about
Be The Change is a youth outreach non-profit organization dedicated to creating positive change in the world. Our mission is to empower and inspire the next generation to become leaders and change-makers within their communities. We partner with a variety of programs and initiatives aimed at helping the youth in our communities. Through our dedicated team and impactful projects, we strive to make a lasting difference and encourage others to join us in being the change they wish to see in the world.
Meet the Team
President
John c. wagner
John C. Wagner is a proud father of three daughters, a dedicated professional with over 23 years of experience as a Producing Branch Manager in residential mortgages, and the visionary CEO, founder, and current acting President of Be the Change Ohio, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Driven by a deep passion for creating lasting impact, John has found his true calling in leading Be the Change Ohio. Through his leadership, he is committed to inspiring positive change and building a better future for generations to come. His unwavering dedication to both his professional and philanthropic work continues to shape lives and communities across Ohio and beyond.
Vice President
Trey Rangle
Born and raised in the Cincinnati area, Trey has lived and worked in the area his entire life, and that connection to our community is at the core of everything he does. He's spent his whole career working for small businesses, seeing firsthand how they strengthen neighborhoods, support families, and drive real local impact.
Through Garage Rescue Company, he helps homeowners reclaim and transform their garages with cleanouts, organization, and premium flooring—while making sure usable items stay out of landfills and get into the hands of families who need them. That's why being a part of the Be The Change organization is just another great opportunity for him to help others in the community and make an impact on young people's lives.
Treasurer
joanne ziolkowski
Joanne Ziolkowski is the founder of Transcendent Business Solutions, where she serves as a trusted Fractional CFO helping businesses gain financial clarity and strategic direction. Her career spans leadership roles in accounting and finance at Fortune 500 companies, as well as nearly two decades of experience owning and running an allied health practice and retail operation.
Originally from the Cincinnati area, Joanne holds both a bachelor’s in accounting and an MBA from Miami University. Her lifelong commitment to service is reflected in her active volunteer work, including years with Hands On Atlanta’s TeamWorks program and several community welfare initiatives in Cincinnati. Passionate about serving youth initiatives, Joanne is proud to contribute her time and talents to the Be the Change Ohio team.
Secretary
Tami Harnist
Born and raised in Chicago, she relocated to Ohio during the COVID-19 pandemic and quickly found her place by volunteering with local organizations, combining her love of giving back with the opportunity to build meaningful connections.
Professionally, Tami has built her career in property management, where solving problems, staying organized, and helping others are part of her everyday work. She enjoys tackling puzzles, assembling IKEA furniture, and drinking diet coke.
As the mother of a young child and a living organ donor, Tami is deeply committed to helping create a brighter future for the next generation. She believes that when communities come together with kindness, generosity, and a genuine desire to help one another, they can make a lasting difference in the lives of young people.
Testimonials
"Be the Change helped coordinate our Annual 5K event. They regularly attended meetings, listened carefully to our needs for the event, and were responsive. Their positive attitude and connections helped us connect with individuals willing to donate or volunteer their time, enabling us to achieve our goals. I recommend working with this organization."
-Christina Kappen, Focus on Youth
"I was approached by Be The Change, who organized an online “100 Women” Campaign honoring me as the Founder of H.O.P.E.-full Pastures during the month of March for Women’s History Month. This was a very humbling experience and a blessing to our organization. They diligently planned several months prior to launching the campaign, communicated on a regular basis, and worked closely with our team. Because of this challenge and the money that it raised, we have been able to share our mission and vision with a broader audience and to support our day-to-day operations. It has been a wonderful experience getting to know John and Rachel through their dedication to support individuals, families, and organizations through their mission for a “world where every young person has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their communities. We look forward to continuing our work together with Be the Change and to support them in fulfilling their mission. Together we can “strive to inspire, support, and uplift the potential of youth from all walks of life.”
-Christa Carrero, H.O.P.E.-full Pastures
"One of the highlights of the year was our Thanksgiving turkey giveaway. Thanks to your partnership, we touched hundreds of families. I appreciate all the work you and your team did to make it happen. You arranged to get the turkeys; you coordinated the police effort to control traffic. Be the Change also helped our pantry get additional publicity. That will pay dividends in the future; I believe many will continue to support us in 2026.
I appreciate all that you and Be the Change did. Your enthusiasm and energy made a real difference in our community. Thank you.
Here’s hoping that both Be the Change and the Fairfield Food Pantry can have a wonderful new year and that our next collaboration will be even more successful."
-Wayne, Fairfield Food Pantry
