CINspirational People
CINspirational People: Pat Frew
CINspirational People is a new feature of Good Things Going Around profiling diverse people of Greater Cincinnati, what inspires them, and what is inspiring about them. You can read more profiles by clicking on the link at the top of the blog. Do you know someone to suggest? Please reach out. Thanks!
In this feature we are profiling Pat Frew.
GTGA: What is an accomplishment you achieved that you are proud of?
Pat: I am grateful to have founded a free job transition support group that has met monthly for the past 15 years helping hundreds of people “between jobs” in sales, marketing and public relations find employment. I know for a fact that lives have been not only helped but changed through this process. I’ve found myself 
jobless many times in the past and this is my way of giving back. In fact for me it’s a ministry.
GTGA: Tell us about someone who has been a positive influence in your life.
Pat: There are many people. But right now I’d say it’s one of my best friends in the business world—Tom Tilmes, a commercial loan officer for Republic Bank. Tom knows probably more people in the Greater Cincinnati area than anyone. And he is a great example of someone who uses his relationship-building skills for good as he is one of the kindest, most helpful, most encouraging individuals I know.
GTGA: What is a motto you live by and why or how has it impact you?
Pat: My personal branding statement is Respected and Connected Communicator. I try to use my skills as a connector to be a blessing to others whether it’s at work, home, church or other avocational interests. And I enjoy being a part of a greater cause. I have a quote printed from motivational leader and author John Maxwell by my computer at work that sums it up pretty well: “I want to make a difference with people who want to make a difference doing something that makes a difference.”
GTGA: What is your biggest motivator?
Pat: I truly believe God has a purpose for my life, and I love people. And I am compelled by God’s Word to love others in the same way Christ demonstrated His love for me by dying on the cross for my sins. I try to model that in my family, to my loving wife Melanie of 30 years, to my four beautiful daughters, to work colleagues and to all my other contacts and friends. I was reading a passage in the Bible just today that speaks to this:
Then I was constantly at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind. Proverbs 8: 30-31
GTGA: Tell us about an act of kindness you have done, witnessed or been the recipient of and how that made you feel.
Pat: About 15 years ago I had a chance to compete in an iron man competition that was a 14-hour endurance event combining swimming, cycling and running. In training for that I decided to raise funds and support from friends to benefit a little ten year old NKY girl dying of cancer. In the end $10,000 was raised so little “Julia” could go on a memorable vacation with her parents and sister. She died about a year after the trip. I felt a strong sense of blessing in that God used me to shower love over that family in a time of intense sadness and loss that the family was already beginning to sense.
Pat is executive director of the Covington Business Council.
CINspirational People: Caleigh Willis
CINspirational People is a new feature of Good Things Going Around profiling diverse people of Greater Cincinnati, what inspires them, and what is inspiring about them. You can read more profiles by clicking on the link at the top of the blog. Do you know someone to suggest? Please reach out. Thanks!
Today we are featuring Caleigh Willis, director of marketing for the Anthony Munoz Foundation.
GTGA: What is an accomplishment you achieved that you are proud of?
Caleigh: I don’t think I have had a singular moment in my life that has made me the most proud. As I reflect, I’m proud of the journey I took to get to where I am today. I am a mother, a wife and a member of one of the greatest communities around. I get to come to work and help make our city better; while in the process, work with some amazing people. I couldn’t imagine being in a better place.
GTGA: Tell us about someone who has been a positive influence in your life.
Caleigh: My mom has made such a positive impact on my life. She is the most hardworking person I have ever met, but is also equally the kindest. She has always unselfishly given and helped others. I think that’s where my passion for making a difference comes from. She always taught me to strive to be the best person I can be, in every aspect of my life.
GTGA: What is a motto you live by and why or how has it impact you?
Caleigh: I have two. My first is on my computer screen at work and says “ I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples-Mother Teresa”. I try to remember that every little act of kindness can make a difference in someone’s day, or even life. Where there is an opportunity to make someone smile, you should always do so!
The second is “Live with intent, and not out of habit”. This is my morning mantra. It’s so easy to get caught up in the repetitiveness of life. Sometimes I have to consciously make an effort to get out of my daily routine and try something new, see old friends, or visit a new place in our city. If I don’t, I feel like I’ll look back on life and regret the memories I didn’t make.
GTGA: What is your biggest motivator?
Caleigh: On a personal level it’s definitely my daughter. I find that I push myself to be a better person because I want to be the best role model I can be for her.
In a work atmosphere, it’s the kids that we meet and become part of our little Muñoz Foundation family. We have scholarship winners that have overcome such adversities, but never let that define them. Those kids motivate me to continue to do all that I can at the foundation in order to help more youth like them. I hope one day they all realize that they have made just as big of an impact in my life, as I may have made in theirs.
GTGA: Tell us about an act of kindness you have done, witnessed or been the recipient of and how that made you feel.
Caleigh: This was the last question I ended up answering because it’s truly the most difficult. I’m constantly surrounded by people who give tirelessly to others and think nothing of it. They don’t do it for the recognition or awards. They help our youth and surrounding communities because they care about the betterment of them. Every act of kindness I see from our volunteers, the youth we impact, or just general supporters makes me realize that there is so much positive in the world and every person is capable of adding to that.
GTGA: Tell us about what you do and what are some of the reasons why you enjoy it.
Caleigh: My title at the Anthony Muñoz Foundation is a little deceiving. I get to wear several different hats. I manage our internship program, develop and coordinate several of our Impact Programs including Whiz Kids and our two scholarship opportunities, as well as implement all program marketing plans. I feel truly blessed to be able to come to work for this foundation every day. This job gives me the opportunity to help make a difference in our community, while also pursuing my passion for marketing and communications. I would say that the one singular thing that I enjoy most is meeting the amazing people we have in our community. I’ve been impacted and become a better person by so many people I have met while working here. The foundation has made me realize what an amazing city we live in and I am so proud to call Cincinnati my home.
CINspirational People: Katie Walters
CINspirational People is a new feature of Good Things Going Around profiling diverse people of Greater Cincinnati, what inspires them, and what is inspiring about them.
Today we are featuring Katie Walters, promotions coordinator for Q102.
GTGA: What is an accomplishment you achieved that you are proud of?
Katie: I have two accomplishments that I’m proud of. First and foremost, being a mother and raising my children right. I have 13 and 12 year old boys, and I work very diligently in teaching them respect, hard work, and character. Secondly, I am proud of my position at Q102 radio. I first started working at Q when I was 18 years old, and always had a goal of being hired into my current position. I am very lucky and very fulfilled with both my children and career.
GTGA: Tell us about someone who has been a positive influence in your life.
Katie: Two people, no question. My mother, Sally Walters, has instilled values that I live by and she led by example. My mom represents and is the epitome of strength, courage, and unconditional love and is the best role model any daughter could have. Secondly, my boss, Patti Marshall. She has taught me the ins and outs of my career and set an example of a being a successful woman in the music industry. Patti is not only my boss and mentor, but she is also my friend. I would not be where I am today without the guidance, love, support, and encouragement from Patti.
GTGA: What is a motto you live by and why or how has it impact you?
Katie: Always, always be yourself and believe in yourself. Confidence is very empowering and only you can blaze your own path in life. Also, always be kind….you never know what someone else is going through.
GTGA: What is your biggest motivator?
Katie: Happiness. If you are happy with your job, family, and life in general, then waking up every day with a smile on your face is a gift.
GTGA: Tell us about an act of kindness you have done, witnessed or been the recipient of and how that made you feel.
Katie: I am a Board Member at the Brighton Center and I throw an 80s Party every February to benefit Brighton’s Recovery Center for Women (80% are recovering heroin addicts). The recovery ladies volunteer and help me set up the party. This year, I was able to have the Highland Country Club (party venue) donate a fancy lunch to the ladies. We all sat together and ate a served lunch on white tablecloths in the club’s dining room. The conversation consisted of past stories and choices made by everyone in the room. It really broke down a barrier and showed the women that people do care and they are of value. Just to see them treated nicely, eating a delicious lunch, and laughing made me almost cry from happiness. Each of those ladies matters and it reinforced why I throw the 80’s benefit party….because of them, not me.
GTGA: Tell us about what you do and what are some of the reasons why you enjoy it.
Katie: I am the promotions coordinator for Q102 radio. Essentially that means that I run “front of house” for Q102 and execute all events. Patti refers to me as “the station’s cheerleader.” I love my job because it’s different every day and I get to work incredible events and meet amazing people. The Q102 staff is family to me and I am very, very blessed in my career.
CINspirational People: Nick Beiler
CINspirational People is a new feature of Good Things Going Around profiling diverse people of Greater Cincinnati, what inspires them, and what is inspiring about them.
Today we are featuring Nick Beiler. He was interviewed by GTGA Intern Liza Hartke.
GTGA Intern Liza: Tell me a little about yourself. (Where you grew up, how old you are, where you went to high school, what your degree is in, any hobbies, 
basically, anything you would like to say!)
Nick: I’m 22 years old and I am a fashion design student at the University of Cincinnati. Growing up on the west side of Cincinnati, I always knew I was different from most of the people around me, and I eventually discovered it was because of my sexuality. For me, I was almost ashamed that I was gay and didn’t want anyone to know for fear of how people would react, especially since I attended Catholic school for 12 years and went to Elder High School. I think I channeled a lot of my emotions into art to express myself. I was always drawing something growing up, and it wasn’t until recently that I discovered I have a passion for makeup. I do drag as a hobby to use it as an outlet to show my creativity to the world. For me, it’s not about dressing up like a girl just for the heck of it. I see it as an art form. There is such a drastic transformation behind it all and I love it.
Liza: What is a motto you live by and why?
Nick: Live your life authentically regardless of what other people think. Live a life that you are proud of. So many of us get so caught up on what other people are going to think of our actions, that we don’t always do what will really make us happy. I think it’s so important to be you and have no fears. If you are enjoying what you are doing, who really cares what other people think. It’s your life, so make the most of it!
Liza: Tell us about what you do and what are some of the reasons why you enjoy it.
Nick: Right now, a lot of my life is devoted to improving my craft when it comes to drag and elevating it so that I could potentially make more of a career out of it. Right now, it is just a hobby, but I see so much room for growth, because I am constantly looking for ways to improve myself. I love doing drag because it makes me happy. It’s fun and so freeing to be able to take a break from all the stress in your life, go out with an entirely different persona, dance, and make friends. Ideally, I’d like to be able to showcase my art to a wider audience, but until then, I’m just trying to make sure I can have fun with it while still focusing on school.
Liza: When did you first start taking interest in drag and what inspired you?
Nick: I think it was 5 or 6 years ago that I really started to become interested in drag. I remember seeing RuPaul’s Drag Race on TV and being amazed at the art and transformation from the men to their drag persona. Not only that, but I was so inspired by their ability to be so open with who they were and what they loved. At this point in my life, I wasn’t openly 
gay, so it was so amazing to see people who were out and proud be celebrated on a television show.
(Note – Drag is the use of appearance (clothing, make-up, etc.) to perform a gender identity, often separate from one’s own, but not always. It involves taking stereotypical notions of gender to the extreme for the sake of entertaining an audience. Drag is an exploration and performance of the ways in which we perform gender in our everyday lives, taken to the extreme, and for entertainment purposes.”
Liza: What is an accomplishment that you are proud of within the last year and how did you get there?
Nick: I think my biggest accomplishment in the last year was being able to take my drag to New York City and Los Angeles and perform as my drag persona, Noodles. I’m in DAAP at UC, so I get to do various internships, and I was fortunate enough to go to New York and Los Angeles for a couple of them. When I was in New York, I would go out in drag, and I actually had my photo published in a Brooklyn new artist magazine. While I was in Los Angeles, I had the opportunity to perform at a very well respected gay bar, which was awesome!
Liza: What advice would you give to people who are in need or some inspiration and motivation in their lives? /// What advice would you like to tell young men and women interested in doing what you do?
Nick: I would tell them that they could be inspired by almost anything in life. Whether it is something they love or something they hate, they can channel the emotion into creating something amazing.
Liza: Tell us about someone who has inspired you.
Nick: I think one of my biggest inspirations is RuPaul. He has done so much for the LGBTQ community that I can’t even think of where to begin. He has so many quotes that inspire me daily, but one of my favorites would have to be “What other people think of me is not my business.” This has inspired me to think how I do today, honestly.
Liza: What and/or who is your biggest motivator?
Nick: My biggest motivator is definitely the idea that there might be younger gay boys (heck, any LGBTQ youth in general) that might look up to me some day in the same way that I look up to my idols. Knowing that makes me want to try so much harder to achieve all my dreams and to be a role model to others.
Liza: Where do you see yourself within the next few years?
Nick: I see myself on the same path I’m on right now – one towards happiness. I don’t know where life will take me, but at the end of the day, all I want is to be happy. And I hope that I will be.
Liza: Any other information or quotes you would like for us to feature in your post.
Nick: The quotes I really want to focus on are when I said, “Live your life authentically regardless of what other people think. Live a life that you are proud of.
CINspirational People: Brian Gregg
CINspirational People is a new feature of Good Things Going Around profiling diverse people of Greater Cincinnati, what inspires them, and what is inspiring about them. Today we are featuring Brian Gregg.
Know someone for us to consider? Please submit your idea.
GTGA: What is an accomplishment you achieved that you are proud of?
Brian Gregg: I don’t know that there is one single accomplishment I dwell on. Overall, I’m proud of beating the odds. I was born to a 17-year-old mother in a depressed steel town. She raised three children essentially on her own, at times making as little as $2.40 an hour. I worked as many as three jobs at a time to get through college. I’ve been blessed with a wonderful life and that foundation taught me anything is possible through hard work and determination.
GTGA: Tell us about someone who has been a positive influence in your life.
Brian: Everything I have today is because of my mother. She raised three kids, essentially as a single mom. We came from poverty. Not only was she a tremendous role model in how hard she worked and how great she was in caring for our family, but she put effort into keeping us on the straight and narrow. When I was a senior in high school and told her I had decided not to go to college, she absolutely put her foot down and insisted I go. If I hadn’t gone to college, my life would be completely different today, and not in a good way.
GTGA: What is a motto you live by and why or how has it impacted you?
Brian: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” I’m a fighter. When life knocks you on your arse, get up, learn from the experience and get right back into something positive. If we are not moving forward, we are dying. Every negative experience we have is a learning experience that makes us better.
GTGA: What is your biggest motivator?
Brian: My children: Sydney, 3, and Tyson, 2. I waited until I was in my 40s to get married and had my first child at 45. I never really strongly desired children, but they now absolutely hold my heart. I’m motivated to provide them with a great life and tremendous experiences. I am motivated to teach them the importance of being a good person and having a positive influence on the world. I am motivated to prepare them for adulthood and whatever it throws their way.
GTGA: Tell us about an act of kindness you have done, witnessed or been the recipient of and how that made you feel.
Brian: My son had open-heart surgery at the age of two months. It was a life-or-death matter. The outpouring of support and love we received from family and friends during this time was genuine and comforting. The commitment Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center had to his care was reassuring. We were extremely grateful to live so close to one of the best children’s hospitals in the world. The whole ordeal made us much more appreciative of family, friends, our community and life.
GTGA: Tell us about what you do and what are some of the reasons why you enjoy it.
Brian: I am the chief communications officer at Hamilton County Job and Family Services. I spent a decade as a newspaper reporter and then a few years in corporate public relations. This job marries the desire I had as a newspaper reporter to “change the world” with my move to public relations. It is much easier to get excited about work that changes lives than it is about selling a product or peddling market research. JFS helps about half a million people in this community each year and there are many great stories for me to tell. I am frequently amazed at the work performed by the 800 employees who work at JFS. From Director Moira Weir on down, I am working with folks who really care deeply about the people they serve.
#CINspirational #CINspiration
