ABOUT US

Our primary focus is investing in future community leaders and encouraging local community development. It is our passion to support the leaders of tomorrow, today. The team at Steps for Success works hard to provide quality social, academic, and financial support to our applicants. Our organization not only offers scholarships, but also personalized training, mentorship, and networking workshops focused on assisting students as they strive for and achieve their educational, career, and entrepreneurial goals.Here at Steps for Success, we help each student realize their unique potential and pursue their individualized paths to success. Our team is made up of passionate, dedicated individuals who have an extensive history of community service, varied backgrounds in nonprofit organizations, and prior experience with scholarships and education. 

MEET OUR TEAM

MARY STORM

Executive Director

ABIGAIL LAXON

Assistant Director

SARAH STOLLER

Executive Administrator

FRED STORM

Chief Financial Officer

Mary, a highly accomplished lawyer, is the co-owner of her own established and successful law firm with her husband. With decades of experience in the legal industry, Mary has served as an Assistant Law Director and a Federal Judicial Clerk.

In addition to her professional achievements, Mary, is deeply committed to giving back to her community. Together with her husband, she has served on a scholarship committee, awarding nearly a quarter of a million dollars in scholarships to deserving students.

Mary's most treasured accomplishment is being a Mother and now Grandmother. Also pictured is her first and only (so far) grandchild, Jack. 

Abby is a passionate and dedicated nonprofit professional with experience working and volunteering in impoverished communities. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management from Kent State University.

Throughout her career, Abby has developed a wealth of knowledge and skills in fundraising and grant writing, which she has used to help numerous nonprofit organizations reach their goals. 

Fun fact: She has three dogs and a black Corn Snake. (Blair, the eldest of her dogs, is also pictured). 

After earning her degree in Elementary Education, Sarah found herself in the world of after-school programming. She quickly fell in love with the after-school mindset of connecting with families, students, and school staff on a personal basis while working to bring about lasting, positive impacts. Sarah has over seven years of experience in education, which includes coordinating a 21st Century Community Learning Center program for the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley within the Youngstown City School District for 3.5 years.

Sarah enjoys kayaking, watching shows, and exploring new vacation spots with her husband, their energetic toddler, and adventurous pup. 

Fred, a highly skilled financial expert, provides thorough financial reporting and documentation for this organization. With a deep passion for helping those in need, Fred has dedicated his career to supporting charitable causes and making a positive impact on his community.

An alumnus of the University of Illinois, Stetson University College of Law, and the College of William and Mary, Fred holds a Master's degree in taxation. This combination of education and experience has made him a valuable asset to the nonprofit community.

Fred's proudest achievement is becoming a doting Grandfather to his grandson, Jack, who is also pictured. 

OUR STORY

We are a family-founded and family-run community organization. The vision that drives our organization is the concept of a world in which no community is under-developed. This vision can become a reality through investing in the goals and dreams of the next generation.What started as a family having a conversation around the kitchen table, has now become a registered 501(c) (3) tax exempt non-profit organization with a team of people committed to building real relationships and making lasting impacts  in their local communities. Our organization believes that the power to change a community lies within its future leaders - the young people who live within those communities.