Name: Sherry Neubert

Occupation: Executive Coach, Chief Inspiration Officer and Founder,

The Symbiotic Collective 

Retired VP Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

Employer:  The Symbiotic Collective

Name of High School: North High School, Akron, OH

Location (City/State): Akron, Ohio

Name of College (1):  The University of Akron

Location (City/State):  Akron, Ohio

Name of College (2): Case Western Reserve University

Location (City/State): Cleveland, Ohio

Name of College (3): The Ohio State University

Location (City/State): Columbus, Ohio

Please state the reason(s) you are supporting Project GRAD Akron and raising funds for the scholarship fund. I’m supporting Project GRAD Akron because I believe deeply in the power of education to transform lives and communities. As someone with a long-tenured career in leadership and innovation, I know that talent is everywhere—but opportunity is not. Project GRAD helps close that gap by investing in students who might otherwise be overlooked, ensuring they have the support and resources to pursue higher education and thrive.

Raising funds for the scholarship fund is personal to me—I’ve seen what happens when a student is given not just hope, but real, tangible help. This is about equity, empowerment, and planting seeds that will grow into lifelong success.

Name of your favorite teacher and what made the person special to you:  My favorite teacher was Mr. G.T. Rich from North High School.  He was both my English Teacher and my Newspaper Staff Advisor.  What makes Mr. Rich special goes above and beyond the literary wisdom he sought to impart.  He was a mentor who modeled how to be a good human. Mr. Rich exemplified a life of service, grace, and humility.

What were some of your most enjoyable times in school?  From high school newspaper 11th hour editing sessions to MBA study groups that turned into lifelong friendships, school was more than academics—it was a community. Some friendships lasted a season, others a lifetime, but all shaped who I am today.

Looking back over the years, what advice would you give to your high school self or college self?     To my high school self, I would say, keep being you.  That girl who was voted, “dares to be different” and who likes all kinds of music, people and books, is on the right track.  Retaining your authentic identity while also recognizing your divine sameness with all beings will serve you well.

To my college self, I would say, slow down, soak it in. You’re so focused on grades, but the real value of college isn’t just the coursework—it’s the conversations, the experiences, the perspectives. Take a breath and enjoy the journey.

Favorite quote:  "Let my soul smile through my heart and my heart smile through my eyes, that I may scatter rich smiles in sad hearts." — Paramahansa Yogananda

Anything else you would like to share or highlight: No one succeeds alone. Every achievement in my life was built on the support and guidance of incredible people who believed in me, including many Akron Public Schools’ teachers and administrators. Now, it’s my turn to give that same belief to others. Project GRAD Akron is more than scholarships—it’s a commitment to ensuring that every student, no matter their circumstances, has a chance to rise, learn, and lead.