Actual.Impact

Connecting global communities through AI education and empowerment initiatives. Discover our sister nonprofit organization dedicated to democratizing AI knowledge.

In the News

Latest coverage and highlights from our AI education and community initiatives

Toledo Blade
October 31, 2025
Great Lakes AI Week Conference convenes national experts at BGSU

AI Week Midwest, the region's largest artificial intelligence conference, launches in Toledo and continues at BGSU with 1,000+ professionals and 125 speakers highlighting AI's impact on industry, education, and workforce development.

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Mays & Associates LLC
June 18, 2025
AI At Work (Episode #85)

Dr. Shanda Gore talks with Tom Bush and LeSean Shaw about how AI is reshaping leadership, the tools executives should know, and how to guide teams confidently in an AI-powered workplace.

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On The Cusp, Rob Pasker
May 14, 2025
Toledo's Tech Future: AI, Innovation & Empowerment ft. LeSean Shaw | On The Cusp Podcast

LeSean Shaw shares how Actual Reality Technologies is transforming Toledo into the AI capital of the Midwest while empowering youth, communities, and leaders to embrace AI-driven innovation.

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Anthony Wayne Innovation and Design
April 1, 2025
AI Revolution in Toledo: Transforming Industry & Innovation | Make It Happen with Tom Bush

Host Mike Vanderpool and Tom Bush explore Industry 5.0, predictive analytics, and how Actual Reality Technologies and Empowered AI are preparing Northwest Ohio innovators for the future.

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WGTE Public Media
December 15, 2024
AI's Transformative Impact with Tom Bush

On Business Life After Hours, Kristi K. and Tom Bush discuss AI's accelerating influence on business strategy, daily life, and responsible adoption.

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Our Global Initiatives

Connecting communities worldwide through AI education, empowerment, and collaborative events.

EmpoweredAI

Our Sister Nonprofit Organization

EmpoweredAI is our nonprofit initiative focused on making artificial intelligence education accessible to underserved communities worldwide. We believe that AI should empower everyone, not just those with access to expensive resources.

Free AI education programs for students and professionals
Community workshops in emerging markets
Open-source AI tools and resources
Scholarship programs for AI certification

15+

Countries Reached

5,000+

Students Trained

50+

Workshops Held

100%

Free Programs

Toledo.codes

Toledo's Tech Community

Toledo.codes is our community initiative that brings together developers, designers, and entrepreneurs in Northwest Ohio. We host meetups, workshops, and hackathons that foster collaboration and innovation.

Monthly meetups featuring local and national speakers
Hands-on workshops for all skill levels
Partnerships with local universities and startups
Resources and mentorship for emerging technologists

Monthly

Meetups

100+

Community Members

3+

Partner Groups

2025

Growing Strong

Join Toledo's Tech Community

Connect with local developers, designers, and entrepreneurs building the future.

Great Lakes AI Week

Annual AI Conference & Summit

Great Lakes AI Week is our flagship annual event bringing together AI leaders, researchers, and practitioners from across the Great Lakes region. This week-long summit features workshops, keynotes, and networking opportunities focused on advancing AI adoption in manufacturing and beyond.

Headline speakers from leading AI companies and research institutions
Hands-on workshops covering practical AI implementation
Startup showcase highlighting regional AI innovation
Exclusive manufacturing AI leadership roundtables

7

Days

40+

Speakers

20+

Workshops

1,200+

Attendees

Midwest's Premier AI Event

Experience a week dedicated to advancing AI collaboration across the Great Lakes region.