Buckeye Thrives
"Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers"
Noelmi H. Menendez
President
Driven by a deep belief in “service to others,” Mrs. Menendez has dedicated her career to helping individuals access the resources they need to enhance their quality of life.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Cleveland State University in 2008 and became a Licensed Social Worker in 2009. In 2011, Mrs. Menendez achieved her Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University’s Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences and independent license.
Over the years, she has gained extensive experience in areas such as community mental health treatment, crisis intervention, individual counseling, and connecting people to vital resources.
Mrs. Menendez holds dual licensure as a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision designation and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. Currently, she provides counseling services at a Northeast Ohio health system, employing evidence-based practices including Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Seeking Safety, Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment, and Cognitive Processing Therapy. Her work focuses on empowering clients to challenge unhelpful thought patterns, build effective wellness skills, cultivate healthy relationships, and discover their passions to lead meaningful lives.
In addition to her clinical work, Mrs. Menendez founded Buckeye Thrives, a community initiative designed to reduce stigma around social services, educate residents about available resources, and create a welcoming, family-friendly environment to address social determinants of health.
Through this program, she strives to equip individuals and families with the tools they need to thrive and reach their full potential.
Vanessa J. Smith
Vice-President
Vanessa J. Smith is a native Clevelander, and long-time resident of the Buckeye/Woodland area.
She is employed at one of the three major hospital systems in the Greater Cleveland area in a position where she works with the Geriatric population ensuring that once they are seen by a Primary Care Provider they do not fall through the cracks of an often confusing to maneuver medical system. She works with Specialists, Social Work and Community organizations to ensure that the Geriatric Population receives the care and treatment they need to thrive.
Vanessa is very active in a variety of philanthropic endeavors throughout the Greater Cleveland area including, but not limited to being the lead Human Resource facilitator of Jobs Partnership Cleveland an Ecumenical based job preparation and placement program, a trained Red Cross Disaster Relief Services Volunteer, a registered volunteer with Community of Hope, an Adult Literacy trainer, and a Mentor with a variety of youth groups across the Greater Cleveland area, including organizations that mentor and support youth that have aged out of the Foster Care system.
She is a member of the National Council of Negro Women and serves as a Minister and Protocol trainer for New Life Tabernacle of Praise in Euclid, Ohio.
Vanessa is one of the founding members of Buckeye Thrives having been with the organization since its inception in 2022.
Karleo L. McKenzie
Treasurer
Karleo McKenzie is a seasoned social work professional with over 25 years of experience spanning both macro and micro levels of the field. A proud graduate of Case Western Reserve University's Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Mr. McKenzie holds a Master’s in Social Science Administration and is licensed to practice social work in the state of Ohio. He also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Wilberforce University.
An expert in medical social work and courtroom procedures, Mr. McKenzie has extensive experience testifying in child abuse and neglect cases for social welfare systems in both Cuyahoga and Summit Counties. He is passionate about supporting children and families through advocacy, education, and direct service.
Throughout his career, Mr. McKenzie has demonstrated a commitment to supporting individuals, families, and communities through roles such as the Director of the Christian Children’s Home of Ohio foster care agency and the Unit and Outreach Gang Director for the Boys & Girls Club of Cleveland, Ohio. He is the founder and owner of McKenzie & Associates Consulting and Counseling Firm, a private practice providing psychotherapy services.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Mr. McKenzie is a dedicated leader in the community. He is a Past Master and active member of William T. Boyd Lodge #79, Prince Hall Masonic F&AM, and a 32-degree Mason affiliated with the Cleveland Consistory and EL HASA Temple #28. As a long-standing and proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., he is committed to philanthropy, mentoring, and uplifting underserved communities.
Mr. McKenzie also served as a board member for alternative education programs in Cleveland, such as Castle Academy, and continues to provide support and leadership to initiatives aimed at improving educational and social outcomes for youth.
Samantha T. Claggett
Secretary
As a seasoned professional with a diverse background, Samantha Claggett currently serves as a Federal Program Officer with the Department of Commerce - NTIA, in the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth, championing digital inclusion. Prior to this, Samantha navigated the realms of healthcare and local government, bringing a wealth of experience and insights to her current role.
Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Mercer University and an Executive MBA (EMBA) in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University, Samantha seamlessly blends leadership acumen with strategic business insights.
Away from the professional arena, Samantha finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. A dedicated cyclist, an avid explorer, a community servant, and a cherished family member and friend Samantha's commitment to digital & health equity is not just professional; its a reflection of her belief in a connected, inclusive world.
Connecting Communities with Resources
Buckeye Thrives is a partnership of community resources that serves disenfranchised communities by organizing Community Events designed to further educate, provide relief for individuals and families with low income, and combat community deterioration, among other purposes, by addressing environmental and/or social determinants of health such as food insecurity, literacy, access to utility services, financial literacy, and other factors that impact an individual’s emotional and physical health and their ability to thrive.
Our Board Members
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendar
Community Event
Photos
Sponsors
Get in Touch
Reach Out or Volunteer With Us
3000+
Community Residents Serviced
2000+
Food Bags distributed
School Supplies & Bookbags
900+
500+
Community Health Provider Screenings
Mission Statement
Vision Statement
Buckeye Thrives serves disenfranchised communities by organizing Community Events designed to further educate, provide relief for individuals and families with low income, and combat community deterioration, among other purposes, by addressing environmental and/or social determinants of health such as food insecurity, literacy, access to utility services, financial literacy, and other factors that impact an individual’s emotional and physical health and their ability to thrive.”
Our vision is to cultivate a thriving and self-sustaining community where every resident has equitable access to the tools and resources necessary to achieve stability, wellness, and success. We aspire to be a catalyst for lasting change by fostering collaboration between organizations,
businesses, and local leaders to build a stronger Buckeye.
Vision Statement
About Us
Buckeye Thrives was founded in 2022 after a conversation between a community outreach specialist from the Greater Cleveland Foodbank and our founder, who saw a critical need for more accessible community resources in the Buckeye/Woodhill and Buckeye/Shaker neighborhoods. Recognizing the power of collaboration, we brought together organizations such as Literacy in the Hood, Neighborhood Leadership Institute, KeyBank, and the Center for Employment Opportunities to create a platform where residents could connect with essential services.
Since its inception, Buckeye Thrives has been committed to hosting resource-driven community events that provide direct access to education, career development, healthcare, financial support, and more. We believe that by working together, we can break down barriers, uplift individuals, and build a more resilient community.
Through strategic partnerships, advocacy, and community-driven initiatives, Buckeye Thrives continues to grow and evolve, always staying rooted in our mission of empowerment, accessibility, and sustainability for all.