Torchbearers

06/16/2026

Hi Torchbearers! 👋🏼👋🏼

I’m Maxwell Warner, a member of Torchbearers Akron Class of 2026, and I’ll be taking over our stories for the next few days.

I joined Torchbearers because I wanted to grow as a leader, build meaningful relationships, and become more connected to the Greater Akron community. What I’ve found is so much more than a leadership program. Through TB, I’ve had the opportunity to serve alongside incredible people, learn from community leaders, and build friendships with classmates who are passionate about making Akron stronger.

One of my favorite parts of the experience has been seeing how people from different backgrounds, professions, and perspectives can come together around a shared commitment to our community.

Over the next three days, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite TB memories, leadership lessons, and a glimpse into what Torchbearers has meant to me. Thanks for following along! 💙🔥

- Maxwell Warner

06/11/2026

How would the Class of 2026 describe the first half of their Torchbearers’ experience? Iconic, exhilarating, growth-provoking and so much more! Are you looking for new opportunities and friendship in your life? Applications for the Class of 2027 are now open. Apply by June 30: https://torchbearersakron.com/apply/

06/06/2026

Happy Blimp Day, Akron! A few of our members celebrated the blimp’s 101st birthday earlier this week. Today, volunteers at the Kenmore Boulevard Block Party spotted one of the blimps. We’re so excited to celebrate this new Akron holiday!

06/04/2026

Why apply for Torchbearers? There are so many reasons, but here are four that we hear from our member and alumni consistently! If you’re a young professional in Greater Akron who is ready to take the next step, apply for the Class of 2027 by June 30: https://torchbearersakron.com/apply/

06/01/2026

05/29/2026

Thanks to everyone who attended our Open House tonight! We loved meeting prospective new members and connecting with so many people who want to make a difference in Akron!
Interested in joining the Class of 2027? Learn more and apply here: https://app.ui3.smarterselect.com/programs/108970-Torchbearers?from=v1

05/27/2026

A new Wall Street Journal feature on the Midwest’s population resurgence highlights how cities like Akron are attracting and retaining residents through affordability, innovation and community. The story specifically quotes former Torchbearers’ President Kyle Kutuchief and current President Alexis King!

Stories like these give us hope. Why? It tells the rest of America something we already know: Akron is a city on the rise. Young people are choosing to stay or move to our community, and we’re proud to help those young people find connection and purpose here.

If you’re a library card holder, we encourage you to use their databases to read the full story!

https://www.wsj.com/us-news/akron-ohio-midwest-population-growth-5680accb?st=92kj7r

05/22/2026

There’s still time to register for our Open House at the Akron Art Museum! Join us on Thursday, May 28 at 5:30 to learn about how Torchbearers can help you connect to and serve the Greater Akron community. Enjoy good art, company, food and drinks with Akron's young professional leaders. Bonus: It’s Free Thursday at the museum!

RSVP: https://torchbearersakron.com/event/torchbearers-open-house/

05/19/2026

Whaddup, Akron! 🔥

My name is Alexis King (‘22), I’m the current President of Torchbearers, + I’ll be taking over the TB socials for the next few days. I’m so excited to show y’all my little slice of Akron + share about how Torchbearers has impacted my life!

Some quick fun facts about me:
➡️ My husband, my daughter, + I are proud West Akronites. We’re Akron transplants who are proudly putting down roots! I grew up mainly in the west side suburbs of Cleveland + my husband grew up in Wayne County.
➡️ I’m currently almost 37 weeks pregnant with our second—a boy! 👶
➡️ For my day job, I’m the Digital Media Manager for (who, fun fact, is a TB Alum!).
➡️ Biiiiiiiiig Blimp girlie, 5:30am workout fan, avid reader, + solid Swiftie.

Questions? Fun facts? Jokes? I wanna hear it, drop them ‘em in the comments!

-

05/17/2026

Are you a young professional with a vision to improve the Greater Akron community? Apply to Torchbearers today: https://torchbearersakron.com/apply/