Skip to main content

Case Study

Alchemy

A Strategic Roadmap for Leadership Transition and National Growth

In 2025, Alchemy Engaged Trepwise to develop a three-year strategic framework. After more than 20 years leading the organization, the Founder and Executive Director was ready to transition out of the day-to-day leadership role while remaining connected to Alchemy’s mission. The goals of the engagement were to develop a clear strategic direction for the organization’s next chapter, identify opportunities to diversify revenue streams, strengthen Alchemy’s programmatic presence in Akron, and lay the groundwork for expanding its impact beyond its home market.

Product:

Organizational Planning

Sector:

Non-profit

Solution


Trepwise conducted a discovery process that engaged internal and external stakeholders, including community partners familiar with Alchemy’s work, to surface key themes and strategic opportunities. After developing a Discovery Report to synthesize findings and present key themes and recommendations to Alchemy leadership, the Trepwise team visited Akron for a one-day retreat to build alignment around strategic priorities and develop concrete initiatives for each. The retreat generated the core content for a three-year strategic framework, which was finalized through two follow-up working sessions with Alchemy leadership.

Results

Alchemy received a three-year strategic framework that charted a clear path forward for the organization at a critical moment of leadership transition. The plan gave Alchemy’s incoming leadership, board, and stakeholders a shared roadmap for growing the organization’s impact: deepening roots in Northeast Ohio, expanding the reach of the Alchemy Method nationally, and building the financial and operational foundation to sustain growth without losing the integrity of what makes Alchemy’s approach transformative. Trepwise sequenced specific initiatives to guide the organization as they bring the plan to life.

  • “I appreciated the flexibility and ability to shift and adapt based on participant thoughts and feedback. [The Trepwise Team] was always professional, courteous and accommodating to our requests. And the plan was phenomenal and will be easily used to move our organization into the future!”
    Kwame Scruggs, Executive Director

Case STudies

Case Study

NOLA Youth Master Plan

Architecting a Ten-Year Vision for Success for All New Orleans Young People

Case Study

YouthForce NOLA

Strategizing Growth for a Cutting-Edge, Equity-Focused Youth Talent Development Pipeline

Case Study

Invest in Louisiana: Opportunity Youth Alliance

Revitalizing a Statewide Coalition to Advance Policy for Opportunity Youth