Board of Directors

Yan Ling – Board Vice Chair

MBA, Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University

Yan Ling is an IT Project Manager and Scrum Master at the Progressive Corporation, leading multidisciplinary teams in enterprise projects. Prior to that, Yan worked as a web applications programmer for 16 years. Having experienced language immersion as a child immigrant, Yan is passionate about multilingual education. Yan holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science from Case Western Reserve University.

Email: YLing@GALACleveland.org | Mobile: (216) 315-7942

Deborah Stipkovich – Board Treasurer | Climate Risk Team Leader, KeyBank

MS: Taxation, University of Akron

Debbie Stipkovich is a Senior Audit Strategist at KeyBank managing large audits focusing on the Corporate Treasury Department. She has had several roles at KeyBank including over 10 years preparing regulatory submissions and risk assessments on Treasury functions as well as working with banking regulators. She received her bachelor’s degree in Accounting from John Carroll University and holds an Ohio CPA license and a CFA Charter.

Email: DStipkovich@GALACleveland.org | Mobile: (216) 315-7942

Matthew Grimes – Board Member | Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Cleveland Guardians

Master of Education Policy & Management, Harvard University

Matt Grimes is the Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Cleveland Guardians Baseball Organization. In this role, Matt is charged with developing and implementing strategies to foster a more inclusive organizational culture that prioritizes a strong sense of belonging for both employees and fans. Prior to joining the Guardians, Matt spent over a decade in education as a classroom teacher and school systems leader in Ohio, New York, and Massachusetts. A strategic thinker and thought-provoking facilitator, Matt’s passion is for work that helps ensure a high-quality, culturally proficient, diverse workforce at all levels. Matt holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish and International Studies from Siena College and earned his Master’s Degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. A former United States Fulbright Scholar and Teach for America Alumnus, Matt has studied and observed social inequities on three different continents, over a dozen countries, and nearly 30 U.S. states.

Email: MGrimes@GALACleveland.org | Mobile: (216) 315-7942

Tiffany Wright – Board Member | Assistant General Counsel – Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA)

JD, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University

Tiffany R. Wright is Assistant General Counsel in Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority’s Office of Legal Affairs where she strives to assist the Authority to achieve its mission of creating safe, quality, affordable housing opportunities and improving the quality of life for the community. Prior to her current position, Tiffany practiced law as a solo practitioner, representing clients in various areas, including domestic relations, bankruptcy, and in juvenile court as a Guardian ad Litem. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and African American Studies from the University of Virginia where she developed her passion for working as an advocate for families, especially children.

Email: TWright@GALACleveland.org | Mobile: (216) 315-7942

Margaret W. Wong – Honorary Board Member

Albert B. Ratner – Honorary Board Member

Join the GALA Board of Directors!

GALA is seeking professionals with a variety of skills and experiences, including primary and middle school education, fundraising, law, marketing, construction, real estate, and ethnic community connections to join our dynamic Board of Directors. Individuals residing in the city of Cleveland are especially welcome.

Submit your interest form at: https://forms.gle/LxJtLEgjHSRuGYym9

Give your child a bilingual advantage, apply today!

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