Find out more about Nancy and Neuro-osity here: https://neuro-osity.com/

In this episode of Make It Happen, we're joined by Nancy Disbrow—HR leader turned neurodiversity coach and founder of Neuro-osity. We met at the Toledo Tech Loft, where Nancy gave a Loft Talk that had me nodding along... and then wandering off (you’ll get that reference).

We dive deep into:

• What it really means to be neurodivergent (ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and beyond)

• Why so many CEOs operate differently—and how that’s often a superpower

• Helping kids understand their brains, advocate for themselves, and stop thinking they’re “broken”

• How workplaces can better support different kinds of thinkers

• Tools and strategies for productivity, communication, and managing focus

We cover everything from parenting neurodivergent kids to managing a team full of different thinkers—and yes, we talk Percy Jackson, speed limits, and why negative self-talk needs to go.

Whether you’re a leader, teacher, parent, or just trying to figure out your own brain—this episode brings clarity, humor, and hope.
📍 Recorded live at the Toledo Tech Loft

Make It Happen — Featuring James Warnken

On this episode of Make It Happen, we’re joined by accessibility advocate and digital strategist James Warnken, who shares his powerful story—from being diagnosed with Stargardt disease at age 9 to becoming a national voice in digital accessibility and inclusive design.

James breaks it down with personal insight and practical strategy, helping designers, devs, HR teams, and business leaders turn accessibility from a “nice to have” into a culture-shifting practice.

💡 “Who better to lead the conversation about accessibility than someone impacted by inaccessible design?”

🎤 Catch James live on July 17, 2025, at the Toledo Tech Loft with GDG Toledo and Toledo Codes. Event info:
👉 Understanding the True User Experience with Assistive Technology (Free to attend)

🔔 Follow Make It Happen for more conversations with doers, builders, and changemakers.

#Accessibility #MakeItHappenPodcast #JamesWarnken #InclusiveDesign #DigitalInclusion #TechForGood #AssistiveTechnology #UXDesign #Leadership

🎙️ Hosted by Vince Corci & Bre Yarnell

In this month’s episode, Vince and Bre share everything going on in the Toledo area this June—from festivals and fundraisers to rooftop parties and river cruises. Whether you’re into live music, tacos, tech, or just looking for something new to explore, we’ve got you covered.

Highlights include:
🎈 Party in the Park & Hot Air Balloon Glow🛼 Retro Skate Night & Juneteenth Rooftop Bash🍝 Taste of Italy & the Italian Bowl🎂 Father’s Day BBQ + Vince’s 60th Birthday🎨 Art, healing, and fruit-themed festivals🎧 Bre’s “Top 3” events you don’t want to miss!

Listen now and plan your best summer yet in the 419.

#ToledoOhio #WhatsHappening #LocalEvents #MakeItHappen #BreeTop3 #VinceCorci #BreYarnell

Step into the rhythm of revival with Bre Yarnell as she hosts Dennis and Darlene Cox and Dougie Fresh at the Toledo Tech Loft. In this heartfelt and high-energy episode, the crew behind Techledo shares the origin story and future vision of Toledo’s free electronic music festival happening June 21 at the Glass City Riverwalk.

They talk DJs from Detroit, live art, community love, afterparties, and the dream of building something timeless—something Toledo. This is about music, unity, and creating space for everyone to belong.

🎶 House, techno, soul, and story.
🌳 Powered by the Metroparks.
🤝 All for a cause—supporting Good Natured.
💻 More at techledo.live

#Techledo #ToledoRevival #ElectronicMusic #PLUR #CommunityFirst

What’s Happening: May 2025
Hosted by Vince Croci and Breann Yarnell, this month’s episode brings you everything you need to know about events, fun, and tech happening across Toledo and Northwest Ohio. From margarita tastings and Star Wars trivia to birding season, art walks, car shows, tattoo expos, and tech mixers — we’ve got your May calendar packed.

🌟 Highlights:

• Mud Hens and Rockets at Fifth Third Field

• Cinco de Mayo margarita tastings 🍹

• Mother’s Day brunches and garden strolls 🌸

• Tattoo Festival at Glass City Center

• Northwest Ohio AI Summit 🤖

• Tech networking at TolHouse and the Toledo Tech Loft

Whether you're into dinosaurs, design, or DJs, this is your guide to making the most of May.

📍 Toledo is alive — get out there and explore!

In this month’s episode, we’re diving into the events, opportunities, and energy shaping the tech scene across Northwest Ohio.

📍 Highlights include:

• BGSU Design Day (May 2)

• Tech Night at TolHouse (May 13 & 27)

• GDG Dinner Mixer at Carlos Poco Loco (May 14)

• Toledo Codes user research event (May 15)

• The launch of our Intro to Design and Tech course (May 12)

• A sneak peek at the Applied Innovation Program

• Local job openings

Plus, Justin Beaudry joins to share career opportunities and the mission behind Toledo Codes.

🎧 Whether you're a student, dev, designer, or tech-curious — there’s something here for you.

💼 Jobs mentioned available at: https://jobs.toledoregion.com

📲 Sponsored by: EventPin — find it on iOS & Android

#ToledoTech #TechCareers #Innovation #DesignAndTech #ToledoCodes #EventPin #MakeItHappen

In this episode of Make It Happen, Mike sits down with Kyle Storer — mechanical engineer, inventor, and co-founder of Ark Web Development — to talk about what it really means to build. From managing large-scale industrial projects to helping small businesses grow online, Kyle shares how curiosity, hands-on learning, and active listening have shaped his journey.

They dive into lessons from the University of Toledo, the power of customer discovery, how to manage teams older than you, and why failure (and a few ugly prototypes) are essential to success. Whether you're a student, entrepreneur, or just someone who likes to figure out how things work, this conversation is full of inspiration and practical takeaways.

🎧 Topics include:

• How Kyle went from childhood tinkerer to project engineer at USG

• Launching Ark Web Development and identifying market gaps

• Lessons from NSF I-Corps and customer discovery

• Using AI as a creative and planning tool

• The value of getting out of your comfort zone

In this episode of Make It Happen, host Mike Vanderpool sits down with Brent Cousino — a Toledo-based entrepreneur shaped by family legacy, financial wisdom, and a deep commitment to community. From launching startups with his grandfather to navigating med-tech trials, Brent shares real talk on risk, failure, and resilience. He opens up about his passion for financial literacy, the story behind Neighbor 2 Neighbor Toledo, and why he still believes in the power of being human.

It’s a story about making it happen — not just in business, but in life.