Riley Runnells is a media professional with expertise in editorial, digital content, and podcast production. She currently manages EPIC Toledo for the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, connecting young professionals to the community. Riley co-hosts the “On the Come Up with Libby and Riley” podcast for WGTE Public Media. She has held roles as an editor at Adams Street Publishing, a writer for Static Media, and editor-in-chief of Thread Magazine at Ohio University. An alumna of Ohio University with a degree in Journalism, Riley serves on boards for the Press Club of Toledo and Issue Box Theatre and works as a choreographer.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
Helping my peers connect with each other and with the Toledo region!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Lupita Mendez. She is a very talented chef and entrepreneur, and she’s a true inspiration!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Greece, because some close family friends lived in Greece and it’s been a dream of mine to see it for myself!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Take the time to be grateful every day for the steps you’ve taken to get where you are.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Write an article for Vanity Fair.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Radhika Jones, Editor in Chief of Vanity Fair, to discuss with her the path she took to get to her position, as well as learn some invaluable advice regarding magazine journalism. I would take her to my favorite Perrysburg spot, Basil Pizza & Wine Bar.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The welcoming energy. Everyone wants each other to succeed here, and I have never felt more community support from anywhere I’ve been.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Our local music scene!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My mom, Chrys Peterson. She always inspires me to be the best version of myself.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Connection, Opportunity, Love.
