Top Doers (That's people who get stuff done) in Northeast Ohio

Liz pours her heart and "sole" into Girls With Sole-a local non-profit with a mission to empower girls who have experienced any kind of abuse through free fitness and wellness programs. Liz is an incredible person who changes the lives of girls all over NEO, and inspires adults like me every single day.

I've known Noelle as a colleague and friend since my first days in town, in 2005. I'm seriously biased in favor of her. But seriously, who else is launching a magazine to celebrate the local food industry in her spare time while she works a crazy part time job and raises a teenage daughter and a nine-month old?

Amy founded and created this progressive public policy think tank ten years ago. Under her leadership, Policy Matters Ohio has grown into a powerful voice in many state policy debates and issues. Their well-researched reports have never been found to contain an error, according to numerous "Politifact" investigations. Amy and Policy Matters clearly get stuff done --not just in Northeast Ohio but throughout the state.

Megan has been in Cleveland's community development world for several years and has been the organizer/leader of countless programs, social and otherwise, that help residents on the near west side. Their office services 30,000 residents and in the past Megan has worked in other surrounding neighborhoods. As my colleague, she works her tail off. Every minute is spent in an effort to do right by her employees and the community. She is the epitome of "getting stuff done." -Angela Shuckahosee (Thanks, Angie!)

Carlton is co-founder of Tunnel Vision Hoops LLC, founder of the Bioneers Cleveland’s Fast Track Civic Minded Project Accelerator, Local Food 365 Vacant Land Reuse, and We Dig the City Organic Backyard Raised-bed Gardens (now a division of Tunnel Vision Hoops). He volunteers for the international aid organization Reach the Children and Eco-Tuesday Cleveland.

Here are just a few items that I can name about John's many Pro-Cleveland facets. This man keeps Cleveland alive with his passion, and he's not even a native (he hails from Long Island, NY). He's the Chair of the board of SPACES art gallery, Director of Development & External Affairs at the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland, Member of the Advisory Board at the Cleveland Artists Foundation, Vice President and PAC Chair of the Cleveland Stonewall Democrats, Concierge for the Moguls at the Cleveland International Film Festival, and... that's just what he's doing today. How many similar jobs do you do in one day?

I've never met another person who is more involved in Cleveland's betterment. He host's parties for the Print Club of Cleveland in his home, volunteers his precious time for PRIDE, Ingenuity, Dancin', and just about any other benefit you can imagine. Heck, if it's a significant event happening in Cleveland, you can bet that he's not just attending, but has donated some time to planning and improving the event and augmenting attendance with his wide-ranging influence.

You asked about the "Top Doers in Cleveland." That list most definitely should be topped by John Farina. Even if people disagree with his methods, they will all continue to benefit from his drive to make Cleveland a great place to live, and that's why I suggest him for this deserved honor. (Signed - John Coyne, someone who worked as his assistant 5 years ago, but never felt like killing him! Rather, I praise him for helping me and all other Clevelanders to continue to make this an even better place to live.)

In addition to creating Community Greenhouse Partners out of gumption, a dream, and a lot of elbow grease, Tim has been a formidable leader in the local Occupy movement.

Betsie took her own journey and transformed it into a much needed service for others. 20+ years later, she is finding homes for waiting children, leading state advocacy efforts and using cutting edge best practice strategies that other states are following.

The Community Youth Services branch brings teen programs to communities by working with schools, churches and other community-based organizations.

Slavic Village is a vibrant neighborhood in Cleveland that continues to fight through tough economic times with extraordinary perseverance. Marie is the valiant leader of the community development corporation's efforts. Innovation and creativity are bringing this neighborhood back from the foreclosure crisis that shook it. One of these efforts worth noting as a Velodrome! http://clevelandvelodrome.org/