January 29, 2026 – Chapter Meeting
Program Details
Keynote Presentation: The Transformative Power of Education in Our Region
Presented by Sara Elaqad, Executive Director, of Minds Matter Cleveland this session highlights the transformative power of education and mentorship in shaping brighter futures for young people across Northeast Ohio. Sara will share how targeted mentoring programs help students overcome barriers, unlock potential, and achieve long-term academic and personal success.
Through real examples from Minds Matter Cleveland, attendees will gain insight into why educational attainment matters for the strength of our region and how community and business leaders can make a meaningful difference in the lives of students who need it most.
About the Speaker: Sara Elaqad has been a passionate supporter of Minds Matter Cleveland since 2011 and has served as its Executive Director since 2018. She began her involvement as a mentor and has dedicated herself to ensuring the success of Cleveland students. Sara’s commitment to education extends to her service on the Cleveland Board of Education, where she has served since 2019 and currently holds the position of Chair. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Council of the Great City Schools, an organization focused on improving education for students in urban schools nationwide.
Sara earned her B.A. from The Ohio State University and her Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. She believes deeply in the potential of every young person and the responsibility of adults to help remove barriers to success. As she says, “Education should be the great equalizer, and Minds Matter helps make that true.”
Featuring an opening discussion with Richard De Carlo of the USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation
USSCLF began as an idea during a visit from Tom Modly, NE Ohio-native and then Undersecretary of the Navy. The discussion surrounded many topics among them the notion of a fourth vessel to carry the name USS Cleveland. The discussion became reality with an announcement in October 2018, presented on USS Cod. With that the USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation was underway.
The Foundation, a recognized 501c3, is charted to fulfill a three-phase mission.
Phase 1: To build awareness fostering a relationship between the ship (LCS-31), her crew of ninety, and our Greater Cleveland – NE Ohio community. In so doing, sending her to the fleet and points determined by the needs of the Navy in fine fashion. May 2026, she will be commissioned at North Coast Harbor, with sail away to Mayport Naval Station, Jacksonville, FL.
Phase 2: Ongoing support of the crew by extending programs and recognition that enhances the support provided by The Navy. This phase will be concurrent with the service life of the vessel.
Phase 3: Promote her possible return to Cleveland as a museum ship, after her service life ends.
This discussion will provide background while “hitting the wavetops” on the project, its mission and details of what’s coming to Cleveland, Ohio, in 2026.
Event Details/Registration
DATE / TIME:
Thursday, January 29, 2026
4:30-7:30pm
REGISTRATION:
FEI Members/Strategic Partners: free of charge
Guests: $50.00
Session Description:
