Professional The Black
A GUIDE TO BUILDING THE VILLAGE! SPRING 2025
The Black Professional
PUBLISHER
Michele Scott Taylor
PRESIDENT
Black Professionals Association
Charitable Foundation (BPACF)
PUBLISHER EMERITUS
Meltrice D. Sharp
SENIOR EDITORIAL ADVISOR
Alexandria Johnson Boone GAP Communications Group
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Jennifer Coiley Dial Coy Lee Media, LLC
EXECUTIVE PHOTOGRAPHER
Alvin Smith
BPACF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Laurie Murphy
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Adrianne Sims BPACF
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Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be distributed electronically, reproduced or duplicated in whole or in part, without written permission of the publisher.
Back On The Market: How ChatGPT and Resume Tech Can Help You Reintroduce Yourself by Valissa Turner Howard, Esq.
Wellness in Focus: Healing, Health and Wholeness
Conversations with Dàna M. Langford and Dr. Shamarah J. Hutchins by Laurie Murphy
Teen View: What High School Is Really Like by Tierra Palmer
Mentors Versus Sponsors: Why You Need Both by Meredith M. Turner
PUBLISHER
FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK
In this moment, our collective voice is our greatest tool
This edition of The Black Professional magazine highlights the stories of nine exceptional BPACF Scholars, introduces a new column written from a high school perspective, offers practical guidance for mid-career professionals navigating applicant tracking systems (ATS), and shares reflections on worklife balance. Each contribution underscores a fundamental truth: access, visibility, and support are not luxuries—they are necessities.
At the same time, we face a growing crisis. The recent federal budget proposal threatens to eliminate TRIO programs, GEAR UP, and AmeriCorps— three cornerstones of opportunity for the students and communities we serve. These programs are not expendable; they are essential.
TRIO programs have long provided academic coaching, tutoring, and mentorship for first-generation, low-income students, opening doors to college access and completion. AmeriCorps offers young adults meaningful service experiences that build leadership, professional skills, and civic responsibility. Eliminating these programs would sever critical entry points to education and career development for those who need them most.
At BPACF, we support individuals across the entire professional career continuum—from high school through retirement. Programs like TRIO, GEAR UP, and AmeriCorps are often the first touchpoints for many of the students we later engage. When these foundational resources disappear, fewer students arrive ready to benefit from the professional development and leadership experiences we offer. This doesn’t just make our work harder—it undermines the pipeline we are committed to strengthening.
Given my life’s work and lived experience, I know how vital it is to invest in the entire ecosystem of student success. BPACF’s mission—to create opportunities through scholarship, leadership, and career development—and our vision to elevate Black professionals across generations—position us at the intersection of education, workforce equity, and economic mobility.
And we don’t do this work alone. We are part of a broader network of organizations, institutions, and mentors committed to advancing Black student achievement and professional excellence. When any part of that network is dismantled, the impact ripples outward. It shifts greater pressure to nonprofits like BPACF to fill widening gaps—often with limited resources.
That’s why this issue matters. The war on education may not dominate headlines, but its consequences are real—and urgent. We must speak up. Reach out to your elected officials. Share your story. Advocate for the programs that make success possible for the next generation.
We are not powerless. Our collective voice is our greatest tool — and it’s time to use it.
Dr. Michele Scott Taylor President, BPACF Board of Trustees
DIRECTOR
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mission in Motion: On the Frontlines of Professional Empowerment
Journal Entry –May 15, 2025
What if progress didn’t require burnout?
In the rush of our professional lives, we push, plan, and perform. Even when the milestones arrive— graduations, recognitions, new opportunities— we often speed past them to get to what’s next.
But what if we didn’t?
As we prepare for our Forty Under 40 Emerging Legends Salute on May 22 and wrap up another powerful academic year, I find myself craving not just momentum—but pause. We are also in full preparation mode for our 45th Annual Scholarship & Awards Gala, where we will proudly salute our 2025 Black Professional of the Year, Lorna Wisham. I’m reminded that giving ourselves space to breathe is not a detour from the mission—it’s part of the mission.
This issue of The Black Professional models that pause beautifully.
Dr. Shamarah Hutchins reminds us that rest is revolutionary.
Certified practitioner and community health advocate Dána Langford encourages us to release the myth of perfection and give ourselves permission.
Valissa Turner Howard, Esq., offers a timely guide for mid-career professionals reintroducing themselves to the job market—showing that reinvention is not only possible, it’s powerful.
And Councilwoman Meredith Turner, a BPACF Trustee, draws a vital distinction between mentors and sponsors, reminding us that performance may get you noticed, but sponsorship moves you forward.
Our students echo these truths. Nine of our 42 BPACF Scholars—college students supported through our Emerging Professionals Programs—stepped forward to share their journeys in this issue. Their reflections are honest, hopeful, and deeply human. They remind us that building a career and building a life are not separate pursuits—they are parallel and intertwined.
And for the first time, we welcome a high school perspective to our pages, thanks to Tierra Palmer, a freshman at John Marshall High School. Her candid column, Teen View: What High School Is Really Like, offers a fresh lens on responsibility, resilience, and what it means to start shaping your future early.
So consider this column your permission slip—your reminder that even in the middle of your mission, you are allowed to breathe.
Breathe and celebrate the ground you’ve already covered.
Breathe and acknowledge what needs to shift.
Breathe and check in with yourself— not just your calendar.
The strength of this issue is that it meets us where we are: in motion, yes—but also in transition.
Whether reentering the workforce, navigating emotionally demanding fields, managing multiple roles, or preparing to lead, our community is modeling what it looks like to show up whole.
As summer approaches, I invite you to make space for yourself. Read slowly. Reflect deeply. Celebrate loudly. Let these stories fill you up.
Because rest is not the opposite of progress— it is a part of it.
With gratitude,
Laurie Murphy Executive Director, BPACF
Here We Grow!
BPACF Welcomes Five New Trustees at 2025 Annual Meeting
The Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation (BPACF) proudly announces the installation of five new members to its Board of Trustees at the 2025 Annual Meeting, held on March 25. These accomplished professionals bring a wealth of experience, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to advancing BPACF’s mission of scholarship, leadership, and career development for Black professionals across Northeast Ohio.
New Trustees
Kellee Bacote Progressive Insurance
Kellee is passionate about advancing equity and inclusion in the workplace and volunteers with several youth mentorship organizations.
Toni Kolawole Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP
A community advocate, Toni actively supports civic engagement initiatives and youth legal education programs.
Kierra Cotton Port of Cleveland
Kierra is a proud Cleveland native with a background in journalism and a commitment to community storytelling.
Jennifer Howard Teach for America Ohio
Jennifer has a strong background in nonprofit leadership and has spent her career advocating for underserved student populations.
Lashelle Jefferson Say Yes Cleveland
Lashelle’s work centers on dismantling barriers to education for Cleveland’s youth.
These new trustees join a dynamic and dedicated group of professionals who generously volunteer their time and expertise to guide BPACF’s strategic direction and sustainability.
2025 BPACF Board of Trustees
OFFICERS
Michele Scott Taylor, Ed.D., PgMP, GCDF – College Now Greater Cleveland, President
Tyson Mitchell – City of Cleveland, Vice President
Paul Farrington – Pentair, Treasurer
TRUSTEES
• Kellee Bacote – Progressive Insurance
• Marcella Brown – Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry
• 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
• Lashelle Jefferson – Say Yes Cleveland
• Shawn J. Kindle – PNC Financial Services Group
• Toni Kolawole – Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP
• Paris Lampkins – PRADCO
• Jazmin Long – Birthing Beautiful Communities
• DaQuri Mays – The Huntington National Bank
• Anthony Scott – City of Cleveland
• Lynette Turner – Cleveland Metroparks
• Meredith Turner – Cuyahoga County
With their diverse expertise and deep community roots, BPACF’s Board continues to champion the organization’s legacy of impact. We are energized by this growing leadership team and excited for what lies ahead.
S A V E T H E D A T E
Salute to the 2025 Black Professional of the Year
Retired Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Communit
Involvement and President, FirstEnergy Foundation FirstEnergy Corp.
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 1, 2025 6:00 PM
Back on the Market:
How ChatGPT and Resume Tech Can Help You Reintroduce Yourself
by Valissa Turner Howard, Esq. Chief People Officer & General Counsel
Greater Cleveland Food Bank
Finding yourself unexpectedly back in the job market—especially after years or even decades of career momentum—can feel daunting. Whether due to layoffs, career pivots, or life transitions, many professionals in their 40s and 50s are navigating a hiring landscape that looks very different from the last time they applied for a job.
Here’s the good news: your experience is valuable. You just need tools to help you translate that value into modern, compelling language. Enter ChatGPT and ATS (Applicant Tracking System) resume checkers—resources that can help you sharpen your resume and bring your professional story to life.
If your resume can’t be read by the ATS, it may never be read by a person.
Why This Tech Matters Now
Hiring today is fast, automated, and keyword-driven. ATS software is used by most employers to sort and rank resumes before a human even sees them. ChatGPT, a conversational AI tool developed by OpenAI, can help you adapt your resume to match these expectations while showcasing your depth of experience.
How ChatGPT Can Help Mid-Career Professionals
1. REFRAME YOUR EXPERIENCE
Instead of listing every job you’ve ever had, focus on the last 10–15 years and highlight accomplishments that demonstrate continued growth and leadership. Prompt ChatGPT to help you condense and modernize earlier roles.
*Prompt:* “Can you help condense this 2000s job into a concise summary that highlights key skills and leadership?”
2. POLISH AND MODERNIZE LANGUAGE
Remove outdated terms like “references available upon request” or obsolete software. ChatGPT can help refresh your resume’s tone.
*Prompt:* “Please modernize the language in my resume while keeping it professional and confident.”
3. TAILOR YOUR RESUME FOR TODAY’S JOB MARKET
Upload the job description and your resume into ChatGPT and request edits for better alignment with the role’s keywords.
*Prompt:* “Here is the job description. Can you revise my resume to reflect relevant skills and accomplishments that match this role?”
4. PROOFREAD WITH CONFIDENCE
Ask ChatGPT to spot errors in grammar, spelling, and clarity. This extra layer of polish ensures your resume comes across as thoughtful and professional.
5. CHECK AGAINST ATS SOFTWARE
Once you’ve refined your resume, run it through free ATS resume checkers like Jobscan, ResyMatch, or Resume Worded to see how it performs— they will tell you if your resume includes the right keywords and formatting.
Tips for the 40+ Professional
• Focus on recent roles. Employers care most about what you’ve done lately.
• Translate titles. If your title was “Manager II,” ChatGPT can help you reframe it into something more industry-standard.
• Skip the objective. Replace it with a professional summary that reflects your goals and brand.
• Highlight adaptability. Demonstrate you are tech-savvy and ready for change.
Sample
ChatGPT Prompt to Help Transform Your Resume
*Prompt:* “Act as a professional resume writer. Here is my resume and a job I’m applying for. Help me tailor the language, format, and keywords to improve alignment with the job description while preserving my leadership and experience.”
Final Thought
Being back in the job market doesn’t mean starting over—it means reintroducing yourself with confidence. Tools like ChatGPT and ATS resume checkers are not shortcuts; they are support systems. When you pair your depth of experience with the power of modern technology, you position yourself to stand out in a competitive market.
Let your next chapter be one that reflects not just where you’ve been—but where you’re ready to go.
WELLNESS IN FOCUS: Healing, Health & Wholeness
In this special feature, we center the voices of two dynamic healthcare leaders whose work is grounded in community, equity, and empowerment. Through candid Q&A conversations, we explore the intersections of wellness, identity, and professional resilience—unpacking how we show up for ourselves and others in demanding environments that often lack balance.
Certified Nurse Practitioner, Co-Founder and CEO of Village of Healing, and community health advocate Dána Langford draws from both her lived experience and academic foundation—including a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine–Athletic Training from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Science in Midwifery and Women’s Health from The Ohio State University. She shares insights into the importance of culturally responsive care and mental well-being, blending clinical expertise with a deep commitment to community.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, CEO of Serene Counseling & Wellness, LLC, educator, and executive coach Dr. Shamarah Hutchins brings a wealth of experience in mental health, leadership development, and organizational well-being. She holds a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree and has dedicated her career to helping individuals and institutions navigate change, manage stress, and lead with clarity and purpose. In this conversation, she explores what it means to lead, heal, and grow—especially in times of transition and transformation.
Together, these reflections offer more than advice—they serve as affirmations and tools for sustainable wellness at every stage of the professional journey.
“This Healthy Thing is Hard”:
A Candid Conversation with Dána M. Langford of Village of Healing
Interview by Laurie Murphy, Executive Director, BPACF
Dána M. Langford, CNM, is not just a clinician—she’s a truth-teller, trailblazer, and the co-founder of Village of Healing, a growing healthcare organization dedicated to closing racial disparities in Black maternal and family health. In this honest and energizing conversation, Langford reflects on the pursuit of work-life balance, the power of saying “no,” and what it truly takes to lead while healing.
What does work-life balance mean to you as both a clinical provider and a community advocate?
Professionally, it means creating space for both life and work to coexist and shift fluidly. There will be seasons where work outweighs life, and other seasons when the opposite is true. But personally? I haven’t figured it out yet. I’m still learning to ask myself—do I have to do it all? Is it all worth it?
Your midwifery background has been central to your career. How has that shaped your views on health, balance, and healing?
I’ve spent most of my career serving Black populations, and I’ve seen firsthand what happens when balance doesn’t exist. We’re dealing with chronic illnesses—hypertension, diabetes, aggressive breast cancer—because we’re often in survival mode. We don’t prioritize screenings or wellness because we’re carrying too much. So, I’ve learned that healing isn’t just clinical—it’s systemic and cultural.
How do you decide where your energy goes—as a mother, mentor, and provider?
Therapy helps. I go biweekly and it keeps me grounded. I also lean on my circle of Black women—friends who challenge and check me. I’ve learned to start the day with intention: work out, eat well, avoid stressful texts before 10 a.m. I’ve also set boundaries—only working late two nights a week. And my favorite new word? “No.”
How do you know when it’s time to rest or pivot?
I’m still figuring that out. Some weeks I do well, others not so much. But I’m learning not to push through fatigue. If I do, the work suffers. So, I listen to my body. Like recently in New York—I just shut the laptop and chose rest. Recovery matters more than perfection.
Lack of sleep is something many professionals wear as a badge. What’s your take?
It’s harmful. Sleep affects everything—your mood, blood pressure, mental clarity, and chronic disease risk. I’ve experienced it personally, including a hypertensive crisis. Sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s a non-negotiable. Five or six hours might feel normal, but it’s not enough if you’re under 70 and still grinding. That kind of deprivation leads to illness and burnout.
With Village of Healing growing so rapidly, how are you maintaining equilibrium? I’m not perfect at it. But the little steps matter—saying “no,” watching what I eat, and limiting work hours. Therapy has changed my life, and so has surrounding myself with good energy. Not everyone is meant to come with you as you grow. Sometimes the biggest act of healing is redefining who’s in your circle.
For those who don’t know about Village of Healing, can you share your vision and expansion? Village of Healing is a community development organization focused on decreasing disparities and improving outcomes in the Black community—especially for Black women. We believe health is holistic— only 20% happens in the exam room. The other 80%? It’s sleep, food, stress, support. So, we center our care around that. We offer OB/GYN, primary care, pediatrics, and mental health services, supported by a community health worker who engages the entire family in achieving long-term health and wellness. We started in Euclid in 2022, added a second location in Cleveland in 2024, and are set to open our third site in Youngstown this fall. We meet people where they are—in recovery—and walk them back to prevention. And when they get there? We celebrate them. Because being healthy is hard. And every victory deserves a celebration.
Reflections from Dána M. Langford on healing, hustle, and holding space for your well-being. Speak these aloud. Share them with a friend. Let them root you in truth.
“No is not rude. No is necessary.” Mantras from the Village:
“Your circle should fill you, not drain you.”
“If you’re always in rescue mode, you’re missing the power of prevention.”
“Balance isn’t aboutit’sperfection— about permission.”
“Survival isn’t the goal. Wholeness is.”
Balancing Purpose and Peace:
A
Conversation with Dr.
Shamarah J. Hutchins, Ph.D., LICDC
Dr. Shamarah J. Hutchins, Ph.D., LICDC, is a powerhouse in the field of mental health—known for her resilience, leadership, and commitment to holistic wellness. Raised by her maternal grandmother and shaped by personal experiences with chemical dependency in her family, she has devoted her career to helping others heal and thrive. A proud summa cum laude graduate of Wilberforce University and a former collegiate athlete, Dr. Hutchins earned her Master’s in Psychology from Capella University and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Walden University. She is a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC) and founder of Serene Counseling & Wellness, LLC. Grounded in a person-centered approach, she empowers women, entrepreneurs, athletes, and communities to embrace mental wellness as a foundation for sustainable success.
In this candid conversation, Dr. Hutchins shares her insights on work-life balance, the practices that keep her grounded, and the legacy she’s building for future generations.
What does work-life balance mean to you, especially working in such an emotionally demanding field? Work-life balance, to me, is non-negotiable—it’s part of my daily routine. It means giving myself permission to be fully human. In the mental health and substance use fields, emotional labor can be overwhelming if not managed with intention. My life is about balance—consistently checking in with myself and honoring my needs with the same compassion I extend to others.
What daily practices or routines help you protect your peace and recharge?
Every morning at 5:30 a.m., I begin with quiet reflection—prayer, meditation, or stillness. I journal often, even if it’s just a few lines. Throughout the day, I take “mental resets”—short moments to breathe deeply and recenter. In the evenings, I make space for joy: connecting with loved ones, reading, or resting without guilt.
What boundaries have you had to set to maintain balance personally and professionally?
I’ve learned to say no without apology. I’ve set clear working hours and stick to them—even when the work feels urgent. I avoid major meetings and work on Fridays when possible. Personally, I fiercely protect my private time. Not every call, text, or email requires an immediate response. Setting boundaries is an act of love—for myself, my clients, and the vision I’m building.
How has your academic journey shaped your outlook on self-care and resilience?
It taught me discipline and grace. Balancing higher education with real-life challenges forced me to prioritize self-care as a necessity, not an afterthought. It also taught me resilience—how to persevere with a clear mind and open heart, even in the face of systemic barriers and personal setbacks.
“Success is built day by day through small, intentional choices.”
What advice would you give young adults and young professionals working to carve their own path?
Trust the power of small steps. Success isn’t always a dramatic leap— it’s built day by day through consistent, intentional choices. Surround yourself with people who see your light, even when you forget it’s shining. Protect your dreams, embrace setbacks as setups for comebacks, and never lose yourself trying to fit into spaces you were born to transform.
How do you ensure that helping others doesn’t come at the cost of your own well-being?
I anchor myself in the truth that I cannot pour from an empty cup. I regularly assess my emotional reserves and honor my own healing journey just as much as I honor others’. I lean on a community of accountability partners—people who remind me to rest and recharge. Helping others should feel expansive, not depleting.
What’s one habit or mindset shift that made a major difference in your work-life balance?
Embracing the idea that rest is revolutionary changed everything. Once I saw rest as essential to success—not a luxury—I gave myself permission to step off the treadmill of constant productivity. I now build quarterly breaks into my year, traveling out of town to disconnect and refocus on my goals for myself, my business, and my family.
What motivates you to keep pushing forward, even on difficult days? Purpose fuels me. I think about the generations coming behind me— especially young women and professionals who were told they were “too much” or “not enough.” My work creates space and possibilities for them. Legacy keeps me going. Knowing my journey is part of something bigger than myself gives even the hardest days meaning.
What’s next for you—and how are you preparing to maintain balance while pursuing new goals?
I’m stepping boldly into a season of expansion—new books, wellness initiatives, partnerships, and leadership development programs are on the horizon. To maintain balance, I’m committed to building stronger systems of support and practicing delegation. Walking in purpose means moving with intention, clarity, and a deep commitment to my own wellness as I elevate others.
Dr. Shamarah J. Hutchins—also known as TheMindologist—is a licensed clinical psychologist, author, and CEO of Serene Counseling & Wellness. She empowers others to master their mindset, walk in purpose, and build lives of clarity and resilience.
“High school isn’t like the movies—it’s about how you experience it.”
What High School Is Really Like TEEN VIEW:
by Tierra Palmer, Freshman, John Marshall High School
What is high school really like? Well, it’s only my freshman year, but I can already tell you it’s nothing like the movies or books. There are no ‘mean girls’ walking down the hallways or picture-perfect high school romances. Instead, it’s filled with teens just trying to figure out who they are.
Hello BPACF readers! My name is Tierra Palmer, and I’m a freshman at John Marshall High School. I’m proud to say I want to go to college— something I’ve been thinking about for a long time. But right now, I’m focusing on what it means to survive and thrive in high school.
For me, high school has been a mix of homework, sports, figuring out what I want for my future, and learning how to set personal goals. It’s definitely been challenging—but not impossible. In fact, I actually like it. It’s helping me step out of my comfort zone.
Responsibility is a big deal now. It’s up to me to get to class on time, complete assignments, and make good decisions.
Too many mistakes—like missing class or ignoring deadlines—can lead to detentions or even suspension. That pressure can feel heavy, but it’s also teaching me something important: you have to own your actions.
The best advice I can give? Be yourself. Stop trying to fit in and start standing out in the right way. High school is your time to explore who you are and prepare for what’s next. Believing in yourself matters more than anything else. And remember—the word “can’t” doesn’t belong in
Freshman Year Self-Check
4 I show up on time for class
4 I take responsibility for my assignments
4 I’ve started thinking about life after high school
4 I believe in myself, even when it’s hard
4 I know that mistakes are part of growth
3 or more? You’re already leading your own story.
Mentors vs. Sponsors:
Why You Need Both
by Meredith M. Turner
There’s a saying: Mentors help you grow. Sponsors help you go.
If you want to lead, if you want to rise, if you want your talents to make an impact — you need both.
The Difference Between a Mentor and a Sponsor
Mentors are the people who pour into you. They teach you, guide you, encourage you when you feel unsure, They help you sharpen your skills, strengthen your confidence, and prepare for the future you’re building.
Sponsors? Sponsors are the ones who bet on you. They speak your name in rooms you haven’t entered yet. They create opportunities. They move your career forward with a recommendation, a connection, a powerful vouch for your excellence.
Who is Carla Harris, and Why Her Voice Matters
Carla Harris is a Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley, a Wall Street powerhouse, and one of the most respected voices on leadership, sponsorship, and success. Throughout her career, she has championed the idea that having a sponsor — someone who uses their influence on your behalf — is not optional for high achievement.
As Harris says: “A sponsor is the person who will pound the table for you behind closed doors.”
She also reminds us: “Performance currency gets you noticed. Relationship currency gets you sponsored.” In other words, being excellent isn’t enough if no one is willing to lift you into the next room.
You must earn trust, visibility, and authentic advocacy.
How I Learned the Power of Both — Without Even Knowing It
When I first encountered Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, I was young, full of potential, but still searching for my path. I knew I wanted to make a difference, but I hadn’t yet fully realized who I could become.
From the moment I met her, I was drawn to her energy, her conviction, and the way she connected with people. I found something powerful in her leadership — something that called out a deeper sense of purpose in me.
I wasn’t on her payroll. I just showed up — every chance I got. I volunteered at her office. I worked community events. I helped wherever I could.
What I didn’t realize at the time was that I was being mentored by the women in her office. They taught me how to engage, how to advocate, and how to serve.
Jones
Tubbs
At the same time, Congresswoman Tubbs Jones was sponsoring me. She spoke my name in important spaces. She created an opportunity for me to join the office of U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown — a move that would define the next chapters of my career.
“When people see greatness in you, they invest in you. They prepare you, and they position you,” says Turner.
Looking Back, I See the Full Picture
At the time, I thought I was just helping.
Now I know: I was being prepared. I was being positioned. Mentorship gave me the skills. Sponsorship gave me the chance. Both were necessary. Both were life-changing.
If You Want to Grow and Go, Here’s What You Need to Do
• Show up consistently. Excellence gets noticed.
• Deliver more than expected. Go beyond the minimum.
• Build authentic relationships. Let people know your values, not just your resume.
• Be clear about your dreams. If you don’t share your goals, no one can help you reach them.
• Stay grateful. Stay ready. Stay humble. Opportunity favors the prepared.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to chase a mentor. You don’t have to beg for a sponsor.
You earn them — through how you show up, how you serve, and how you grow.
“Mentors sharpen your tools. Sponsors open the doors where you can use them,” says Turner.
Stay excellent. Stay visible. Stay ready.
The next chapter of your journey might already be unfolding — even if you can’t see it yet.
Quick Quiz:
Are You Positioned for Sponsorship?
Answer YES or NO to each statement below:
1. I have a clear vision for where I want my career to go in the next 12–24 months.
2. People outside my immediate circle know about my work, my skills, and my impact.
3. Someone with influence has recently recommended me for a project, role, or leadership opportunity.
4. Senior leaders and decision-makers are aware of who I am and what I bring to the table.
5. I have mentors, sponsors, or advocates actively championing my growth.
6. I am consistently offered high-visibility or stretch assignments.
7. I have shared my career goals openly with people who have the power to help.
8. Opportunities find their way to me — even when I’m not in the room.
Scoring:
• Mostly YES: You’re building strong momentum! Keep nurturing your relationships, staying visible, and delivering excellence.
• Mostly NO: Focus intentionally on cultivating a sponsor — someone who can open doors you cannot open alone.
Remember: Hard work builds your foundation. Sponsorship transforms effort into opportunity.
Meredith M. Turner is a Cuyahoga County Councilwoman, award-winning leader, and advocate for equity and opportunity. She champions mentorship, leadership, and public service — and believes that the best way to rise is to lift others along the way.
Congratulations Class of 2025!
BPACF Scholars: 2024-25 Academic Year
Health & Wellness
Nevaeh Coffee
Senior, Tennessee State University
Major: Psychology | Minors: Nonprofit Leadership & Sociology
High School: John Hay Early College
With a 3.5 GPA, regular Dean’s List honors, and membership in the TSU Honors Program, Nevaeh Coffee exemplifies academic excellence. But it’s her advocacy for student rights and mental health awareness that sets her apart.
“BPACF has been instrumental in shaping my path,” Nevaeh shares. “Through scholarships, seminars, and networking, I’ve gained insight, support, and tools that help me stay competitive and confident in my journey.”
As a Tiger Tour Guide, Nevaeh hones her leadership and communication skills while welcoming future students to her campus.
Richard Pickett
Junior, Cleveland State University
Major: Exercise Science
High School: Campus International High School
From championing mental health to fostering student belonging, Richard Pickett is leading by example on his campus.
As a Resident Assistant and treasurer of CSU’s HOSA chapter, he’s creating inclusive environments where students can thrive.
“BPACF has made a huge impact on my education— connecting me with resources and reducing my financial burden so I can focus on what matters,” Richard shares.
Zaynab Shaheed Senior, Case Western Reserve University
Major: Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism | Minor: Public Health
High School: Campus International High School
As a figure skater and rollerblader, Zaynab has always known the value of balance. That same drive has guided her academic and professional journey, fueled by a commitment to dismantle health disparities in underrepresented communities.
A 2024 American Heart Association SURE Scholar—one of only four selected in Ohio—Zaynab is co-authoring two research manuscripts that explore how public health policies such as Tobacco 21 impact youth behavior. “It felt farfetched at first, but BPACF gave me the support network to see my dreams as real and possible,” she reflects.
Her work at University Hospitals’ Urology Institute is focused on improving health outcomes for women and minority populations. Through research, advocacy, and public health, Zaynab is shaping a future rooted in equity and excellence.
Jordan Brunson
Sophomore, The University of Akron
Major: Computer Science
High School: Walsh Jesuit High School
From coding to producing music, Jordan Brunson brings creativity and curiosity to every space he enters. As an intern with Goodyear through their Driving Opportunities Scholarship Program, he’s gained firsthand experience navigating Corporate America.
“BPACF helped me become more confident starting conversations and building my network,” he says. “The insights and support I’ve received have been invaluable.”
Cheyenne Neeley Freshman, Ohio University
Major: Civil and Environmental Engineering
High School: Firestone High School
Whether in the classroom or excelling as an Academic All-American swimmer, Cheyenne Neeley is grounded in purpose and growth.
“BPACF has helped me grow out of my shell and network professionally,” Cheyenne reflects. “Connecting with other scholars showed me how much support and opportunity is available.”
Amiracle Green
Sophomore, Alabama State University
Major: Computer Science
High School: Saint Martin de Porres High School
Whether attending the 50th NSBE Conference or interning at Argonne National Laboratory, Amiracle Green is carving out her place in the future of cybersecurity and STEM innovation.
“BPACF is more than a network—it’s a vibrant community that fosters genuine connection and professional growth,” she shares. “After the Winter Symposium, I connected with professionals like Valissa Howard and received mentorship that changed how I see my career path.”
A passionate advocate for equity in tech, Amiracle also volunteers with organizations like Rewriting the¬ Code and ColorStack, bringing her full self to every opportunity.
Leadership & Advocacy
Kianna Armstrong
Senior, University of Southern California
Major: Architecture and Social Entrepreneurship
High School: Hawken School
Only 0.4% of licensed architects in the U.S. are Black women.
Kianna Armstrong is on a mission to change that statistic—starting with her community. As co-founder of Architecture + Advocacy, she’s led workshops for 100+ students in South LA and built partnerships that empower youth through design.
“BPACF introduced me to new opportunities in architecture and design that were previously out of reach,” Kianna shares. “Through 1-on-1 support, I’ve learned how to clarify my goals and create a path to reach them.”
Joshua
Henderson Freshman, Central State University
Major: Special Education
High School: Nordonia High School
For Joshua Henderson, becoming an intervention specialist isn’t just a career goal—it’s a calling. “I want to support students who, like me, have faced barriers in education,” he shares. “Overcoming learning obstacles has shaped who I am and why I want to help others.”
A first-year BPACF Scholar, Joshua is a member of CSU’s football team and a worship team member at Faith Fellowship Church. “BPACF has helped me pursue my dreams and meet my educational goals. I’m truly grateful,” he says.
Jon Henderson
Junior, Valparaiso University
Major: Biology | Minor: Pre-Med
High School: Nordonia High School
Whether leading on the football field or singing in the gospel choir, or preparing for a future in anesthesiology, Jon moves with purpose—and faith. “As a God-fearing man, I believe Christ is the way, the truth, and the light,” he says. “I let God guide every step—on Saturdays during football games, and in the classroom.”
Through BPACF, Jon found his path expanding. “At the 2024 Gala, I met four doctors who took the same biology path I’m on. One conversation in the VIP reception led to internship opportunities this summer,” he shares. “My ambition wouldn’t be what it is without this community.”
A student leader for three years in the BPACF Scholars Program, Jon continues to connect, grow, and uplift his peers.
