Alea Nadeem shares her journey from Toledo to Congress bid

TOLEDO, Ohio — This week on “Leading Edge,” host Jeff Smith welcomed Alea Nadeem, retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and candidate for Ohio’s 9th Congressional District. 

As one of three Republicans vying to unseat long-time Representative Marcy Kaptur, Nadeem shared her journey from a Toledo upbringing in a union family to a decorated military career that included surviving childhood captivity in Iraq, service under the Pentagon, and national security work in Washington. 

Nadeem reflected on her rescue by the FBI, her inspirational service response after 9/11, and her determination to restore what she calls heartland values to Congress.

Nadeem stressed that the 2026 race offers a rare opportunity to flip the district, emphasizing her independent-minded conservatism and leadership goals. 

“If you want someone day one to hit the ground running, I know how to do that,” she said, describing her boots-on-the-ground preparation for day-one effectiveness. 

The candidate pointed to her military background and union roots as key advantages, advocating for “servant leadership” and bipartisan negotiation to tackle issues such as manufacturing revival and the opioid crisis. 

“All I’ve known is to be a servant leader to serve people — that brings me the greatest joy,” Nadeem shared, noting her commitment to representing northwest Ohio authentically.

The episode also featured Rodney Schuster, Executive Director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Toledo, ahead of the organization’s Hands of Christ Gala. 

This annual benefit supports 13 ministries offering food, shelter, clothing, and spiritual aid across the region. Smith, returning to MC the event, joined Schuster in discussing the ongoing challenges at Helping Hands of St. Louis on Toledo’s east side. 

Schuster described the organization’s constant effort to overcome limited resources and space: “Is it ideal? No, but when you’re in ministry…helping people with their most basic needs in their most critical times, it doesn’t matter.”

Schuster also outlined how donations drop in fall — and how inflation is driving new clients to their doors. Events like the gala are critical as the number of families seeking help increases while external aid wanes. The 2025 gala will feature Bishop Daniel Thomas, magician Giancarlo Bernini, and recognition of local philanthropists including Jim Meads of Toledo and Tom and Teresa Sloma of Sandusky. 

“Without volunteers, without people doing food drives, without financial support…there is no way we could help,” Schuster said, praising the region’s faith communities for coming together to support thousands of Toledoans, sometimes serving more than a thousand people a day through their ministries.

The Catholic Charities Hands of Christ Gala is set for October 23, with doors opening at 5:45 PM at the Premier on Heatherdowns. Tickets and information are available at CatholicCharitiesNWO.org.