will learn how openness, authenticity, and emotional honesty can transform personal experiences into meaningful artistic expressions. Together, we’ll examine mood, rhythm, style, and emotional tone while discovering how deeply human connection can be created through song.
Chloe Ward is a singer-songwriter, storyteller, and creative educator whose work explores the emotional landscapes of vulnerability, memory, longing, healing, and human connection. Drawing inspiration from folk, Americana, singer-songwriter, and improvisational live music traditions, her writing balances intimate reflection with emotionally immersive storytelling.
Alongside her work as a performing artist in Chloe & the Steel Strings, she leads songwriting and lyric-writing workshops that invite students to explore authenticity, sensory writing, and emotional honesty through creative expression. Her workshops are designed for both musicians and non-musicians alike, encouraging participants to uncover the deep personal experiences that shape meaningful art and lasting connection.
At the heart of her work – both onstage and in the classroom – is the belief that music has the power to help people feel seen, understood, and less alone.
Tuesday, November 10 at 9:30 a.m.
Lauren Kuhr: A Librarian’s Path
Do you hope to be a librarian? Join us as Lauren shares her path, beginning at Owens and earning two additional degrees. What is it like to be a Children’s and Young Adult Librarian? Log in to find out!
Lauren Kuhr has been the Children’s and Young Adult Librarian at Rossford Public Library since 2017. After completing an associate’s degree from Owens, she transferred to Lourdes University, where she earned a Bachelor of English with a minor in Sociology. Because of her interest in library science, she continued her education at Kent State University, where she earned a Master of Library and Information Studies degree.
Thursday, November 12 at 12:30 p.m.
Alexis Schuknecht and Hannah Yankasky: The Pixel Park
Pixel Park is a video production studio in Columbus, Ohio that can take live action and animation projects from pre- to post-production. We can provide things like strategy and concepting for video, scriptwriting, design, animation, directing on set, sound and editing. Hannah + Alexis will discuss the possibilities within corporate production, their paths to it, and how broad the field can be.
Alexis Schuknecht is an associate creative director at Pixel Park, an animation and video production studio in Columbus, Ohio. After earning her BFA in Illustration with a minor in Cinematic Arts at Columbus College of Art & Design, Alexis began her career as a storyboard artist and designer and now writes and directs commercials.
Hannah Yankasky is a Producer at Pixel Park, an animation and video production studio in Columbus, Ohio. She fell into production after getting her BA in Political Science from OSU. She loves assistant – directing live action shoots and completing the difficult puzzle of timelines.
Join Alexis and Hannah’s Session
Monday, November 16 at 9:30 a.m.
Dr. Karisa Antonio: Winding Pathways
Join Dr. Karisa Antonio for a thoughtful exploration of career development, purpose, and personal values. Drawing upon her extensive experience in program design, non-profit leadership, and strategic planning, Dr. Antonio will examine the often-non-linear nature of career pathways and the role that reflection, adaptability, and self-awareness play in professional growth. Through research-informed insights and personal perspectives, she will discuss how individuals can identify and articulate their core values, navigate transitions with intention, and make decisions that support meaningful and fulfilling careers.
Dr. Karisa Antonio is the VP of Social Innovation and Learning at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO), where she listens and leads with a focus on human impact and a deep commitment to equity. Her understanding of connective strategy, program design, and impact evaluation has guided the development of Detroit Strategy, the DSO’s investment in the growth and well-being of the city and people of Detroit. Detroit Strategy efforts have forged over 300 local partnerships and engaged nearly 200,000 people in just five years. Prior to returning to her home state of Michigan, Karisa served as the founding Dir. of Arts and Culture at Lantern Community Services, a supportive housing and shelter organization in NYC, and as Assistant Dir. of Arts and Education at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House. She got her start in urban design and implementation programs working for the City of New York, rolling out Shape Up NYC, a city-wide wellness initiative. Karisa has served on the steering committee of the Detroit Residents First Fund, and as a member of the board of directors of COTS Detroit, an organization that serves families facing housing loss and insecurity.
Karisa holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Stony Brook University, a master’s degree from Yale University, a bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University, and an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Baruch College. She is certified in Results-Based Accountability™. She is a Stony Brook University “40 Under 40” honoree and has been recognized for her work in civil service and activism. She was a 2024 Distinguished Alumna in Residence at Grand Valley State University.
As a clinician and lecturer, Karisa has shared strategies for engagement and program design for the League of American Orchestras, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Americans for the Arts National Convention, the Supportive Housing Network of New York Annual Conference, Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance Technical Assistance Institute, Janian Medical-Project for Psychiatric Outreach to the Homeless-Grand Rounds, the Association of Vocational Rehabilitation in Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, and the National Health Care for the Homeless Annual Conference. Her commitment to student development includes regular presentations for colleges and universities, and work with Senza, a DSO professional development program created for and with youth.
A former professional oboist with a focus on contemporary and chamber works, Karisa’s playing can be heard on Cantaloupe, Naxos, EMF, Last Things, Albany, and Carrier record labels, most notably on John Luther Adams’ Sila: The Breath of the World, which was nominated for a 2023 GRAMMY Award. Karisa played for over a decade with the Wet Ink Large Ensemble, named the “Best Classical Music Ensemble of 2018” by the New York Times. Additional awards include those at the Fischoff, Coleman, Chamber Music Yellow Springs, and Chesapeake chamber music competitions. Karisa was a featured soloist at the New York City Electronic Music Festival and the International Computer Music Conference.
Wednesday, November 18 at 9:30 a.m.
Taso Mastorakis: Motion Design and Animation Careers
What does a career in animation and motion design ‘look’ like? Taso will introduce you to his experiences and share the news of possibilities in the field.
Taso Mastorakis is a 2000 graduate of the School of Visual Arts. He has 22 years of experience in animation, graphic design, and character animation, including Nickelodeon’s Blue’s Clues. Clients include Nickelodeon, TV Land, WeTV, Food Network, CBS Sports, and Robin Hood. Taso is currently working as a senior motion designer for the CBS Sports division.
Monday, November 23 at 9:30 a.m.
Debbie Darling: Your Professional Path
Join us as we discover and discuss practical strategies for building experience, networking, music business ethics, and preparing for a successful transition from college to the professional world.
Debbie Darling is a singer/songwriter who has performed a wide range of musical styles from opera to jazz to blues and everything in between. She’s provided her vocal talents for small bands, large orchestras and commercial voice-overs. She’s a motivational speaker and international best-selling author. She was the president of “The Presentation Pros,” a soft-skills training company teaching all aspects of presenting. She was the national spokesperson for Catherine’s Plus Sizes and has been on numerous radio and television shows, including Hard Copy, The Richard Simmons Show and the Oprah Winfrey Show. She’s sung with Stanley Turrentine, The Peter Duchin Band, and The Tommy Dorsey Band. She performs with a variety of talented musicians and can create everything from a single act up to an eight-piece band.
Monday, November 23 at 3:30 p.m.
Marcus Harrison: Author Your Career—Follow Your Passion.
Do what you love. Be good at it. Your path in life is defined by how intentional you are with being comfortable in your own skin.
Marcus Harrison is the Director of Marketing & Communications for WGTE Public Media in Toledo. Being born and raised in NW Ohio, Marcus is a proud graduate of St. John’s Jesuit Academy and HS. Marcus is also a 5x Emmy-winning producer and director with 20+ years of broadcast television experience. He holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Bowling Green State University and has a core passion for history, storytelling, and relationship building. Marcus serves on various boards in the community and is a true believer in servant leadership.