45th Annual
“The Intersection of Legacy and Duty” THE 2025 BLACK PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
ThankYoutoAllofOurSponsors
45th Annual Scholarship & Awards Gala Program
Saturday, November 1, 2025
7:00 PM
Mistress of Ceremonies
Symone Sanders Townsend Co-Host of The Weeknight on MSNBC
Invocation
Rev. Dr. Jawanza Karriem Colvin
Pastor, Olivet Institutional Baptist Church
Negro National Anthem
President’s Remarks
Dr. Michele Scott Taylor, Ed.D., PgMP, GCDF
President, BPACF Board of Trustees
President & CEO, College Now Greater Cleveland
Diamond Sponsor Remarks
Torrence Hinton
President, Ohio
FirstEnergy Corp
DINNER IS SERVED
Reflections on the Scholar Journey
Amarionna Pruitt, BPACF Scholar
Senior, Howard University
Major: Health Science
Bryce Hodge, BPACF Scholar
Senior, Case Western Reserve University
Major: Political Science
Executive Director’s Remarks Laurie Murphy, MBA, MPH, MS Executive Director, BPACF
Gala Co-Chair Remarks Randell McShepard Vice President – Public Affairs & Chief Talent Officer
RPM International Inc.
HONOREE VIDEO TRIBUTE
Award Pre BPACF Ex
Acceptan Lorna Wis 2025 Blac Former Vi Involveme FirstEnerg
Closing R Tyson Mit Vice Presi Director o City of Cle
Benedict Rev. Celes
Founder & Associate
Letter from Leadership BPACF
sionals Association Charitable Foundation’s (BPACF) 45th Annual d Black Professional of the Year Salute.
traordinary achievements of our scholars and professionals the ce-makers who remind us what is possible when excellence meets event reaffirms our shared belief that education, leadership, and es of lasting progress.
We are proud to honor Lorna Wisham, Former Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Community Involvement and President of the FirstEnergy Foundation, as our 2025 Black Professional of the Year. Her career and character embody the spirit of transformative leadership rooted in purpose, guided by faith, and driven by a deep commitment to others. Her example inspires all of us to lead with intention and impact.
To our BPACF Scholars, we applaud your persistence and vision. You represent the next generation of leadership, equipped not only with knowledge but also with the courage to serve and the responsibility to build. Your accomplishments remind us that investing in you is investing in the future of our community.
As we look ahead, BPACF remains steadfast in advancing access, opportunity, and equity for Black professionals across every stage of their career journey. With your partnership, we continue to expand scholarships, strengthen professional networks, and grow the programs that nurture tomorrow’s leaders.
On behalf of the BPAC and purpose. Togethe one student, and one
With gratitude and ho
Dr. Michele Scott Ta
Board President
Dr. Michele Scott Ta
Executive Director
“The Intersection of Legacy and Duty” “The of Duty”
BPACF
Officers
BoardofTrustees
Michele Scott Taylor, Ed D , PgMP, GCDF - President College Now Greater Cleveland
Tyson Mitchell, Esq. - Vice President City of Cleveland
Paul Farrington - Treasurer Pentair
Members-At-Large
Kellee Bacote, Progressive Insurance
Marcella Brown, Rainey Institute
LaRaun Clayton, Volunteers of America-Ohio & Indiana
Toi Comer, United Way of Greater Cleveland
Kierra Cotton, Port of Cleveland
Vaneshia Houston, Serenity Executives LLC
Jennifer Howard, Teach for America Ohio
Edwin Hubbard, Jr., Cleveland NAACP
Dr. Lashelle Jefferson, Say Yes Cleveland
Paris Lampkins, PRADCO
Toni Kolawole, Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP
Jazmin Long, Birthing Beautiful Communities
DaQuri Mays, The Huntington National Bank
Anthony Scott, Cuyahoga County
Lynette Turner, Cleveland Metroparks
Meredith Turner, Cuyahoga County
Ex-Officio Members
Meltrice D. Sharp, CPA, CLE Consulting Firm, Immediate Past Preside
Arthur Baker, Co-Founder & Trustee Emeritus
Nancella Harris, Co-Founder & Trustee Emeritus
Laurie Murphy, Executive Director
“The
LornaWisham
ed to promoting equity, education, and e Black Professional of the Year honor. e President of Corporate Affairs and
investment, directing more than $72 on’s history. Her leadership supported idents of Northeast Ohio and beyond. llence, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame enter. In 2020, she launched Investing dressing the COVID-19 pandemic and oversight, Wisham managed nonprofit promoted employee volunteerism.
A native of northeast Ohio, Wisham graduated from Shaker Heights High School and The University of Akron Her mother, Evelyn Wisham, retired as the high school nurse, and her father, Clay Wisham, retired from Centerior/The Illuminating Company She began her career at GAP Productions, Inc , later joining the Washington Bureau of The Plain Dealer before earning a master’s degree from American University and returning home to Cleveland
blic service under Cleveland Mayor Michael R. White’s Events Manager for the Department of Parks. She led s for Downtown Cleveland Partnership, including the city's tion. In 2002 Wisham joined Mayor Jane L. Campbell’s was appointed the first woman to lead the Community e later served as Chief of Public Affairs before joining s Regional Vice President for The Illuminating Company
At FirstEnergy, Wisham oversaw External Affairs for The Illuminating Company and Toledo Edison and later served on FirstEnergy’s Federal Affairs team, representing the company before federal agencies and members of Congress on utility operations, cybersecurity, and environmental issues. “Serving on Capitol Hill was an extraordinary opportunity,” she reflected. “It enhanced my understanding of government and illuminated the power of public policy.”
Wisham serves on the boards of the Cuyahoga Community College Foundation, United Way of Greater Cleveland, First Tee of Cleveland, In Counsel With Women, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. An alumna of Leadership Akron, Leadership Cleveland, LeadDIVERSITY, and the German Marshall Memorial Fellowship, she is recognized for connecting people and resources to advance equity and community impact
Her work has earned honors from the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio, the Woman of Color Foundation, Kaleidoscope, Savoy, and Smart Business magazines. She has been named a YWCA Woman of Achievement, a Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio Woman of Distinction, and a Distinguished Alumna of The University of Akron In 2023, she was inducted into the Executive Leadership Council and in 2024 was co-recipient of the Cuyahoga Community College Foundation Heath Oliver Distinguished Director Award
A respected mentor and role model, Wisham is known for her grace under pressure, strategic insight, and ability to unite others around a shared vision of progress She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and The Links, Incorporated; and enjoys golf, the arts, and a good bourbon or cabernet.
one open door can open doors across a community.
Our most important work happens outside the four walls of our bank. KeyBank gets involved, supporting people who make a difference and working with communityfocused organizations through investments, philanthropy, and volunteering. We believe that together we can keep our communities full of hope, compassion, and opportunity, one open door at a time.
KeyBank thanks Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation for making a difference.
mHostCommitteeLeaders
holarship & Awards Gala, hosted by the Black Professionals Association On behalf of the 2025 Gala Host Committee, we are honored to extend our o celebrate excellence, legacy, and community.
m, Former Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Community Involvement Foundation, as the 2025 Black Professional of the Year Her remarkable d achievement that spans business, government, media, and philanthropy.
From her early beginnings in journalism and public affairs to her transformative leadership in the energy sector, Lorna has consistently built bridges between people, institutions, and purpose.
During her tenure at FirstEnergy, she led with clarity, courage, and compassion overseeing more than $72 million in philanthropic investments and launching the groundbreaking Investing with Purpose initiative, which directed $7 million to nearly 200 nonprofits addressing the impacts of the pandemic and racial and social inequities. Her leadership has strengthened communities, empowered employees, and elevated organizations across multiple sectors.
This year’s theme, “The Intersection of Legacy and Duty,” captures the essence of Lorna’s journey and the mission of BPACF. Together, we celebrate her collective body of work, which reflects the very values we honor tonight: service, excellence, and impact. And though she recently retired from FirstEnergy, her story is far from over her commitment to philanthropy, equity, and leadership continues to inspire those who will follow.
For 45 years, BPACF has advanced education, leadership, and economic mobility for Black professionals. Through the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and partners, we continue to build on that foundation expanding scholarships, internships, and professional development programs that transform lives and communities.
Thank you for joining us to celebrate this milestone year and this extraor we honor the legacy, embrace the duty, and continue to grow stronger.
With appreciation and pride, Chairs
Carrie Carpenter, Huntington National Bank
Ariane Kirkpatrick, AKA Team
Randell McShepard, RPM International Inc.
Vanessa L Whiting, Esq , A E S Management Corp
Honorary Chairs
Margot James Copeland, KeyBank Foundation, Retired
Lee Friedman, Lee Friedman Civic Consulting
The Honorable Marcia L. Fudge, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
David Whitehead, FirstEnergy, Retired
45th Annual Scholarship and Awards Gala Host Committee
Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation
“The Intersection of Legacy and Duty” “The Duty”
Carp
GalaHostCommittee
Chairs
Margot James Copelan KeyBank Foundation, Retired
Dr Michael Baston, Cuy
Teresa Metcalf Beasley
W. Byron Calhoun, Calhoun Fun
Dana Capers, t d a
Paula Christ
Honorary Chairs
Robyn M
Marsha Mocka Dan M
Terri Eason, The Cleveland Foundation
David & Faith Gilbert
Wesley Gillespie, ERIEBANK
Allison Graves-Calhoun, Medtronics
Kathryn Hall, JACK Entertainment
Renee Harvey, Cleveland Browns
Carole Hoover, HooverMilstein
Felicia Johnson, Slalom
Vickie Johnson
Alexandria Johnson-Boone, Gap Communications Group, Inc.
Jazmin Long, Birthing Beautiful Communities
Renee Tramble
Sharon Sobol J J
Dr. Jerri Sue Th
Bernett W E
Carrie
Huntington National Bank AKA Team
ard RPM International Inc. Van g, Esq.
Management Corp.
Bronze Sponsors
AMETEK
ANR Electric
Blacks In Management (BIM)
Calhoun Funeral Home
Cleveland Cavaliers
College Now
Greater Cleveland
Darrell, Ronna and Ariel McNair
David Whitehead
Gilbane Building Company
McDonald Hopkins
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
The Sherwin-Williams Company
Vitamix
Tables
American Jewish Committee (AJC) Cleveland
City Club of Cleveland
Cleveland Freedom Dreams Coalition - ThirdSpace Action Lab
Cleveland Public Library Foundation
Friendly Inn
Neighborhood Family Practice
Orange High School Male Minority Leadership Group
Step Forward
Trustee Emeritus Nancella Harris
Trustee Tyson Mitchell
Village Capital
Half-Tables
Brennan, Manna & Diamond
Care Alliance Health Center
Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio
Greater Cleveland Partnership
Enterprise Community Partners
Equitable Advisors
Trustee Vaneshia Houston
MedSource
Charles Modlin, MD
PK Management LLC
University of Akron Foundation
Western Reserve Land Conservancy
Patrons&Proclamations
Donors
50
Patrons
Tacretia
Proclamations
United
FromOurCo-Founders
77 a visionary group gathered in a basement meeting room at Karamu create a community where Black professionals could connect, grow, and among the founding members of what became the Black Professionals 1985, we helped establish the Black Professionals Association Charitable ( ) g that education, service, and leadership would remain at the heart of this movement for generations to come.
As co-founders of the Foundation, along with the late Tanya Allmond, it fills us with immense pride to witness how far BPACF has come. For 48 years, our mission has remained steadfast to uplift and empower through education, opportunity, and community, transforming aspirations into achievement. We have awarded more than 1,000 scholarships, totaling nearly $3 8 million, and expanded our programming to support students and professionals across the entire career continuum. What began as a vision has become a living legacy an intergenerational community rooted in excellence, mentorship, and impact.
This year’s theme, “The Intersection of Legacy and Duty,” resonates deeply with us. It reminds us that what began decades ago continues to flourish through the leadership and service of those who follow. We see that spirit reflected in our 2025 Black Professional of the Year, Lorna Wisham, whose distinguished career across business, government, and philanthropy embodies both the enduring values of BPACF and the proud legacy of her parents, Claybron and Evelyn Wisham. Through her example, we are reminded that every generation has both the privilege and the responsibility to carry the torch forward
As we celebrate the 45th Annual Scholarship & Awards Gala, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to every donor, sponsor, volunteer, and friend who continues to believe in thi BPACF’s impact and ensures that our legacy of empowerment and excelle
Thank you for standing with us then, now, and always as we contin legacy together
With deepest appreciation,
Nancella Wilson Harris
Arthur Baker Jr. Co-Founders
Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation
“The Intersection of Legacy and Duty” “The of Duty”
OurHeritage
ofessionals Association Charitable Foundation (BPACF) is to create erican professionals by providing scholarship, leadership, and career e a catalyst that prepares and develops emerging professionals, celebrates g es our community.
Our Heritage & Origin
Created in 1977, the Black Professionals Association (BPA) was an organization dedicated to networking, professional growth, and development in Greater Cleveland’s African American community. To celebrate the accomplishments of successful Black Professionals, BPA held the first Black Professional of the Year Gala in 1981. The goal of that first gala was to honor the accomplishments of Bertram Gardner, a banker, who served as a mentor for many, as well as for his contributions made to our community. The celebration was greatly received and thus the tradition of the annual Black Professional of the Year was established.
The Creation of the Foundation
The legacy of raising awareness and supporting the development of Black leaders in our community is the primary purpose of the Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation (BPACF) BPACF, an outgrowth of BPA, was established in October of 1985 after the gala revenues reached a significant return on investment. The leadership of BPA then determined the need to establish a charitable foundation, to raise and distribute charitable funds and assure that African Americans f and leadership potential have an opportunity to advance to higher ed region’s outstanding leaders and professionals. The founders of BPACF Jr., and Nancella Wilson Harris. Both BPA and BPACF were managed con sunset. Since 2007 all activities have operated under BPACF.
Today, we remain committed to our mission of scholarship, leaders continue the legacy of honoring the achievements of professionals w excellence, creating connections in our community and investing in tom
BPACF
Programs&Services
ns in our community, investing in today’s and tomorrow’s
mming Development, and ognition “The Intersection of Legacy and Duty” “The Duty”
I. Scholarship & Youth Programming
BPACF has a suite of workforce and professional development offerings available to emerging youth, community partners, local companies, and businesses. The continuum encourages and supports efforts to identify and develop talent and diversify our region’s workforce.
BPACF Scholars Program
We provide gap scholarships and professional development coaching for college students who are graduates of Northeast Ohio high schools. Annually we support a cohort of 35-40 scholars.
“College to Career” Series
The series allows students to meet one another and top executives from Northeast Ohio and learn more about their career paths.
Career Connect Internship Program
The purpose of the program is to provide early exposure in a student’s major; provide resume-building project opportunities, and complete projects of importance to the hosting organization
II. Networking & Professional Development
The Black Professional Magazine: A Guide to Building Village!™ T provides content relevant to all sectors of the BPACF target audience in includes relevant storytelling, regular columns, profiles of students/B entrepreneurs, executives, and talented civic leaders.
BPACF “Professional Night Out” Networking Series: BPACF hosts a encourage and foster an environment for professional network-building t
Engage!: A series of relevant activities designed to increase the civic e and facilitate peer and near-peer professional networking.
III. Professional Awards & Recognition
It is vitally important that BPACF recognizes and celebrates the excellenc in Northeast Ohio. Consistently providing models of excellence from all u the business community to young scholars and young professionals is a n mission and vision
About the Program
CareerConnectInternshipProgram
The Career Connect Internship Program provides post-secondary students with invaluable hands-on work experience through two unique pathways. Over an 8-week summer period, students are matched with small businesses, for-profit, and nonprofit organizations that offer mini-internship opportunities tailored to their academic and career interests. Designed to foster the development of professional soft skills and enhance career readiness, the program creates a supportive and safe space for students to grow and excel
Impact
The Career Connect Internship Program not only equips students with critical workplace skills but also strengthens the pipeline of historically underrepresented professionals entering the workforce. The true impact of the program is best expressed through the voices of the students
“During this summer internship I learned that I truly do have the potential to put out some great work for publications My wonderful mentor Ms Jacinda Walker shared many helpful tips and tricks to become a stronger designer Through her I was able to learn many things about design that my school doesn’t cover ”
K.K. 2025 Summer Intern
Kendarlyn Keeeton
Major: Graphic Design; Minor: Marketing
Cleveland State University
Mini-Internship Host: DesignExplorr
2025 Summer Interns
Underwritten by BPACF
Charde Davis
Major: Graphic Design; Minor: Sculpture
The University of Akron
Mini-Internship Host: DesignExplorr
“The Intersection of Legacy and Duty” “The of Duty”
Rhianna Williams
Major: Business Administration
Cuyahoga Community College
Mini-Internship Host: CLE Consulting Firm
BPACF
Scholars
ising in Promise: The 2025–2026 BPACF Scholars
tion Charitable Foundation (BPACF) proudly welcomes 43 outstanding cademic year cohort. These exceptional students represent the next future leaders, innovators, and changemakers rooted in Northeast Ohio
This year’s cohort is pursuing degrees at 25 colleges and universities, with 35% studying in Northeast Ohio, 26% at other Ohio institutions, and 40% attending schools out of state, including 26% enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Together, they embody the academic promise, professional potential, and community spirit that define the BPACF Scholar experience.
Kianna Armstrong
Architecture
University of Southern California
Angel Ballard
Performing Arts
Cuyahoga Community College
Allison Benson
Elementary Education
Clark Atlanta
Victor Boyd
Computer Science
Case Western Reserve University
Shamari Brazile
International Affairs
George Washington University
Benjamin Brooks
Political Science
The Ohio State University
Jordan Brunson
Computer Science
The University of Akron
Jaylen Brunson
Criminal Justice
Tennessee State University
Aaron Burnett
Finance
Morehouse College
Jenaya Carlisle Brooks
Psychology
Howard University
Kiara Cartwright
Human Development
Bowling Green State University
Jayda Dent
Mechanical Engineering
University of Virginia
Skylar Edgerton
Kinesiology/ Exercise Science
Hampton University
Amiracle Green
Computer Science
Alabama State University
Chloe Hamilton
Political Science
Loyola University of Maryland
Joshua Henderson
Education Intervention Specialist
Central State University
Jon Henderson Biology
Valparaiso University “The Intersection of Legacy and Duty” “The of Duty”
Jourdan Jones
Nursing
University of Detroit Mercy
Kendall Long
Biology
Howard University
Kayla Lowery
Finance
Bowie State University
Tilneisha Malone
The Arts Music
Ohio University
Robert McFarren
Pre-Pharmacy
Purdue University
Madisyn Moore
Civil Engineering
Cleveland State University
Sonyea Moore
History
Cleveland State University
Cheyenne Neeley
Civil Engineering
Ohio University
Samaura Newman
Aviation
Bowling Green State University
Richard Pickett
Exercise Science
Cleveland State University
Amarionna Pruitt
Nursing
Howard University
Joshua Ricciarelli
Computer Science
Morehouse College
Lakeeta Robinson
Psychology
Kent State University
Xavier Sledge
Earth Science
The University of Akron
“The Intersection of Legacy and Duty” “The of Duty”
Angelina Vaughn
Education
University of Akron
Merel Walker
Clinical Social Work
Cleveland State University
Momolu Welwolie
Communication Science Disorder
Cleveland State University
Anya Williams
Psychology
The Ohio State University
Rhianna Williams
Business Administration
Cuyahoga Community College
Jayden Willis
Finance
Bowling Green State University
India Woodson
Forensic Biology
Baldwin Wallace University
Joziah Wyley
Education or Psychology
University of Cincinnati
Lorna, Your dedication and achievements inspire us all, and your ongoing contributions make our community stronger every day.
The Whiting - Smith Family Fund
egacyofLeadership
Wolfe * der, sociation (BPA)
Alan Shatteen
1977-1979 Chairman, BPA
Edward S. Young
1980-1982 Chairman, BPA
Arthur Baker, Jr.
1983-1984 Chairman, BPA
1985 Founder, Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation (BPACF)
Tanya M. Allmond *
1985-1986 Chairman, BPA
1985 Founder, BPACF
1985-1986 President, BPACF 2005-2007 President, BPACF
Nancella Wilson-Harris 1985 Founder, BPACF
Henry R. Freeman, Esq. * 1985-2006 Legal Counsel, BPACF
Richard Wilkins
1987-1988 Chairman, BPA
1987-1988 President, BPACF
Sylvia R. Johnson
1989-1990 Chairman, BPA
1989-1990 President, BPACF
Constance Jefferson
1991-1992 Chairman, BPA
1991-1992 President, BPACF
*Deceased
Alexandria Johnson Boone
1991-1992 President, BPACF
1993-1994 Chairman, BPA
Ronald Barnes 1993-1995 President, BPACF
Franklin F. Martin*
1995-1999 Chairman, BPA
Shelton L. Moore * 1996-1997 President, BPACF
Barbara A. Russell * 1997-2004 President, BPACF
Thomas V. Harrington 2000-2001 Chairman, BPA
Michelle E. Stewart 2002-2004 Chairman, BPA
Me 2004-20
Mic 2007-200 Scena 2009-201
Natoya 2010-201
Ronald 2013-201 Meltri 2020-202
HallofFame: Black Professional of the Year Awardees
2025: Lorna Wisham
2024: W. Byron Calhoun
2023: Ariane B. Kirkpatrick
2022: Renee Tramble Richard, Esq.
2021: Darrell L McNair
2019: Vanessa L. Whiting, Esq.
2018: Robyn Minter Smyers, Esq.
2017: Erskine Cade
2016: Dr. Alex Johnson
2015: Dr Charles S Modlin
2014: Leon Bibb
2013: Dr. R.A. Vernon
2012: The Honorable Frank G. Jackson
2011: Randell McShepard
2009: Louise J Gissendaner
2008: Frederick R. Nance, Esq.
2007: Arnold R. Pinkney *
2006: Margot James Copeland
2005: David Whitehead
2004: Rev Hilton O Smith
2003: Danny Cameron *
2002: Dr. Barbara Byrd-Bennett
* Deceased
2001: Rev. Dr. Marvin A. McMickle
1999: Dr. Jerry Sue Thornton
1998: Wayne Embry
1997: Steve D Bullock *
1996: Claire Fre
1995: The Hono
1994: Alexandr
1993: The Hono
1992: Dr Georg
1991: The Hono
1990: Gloria Pa
1989: Dr. Charl
1988: Dr. Nolen
1987: George L
1986: Carole F.
1985: Steve Min
1984: John H. B
1983: Rev. Dr. O
1982: Cheryle A
1981: Bertram E
ExcellenceinAchievement:
vers, Legacy Award and Trendsetters
LifetimeAchievers
ders who have made historically significant contribution to the Greater Cleveland area. Must have served in a leadership capacity for 25 years or more. These individuals are community champions who have paved the way for younger professionals to rise.
Zelma Washington George (1985)
Booker T. Tall (1987)
William F. Boyd (1995)
Virgil E. Brown (1997)
Judge Jean Murrell Capers (2000)
Bracy Lewis (2009)
Dr. Daisy Alford Smith (2015)
Dr. Linda Bradley (2015)
Dr. Julian Earls (2015)
Judge Sara J. Harper (2015)
Tanya M. Allmond (2019)
Arthur Baker, Jr. (2019)
Nancella W. Harris (2019)
Judge Ronald Adrine (2019)
Marsha Mockabee (2019)
Michael “Campy” Russell (2019)
Dr. Yvonne Pointer (2019)
LegacyAward
Recognizes an individual with 40+ years of professional achi
FortyUnder40EmergingLegends
The 40/40 Emerging Legends represent a new era of Black leadership, one that continues to push boundaries and redefine success This prestigious recognition celebrates 40 trailblazing professionals, each under 40, who exemplify leadership, vision, and a commitment to excellence in their fields and communities.
These individuals are not only making waves in their respective industries but are also dedicated to mentoring and uplifting the next generation of professionals. Through their dedication, they ensure that the future of our community is bright and that opportunities are accessible to all
BPACF is honored to celebrate this diverse and accomplished group, whose contributions are helping to build a stronger, more vibrant professional landscape. Together, they embody the essence of BPACF’s mission empowering and inspiring the next generation of Black leaders.
BPACF's Forty Under 40 Emerging Legends Honorees
Class of 2024
Tierra Banks
Heather N Beasley
Ariel S McNair
Terrance Scott Mitchell
Class of 2025
Dr Angela Banks, LPCC-S, NCC
Dr Lisa D Bell
Adam D Jackson Sr
Leslie Johns, Esq
Indigo Bishop
Dr. Lauren Bouchard
Dr. Authur B. Boyd III
George Bukenya
Raphael Collins
Ivan T Conard
Kendra Davis
Camille Genise
Kayla Griffin
Chardé Hollins
Domonic Hopson
Dr Shamarah Hutchins
Aaron Jones
Tiarrah Kent
Khalilah Lawson
Nicole L Liatos
Dr Kimone Lightford
Jason Lockett Sr.
Andrew Newsome
Dr. HerMaya Onunwor
Amanda P. Parker
Sam "SP" Prewitt
Dr Heather M Rice
Jamil Sanders
Kortney S. Siggers
Shaleeta Smith
Brittany Smith-Fisher
Shanelle Smith Whigham
Richard A Starr
Delanté Spencer Thomas
Gelise Littlejohn Thomas
Chantel Tolbert
Tierra Latrice Tramble
Nkiruka Washington
Myesha Watkins
Dianne Williams Suntala
Brandon E Brown, Esq
Dairian S. Brown
LarKesha Patrice Burns
Jasmine Butler, MBA, SHRM-CP
Jasmine N Chandler
Tera N Coleman
Dr. Joi Copeland, DDS
Devin H. Cotten
Quenton Davis
DaLisa C Delk Cann, BSN RN
Devontá Dickey
Imani Edwards
Sydney Naomi Evans
Donté Gibbs
Dr Ken J A Griffin
Michael J Houser, Sr
Shayla Ivezzy
Colin T. Jackson
Gregory Joyce II
Timothy Lewis
Samira BBO Malone
Dr Chavone Taylor Nash
Odiri U Omobien
Dr Tiffany Onger
Tia Otoo
LaVonne E. Pulliam
Raneia Ramadan
Brittany R Randall-Pope
John Paul Robinson
Lauryn T Robinson, Esq
Veranda Rodgers
Dr. Sacsha T.M. Sanders, MD
Khalida Sims Jackson
Dayja Smith
Kimberly S Springer
Dr. William C. Washington
Lorna Wisham
THE 2025 BLACK PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
From Rev. Hilton O. and Marcia Smith
REVEREND HILTON O. SMITH
Lorna,
So proud of everything you h achieved and the positive di continue to make in our com
Paula Christ
SaveTheDates2026
January 2, 2026
BPACF Scholar Winter Symposium
Post-secondary Students Welcome
10AM – 1PM
Jerry Sue Thornton Center 2500 East 22nd Street, Cleveland, OH
January 15, 2026-March 30, 2026
BPACF Scholars Program
Application Intake Period 2026-2027 Academic Year www bpacf org
November 7, 2026
46th Annual Scholarship & Awards Gala
A MessageofGratitude
As the 45th Annual BPACF Scholarship and Awards Gala comes to a close, we extend our deepest thanks to each and every one of you. Your presence and support drive the work we do to uplift, empower, and inspire Black professionals and scholars.
To our generous sponsors, partners, and donors your contributions impact the lives of BPACF Scholars and strengthen the fabric of our community Together, we are expanding opportunities and building a legacy of excellence that will last for generations.
To our 2025 Black Professional of the Year, Lorna Wisham your steadfast leadership, grace, and dedication to community exemplify what it means to lead with both legacy and purpose You remind us that progress is sustained by those who carry the torch forward while lighting the way for others We celebrate you for embodying the theme, “The Intersection of Legacy and Duty,” and for inspiring generations to serve with integrity and compassion.
To our Board of Trustees thank you for your vision, commitment, and unwavering belief in the mission of BPACF. Your leadership continues to strengthen our foundation and ensure our programs, scholarships, and initiatives uplift and empower the next generation of Black professionals
To our 2025 Gala Host Committee thank you for lending your time, networks, and enthusiasm to make this evening a success. Your advocacy, outreach, and generosity helped bring the spirit of this year’s theme to life and extended the reach of BPACF’s mission throughout our community.
To our amazing BPACF Volunteer Corps your passion and dedication bring our mission to life From this evening’s celebration to our year-round programming, your efforts remind us that every act of service large or small helps build the village that sustains us all.
To our small but mighty staff and contractors thank you for your tireless work, creativity, and heart Your commitment ensures that every detail from student programming to this extraordinary evening reflects the excellence BPACF stands for.
To our event partners and vendors we are deeply grateful for your professionalism and partnership in bringing the vision of this year’s Gala to life From production and design to hospitality and logistics, your expertise helps us create a meaningful experience worthy of this celebration
We are especially proud of our BPACF Scholars, who are pursuing excellence at colleges and universities across the country. Your ambition, perseverance, and brilliance fuel the future we are building together.
To our entire BPACF family scholars, alumni, founders, partners, and supporters thank you for walking beside us in this important work Your belief in the power of education, mentorship, and opportunity is what makes our community thrive.
As we celebrate tonight, we are reminded that greatness is never achieved alone it is nurtured through connection, purpose, and collective will Together, we continue to grow stronger, expanding opportunity and ensuring that legacy meets duty in service to generations yet to come
With gratitude,
Laurie Murphy, Executive Director
Dr Michele Scott Taylor, Board President
