New OTR Office Marks Next Chapter for LEAD Training’s Youth Development Efforts
Non-Profit Helps Students Build Confidence, Character, and Skills for the Future
CINCINNATI (August 26, 2026) – Originally located near Findlay Market, LEAD Training – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that develops and delivers career readiness, life skills, and social-emotional learning programs for students in grades K-12, as well as young adults – recently relocated to its office to 1432 Vine Street in Over-the-Rhine (OTR). Situated on the second floor, the 2,222-square-foot space is being leased from Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC).
Founded in 2018 by former educator Riley O’Grady, LEAD Training grew from a pivotal moment following a student’s suicide attempt. The experience revealed a critical gap: while many young people are academically prepared, they often lack the confidence, communication skills, and career readiness needed to navigate life beyond the classroom. Motivated to create change, O’Grady worked as a psychology research coordinator before realizing that much of what research had already uncovered was not reaching the students who needed it most. She returned to education, partnering with schools and nonprofits to deliver life skills programming, and ultimately launched LEAD Training to help young people build the character, confidence, and skills to succeed.
“Founding LEAD was driven by what I saw firsthand as an educator and researcher: young people need more support navigating life beyond the classroom,” O’Grady said. “As our work in Cincinnati’s urban core continues to grow, staying in OTR was important to us. Our new office strengthens our connection to the students, schools, and communities we serve every day.”
Currently, LEAD Training partners with 32 schools across Greater Cincinnati, including Cincinnati Public Schools, Norwood, Reading, Deer Park, St. Bernard, and Princeton. The organization primarily serves high school juniors and seniors, helping them explore career options, connect with apprenticeships, and access meaningful pathways with leading local employers. LEAD also works alongside students to overcome barriers that can impact their success, including transportation challenges, financial constraints, limited family engagement, and mental health concerns.
“3CDC’s commitment to supporting local youth closely aligns with LEAD’s mission,” said Christy Samad, EVP of Civic & Commercial Space Activations at 3CDC. “Through initiatives like our swim team, summer camps, youth events, and teen career fair, we share a common goal of creating opportunities for young people and helping them build successful futures. Having LEAD establish its office in OTR strengthens that shared commitment and creates new opportunities for collaboration. We look forward to seeing LEAD continue to grow its impact as it helps more students access the resources they need to succeed.”
When reflecting on LEAD’s accomplishments to date, O’Grady is most proud of the students they have served. In 2025 alone, LEAD Training served more than 3,000 students through its four initiatives – High School Workforce Initiative, Career Quest & Career Services, Pre-Apprenticeships & Internships, and Future Leaders. She hopes to exceed this number in 2026.
While the new office will primarily serve as a hub for administrative operations and community meetings, it will also host periodic gatherings with students, parents, school partners, and employer partners. The office will be open Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more about LEAD Training or explore partnership opportunities, please visit www.lead-training.org.
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