Events

Hardesty, currently serving as the Executive Director of the Downtown Akron Development Corporation brings nearly a decade of experience to his new role in Akron. In his career, he has worked on various forms of development and city-wide initiatives including downtown development, adaptive redevelopment, residential development, site and greenfield development, and program and incentive development. Hardesty played a key role in shaping Canton’s Downtown and intends to bring that experience and success to Akron’s core.

In addition to his experience, he is a University of Akron alumni, holds an Executive Master of Business Administration from Walsh University, is an Ohio Certified Economic Developer (OhioCED), and is a 2024 member of ystark! ‘Twenty under 40!’ class.

With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, philanthropy, and community engagement, Danielle Robertson Thompson is a proven leader in advancing organizational impact and fostering meaningful partnerships. She currently oversees two governing boards and six committees, including the Grant Selection Committee, where she guides funding strategies and community investments.

Danielle raises funds annually through high-profile fundraising events such as the Ambassador of Golf presented by the FirstEnergy Foundation, honoring global figures including President George W. Bush and Stephen Curry. Her expertise extends to financial management, budget oversight, and compliance, as well as leading large-scale volunteer initiatives that engage more than 1,000 volunteers for events like the Kaulig Companies Championship.

Danielle holds a bachelor's degree from Miami University and a master's from Syracuse University. She brings a strong foundation in donor relations, volunteer and board engagement, and organizational leadership, and is deeply committed to leveraging her skills to promote volunteerism and philanthropy.

We are delighted to welcome on November 4, 2025, our inbound Rotary exchange student as our presenter on Luciana "Lu" Ortiz Ancí, from Arequipa, Peru. We look forward to hearing about her activities and experiences during her first few months with us!

Luciana Mercedes Ortiz Ancí was born on November 1, 2008, in Arequipa, Peru — a city known for its rich culture, vibrant colors, and artistic spirit. From an early age, she showed a deep love for the arts, often spending her time painting, taking pictures, and exploring creative expression through music and movement.

Growing up surrounded by the beauty of Arequipa’s landscapes and traditions, Luciana developed a keen eye for detail and a strong emotional connection to visual storytelling. Her interests expanded to include playing the piano, dancing, singing, and experimenting with makeup, each outlet allowing her to express different facets of her personality.

At the age of 16, Luciana embarked on a new chapter as an exchange student in the United States. This experience broadened her perspective, giving her the opportunity to share her Peruvian heritage while embracing new cultures and ideas. Her time abroad has deepened her artistic voice and inspired her to continue exploring creativity in all its forms.

Luciana’s love for cats, her passion for photography, and her dedication to the arts make her a dynamic and thoughtful young creator. Whether behind a camera, at a piano, or in front of a canvas, she brings warmth, curiosity, and authenticity to everything she does.

Rob and Doug will help you understand the difference between The Rotary International Foundation and The Akron Rotary Foundation. 

Purposeful Giving is a concept that emphasizes intentional, thoughtful, and meaningful acts of generosity. 

They will discuss how giving goes beyond simply donating money or resources—it’s about aligning your giving with your values, making a sustainable impact, and fostering connection and purpose.

Marissa Gerbitz was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Kent State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. During her time at Kent State, she was an active member of Delta Gamma and volunteered with the Kent Lions Club. She later completed her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Cincinnati. Before joining Apex, Marissa worked as a registered nurse at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital and as a nurse practitioner at Milan Laser, where she received two medical excellence awards for outstanding patient care. Currently enrolled in the Apex training program, Marissa specializes in diagnosing and treating both acute and chronic dermatologic conditions for patients of all ages. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, staying active with Pilates, and listening to ’80s rock. A proud Ohioan, she’s also an enthusiastic Ohio State football fan.

This meeting is also being offered via Zoom

Topic: Rotary Club of Akron, OH Club Meeting, 9 December 2025

Time: Dec 9, 2025 11:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://rotary-org.zoom.us/j/95247435026?pwd=RmOjZ2C0lqcgpafB1o6yiLe79wgpva.1

Meeting ID: 952 4743 5026

Passcode: 752903

Amanda Barna, M.A. is Principal and co-founder of the Center for Marketing & Opinion Research (CMOR). A small-business leader who wears many hats, she oversees business strategy, marketing and client development, and serves as a lead researcher and project manager. With more than 25 years of quantitative and qualitative research experience, Amanda specializes in survey design, secondary data analysis, program evaluation, community health assessments and translating findings into clear, actionable recommendations for community partners.

Amanda earned both her M.A. in Urban Studies and B.A. in Sociology from The University of Akron (where she was named Undergraduate Student of the Year). She is an alumna of Leadership Akron Class 37; past board member of Akron Torchbearers; past Board Chair and current Board Member of Goodwill Industries of Akron; and President of the University of Akron Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences Alumni Council. Amanda, along with her sister, run their local school district’s annual Safety Town program for incoming kindergarteners. She is a recipient of the Greater Akron Chamber’s 30 for the Future award.

Amanda lives in Canal Fulton with her husband, Tim, their three sons, and two spoiled dogs and is an avid runner who enjoys long distance running and trail races.

Rachel Tecca was hired as the first Executive Director of YSS in November, 2023.  Rachel has distinguished herself locally, regionally, and nationally as an innovative breakthrough leader dedicated to closing youth opportunity gaps.  In her role as Director of College and Career Academies and Assistant Superintendent for Akron Public Schools, she was responsible for leading the district in the transformation to College and Career Academies of Akron (CCAA) ensuring all APS students graduate from high school prepared for college and a career to fuel Akron’s workforce.  Rachel has dedicated her career to serving youth with the greatest systemic barriers and inequities to success in a variety of leadership positions. In each of these roles, she viewed positive youth development and reduction of youth violence as key to creating environments where youth thrive.

William “Mac” Love is an international artist, branding professional, and diehard Cleveland sports fan. Born in New York City, Mac grew up in Brussels, Belgium, studied Fine Art & Synaesthesis at Skidmore College, and earned his MFA in Painting from the Edinburgh College of Art. He has led and produced thousands of private and public art projects around the world. Mac is the president of Leadership Akron Class 38, serves on the board of Akron Roundtable and the Akron Bicentennial Commission, and is an inaugural graduate of Creative Ohio’s Advocacy Leadership Institute.

Nathan began serving as the Executive Director of the Autism Society of Greater Akron in 2024, bringing nearly 20 years of experience working with, advocating for and supporting the Autism community. His career spans roles as a direct support professional working with adults on the spectrum, as an administrator directing residential and day programs for developmentally disabled people, and as an executive dedicated to lowering barriers to access to a sense of belonging for members of the Autism community by creating meaningful quality-of-life opportunities.

Nathan’s dedication to service leadership was shaped by both his parents as well as his service in the New York State Air National Guard during 9/11 and the War on Terror. It was further developed through his academic pursuits. Nathan holds an Executive MBA from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, a Master of Public Administration (Health Care) from Marist College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education (English) from SUNY New Paltz.

As the second Executive Director in ASGA’s history, Nathan is proud to build on the sound foundation already in place through the dedication and passion of the ASGA staff and Board of Directors. In collaboration with them and the Northeast Ohio community, Nathan continuously seeks even more effective, efficient, economical ways to continue advancing the mission of creating connections that empower everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.