Meet Maribeth Graham of Sole Inspiration

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maribeth Graham.

Maribeth, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my career over 20 years ago in sales and business development, and at the time, I do not think I fully realized how much that path would shape me. What drew me in early on was the relationship side of the business. I liked learning about people, understanding what they were trying to accomplish, and finding ways to help them get there.

Over the years, I have worked with a wide range of clients and industries, and my career has continued to grow through persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to keep evolving. Sales has taught me how important it is to listen first, build trust, follow through, and stay resilient. Business development, in particular, has given me the opportunity to think strategically, create meaningful partnerships, and help connect people with opportunities that make sense for them.

Outside of my professional career, giving back has become a big part of who I am. Over the last 10 years, I have spent a lot of time volunteering and being involved in the community. About seven years ago, I co-founded Sole Inspiration, a nonprofit that provides athletic footwear to kids in need so they can participate in team sports.

I am also currently involved with several organizations that are meaningful to me. I serve as a Perry Township Rotarian and help with social media and event sponsorships. I am on the Board of Directors for the Breast Cancer Fund of Ohio, where I serve as Vice Chair of Social Media. I am also a member of the Women’s Board of Aultman Hospital and have served on various committees there, and I serve on the Board of Trustees for the Stark Library Foundation. I have volunteered with other organizations over the years as well, but these are the ones I am currently most involved with.

That work has been incredibly meaningful because it combines community, connection, and purpose in a tangible way. So when I think about how I got to where I am today, it has really been a combination of building a career I care about, continuing to grow through each chapter, and staying grounded in the things that matter most to me: relationships, community, and making a positive impact.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has not always been a smooth road, but I think that is part of what has shaped me.

In sales and business development, there are always highs and lows. You hear “no” a lot, deals do not always move the way you hope, and you have to learn how to stay motivated even when things feel uncertain. Over time, I have learned not to take every setback personally and to focus on building real relationships, being consistent, and continuing to show up.

There have also been times in my career where I had to figure out my next step, take on something new, or push myself outside of my comfort zone. Those moments were not always easy, but they helped me become more confident, more resilient, and more willing to trust myself.

Starting Sole Inspiration also came with its own challenges. We had the passion and the heart behind it, but we had to learn how to turn an idea into something organized, sustainable, and truly helpful for the kids and families we wanted to support. COVID also happened early on, so there was a lot to navigate in terms of fundraising, events, outreach, and figuring out how to keep momentum during such an uncertain time. It took patience, trial and error, and support from others, but it has become one of the things I am most proud of.

Looking back, I am grateful for the harder seasons because they taught me persistence, patience, and the importance of staying grounded in what matters to me: relationships, community, purpose, and making a positive impact.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Sole Inspiration?
Sole Inspiration is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Northeast Ohio that I co-founded about seven years ago. We provide athletic footwear to kids in need so they can participate in team sports.

The mission is simple, but it means a lot to us. Sports can play such an important role in a child’s life. They build confidence, teach teamwork, and give kids a sense of belonging. For some families, the cost of the right shoes can be a challenge, and we help remove that barrier.

We support students in 4th through 12th grade who demonstrate financial need and are participating in a team sport in Ohio. What makes Sole Inspiration special is how personal and community driven it is. Every pair of shoes represents more than footwear. It is a chance for a young athlete to show up prepared and feel included.

What I am most proud of is that Sole Inspiration was built from the heart. It continues to grow because of people who believe every child deserves the opportunity to participate, feel supported, and step into their sport with confidence.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have definitely had a lot of people play a role in my journey, both personally and professionally.

My family has always been a big source of support for me. My parents and my sister have encouraged me, shown up for me, and supported the things that matter to me, both in my career and in my volunteer work. My grandpa has also been a huge inspiration. He is over 100 years old, and I have always admired how organized, disciplined, and giving he is. He spent a lot of time volunteering throughout his life, and I think seeing that example helped shape the way I think about service and community.

In my career, I have also been fortunate to learn from managers, colleagues, clients, and mentors who challenged me, supported me, and helped me grow. Some taught me how to be more strategic, some helped me build confidence, and others showed me the importance of consistency, relationships, and following through.

With Sole Inspiration, the credit belongs to so many people. My co-founder and his family, our board, volunteers, donors, community partners, schools, coaches, and supporters have all helped bring the mission to life. An organization like this does not grow because of a few people. It grows because people believe in the work and are willing to give their time, resources, and encouragement.

I am especially grateful for the people who have shown up year after year, whether that means donating, spreading the word, helping with events, connecting us with families, or simply cheering us on. Their support has made it possible for us to continue helping kids feel prepared, included, and confident.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://soleinspiration.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soleinspirationinc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soleinspirationinc/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sole-inspiration-inc
• Twitter: https://x.com/SoleInspir_Ohio