Lisa Wheeler-Cooper brings over 25 years of expertise in marketing and development to her role as Executive Director of the Northeast Ohio American Heart Association, serving the communities of Akron, Canton, and Youngstown.
A passionate advocate for health equity, Lisa was honored with the Ohio Commission on Minority Health’s Shero Award in recognition of her unwavering commitment to eliminating health disparities in underserved populations. Her dedication to wellness is deeply personal—shaped by the premature loss of her parents and the impact of chronic illnesses on loved ones throughout her life.
Lisa firmly believes that every individual deserves equitable access to high-quality health care and supportive services. She holds a degree from Kent State University and earned a Diversity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a Founding Lifetime Member of ATHENA Akron and a member Leadership Akron’s Signature Class 41.
The purpose of Rotary Cares is to show our support for Akron Rotary members and their families when dealing with the loss of a loved one, the hardship of illness and also to celebrate the joy of a new baby, job, marriage or other events in their lives. Please <Click to Email us> to let us know of any news you would like placed here. Note that health related information is posted only with permission of the individual(s).
CONGRATULATIONS TO AKRON ROTARIANS JOINING LEADERSHIP AKRON SIGNATURE CLASS 42!
Sarah Buccigross, Summit County Executive's Office (left)
Dr. Evelyn Williams, Global Ties Akron (right)
Leadership Akron proudly announces the members of Signature Class 42, a dynamic group of leaders who will embark on a deeply immersive experience designed to awaken purpose, expand perspective, and ignite lifelong connection.
As Leadership Akron’s flagship program, the Signature experience isn’t a class in the traditional sense, it’s a curated journey into the heart of Greater Akron. Over the next ten months, the 44 participants below will step into Greater Akron’s most vital institutions, confront pressing community issues, and engage in transformative conversations that challenge, stretch, and connect.
Volunteers are needed for the One Hot Meal and Food Pantry at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.
Last Fall, we helped the folks at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church with their One Hot Meal Program the week of Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful Rotarian turnout to help serve.
The Rotarians involved loved the project.
The Church does this once a month, on a smaller scale.
We now have scheduled opportunities to serve once a month through the end of the calendar year.
Time: 4:45 pm - 6:30 pm
Location: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 S. Union Street, Akron, OH 44304
Click on the respective Tuesday below to view available time slots and book yourself to volunteer directly online.
It is time again for our semi monthly service project. We're teaming up to support the Akron Canton Regional Food Bank (ACRFB). Together we'll help ensure that families in our community have access to the food and resources they need.
Details of Event:
When: Wednesday May 28
Time: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Where: Akron Canton Regional Food Bank, 350 Opportunity Parkway, Akron, OH 44307
This is a great opportunity to bond with fellow Rotarians while making an impact in our community.
The service project typically involves breaking down large containers of food into smaller portions for redistribution to area food pantries.
RSVP by Friday May 23rd.
Please let me know if you're able to join us by replying to me at dhall@preferredlegacy.com or texting me at 330-714-1044. Family and friends are welcome so please bring a guest.
Let's come together to embody the Rotary spirit and make this event a success. I'm looking forward to seeing many of you there!
IF YOU HAVE NOT VOLUNTEERED BEFORE AT THE FOOD BANK THEN I NEED YOU TO REGISTER WITH ACRFB.
See volunteer application link below.
If you have any questions please call or text me.
Let's come together to embody the Rotary spirit and make this event a success. I'm looking forward to seeing many of you there!
When you arrive, please park in the front of the building or in the Dart Avenue parking lot. Use the front glass doors to enter the building.
If the parking lot is full, please park in the grass lot or proceed to the Shipping and Receiving parking lot on the other side of the building.
If entering through Shipping and Receiving, enter through the RED visitor door and proceed to the front desk.
We also recommend carpooling when possible.
What to wear:
Face Masks are optional.
Safety is our priority! Please note that open-toed shoes are not permitted in the warehouse.Jewelry is not permitted in the clean- room and we recommend wearing limited jewelry when volunteering.
Comfortable shoes are recommended as you may be on your feet the entire time.
It is best to dress in layers. The weather outside may affect the temperature inside the warehouse.
AKRON-CANTON REGIONAL FOODBANK Main 330.535.6900 Main Campus 350 Opportunity Pkwy, Akron, OH 44307 We envision a thriving community free of hunger.
We are in need of members to join us August 6th at 11am at Cleveland Airport to help us welcome our new exchange student from Peru - Luciano Anci Ortiz.
If you can help please reach out to Susan Colville-Hall at 330-714-3765 (call or text) or email her at rye6630susan@gmail.com -- we will then able to organize car pooling to the airport, signage, etc.
Are you ready to embark on a rewarding cultural journey without leaving your home or know of someone else who might be? The Rotary Club of Akron is seeking three dedicated host families to welcome a student from Peru at Stow-Monroe Falls High School during the 2025-26 school year. Each family will host the student for approximately 3-4 months, providing a unique opportunity to share your culture and learn about another. You must reside within the Stow-Monroe Falls School District.
Why Host an Exchange Student?
Hosting an exchange student offers numerous benefits for your family and the student. It’s a chance to:
Cultural Exchange: Experience Peruvian culture firsthand and share your own traditions and customs.
Global Connections: Build lifelong friendships and expand your global network.
Personal Growth: Enhance your family’s understanding of global issues and develop a broader perspective.
Community Engagement: Contribute to the global community and support international understanding and peace.
What Are the Obligations of a Host Family?
As a host family, you will be responsible for:
Providing a Room: Offer a comfortable bedroom for the student, ensuring they have a private space to rest and relax.
Study Space: Ensure the student has a quiet place to study and complete their schoolwork.
Meals: Provide daily meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Transportation: Assist with transportation to and from school and extracurricular activities, if necessary.
Support and Guidance: Offer support and guidance as the student navigates a new culture and school environment.
How to Get Involved
If you are interested in becoming a host family, please contact Susan Colville Hall at 330-714-3765 or Jacinto Nunez at 330-634-6876. We will do our best provide you with all the necessary information and support to ensure a successful and enriching experience for both your family and the exchange student.
The Rotary Club of Akron has a proud history of sponsoring students to attend Stow-Monroe Falls High School for many years. Join us in continuing this tradition and making a difference in a young person’s life while enriching your own. Open your home to a Rotary Youth Exchange student and become a part of this global connection!
Mark your calendars for The Rotary Camp for Special Needs Children 16th Annual Cornhole Tournament presented by Buckeye Corrugated.
Join us onAugust 23, 2025, at the beautiful Rotary Campgrounds. This exciting event is more than just a cornhole tournament; it's a chance to make a difference in the lives of children and support the Camp’s mission of Creating a world where there are only abilities!
All proceeds will directly benefit Rotary Camp, helping to send children to camp and providing them with life-changing experiences.
Akron Rotary Camp 4460 Rex Lake Drive Akron, OH 44319
We are seeking 6-8 volunteers to assist at the Summer Camp cookout at Rotary Camp. This is a fantastic opportunity for newer Rotarians to experience Rotary Camp and learn more about its mission. Volunteers will be helping to set up the food in the pavilion (buffet style), serving dinner to campers and guests, and cleaning up after.
Please Park in the Camp’s overflow parking area behind the cabins. Instead of turning onto Rex Lake Drive to turn into Camp’s parking, continue with the road. Parking will be on the right, back of the cabins on the left. Enter camp on the pathway between the corner cabins.
If you're able to join us, please reach out to Katy Miller at katymiller218@gmail.com and Amanda Warner at amandaw@akronymca.org.
Are you ready to embark on a rewarding cultural journey without leaving your home or know of someone else who might be? The Rotary Club of Akron is seeking three dedicated host families to welcome a student from Peru at Stow-Monroe Falls High School during the 2025-26 school year. Each family will host the student for approximately 3-4 months, providing a unique opportunity to share your culture and learn about another. You must reside within the Stow-Monroe Falls School District.
Mark your calendars for The Rotary Camp for Special Needs Children 16th Annual Cornhole Tournament presented by Buckeye Corrugated.
We are seeking 6-8 volunteers to assist at the Summer Camp cookout at Rotary Camp. This is a fantastic opportunity for newer Rotarians to experience Rotary Camp and learn more about its mission. Volunteers will
be helping to set up the food in the pavilion (buffet style), serving dinner to campers and guests, and cleaning up after.
