Business leaders don’t just react to change - they lead through it.
Join YPC this month for a special Lunch with a Leader session - Community Needs Panel: Leading the Way - a data-informed conversation on responding to today’s most pressing community needs while preparing for tomorrow’s trends.
Facilitated by United Way's Shawna Staup and Hailey Wood, you'll hear from expert panelists as they explore key data insights and two critical local priorities - supporting ESL populations and addressing the needs of our growing aging community. Discover how turning insight into action can strengthen our workforce, our economy, and our future.
Panelists
Dr. Ruthie Wienk
Associate Professor of Sociology and Chair of the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences at Lee University
Dr. Ruthie Wienk is Associate Professor of Sociology and Chair of the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences at Lee University. She received her doctorate from South Dakota State University, her master’s degree from Shenandoah University, and her bachelor’s degree from Southeastern University, coming to teach at Lee University in 2018.
Dr. Wienk specializes in social stratification and applied sociology, with expertise in evaluation research and data-informed community development. She is coauthor of Redemptive Service: Loving Our Neighbors Well. In addition to her academic work, Dr. Wienk partners with local organizations on neighborhood revitalization and community well-being.
Maria Herrero is a highly motivated bilingual professional with over 20 years of experience in engineering, education, mentoring, coaching and business leadership. She currently serves as the District Interpreter and ESL Family Engagement Coordinator for Cleveland City Schools, where she helps English Language Learner families access resources, build connections, and engage fully in school and community life.
Originally from Costa Rica, Maria holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering and an MBA in Marketing from Costa Rica University. Her career includes leadership roles in global corporations such as Sara Lee Corporation (HANES), Marriott Hotels, Phelps Dodge Wire & Cable, and Dole Fresh Fruit. She has also taught Spanish and Business at Chattanooga State Community College and co-founded a successful property management company in Costa Rica.
In her current role, Maria provides district-wide translation and interpretation services, coordinates family engagement initiatives, and supports ESL students and families with enrollment, extracurricular activities, and access to community resources. She also develops and teaches professional development programs such as Spanish for Educators and organizes multicultural events to promote inclusivity.
Valerie Bachert, RN
Co-Founder, Ocoee Regional Senior Resource Network
Vice President & Public Image Chair, Ocoee Regional Rotary Club
Valerie Bachert is a seasoned healthcare leader, community advocate, and co-founder of the Ocoee Regional Senior Resource Network (SRN). With more than two decades of experience in nursing and healthcare leadership—including roles in the ICU, emergency department, hospice case management, program direction, and clinical liaison work—she has built her career around compassionate, patient-centered care.
Valerie’s professional expertise is matched by her commitment to public service. Her personal journey through profound loss—the death of her second adult child—became a turning point in her life. Through grief and healing, she discovered a renewed calling to serve others, which has fueled her passion for community leadership. She joined the Ocoee Regional Rotary Club and is currently serving as Vice President and Public Image Chair. She also co-founded the SRN as a collaborative, non-competitive resource hub for senior care, and established Open Arms, a grief support ministry designed to walk alongside others in their seasons of loss.
In addition to these initiatives, Valerie partners with organizations across East Tennessee—including healthcare providers, nonprofits, veterans’ groups, and faith-based ministries—to strengthen support networks for seniors, caregivers, and families. She was also selected for the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2025-26, further reflecting her dedication to long-term community impact.