Creating The Future

Peter Benkendorf - Founder, The Collaboratory

Peter Benkendorf is the founder of The Collaboratory, where Dayton's dreamers and doers gather to move innovative ideas to transformative action. Listen to learn how community initiatives conceptualized at The Collaboratory — from Dayton Sewing Collaborative to Dayton Porchfest — are generating new economic, civic, and creative opportunities and value to promote a healthier, more thriving region.  

Jeff Graley - Mile 2

Jeff Graley is the President and co-founder of Mile 2, a Human Machine Teaming company operating at the intersection of people, technology, and work. Proudly based in Dayton, Ohio, Mile 2 builds custom software for a range of diverse clients, including startups, Fortune 500 companies, and the U.S. government.A former Air Force audiologist turned entrepreneur, Jeff leads with humility and collaboration. Hear more about his fascinating journey and Mile 2’s people-first approach to creating the future through cutting-edge tech.

Myla Cardona-Jones, Brunner Literacy Center

Myla Cardona-Jones is the CEO of the Brunner Literacy Center, empowering adults to live better lives through literacy. With over two decades of experience spanning the service, education, marketing, and legal sectors, Myla is recognized as one of the most dynamic leaders in the Dayton region. 
Listen to learn more about Myla’s personal journey and her passion for creating a brighter future in the Dayton region through the life-changing power of literacy.

Charlynda Scales – Founder & CEO, Mutt's Sauce

Charlynda Scales is a veteran, serial entrepreneur, author, and in-demand speaker. As the founder and CEO of Mutt’s Sauce, she turned her grandfather's secret recipe into a popular regional food brand. She’s also the Executive Director of the OH Taste Foundation and the 6888 Kitchen Incubator inside the Dayton Arcade, where she provides small food business owners the tools they need to succeed inside and outside of the kitchen. 
Listen now to hear how Charlynda’s personal journey fuels her passion for uplifting the next generation of entrepreneurs! 

Rodney Veal - Community Arts Liaison, ThinkTV/CET Connect

Rodney Veal is a multidisciplinary artist and one of Dayton’s most passionate advocates for the arts. In his role at ThinkTV & CET, he’s known for hosting the podcast Rodney Veal’s Inspired By and the TV series The Art Show, as well as co-producing the 2024 documentary Willis "Bing" Davis: Reach High & Reach Back. As a self-described “art nerd,” Rodney truly has his finger on the pulse of the region’s dynamic arts and culture scene. 
Tune in for this fascinating conversation to learn how Rodney has become one of the most influential arts voices in our region. 

Gabriel van Aalst - Dayton Live

Gabriel van Aalst is the President and CEO of Dayton Live, the region’s home for performing arts, culture, and live entertainment. With a journey that started in Australia and weaved through nearly every continent on the planet, Gabriel finally landed in Dayton, Ohio, in September 2024, lured to our city by our vibrant arts culture and passionate community support. 
Listen to learn more about Gabriel and his vision for fueling the next generation of the arts in Dayton.

Jeffrey J. Mims, Jr. – Mayor of Dayton, Ohio

Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims, Jr. has devoted his life to education and public service in the Dayton region. After retiring from Dayton Public Schools with 38 years of service, he began a new chapter as a public servant, first serving as a Dayton City Commissioner before being elected in 2021 as Dayton’s 57th Mayor. Today, he remains focused on the youth in our community, most recently launching the Peace Campaign, a collaborative community effort to reduce violent crime in the city of Dayton. 
Listen to learn more about Mayor Mims’ background and his vision for the future of Dayton. 

Andrew Walsh - Author of 'Lost Dayton'

Andrew Walsh is the author of Lost Dayton, an academic librarian at Sinclair College, and the creator of the popular Dayton Vistas blog. With an encyclopedic knowledge of Dayton's past and a promising vision for Dayton's future, Andrew has a truly unique understanding of what our city once was — and all that it can be. 
Be sure to check out Andrew’s book, Lost Dayton, and his blog, Dayton Vistas.

JJ Frigge - Hartzell Propeller

JJ Frigge is recognized globally as the president of Hartzell Propeller, the world leader in advanced aircraft propeller design and manufacturing. He’s also well-known locally as a homegrown success story, channeling his passions back into his Miami County community. 
In this episode, hear more about Hartzell’s fascinating history dating back to the Wright Brothers, innovations in the world of electric aviation, and JJ’s take on Creating the Future in his community. 
Visit Hartzell Propeller's website and learn more about Miami County Partners for Animal Welfare.

Te'Jal Cartwright - Lore Storytelling

As the owner and lead story coach of Lore storytelling, Te'Jal Cartwright is harnessing the transformative power of storytelling to help individuals and organizations create connections, build relationships, and foster real community collaboration in Dayton and beyond.
Te'Jal is a passionate community advocate and an unwavering champion for the development of Dayton. Tune in for this inspiring and insightful conversation! 
Visit the Lore website and follow Te’Jal on Instagram to keep up with the latest storytelling events, classes, and updates.