Connections MADE: Meet & Eat

Description

Connections MADE: Meet & Eat is a popular Mason Deerfield Chamber networking event that provides:

• Lunch from a rotating member restaurant or venue.
• An opportunity to connect with members to expand your personal and professional networks.
• An opportunity to make a brief introduction of yourself and your business to the group.

About February's Event

February's featured speakers are each 2022 Gems of Excellence award winners, including: John Cummings with Mental Health Recovery Board, Josh Styrcula with Kiwanis Club of Mason, and Anila Zindani with ICM Learning Academy.

Featured Speakers

John Cummings, Mental Health Recovery Board

John Cummings has served as Deputy Director of Communications for the Mental Health Recovery Board Serving Warren & Clinton Counties twice in his career, first form 2002 – 2005 and again since 2016. In this capacity, John has worked to increase visibility of mental health and substance use disorders and treatment, recovery, community supports and prevention through the board’s increased marketing efforts, community involvement and speaking opportunities. He has worked in non-profit and local government communications for most of his career, with short stints in health insurance and senior living. John holds a Master of Communication Theory & Methodology from Cleveland State University as well as a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Bowling Green State University. He currently resides in Miamisburg with his Jack Russell Terrier, Rosie.
 

Josh Styrcula, Kiwanis Club of Mason

Kiwanis International is a global community of clubs, members and partners dedicated to improving the lives of children one community at a time. The Kiwanis Club of Mason, Ohio was chartered on April 12, 1956 with 33 members.  These Kiwanians started our strong tradition of supporting the community that is still with us today.  Today, we have over 90 members from all walks of life with a common passion for community service. We provide over $12,000 annually to support youth activities and projects for children through late teens. We give over $16,000 a year in scholarships to Mason Area students pursuing higher education and technical training programs. While we strive to raise funds throughout the year, our two primary fundraisers are the Annual Mason Kiwanis Golf Classic held in the Spring and the Fall Pancake Day breakfast.  These have been longstanding events that have become terrific opportunities for many individuals and businesses to support the community. All of the funds raised form these events go back to the community through the scholarship foundation or grants to local non-profits benefitting children in the area.  
 
Josh Styrcula is the current president of the Kiwanis Club of Mason. He has been a member since February 2018. Josh also serves as a Mason City Council Member. For his professional career, Josh owns Assurgent Wealth Management. A boutique fee-only financial planning firm. He lives in Mason with his wife Holly and their two sons. In addition to Kiwanis, he actively volunteers in the schools and as a recreational basketball coach.  
 

Anila Zindani, ICM Learning Academy

My name Anila Zindani, I am one of the Board Members of Islamic Center of Mason and Board Member as well as the Director of ICM Learning Academy. I have been associated with this organization since its start in 2013.

I finished my studies from Tulsa, Oklahoma. I have been living in the Greater Cincinnati area for the past 37 years. I am passionate about community services and have been associated with many women’s organizations and nonprofit organizations.

I am a part of the Women Walking West Organization which provides education to women in need of financial and moral support around the world.

I have been a Board Member of PALS (Pakistani Ladies Association of North America). PALS is an organization which helps to remove poverty in Pakistan and Cincinnati. PALS motto is Peace, Education and Co Existing.

I am a member of the Diversity Council of Mason City Schools and also working as a financial assistant in the family's Motors business.

My aspiration is to make education reach to everyone irrespective of financial status and background.