Torchbearers

Torchbearers was founded in 2003 to strengthen the connection between Akron-area nonprofits and emerging leaders, as well as to further efforts to attract and retain emerging leaders in Greater Akron. The organization is a bridge between established leadership of the community and leaders of the future.

Since 2009, Torchbearers has collaborated with Leadership Akron in efforts to advance community leadership in the Akron area, and in early 2013, the two organizations signed a newly drafted affiliation agreement to collaborate more closely on an ongoing basis. The agreement will strengthen the two organizations’ affiliation through coordinated fundraising, ex-officio board representatives and collaboration on marketing efforts. Both organizations will retain independent governance and distinct identities, and Torchbearers will continue to identify as an independent affiliate of Leadership Akron.

Torchbearers contributed more than 3,500 volunteer hours to the greater Akron community in 2016, working with 150+ local organizations, including the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, PorchRokr, ACCESS, Inc, the Akron Snow Angels, Downtown Akron Partnership, the International Institute of Akron, Habitat for Humanity of Summit County, Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron Rotary Camp, Big Love, Summit Metro Parks, United Way of Summit County, and many, many more.

More than a dozen years later, Torchbearers membership is over 100 strong and reflects the diversity found across the Greater Akron emerging leader community. With the addition of 42 new members in 2017, Torchbearers plans to be able to accomplish even more in the years ahead.

Our Mission
To enhance Greater Akron by investing in the development, connection and engagement of our membership comprised of evolving leaders with a passion to impact our community.

Our Vision
We envision a culture of empowered and diverse leadership in which our members are making meaningful contributions to the Greater Akron community.