Ryan Struckel Named Inaugural Blooming Impact Award Recipient

Award recognizes individuals 35 and younger who demonstrate initiative, resolve, and momentum 

BARBERTON, Ohio – Barberton Community Foundation has named Ryan Struckel the recipient of its inaugural Blooming Impact Award, which recognizes emerging leaders age 35 or younger who are demonstrating initiative, resolve, momentum, and the potential to create a lasting impact in Barberton.

The Foundation’s Community Engagement Committee selected three finalists from nominations and letters of support submitted by community members. Of those finalists, Struckel was selected as the 2026 award recipient. Tyler Jensen and Jolese Rogers will be recognized as 2026 Blooming Impact Honorees.

All three young leaders will be celebrated during Barberton Community Foundation’s Annual Dinner on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the John S. Knight Center in Akron.

“Ryan leads with initiative, resolve, and momentum, and that leadership has made Kavé more than a place of business. It is a place of connection,” said Josh Gordon, executive director of Barberton Community Foundation. “Through his leadership at Kavé, his service downtown, and his support of local schools, organizations, and young people, he has created opportunities for others to participate in and contribute to Barberton’s future. We are proud to recognize Ryan as the inaugural Blooming Impact Award recipient and encouraged by the energy, leadership, and commitment that he, Tyler, and Jolese are bringing to Barberton.”

For Struckel, community involvement is closely connected to the way he approaches his work at Kavé Coffee Bar. As manager, he has helped shape Kavé into a place where residents, students, organizations, and community leaders gather and connect.

His nomination materials described school fundraisers, benefits for employees facing cancer, charitable contributions, partnerships with Barberton City Schools, and the time he invests in mentoring employees.

That influence reaches beyond the coffee shop. Struckel serves as vice president of Main Street Barberton and on the City of Barberton Design Review Board, participates in youth programming, and supports local organizations and downtown events.

He also initiated the historical mural project surrounding Kavé’s rooftop patio, helping coordinate a permanent feature that celebrates Barberton’s history. His efforts demonstrate how going beyond the basic responsibilities of running a business can create a ripple effect among employees, customers, schools, nonprofits, and the broader community.

Jensen has built much of his community involvement around the arts and young people. His nominators described his work with Magical Theatre Company, Barberton Middle School and Barberton High School productions, Grace Church Barberton, and other youth programs where he directs, mentors, volunteers, and helps students build confidence through creative experiences.

His service also extends into the broader community. Jensen serves as events chair for Main Street Barberton and has volunteered with Scouting America, TomTod Ideas, iCare Mentoring, and Destination Imagination. Across those roles, he has shown a willingness to contribute his time and talents wherever they can help young people feel supported and bring new activity and connection to Barberton.

Rogers’ involvement can be seen in both neighborhood gatherings and larger community initiatives. She has helped organize cookouts, Juneteenth celebrations, family movie nights, and other activities that give residents opportunities to meet, celebrate, and build stronger relationships.

She also serves through Main Street Barberton, the City of Barberton Design Review Board, Community Holiness Church, and local youth events. As the first Barberton resident to use a Foundation scholarship to participate in the MORTAR entrepreneurship program at Bounce Innovation Hub, Rogers expanded her business knowledge and later shared what she learned with Barberton High School DECA students.

Her nomination reflects an emerging leader who continues to invest in her own growth while encouraging others to participate in Barberton’s future.

The Foundation received 20 nominations across the Game Changer and Blooming Impact awards this year. The Community Engagement Committee selected up to three finalists in each category: Individual Game Changer, Business or Organization Game Changer, and Blooming Impact.

From those finalists, the committee selected an award recipient in each category. The remaining finalists are recognized as honorees for the strength of their nominations and the meaningful contributions they are making in Barberton.

The Individual and Business or Organization Game Changer Award recipients and honorees will be announced separately in the coming weeks.

All award recipients and honorees will be celebrated through event communications and during the Annual Dinner. Ticket and registration information will be announced soon.