Torchbearers

08/28/2026

🏳️‍🌈☀⛈Rain or shine, Torchbearers had a phenomenal time at Akron Pride Festival this past weekend. Thank you to our members and alumni who joined in for the Equity March as well as our Trash Trooper volunteers!

08/27/2026

Please join us in giving a HUGE congratulations to Class of 2026 member James Yarbrough IV on the publication of the first children’s book he has illustrated! James worked with local author Kenan Bishop on this vibrant retelling of the childhood classic, Cinderella. There’s even a rap recording of the book for little musicians to enjoy!

James told us, “Being a Torchbearer has inspired me to do hard things to reach those big goals.”

You can learn more about the book, and even order your own copy, here: https://www.kenanbishopcoaches.com/so/3bP-uv33t?languageTag=en

08/24/2026

🍅 Food brings people together! A group of our members were delighted to prepare and serve tomatoes at the Cuyahoga Valley Farmers' Market Annual Tomato Tasting Festival. It was a beautiful morning to see the community show up to support local business.

08/11/2026

Alison Matas Smith is a phenomenal leader at Schauer Group and in the community. We're so glad to have her as part of our leadership team! Alison is a phenomenal leader, both at Schauer Group and in the greater community. We're so glad to have her as part of our leadership team! Check out the Greater Akron Chamber's latest episode of the Dreamers, Drivers, Doers Podcast to hear about her professional leadership experience!

20% of Schauer Group's employees started as interns at the risk management company.

That's why we invited Alison Matas-Smith, AVP of Communications and Talent Development, on the Dreamers, Drivers, Doers Podcast — she knows what she's doing when it comes to recruiting and retaining great talent.

As summer internship season comes to a close, listen in to this conversation to hear what makes an internship program really successful.

🎧GreaterAkronChamber.org/Podcast

08/07/2026

Thank you to all the current Torchbearers, alumni, family and friends who joined us at the game last night! Connection is a key pillar of the Torchbearers' experience. While many connections are forged through our Leadership & Development trainings and community service projects, we also make sure to intentionally get together for no other reason besides having fun!

08/03/2026

Looking for a fun night out that also gives back? ⚾️🦆

Join us at the Akron RubberDucks game on this Thursday, August 6 and help support the mission of Torchbearers! Every ticket purchased through our special link directly supports the work we're doing to invest in the next generation of leaders—all while you enjoy a great night at the ballpark.

Invite your friends, bring the family, and help us pack the stands for a great cause.

Get your tickets here: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Torchbearersakron2

07/18/2026

We’re ready to discuss our favorite topic.

07/13/2026

We love a TB love story! Rachelle Yarbrough is a TB alumna from the Class of 2022, and her husband James is a member of our Class of 2026. Not only do they volunteer together, they involve the next generation by bringing their child with them. A few weeks ago, the trio volunteered at Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs. Together, along with other TB alumni and current members, they helped serve dinner to campers.

07/09/2026

Many Torchbearers choose to continue growing and learning with the organization after their first year. A few weeks ago, our Continued Leadership & Development cohort met at gracehouseakron to discuss diversity and how to understand our own complex identities. After a session with Hope & Healing, members toured Grace House Akron with TB alumna, Ashley Manning!