Life & Work with Anna Toney of Toledo, Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Toney

Hi Anna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Here’s a revised version with some adjustments for clarity and flow:

I was born and raised in Northwest Ohio but always had my sights set elsewhere, destined for the stage! After graduating from Indiana University with a degree in Musical Theatre, I moved to New York City to pursue my dreams. I spent nearly two years in the Big Apple, performing in summer stock gigs across the country, before realizing that the actor’s life wasn’t the path for me.

When I returned to Toledo, I was uncertain about my next steps. A family friend, the Executive Director of Leadership Toledo (LT), suggested I participate in their adult program to reconnect with the city I once called home. Over the course of the 10-month program, I discovered a passion for the nonprofit world and was inspired by the movement to uplift Toledo.

In the fall of 2012, I joined LT as a Program Coordinator. It was eye-opening to learn so much about the community I grew up in but hadn’t fully appreciated. By 2017, I became the Executive Director, and I’ve had the privilege of leading this incredible organization for almost eight years now. Our mission is to cultivate leaders who serve with authenticity and purpose, recognizing Toledo as a truly special place to call home.

Outside of my work at Leadership Toledo, I’m grateful to be married to my high school sweetheart, and together we have four wonderful children, ages 9, 8, 5, and 3. My love for the performing arts remains strong, and I’m proud to serve on the board of directors at the Valentine Theatre. (I’d be remiss not to mention my stint as the elementary school PTO president too!)

In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors—whether running, hiking, skiing, backpacking or sitting by the water somewhere!—supporting the arts, and spending quality time with my family. These are the things that keep me energized and inspired.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a working mom of four definitely comes with its challenges. At the same time, I’m fortunate to have a job that gives me the flexibility to be present and actively involved in my kids’ daily lives. In a world where we often try to do too much, I’ve learned to pause and remind myself that it’s okay to miss an event for work or not make it to every class party.

When I first stepped into the role of Executive Director, I faced my own fears and insecurities. It took time to settle in and realize that it’s okay not to have all the answers. I leaned on a passionate board of directors and an incredible team, all of whom believe deeply in Leadership Toledo’s mission. Together, we found our footing, and LT continues to grow, with our programs making a meaningful impact on the greater Toledo community!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Leadership Toledo connects individuals with the community, engaging and involving them with initiatives that make the Toledo region a great place to live, work, and enjoy.
Our mission is driven by the following goals for each of our adult and high school program participants:
Lead – Become a more confident leader
Connect – Become more connected to your community
Grow – Grow stronger in self-awareness
Serve – Identify service that is meaningful to you

Program Offerings (For Adults):

Signature Program: 10-month commitment, meets once per month as a cohort of 55
individuals who are interested in personal and professional development and community
awareness. Meetings take place on varying weekdays from approximately 8am-4pm.

Spark: 5-month commitment, meets 1-2 times per month as a cohort of 10-12 individuals who
receive a hands-on philanthropic learning experience. Tuition is $850 and 100% of those fees
are pooled together to go back into the community to the charity of the group’s choice.

Community Leadership Series: Free lunch & learn style lectures spotlighting various
leadership development topics and local organizations.

Focus 419: A 2.5-day program that provides a fast-paced overview of the strengths and challenges of our region, and empowers individuals to take on active leadership roles to change our community for the better.

Program Offerings (High School Youth):

Youth Leadership Toledo: A leadership and personal development opportunity for sophomores from varying local high schools. 9-month commitment, the cohort of 60 meets once per month during the school day. Students are nominated by their schools and complete an application process. 1-2 students are selected from each school. We do request a $100 registration fee but scholarships are available to students facing financial barriers. Scholarships are provided with no questions asked.

Youth in Philanthropy Encouraging Excellence (YIPEE): A hands-on leadership development and philanthropic learning opportunity for high school juniors and seniors. Meetings take place 1-2 times each month on Sunday afternoons. Students learn about community needs and the elements of thoughtful giving. Students collaborate to raise money for local non-profit organizations and choose how to fund organizations at the culmination of their program year. This is in partnership with Greater Toledo Community Foundation

What matters most to you?
My family and my community matter the most to me. By investing in both, I am able to live out my core values and, in return, make a meaningful impact. These relationships not only shape who I am but also give me the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of others, creating a positive ripple effect in both my personal and communal circles.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://leadershiptoledo.org
• Instagram: leadershiptoledo
• Facebook: Leadership Toledo
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadershiptoledo419