Ashley Basile Oeken
Engage! Cleveland
Ashley Basile Oeken is the executive director of Engage! Cleveland. The nonprofit organization was formed two years ago with a mission to attract, engage and retain diverse talent in Cleveland by connecting young professionals, employers, civic associations and nonprofits.
Basile Oeken was very involved in forming a partnership with the Greater Cleveland Partnership that has been substantial in driving the organization’s mission. One of the many successful committees she has developed is the Employer Services Committee, which partners with companies to attract new employees and retain their existing ones by providing education and connectivity to the social, civic and nonprofit priorities of Cleveland.
Some of Basile Oeken’s most significant accomplishments among these partnerships include iCleveland Summer Showcase, in which summer interns and college students explore new neighborhoods, meet young professionals and company executives, and get an insider’s perspective on careers in Greater Cleveland and network with fellow interns.
Another achievement was the Engage! Cleveland Workshop. From learning about building a brand to learning how to build a talent pipeline in their organizations, the workshop featured a schedule packed with speakers and learning opportunities. Attendees also had a chance to get to know the other young professionals in the room and their organizations’ missions and goals.
A third accomplishment was joining forces with Cleveland BVU and multiple employers throughout Cleveland to present a seminar on the Role of the Board for Young Professionals. Attendees learned how to become more involved in the Greater Cleveland nonprofit community. The seminar considered the challenges and trends facing nonprofits today.
