Towards Employment announced Monday, October 26, that Adaora Nzelibe Schmiedl has been promoted to interim executive vice president, a move that coincides with her selection as one of Crain’s Cleveland Business’s 2026 Notable Leaders in Communications.
Schmiedl previously served as the Cleveland workforce organization’s chief advancement and community engagement officer. In that work she helped expand the organization’s visibility, philanthropic support and community partnerships across Northeast Ohio.
Among the accomplishments cited in the announcement, Schmiedl helped lead the successful completion of Towards Employment’s Chance to Advance Capacity Campaign and helped secure a $2 million gift from MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving. She also helped elevate the organization’s voice and impact as it marked its 50th anniversary year.
In her expanded role, Schmiedl will provide executive leadership across advancement and philanthropy, marketing and communications, government relations, community engagement, organizational partnerships and strategic initiatives. She will also help guide the organization through its leadership transition and its upcoming strategic planning process.
“Adaora brings a powerful combination of strategic vision, creativity, and deep community relationships,” said Tania Menesse, chief executive officer of Towards Employment. Menesse said Schmiedl’s ability to build partnerships, attract transformative investments and tell the stories of the mission has helped position the organization for continued success, and called both the promotion and the Crain’s recognition well deserved.
The announcements come during the organization’s 50th anniversary year, which included its most successful fundraising event in organizational history. Schmiedl helped lead that celebration, which raised more than $430,000 to support the mission.
Towards Employment connects Clevelanders to careers and supports them in advancing, with a particular focus on people whose pathways to work have been disrupted. Schmiedl’s promotion takes effect as the organization shapes its next chapter under Menesse’s leadership.
The Crain’s Notable Leaders in Communications recognition, cited by the organization alongside the promotion, is an external honor for communications professionals in the Cleveland business community. Towards Employment said the recognition reflects work that raised the profile of its jobseekers, graduates and employer partners during the anniversary year.
Photo: Erik Drost, CC BY