The Cleveland 20-30 Club & Plexus LGBTQ+ Young Professionals Committee invites you to this special edition QEO Dinner (Queer Executive Officer) —an evening of connection, conversation, and inspiration.

Join us for a QEO Dinner rooted in curiosity, resilience, and bold ideas—featuring Steve Meka and Dave Willett, co-owners of STEM Handmade Soap.

What started as a simple science experiment in the basement of their Lakewood home became a thriving, mission-driven business. With a background in biochemistry, Steve spent 18 months researching, testing, and refining formulas to create the perfect all-natural bar of soap—guided by feedback from friends and family. Alongside Dave, they launched STEM with a simple website, a clear vision, and a commitment to quality, transparency, and innovation.

Today, STEM Handmade Soap is a standout example of what can happen when science, entrepreneurship, and purpose intersect.

This QEO Dinner offers an intimate opportunity—limited to 20–30 emerging professionals—to hear their story up close, ask questions, and connect with peers navigating their own professional journeys. Expect honest conversation about entrepreneurship, experimentation, setbacks, growth, and building something meaningful from the ground up.

Adding to the magic of the evening, we’re returning to Sophie La Gourmande, hosted and fed by Chef Bob Sferra—a former QEO Dinner guest and beloved part of the Plexus community. It’s a full-circle night of great food, great people, and great stories.

Dinner and beverages are included. Space is intentionally limited to keep the conversation real, relaxed, and personal.

This event is being hosted by the Plexus LGBT + Allied Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Cleveland Professional 20-30 Club. The event is open to all. 

Cost - $40 for Plexus members and $45 for non-members. All members of the 20-30 Club are welcome to attend. Registration will be handled directly through the Plexus website.

To register for this event, click here.