Catholic Business Advisory Council Kicks Off New School Year

The Cincinnati ToolBANK recently hosted sixty educational and community leaders for the quarterly meeting of the Catholic Business Advisory Council (BAC) on July 29, marking the first session of the 2025–2026 school year. The gathering was led by Dr. Mari Thomas.

The event began with Kat Pepmeyer, Executive Director of Cincinnati ToolBANK, who introduced their newest initiative—empowering students to solve community-based challenges through innovative solutions. Andy Zahn of the Dan Beard Council followed with exciting updates on the Dever Family Foundation Skilled Trades Education Center. Lori Byrne from Transfr VR then showcased their immersive virtual reality curriculum, designed to introduce K–12 students to diverse career paths and essential workforce readiness skills.

Attendees then joined one of five breakout sessions—Advanced Manufacturing, Civil & Government Services, Construction, Healthcare, or IT—designed to help plan the upcoming 8th Grade Career Expo, scheduled for November 24, 2025, at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. An alternative session, hosted by aiOwl leadership, introduced Intel-backed AI skills and competencies to help ensure students and school communities are “future ready.”

The morning concluded with a valuable networking social, strengthening connections and collaboration for the year ahead.