The Change-Makers: stories that inspire

The heart of our mission is to find the amazing souls that breathe life into our communities. In the recent weeks, we’ve had the privilege to connect with some incredible artists, creatives, entrepreneurs and rabble rousers and we can’t begin to express how impressed we are with the incredible group below. Check out our favorite stories from across the Voyage family.

Christian Nocera

I spent the first 43 years of my life in Columbus, Ohio. For a long time, my world was defined by high-level tech; I was the IT Manager for a global law firm, living a comfortable, established life. But in 2018, I decided to take a massive leap of faith. Read more>>

Alison Sturgis

I didn’t set out thinking I would start something like Avenity but looking back, it makes complete sense why I’m here. I’ve always been someone who prioritized my health. I stayed active, took care of myself, and even got into bodybuilding for a period of time. And looking back, there was always this quiet curiosity in the back of my mind about hormones and HRT. Read more>>

Tony Walker

The story starts with our family in the mid-90’s and Mental Health challenges impacting a young mother and father who deeply value their faith. As the diagnosis and subsequent needs presented themselves towards helping our family a search began to locate authentic faith based resources to support our needs. Read more>>

Ariel Travis

Ever since staying up late as a kid building K’nex roller coasters and airplanes, I’ve always been drawn to building things. My path into entrepreneurship started in middle school making websites, and I’ve kept going — from a youth volunteer organization to a social meetup app, and now two businesses built around physical products. Read more>>

Michael Monteforte

Briefly? I’ll try. After 60+ years, there’s a lot to tell. I’ve always been detail-oriented. I built model cars back in the ’70s. My dad got his friends to let me wash & wax their cars when I was in my teens – that eventually became an auto detailing business. I’ve always been business-oriented as well. Read more>>

Chad Ressler

We grew up in Solon, Ohio and have been making videos since sixth grade. We launched Double Take Video while we were still in college. In the early days we emailed companies offering to create videos for free just to build our portfolio. Read more>>

Amber/Maggie Olivo/Wilson

Kindred Light Studios was built from a lifelong friendship and a shared love for photography. We are best friends that met at a young age and were always the ones documenting everything, eventually growing up in the photography industry and learning the craft hands-on from an early age. Over time, that passion naturally evolved into a full-time business. Read more>>

Megan Berman

I spent my childhood split between Euclid, Ohio, and Chardon, Ohio, and from a very young age I learned the value of hard work. As soon as I was allowed to work, I did. At just 12 years old, I began babysitting for a family on my street, often working nearly 50 hours a week. Read more>>

Delaney Shumaker

I’ve always known I wanted to work with babies. Growing up, whenever someone asked what I wanted to be, I’d say “a baby nurse.” After nursing school, I became a NICU nurse and truly landed my dream job. When I got pregnant with my daughter, I was working night shift in the NICU and unexpectedly developed hyperemesis gravidarum—a condition I had never even heard of. Read more>>

Debbie Klinker

In March of 2023, I attended a pop-up dance fitness class in our small town. We had things like Jazzercise, but we didn’t really have anything like the popular cardio dance fitness specifically for adults. Read more>>

Jason Piland

I grew up in the church, but I never had any desire to pursue ministry. In fact, I remember explicitly telling friends in college who themselves were pursuing pastoral ministry that I am very grateful for my pastors, but I will never be one. Well, in the years after college, the Lord changed those desires. Read more>>

Mickel Dennison

I started this journey from the loss of my mother. I was like everyone else working a 9 to 5. So while processing the loss I realized I had a lot on my plate with her home, her belongings and also trying to maintain my life as well. I was completely shattered and overwhelmed. Read more>>

Shenae Jenkins Owner of Studio Beat

Studio Beat was created by God and given to me. After getting my Advanced Esthetician’s license in 2023. I had worked in two different locations under two different owners between 2023 & 2024. In August of 2024 the name Studio Beat was created from a God given vision. Read more>>

Mike Kahook

I never planned on being in the cigar business. In 2008, after my father passed, I was 17 years old and suddenly responsible for a shop I knew nothing about. No roadmap, no experience—just pressure and a choice: figure it out or lose it. So I stayed. I learned. I made mistakes, adjusted, and kept going. Read more>>

Jenna Roberts

My name is Jenna Roberts. I grew up in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and moved into a rental property in Stow when I was 18. Shortly after, I was promoted to General Manager at my Domino’s location. Around that same time, the property I was renting was put up for sale. Read more>>

Kristen Dowey

OneKey Virtual Care really started with my family. My grandfather lived with Parkinson’s for 27 years, and I watched how hard it was for us to truly understand what was happening day to day. There were so many moments where something felt “off,” but we didn’t have clear information to act on it early. That experience stayed with me. Read more>>

Jose ‘Executive North’ Estremera

Our Story – Agnes Caribbean Cuisine Agnes was built on legacy, resilience, and a deep love for authentic Caribbean culture. The brand is named after my mother, Agnes, who is from Trinidad. Growing up, food was more than just a meal—it was how we connected, how we showed love, and how we brought people together. That foundation stayed with me. Read more>>

Jennifer Moore

I spent the first 15 years of my career in higher education, working in advising, admissions, and as an instructor at Kent State University. It wasn’t a path I originally set out on, but it turned into such a meaningful season of life. I truly loved helping people navigate big decisions, feel more confident in themselves, and find clarity during times that could feel overwhelming. Read more>>

Yiwei Cheng

I spent the first 15 years of my career in higher education, working in advising, admissions, and as an instructor at Kent State University. It wasn’t a path I originally set out on, but it turned into such a meaningful season of life. I truly loved helping people navigate big decisions, feel more confident in themselves, and find clarity during times that could feel overwhelming. Read more>>

Michael Ingram

About Yiwei: I moved to Cincinnati to work my dream corporate job and had planned to build a career there. Meanwhile I heard about real estate investing and how people made money with that, and I wanted to try it out for myself. Since the house costs were low in Cincinnati, I thought I would try here than doing it in California. Read more>>

Troy, Dana, Jacob, and Carter Portis

I didn’t start in early childhood education thinking I’d one day be in the role I am today, but I’ve always been drawn to leadership, people, and building something meaningful. My story really starts with my mom, who started our childcare program over 50 years ago. Read more>>

Patrick Donadio

The Bridge Builder: Patrick Donadio’s Mission to Make Every Word Count The Origin: From the Sunday Table to the Airwaves My story doesn’t begin in a boardroom; it begins at a Sunday dinner table in Niles, Ohio. I grew up in a family where food and conversation were the glue that held everything together. Read more>>

Bryan Wiles

I’d describe my story as a mix of faith, relationships, and a growing passion for building things that last—both in people and in business. I attended Bowling Green State University, where I studied education. However, when I graduated, I felt a clear pull and calling into ministry, which has really shaped everything I do today. Read more>>