Event Details

At Life Learning Center, we serve individuals trapped in cycles of poverty and unemployment, offering a path forward through life skills training, career readiness programming and placement, and personalized care resources. Our work empowers individuals to be the key to change in their own life—and the Gala plays a critical role in making that possible.

The Life Learning Center Gala is more than an evening of celebration—it’s a powerful gathering in support of transformation, resilience, and human potential. All net proceeds from this inspiring event directly fund the life-changing programs that help individuals reclaim stability, dignity, and purpose.

This year’s Gala will feature exciting surprises that invite our guests to engage in meaningful and memorable ways. Together, we can change the narrative for individuals working to overcome barriers and build a better life. Your support fuels real impact. Your presence helps rewrite stories—one life at a time.

Our Honoree: Jeanne Schroer

Life Learning Center’s 2026 Gala event honors Jeanne Schroer, whose professional career and personal contributions are Lighting the Way to a brighter future for our neighbors and community.

Jeanne is President & CEO of the Catalytic Fund, a Community Development Financial Institution that manages a $35 million investment fund to finance transformative, place-based projects across Northern Kentucky. Under her leadership, since 2013 the Catalytic Fund has ignited over 100 projects and leveraged over $600 million in new investment, helping revitalize neighborhoods through developments such as the Life Learning Center, Hotel Covington, Kent Lofts, Boone Block Lofts, and the Burton Building. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati (Bachelor of Urban Planning) and Indiana University (MBA in Finance and Real Estate), Jeanne has over 45 years of experience in real estate finance and development. Her career includes leadership roles with Urban Investment and Development Company in Chicago, Corporex Companies, and the University of Cincinnati Real Estate Center. She holds the prestigious Counselor of Real Estate (CRE) designation and is widely recognized for her contributions to economic development and community revitalization. Her many honors include the University of Cincinnati Distinguished Real Estate Professional Award, the Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Award, the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce William T. Robinson III Economic Development Award, multiple Lane Report Top Ten Businesswomen in Kentucky recognitions, the YWCA Career Women of Achievement Award, the Gateway to Greatness Award, the Kenton County Pioneer Award, the 2026 Devou Cup Award, recognition as a Northern Kentucky Tribune “Newsmaker,” and selection as one of the Cincinnati Business Courier’s “Women Who Mean Business.”

Jeanne’s generous and longstanding support of Life Learning Center shines like a beacon for all those we serve.  Please join us to celebrate this year’s honoree, who is Lighting the Way for others on their path to success and contribution.

Wine and Dine

6:00-6:45

VIP Reception honoring Jeanne Schroer

VIP event sponsors and invited guests will be welcomed to an exclusive VIP reception, where meaningful connections await.

6:00-6:45

Cocktail Hour

Guests will be treated to a sophisticated cocktail hour accompanied by the sounds of the Brotherhood Singers and an Orchestra Quartet.

7:00-10:00

Dinner and Program

Guided by emcee Lacy Starling, discover how Life Learning Center and our distinguished honoree has been Lighting the Way to a brighter future for our neighbors and community.

Our Emcee: Lacy Starling

Lacy Starling began her career as a newspaper reporter before spending more two decades as an entrepreneur. In 2021, she returned to her first love, journalism, to serve as the founding President and CEO of LINK Media, publishers of LINK nky and Cincinnati CityBeat. A Ludlow resident, Lacy is committed to building a strong, sustainable local news ecosystem that serves all of Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati.

INTERESTED IN SPONSORING THIS YEAR’S EVENT OR PURCHASING AN AD? 

PACKAGES ARE STILL AVAILABLE!

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