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PHOTOS FROM OUR RELEASE RECEPTION TUESDAY, JUNE 24TH, 2025
TUESDAY, JUNE 24TH, 2025
Devine Nine Cover Members Kenneth Wilson, Dr. Olivia Nathan, Angela Mitchell, and Keith B. Key, pg. 53
Business League Forms
By C. Sunny Martin
Last year, a few experienced African America entrepreneurs gathered at my office to discuss the state and status of Black-owned businesses here in Central Ohio Area. Melinda Carter and I took it upon ourselves after that meet-up and we both decided to create and incorporate a community organization called the Columbus Business League. We incorporated the organization in the State of Ohio back in 2024 for the sole purpose to enhance the economic sustainability and growthy of Blackowned businesses in the Central Ohio region.
For historical reference, back in 1900, Dr. Booker T. Washington began an organization called the National Negro Business League to enhance the economic vitality and sustainability of Negro-owned businesses in America. At its height, there once existed over (327) local chapters of the National Negro Business League across America. Today, only one such chapter exists which is the Atlanta Business League (ABL) founded in 1933.
The formal launch of the Columbus Business League is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9th, 2025, supporting the kick-off our “EGGS N ISSUES” business breakfast forum. This signature event is a business networking event that will address important topics and issues impacting African American business in the region.
Business owners and entrepreneurs are encouraged to join this CBL network organization, leveraging professional services, workshops, seminars, and speaker series to strengthen and scale their operations. By becoming active member, Blackowned business owners will gain valuable access to mentorship, resources, and strategic partnerships that can accelerate their growth and impact.
Mark the date in your calendar and join us for the kick-off Eggs n Issue Breakfast forum Tuesday, September 9th, and the COED Center located on E. Main Street. Time: 8:30am to 10:30am. See you there!
This issue of Mahogany Columbus is especially meaningful as we highlight two powerful communities: HBCU alumni and the Divine Nine Black Greek Organizations, alongside the extraordinary educators in Central Ohio who continue to go above and beyond for our students.
As a proud legacy member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., I was fortunate to join a sisterhood of Black women at The Ohio State University who became my steady rock throughout college. Those bonds have only deepened over the years, reminding me of the lifelong strength and support that historically Black organizations cultivate.
Now, as an educator in a predominantly Black district, I see the same aspirations reflected in my students. Many dream of attending HBCUs or joining fraternities and sororities that will provide not only a sense of belonging, but also a foundation of leadership, scholarship, and service. I am immensely proud of former students who have gone on to enroll at institutions such as Alabama State, FAMU, Central State, Howard, and beyond.
For them, HBCUs offer more than just education, they offer affirmation. They provide spaces where students feel valued, seen, and connected to a legacy of excellence. Within these institutions, young people witness successful professionals who look like them, leaders in Congress and the Senate, executives at major corporations, innovators in the arts, and visionaries across industries nationwide.
When students flip through the pages of this issue, I hope they see themselves reflected and recognize the power of networks that nurture ambition, resilience, and purpose.
Alisha Martin Associate Publisher & Middle School Educator
This edition is both a celebration and a call to action—a nod to the incredible work of our historically Black institutions and the educators who inspire the next generation every day. As we transition into the Fall season, may we continue to set the example, uplift one another, and pay forward the gifts of mentorship, community, and opportunity.
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Norman Strickland is the Branch Relationship Manager at Telhio Credit Union, where he leads a dedicated team committed to serving members and strengthening the communities we call home. Together, we go beyond traditional banking—focusing on financial inclusion, literacy, and the overall well-being of those we serve.
We actively partner with organizations such as Jewish Family Services, Capital University—where Norman proudly earned his degree and Bexley Chamber to build partnerships with business in Columbus and Bexley—and a variety of diverse, community-based organizations across Columbus, Ohio. These collaborations allow us to provide financial literacy workshops, develop products tailored to underserved populations, and offer one-on-one guidance to help members take control of their financial future.
Looking ahead, one of our key goals is to expand our branch’s role as a resource hub for local entrepreneurs— connecting them with small business loans, development programs, and mentorship opportunities that spark economic growth. We also aim to deepen our presence in community events, volunteer initiatives, and philanthropic partnerships that bring people together and create lasting impact.
At Telhio, our core values—caring, commitment, and integrity—guide every decision we make. We measure success not just in numbers, but in the positive changes we see in our members’ lives: a new homeowner getting their keys, a small business opening its doors, or a family achieving financial stability.
For Norman and his team, this is more than managing a branch—it’s about working together to serve, empower, and build a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone in our community.
By Jessica Johnson
The country’s job landscape for college graduates in 2025 is similar to the one my classmates and I faced in the early 1990s. Gen Xers, like the newly minted Gen Z grads this year, were skeptical about potential employment and the economy, as we “[faced] the bleakest job market in a decade or more,” according to a New York Times report in 1991. We were marching into a recession with mass layoffs resulting in the loss of over 1 million jobs, which the Times called “[the erosion of] the market value of higher education.” There was fiercer competition for entry-level positions, and many Gen X grads were disappointed that their career paths would be harder than expected. After all, most of our generation was told that a college degree was the ticket to a prosperous future. Yet the students interviewed in the Times expressed some of the same concerns that the college class of 2025 currently has.
Considering the current Gen Z grad outlook, an Inside Higher Ed Student Voice survey of 703 college seniors found that 68% were worried about their futures. Data from a Handshake survey reiterated these findings, with two-thirds of a 1,925 Gen Z sample size stating that they are not confident about their job prospects. Other issues causing them anxiety are student loans (54%), our polarizing politics (45%), and the upsurge of generative artificial intelligence (45%). My generation had student debt burdens, but politics were definitely more civil in the ‘90s, and the significant technological advancement we faced was the internet becoming available in the public domain by 1993.
Like the generations before them, Gen Z will learn to be resilient in a world that can be very scary at times, and many may have to pivot earlier in their careers. As I think about what my college friends and I have learned since our undergraduate days, many of us now intently focus on how our God-given gifts are displayed through our work, particularly how we are deployed for a divine assignment in addition to helping our professional
organizations thrive. The late Dr. Myles Munroe, a Bahamian evangelist and bestselling author, often spoke on the gifts God imparts to us, emphasizing that these precious talents and abilities are unique to our calling in making the world a better place. Munroe stressed that tapping into our spiritual gifts would push us toward God’s true purpose for our lives, whether that be what we went to college for or a pathway to something bigger than we ever imagined. This viewpoint is transformative in terms of how a career is regarded, which I believe many Gen Z grads will discover. As they mature, they will learn that doors will miraculously open when they begin to chase their destiny along with their dreams.
Jessica A. Johnson writes for Creators Syndicate and is a senior lecturer in Ohio State Lima’s English department.
By Morgan Harper
Last month, I participated in the event, “Hands Along High Street” organized by the Westerville Progressive Alliance and Indivisible Central Ohio. Thousands of people lined eight miles of one of Columbus’s busiest streets to protest the harms the current administration’s policies are inflicting. In Trump 2.0, the event was an incredible, public demonstration of dissent in an era where constitutional rights are under threat.
But protests alone cannot defeat the MAGA movement and its offering of villains real and imagined explaining away America’s problems. National Democratic leadership has not offered a competing narrative—and it’s time we stop waiting for them to try. We must connect and determine our own vision for the next phase of American life.
Trump entered politics running on racism and Islamophobia, certainly, but from the beginning he also rallied around the idea that all is not well, particularly in Americans’ economic life. The financial crisis supposedly ended but challenges facing working-class people have continued to compound. Democratic leadership has waffled over embracing the feelings of discontent many Americans hold and thus struggled to present an alternative vision for tackling economic issues. So even though in April 2025, only 36% of registered voters said they identified with MAGA’s vision, without a coherent alternative, the movement can feel unstoppable.
Creating such a vision, however, isn’t complicated and doesn’t have to cost billions of dollars in advertising. In fact, it could start with the simple step of talking. After decades of waning community connections, Americans have lost venues for coming together across siloes. Indeed, a May 2025 Pew Research Study found Americans trust each other less and spend more time alone than in prior periods.
My local organization, Columbus Stand Up, is working with community members to rebuild
some of this connectivity through a spaghetti dinner series. The dinners give people from both the city and the suburbs a non-political venue to share their wishes and struggles to develop a set of shared values that honestly reflect the state of our communities, absent MAGA’s fearmongering.
Some may say connection is not enough, that we mustsfight back. And I agree. The daily fight against this administration’s lawlessness is essential to uphold the Constitution and protect Americans’ basic rights. But we have spent a lot of time reacting over the last eight years and too little time listening. So, join us for dinner on September 9th in Linden. We can defeat an oligarchy and rebuild America, but first we need to know who each other is.
Morgan Harper is the co-founder of Columbus Stand Up! a grassroots organization engaging working people in the electoral process.
This column was adapted from a longer piece the author published with the Yale Political Economy Project.
In the heart of summer, water calls to us— family barbecues near the pool, fishing trips, and beach getaways. But for too many in our community, water brings danger instead of delight.
The numbers tell a hard truth. The CDC reports that drowning is the number one cause of death for children ages 1–4. Black children ages 5 to 19 are over five times more likely to drown in pools than white children, and Black men have higher drowning rates in lakes, rivers, and oceans.
We cannot ignore these disparities. One powerful solution is simple: swimming lessons. Formal instruction can reduce drowning risk by 88% in young children and create a foundation for lifelong water safety. This is not a luxury—it’s a necessite.
By Dr. Chris Brown, MD, MPH, FACP | Founder, PressureMD
Yet preparation must go further. Emergencies happen even to skilled swimmers. That’s why CPR training is essential. Performing CPR within minutes can double or triple a drowning victim’s survival rate. Imagine the difference if every leader in Central Ohio knew how to respond in those critical moments.
Here’s the challenge:
• Enroll your children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews in swim lessons.
• Get certified in CPR. Bring a friend or coworker.
• Talk openly about water safety in your family, church, and professional circles.
Leaders are influencers, and our influence can save lives. Let’s move from awareness to action, closing the water safety gap for our community.
Resources for More Information: CDC WaterRelated Injuries & Safety Tips: www.cdc.gov/ drowning & American Red Cross Water Safety: www.redcross.org/watersafety
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about your health or safety.
Dr. Christopher Brown, MD, MPH, FACP, FASN
President & Founder, PressureMD®️ BoardCertified Nephrologist | American College of Lifestyle Medicine Diplomate
www.PressureMD.com
Mahogany Columbus Salutes These Educators Who are Leading with Change & Disrupting the Status Quo -Their Voice Matters…
Melanie Carter, PhD
Associate Provost & Director
Center for HBCU Research Leadership, and Policy
Howard
University
In today’s polarized political climate, where commitments to diversity have been mischaracterized, demonized and dismantled, and the historical contributions of African American routinely minimized and erased, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have never been more vital as models for access and achievement. Most HBCUs were founded during the post-Civil War era to formally educate African Americans who had suffered generations of slavery, were barred from nearly all educational institutions, and whose forced status meant - according to the US Supreme Court’s
Dred Scott decision (1857) -that they “had no rights which the white man was bound to respect.” Despite the hostile and oppressive environment in which they were established, HBCUs became anchors of opportunity, resilience, and excellence for the nation. Their legacy is not only a testament to Black agency and determination but also a compelling argument for their continued support and expansion in the 21st century and beyond.
Over the decades, the impact of HBCUs has been far-reaching. While representing only about 3% of American higher education institutions, HBCUs produce nearly 20% of all African American graduates and more than 25% of Black graduates in STEM fields. HBCUs are also responsible for training 50% of Black public-school teachers and 70% of Black doctors and dentists. With an alumni roll call that permeates every nook and cranny of the American landscape, HBCUs, their progeny and those they’ve touched have shaped who we are as a nation and who we aspire to be. Stop and ask yourself – How have I been touched by an HBCU? Am I am HBCU graduate, was my teacher, my doctor, my dentist, my lawyer, my pastor, my congressperson, my parents, my siblings, my grandparents, my mayor, my congressperson, my vice-president? HBCUs reach extend far beyond their physical campuses – the impact of HBCUS exist in every one of us.
HBCUs have functioned as epicenters of social justice and civic engagement. These campuses have produced activists and nurtured intellectual traditions rooted in liberation, justice, and care. In a climate where educational institutions are often
criticized for being detached from real-world concerns, HBCUs have consistently bridged scholarship with social impact.
Yet, despite their historic and contemporary importance, HBCUs continue to face disproportionate challenges. Chronic underfunding—particularly of public HBCUs—has limited their infrastructure, technological capacity, and faculty support. Shifting federal policies regarding financial aid, student loan forgiveness, and campus-based support services have the potential to create additional burdens for HBCU students, many of whom are first-generation college attendees from low-income backgrounds.
Today, HBCUs exist in a precarious moment, reckless and baseless attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs have become political fodder used to incite misguided rage instead of encouraging generative dialogue. This anti-inclusion atmosphere results in fear and dangerous beliefs that when allowed to fester, undermine the very mission HBCUs were created to fulfill. Ironically, as many predominantly white institutions retreat from their public commitments to racial equity and access, the role of HBCUs as safe havens for knowledge production and dissemination becomes even more pronounced.
As our nation reckons with questions of racial justice, economic inequality, and educational access, HBCUs offer a proven and powerful model for how to invest in talent, build community, and shape a more just future. In this era of uncertainty and division, HBCUs continue to thrive, evolve, and innovate. The enduring value of HBCUs lies in their unwavering commitment to truth, dignity, and opportunity. To support HBCUs is to invest in a better America—one where every student, regardless of race or background, has the chance to rise, to lead, and to transform the world.
In an educational landscape where opportunity gaps too often dictate student outcomes, Metro Schools are proving what’s possible when equity, innovation, and ambition align. According to recent data, 95% of Metro’s Class of 2025 graduated with earned college credit—the highest percentage in the school’s history.
This milestone is more than a statistic. It’s a powerful reflection of Metro’s founding mission: to create an inclusive, future-ready learning environment where students don’t just prepare for college—they’re already participating in it. And Metro exceeds larger school districts in student success with a diverse student population and a non-selective admissions process.
As a public STEM school serving students from over 25 districts across Central Ohio, Metro is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic rigor, realworld relevance, and most importantly, educational equity. Central to this success is Metro’s groundbreaking partnership model, anchored by two pillars: The Ohio State University and Battelle.
Metro opened in fall of 2006 with a small group of 9th graders representing 15 Franklin County school districts. The goal was to prepare them for the rigors of higher education with an emphasis on the skills needed to fill the STEM jobs of the future. Metro welcomed many firstgeneration college students for whom the dual-enrollment program granted access to college coursework before graduation, helping to build both confidence and credit toward a future degree.
“Every college credit earned brings students closer to completing a degree, reduces college debt, and fosters confidence in their success after high school,” said Meka Pace, Superintendent of Metro Schools. “Achieving a 95% rate of our graduates earning these credits is not just a historic milestone for Metro; it also signifies a victory for public education and equity in action.”
Mrs. Pace, a founding member of Metro’s teaching team, serves as the first female of color to lead the district. She oversaw the expansion to middle school grades in 2013, a move that allowed younger students to benefit from a project-based curriculum. This spring, she celebrated the opening of the Metro@Indianola campus in the historic Indianola Junior High School building in the University District alongside partners from Ohio State and Battelle. The new location now houses the middle and high school, opening the former location to become Metro Elementary this fall.
Metro’s growth and continued impact would not be possible without the critical support of Battelle, under the leadership of CEO Lou Von Thaer. Battelle has championed Metro’s expansion, ensuring that Metro’s core principles—early college access, equity, and innovation—are instilled from a student’s earliest years in school.
Metro’s model is built on a balance of rigorous expectations and intentional support. Students take college classes on OSU’s campus, integrated seamlessly into their high school schedule, while receiving oneon-one academic guidance to help them thrive. Many students go on to become the first in their families to attend college.
In addition, Metro boasts one of Ohio’s most diverse student bodies, drawing students from a range of racial, socioeconomic, and geographic backgrounds. That such a representative population achieves such high levels of academic success demonstrates the power of Metro’s inclusive and intentional approach. Niche.com ranks Metro among the best college prep high schools and the top public middle schools in Ohio, a recognition that highlights the district’s commitment to help every student succeed.
As school districts across the country seek new models to close opportunity gaps and improve college outcomes, many are looking to Metro for inspiration. The school’s success is a clear indicator that meaningful change is possible—not through standardization, but through partnership, personalization, and purpose.
Dr. Emmanuel David Anthony is a dynamic visionary and change agent committed to empowering a generation through education, spiritual development, and social advocacy. As a passionate preacher, teacher, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, father, educator, and community leader, Dr. Anthony’s life work reflects his unwavering dedication to uplifting marginalized communities and dismantling systems of inequality.
A fierce advocate for civil rights, Dr. Anthony serves socio-economically challenged communities in Columbus, Ohio, and across the United States. He confronts the harsh realities of injustice, racism, and systemic oppression, especially those impacting African Americans. Through both spiritual leadership and educational innovation, he is a tireless force for transformation.
Dr. Anthony is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ascension Investment Group LLC, an educational management organization that develops and leads innovative community school systems in urban areas nationwide. Recognizing education as the key to generational liberation, he has built institutions that directly combat the modern urban trifecta of mass incarceration, economic exploitation, and failing educational systems.
In 2021, Dr. Anthony launched Legacy Academy of Excellence, a pioneering innercity school focused on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), rites of passage mentorship,
and real-life skill development— empowering youth to thrive in college, career, and life. He later established Legacy A&T (Agriculture and Technology), a K-8 school rooted in core academics, selfsufficiency, farming, holistic living, and cutting-edge AI technology. Being that Legacy is the ONLY fully black owned public charter school in central OH, it is considered to be the Historically Black Charter School (HBCS) of Columbus
A licensed and ordained minister, Dr. Anthony is a bold proclaimer of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, committed to leading with integrity and intentionality. His journey from inner-city southeast Michigan to national leadership is both remarkable and deeply personal. The youngest of three children born to Kenneth and Sylvia Anthony, he overcame the trappings of his environment to become a first-generation high school and college graduate. Inspired by the legacy of his great-grandfather—a former slave who founded a school in Jackson, Tennessee in 1870—Dr. Anthony embraced the call to continue building institutions that uplift and educate.
Dr. Anthony holds several advanced degrees including a P.hD, and he is currently attending Hampton University for his second doctorate degree.
He is a devoted husband and father, and a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Above all, Dr. Emmanuel David Anthony is submitted to the will of God, driven by a divine mandate to “Save a Generation.”
David Ross Founding Principal
In the heart of Columbus, Ohio, a new kind of school is redefining what education can be. LINC Academy, founded in 2024 and not just another K–3 school. It’s a movement built on transformational education, deep community connection, and an unwavering belief in every child’s potential.
LINC, short for Lead, Imagine, Navigate, and Change, was designed from the ground up to serve as a launchpad for young learners, especially those from underserved backgrounds. Relationships are the foundation of everything we do. By blending academic rigor with social-emotional growth, cultural affirmation, and family partnership.
Walk into LINC Academy, and you’ll immediately feel the difference. Classrooms hum with curiosity and joy. Teachers greet students by name, not just at the start of the day, but in every hallway moment. Learning here is hands-on, collaborative, and real-world connected preparing children not only to succeed in school but to lead in life.
The culture is built on relationships. Staff members know their students’ stories, dreams, and challenges, and work tirelessly to support them. Families are not just welcomed but woven into the fabric of the school’s daily life, from open-door communication to active participation in school events and decisionmaking.
At the center of LINC’s success is its dynamic team of educators. Each teacher is handselected for both instructional excellence and a heart for service. This commitment recently shone in the recognition of Ms. Whitley
White, one of LINC’s founding teachers, who was honored as Teacher of the Year for her innovative approach to early literacy and her unwavering dedication to her students’ growth.
The staff’s collaboration goes beyond lesson plans, they work as a united force to create an environment where every child is seen, valued, and challenged to excel.
LINC Academy views parents and caregivers as co-educators. Through regular family workshops, community service projects, and transparent communication, the school builds trust and ensures that learning continues long after the final bell.
Students, even at the youngest grades, are encouraged to think critically, lead with empathy, and take ownership of their learning. They leave each day not just knowing more, but believing more in themselves and in what’s possible.
David Ross’s journey in educational leadership fuels LINC’s vision. His experiences have shaped a school that refuses to accept mediocrity for any child. Under his leadership, LINC Academy is not only teaching students, it’s transforming lives and setting a new standard for what a school can be.
Dean
Recently named Interim Dean of Capital University Law School, Joseph Karl Grant believes in the school’s commitment to strengthening society and the legal system by doing three things: serving diverse communities well, promoting professionalism and ethics, and furthering discourse and knowledge.
The third person of color to serve as dean, Joe holds the John E. Sullivan Professor of Law endowed professorship and firmly believes in providing opportunities and access to legal education for highly talented students.
“I am honored to serve as Interim Dean of Capital Law School. Our institution’s distinguished history of egalitarian values and groundbreaking leadership in providing access to legal education for students from all backgrounds is a source of tremendous pride for our entire community.”
Raised in Cleveland, Joe attended Brown University, where he obtained his A.B. in Political Science. His junior year of college, he studied at the University of London, Queen Mary & Westfield College. After completing his Juris Doctor degree at Duke University School of Law, Joe returned to Cleveland and practiced corporate and securities and labor and employment law at Squire, Sanders, & Dempsey, LLP, and corporate and securities law at Thompson, Hine & Flory, LLP before establishing a private practice.
Joe has served on the faculties at West Virginia University College of Law, Appalachian School of Law, the University of Oregon, Florida A&M University College of Law, and Howard University School of Law. He is a subject matter expert serving on the National Conference of Bar Examiner’s NextGen Bar
Business Associations Drafting Committee.
Before becoming interim dean, he served as associate dean of Administration and Finance at Capital. In the classroom, Joe teaches Property I and II and Estates & Trusts. In the past, he has taught Business Associations, Business Organizations, Secured Transactions, Federal Income Taxation, Federal Estate & Gift Taxation, International Business Transactions, and seminars on Reconstruction and the Law and Corporate Social Justice.
He writes on financial regulation, social and sustainable business entities, international trade, estates and trusts, and race and the law. He has published articles in The Elder Law Journal (University of Illinois), the University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform, Oregon Law Review, Indiana Law Review, Virginia Law & Business Review, Albany Law Review, McGeorge Law Review, the Journal of Legislation (Notre Dame), and the Widener Journal of Law, Economics & Race.
Joe stays closely rooted to the Black Belt Region of Alabama, specifically Marengo and Greene Counties, where his family originates. He manages and operates a cattle farm in the small town of Forkland, where his father was born, raising Black Angus and Charolais beef cattle. His passion has shifted recently to sustainable forestry and the management of timber holdings he owns in North Alabama.
Driven to Succeed LLC Founder and CEO
Kristin Harper is a powerhouse of principled leadership, visionary strategy, and heartfelt service. As Chair of the Florida A&M University Board of Trustees, she has demonstrated what it means to lead with purpose — even when it’s uncomfortable, unpopular, or requires standing alone. During a pivotal chapter in FAMU’s history, Kristin embodied courage and conviction, casting one of four dissenting votes in a contentious presidential search. Amid intense political pressure, she chose integrity over expedience, boldly aligning with the voices of students, faculty, alumni, and staff to uphold transparency, accountability, and institutional excellence.
Kristin’s leadership helped guide the university through turbulent times with strength and strategic clarity. Her role in shaping FAMU’s Boldly Striking strategic plan and defending the university’s legacy during a leadership transition has cemented her legacy as a true guardian of one of the nation’s most prestigious HBCUs. Under her leadership, FAMU remains the No. 1 public HBCU for six consecutive years and ranks as the No. 81 public universities in the country — no small feat amid a shifting higher education landscape.
Beyond her boardroom impact, Kristin is the founder and CEO of Driven to Succeed LLC, an award-winning market research and consulting firm that helps brands grow and people thrive. Through her firm’s work, Driven to Succeed has impacted over a dozen Fortune 1000 corporations, numerous nonprofits, and academic institutions, and boasts a 70% client repeat rate. Kristin has been featured in CNBC, Business Insider, Entrepreneur magazine, and named in Private Directors Association Directors to
Watch.
A former Global VP of a Fortune 15 company who worked at Procter & Gamble, The Hershey Company, and Cardinal Health, Kristin is a classically trained brand manager who’s led some of the world’s most iconic brands including Crest®️, Oral-B®️, and Hershey’s KISSES®️. She’s also the author of The Heart of a Leader: 52 Emotional Intelligence Insights to Advance Your Career, a book that inspires readers to lead with wisdom, courage, and empathy.
A proud lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and a devoted wife and mother of three, Kristin represents the highest ideals of Black excellence — blending business acumen with moral clarity, and bold action with heart. A firm believer in the transformative power of an HBCU education, she co-founded Pacesetters Unlimited, a nonprofit that mentors’ African American high schoolers and has awarded nearly $30,000 in HBCU scholarships over the past ten years. Kristin co-chaired BADST Fortitude campaign, one of the largest grassroots scholarship fundraising campaigns in FAMU’s history and established an endowed scholarship with her husband for FAMU business students from Ohio.
In every room she enters, Kristin Harper keeps the eternal flame of FAMU — and the legacy of HBCUs — burning bright for generations to come.
Kristin Harper is Chair of the Florida A&M University Board of Trustees
James Head of School Mansion Day School
Dee James brings a unique, warm, and embracing philosophy to educating children, shaped by her early exposure to academic excellence. A child of the Civil Rights Movement, she was raised in a small Georgia town and experienced firsthand the challenges and triumphs of that era. Taught to read at age three using the comic pages of the newspaper, she thrived in her segregated school through 12th grade. This environment instilled in her a deep quest for excellence and a lifelong thirst for knowledge. Nurtured by teachers who cared not just about what she learned, but how she learned and conducted herself, Dee earned numerous full-ride scholarships to several colleges.
This supportive, disciplined foundation shaped her philosophy as Head of School at Mansion Day School. She knows with certainty that children learn best when they know their educators truly care. This belief fuels the remarkable outcomes at Mansion Day, where students often test one to three years above grade level in math and reading. “While we are small, our results are big! We know that a strong start yields a strong finish,” Dee says. Graduates are accepted into top middle and high schools, with nearly 100% earning college scholarships. Often described as an HBCU at the elementary level, Mansion Day School is a proud member of the Independent Schools Association of the Central States, the National Association of Independent Schools, and the Ohio Association of Independent Schools. Dee has served Mansion Day School for more than 28 years, leading an institution that is far more than an academic
setting—it is a place where seeds are planted, dreams are born, and success is expected. She is committed to empowering preschool through 5th-grade students with confidence, integrity, cultural competence, a strong work ethic, determination, and the skills to compete at the highest academic levels in a safe, nurturing environment. For Dee, being Head of School is not just a job—it is a calling.
Her leadership and advocacy have earned her numerous honors, including the Governor’s Keys to Success Rising Star Award, Who’s Who in Black Columbus, the Champion Award from the Finance Fund, the Dream Award from the King Arts Complex, the NCBC 100 Trailblazer Award, and the Education Advocacy Award from Central Ohio’s Social Justice Awards. She is a member of the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and the Spelman College Alumni Association, and has served on the boards of the Columbus Children’s Choir and the Women’s Board of the King Arts Complex.
A graduate of Spelman College with graduate studies at the University of Michigan, Dee is a proud member of New Covenant Believers Church. She cherishes her family with her husband, Pete, and their sons, Peter II and Clinton—both Morehouse College alumni.
E.L.I.T.E Performance Academy
Samara is the Founder and Artistic Director of Dance E.L.I.T.E. Performance Academy (DEPA), Columbus’ largest Black-owned pre-professional dance studio. For more than a decade, she has dedicated her life to creating life-changing experiences for young dancers—helping them excel in their artistry while developing the confidence, discipline, and leadership skills that will serve them for a lifetime.
A proud wife and mother, Samara draws her greatest inspiration from her family. They keep her grounded, encourage her boldest dreams, and remind her daily of the importance of using her gifts to open doors for the next generation. She believes in the power of the village—family, community, and faith—working together to create opportunities and lasting impact.
Samara is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated , an organization rooted in scholarship, sisterhood, and service. Her commitment to uplifting and empowering others is deeply tied to the values of her beloved sorority.
She is a graduate of Kentucky State University and a proud member of the Mighty Marching Thorobreds, where she had the honor of leading the legendary K-Rette Dance Team. Her years as a K-Rette shaped her passion for performance, precision, and excellence—qualities she now instills in every dancer at DEPA.
Her “why” for founding DEPA is deeply personal. Growing up, Samara experienced firsthand how the arts could transform lives, build confidence, and open doors that might otherwise remain closed. She founded DEPA to provide a safe, inclusive space where children—especially those from underrepresented communities—could receive world-class dance training, mentorship, and leadership development. To her, dance is more than movement; it is a language that teaches perseverance, teamwork, and selfworth.
Today, DEPA serves nearly 200 dancers and has earned international recognition, performing and competing in London, Paris, Toronto, and beyond. Under Samara’s leadership, students have earned scholarships, attended elite dance programs, and stepped boldly into their futures.
As DEPA continues to grow, her vision includes creating a full-service arts hub— complete with a retail store for dancers of color and a nutrition lounge for families. Every step she takes is fueled by faith, purpose, and her promise to give Every Child Star Status.
By Melinda Carter Founder, Brown Bread Consulting, Executive Director, Columbus Business League
The Columbus Business League (CBL) is a for-profit, membership-based organization that supports African American business owners and entrepreneurs in Columbus, Ohio. Its founders, C. Sunny Martin, and Melinda Carter have collaborated to use experience and expertise in crafting an organization with a mission is to build capacity, increase visibility of African American owned businesses. Our focus is to connect members to capital and contracts and strengthen the broader ecosystem through community and advocacy.
In recent years, the economic influence of African American owned businesses in Columbus has become increasingly evident. These enterprises contribute significantly to the local economy, collectively generating
thousands of dollars in revenue. Beyond their financial contributions, Blackowned businesses are pivotal job creators, providing employment opportunities that fuel community growth and stability. By hiring locally and supporting workforce development, these businesses play a vital role in building economic power within the African American community and strengthening the broader Columbus business landscape.
The formal launch of the Columbus Business League is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9th, 2025, by supporting our inaugural “EGGS & ISSUES“ event. This signature event is a breakfast forum that will address important topics impacting African American business opportunities.
Business owners and entrepreneurs are encouraged to join the CBL network, leveraging available professional services to strengthen and scale their operations. By becoming active members, they gain access to mentorship, resources, and strategic partnerships that can accelerate their growth and impact.
As the legal landscape for “affirmative action” and DEI polices are being demonized; the Columbus Business League will lead in directing the narrative. Insisting that while African Americans were not the principal beneficiaries of that program, equality in all things serves as the underpinning for strong economic policy.
or 13 years, The New Albany Community Foundation has presented some of the most influential thought leaders of our time through its New Albany Lecture Series. Tickets for the 2025-2026 season are on sale newalbanyfoundation.org for a lineup that includes “Good Morning America” Co-Anchor Robin Roberts, award-winning actor Christian Slater, political icon James Carville, former White House Chief of Staff and chair of the RNC Reince Priebus, and former Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Lt. General (Ret.) H.R. McMaster and 70th Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, among others.
The 2025-2026 series launch is October 9 with a focus on health and wellbeing, featuring Robin Roberts interviewed by Doug Ulman, Pelotonia Vice Chair and founder of Orli. On January 28, 2026, James Carville and Reince Priebus will appear together for another program made possible by The New Albany Center for Civil Discourse and Debate, which was established to promote civil discussion. The program will be moderated by ABC News Anchor Linsey Davis. On March 3, a national security discussion will feature Lt. General (Ret.) H.R. McMaster and Secretary Mike Pompeo in conversation moderated by CNN Anchor and National Security Analyst Jim Sciutto. The season will conclude on May 11 with a discussion with award-winning actor and mental health advocate Christian Slater.
The New Albany Lecture Series has presented more than 70 compelling speakers since the series debuted. It is widely recognized as one of the premier lecture series in the country, not only for the caliber of speakers and the topics covered, but also for the Student Lecture Series that has hosted 34,500+ students representing 50 Central Ohio schools.
For more information, go to newalbanyfoundation.org.
The members of Harmony are childhood friends that grew up in the same church together, sung in the children choir then youth choir praise team. Harmony started as a group singing in church by “accident.” We were all singing together as a group after a choir rehearsal and the pianist said that we sounded good together and that we should be a group. Harmony was formed when we were all 16 &17 years old. Through the years we have grown, received degrees, obtained jobs, been married, had kids, but our love of music, singing together, and praising God has never changed. Our persistence is why we are where we are today. God has truly blessed us to be a four-time award winning group with over 160,000 followers and have performed in several different venues, but our largest venue to date has been being asked to perform the national anthem at Cleveland Cavaliers, Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns.
Everything with a success story has a struggle along the way. The road to success is never smooth. We started as a group of four but are now a group of three. Life presents challenges and obstacles that can be hard to face and deal with, but even though we no longer are a group of four we are determined to stay the course and continue sharing our light and music with the world! The three of us are very strong faith-based women who know how to pray and let that work for us.
Harmony specializes in singing current music and taking those harmonies you hear to the next level. Our blend is phenomenal even though each of our voices is unique. We have a unique, polished sound that is very versatile. We are not afraid of a musical challenge and conquer any curveball thrown at us.
We are all childhood friends that grew up in the same church together, sung in the children choir then youth choir praise team. Harmony started as a group singing in church by “accident.” We were all singing together as a group after a choir rehearsal and the pianist
said that we sounded really good together and that we should be a group. Harmony was formed when we were all 16/17 years old. Through the years we have grown, gotten degrees, gotten jobs, gotten married, had kids, but our love of music, singing together, and praising God has never changed. Our persistence is why we are where we are today. God has truly blessed us to be a four-time award winning group with over 160,000 followers and have performed in several different venues, but our largest venue to date has been being asked to perform the national anthem at Cleveland Cavaliers, Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns.
We admire Brooklynn Porter; Founder & CEO of Hope City Records and Trudy Fischer; CMO of Hope City Records. They are both committed to growing this prestigious label and creating opportunities for great talented artists. We signed with Hope City Records in 2023, Hope City Records is a growing inspirational record label, this record label believes in great music for a greater purpose, it also believes in making incredible timeless inspirational music for all. Whether it’s inspirational R&B and Hip-Hop or contemporary and traditional Gospel.
Harmony specializes in singing current music and taking those harmonies you hear to the next level. Our blend is phenomenal even though each of our voices is unique. We have a unique, polished sound that is very versatile. We are not afraid of a musical challenge and conquer any curveball thrown at us.
MASTRO’S Steakhouse is elegantly located at Easton Town Center, bringing an unmatched dining experience to this shopping and entertainment destination. Mastro’s is the perfect place to indulge in world-class cuisine, award-winning wines, and celebrate life’s finest moments. Whether you’re enjoying a special night out or a business dinner, Mastro’s promises an unforgettable experience.
They call him “Mr. Hospitality.” Watter L. Carpenter is the general manager at Mastro’s. He began his love for the restaurant industry as a young man. Walter began his humble career working at his family-owned ice cream shop, and his passion flourished from there.
Walter has a proven record of restaurant management and project development. He has been integral in opening 50 restaurants across the United States in cities such as Columbus, Ohio, New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and many more locations. Walter is sought out as a premier restaurant consultant, country club consultant, and has been a guest lecturer at The Ohio State University on issues pertaining to the importance of the hospitality industry. He is highly passionate and motivated, and posses’ a warm
spirit, with great communications skills, strong team-building skills, in addition while warmly welcoming guests to his restaurant.
Walter has been a restaurant regional manager overseeing multi-million-dollar properties and handling all the fiscal management of those restaurants. He has also worked to develop
the skills of front house managers, chefs, and thousands of wait staff over the years. Walter believes in being civic-minded and giving back to the community. He a mentor for a nonprofit boys-to-men organization that helps develop the skills in young men while also serving the homeless population in Central Ohio. Faith and family are his greatest strengths and beliefs and his purpose for continuing to strive for excellence in everything he’s engaged in.
If you’re a fan of hip hop, vinyl culture, or the art of music production, mark your calendar for September 25. The Wexner Center for the Arts will host Diggin’ in the Crates, a unique event led by Dr. Jason Rawls—aka J Rawls—and legendary producer Pete Rock. This isn’t just a lecture; it’s a deep, interactive dive into the roots and future of hip hop.
“Diggin’ in the crates” refers to the practice of
searching through vinyl records for samples—a foundational technique in hip hop, house, and other sample-based genres. Rawls and Pete Rock will guide audiences through this creative process, blending live demonstration, collective listening, and conversation. Expect insights into the relationship between DJing and producing, the cultural significance of sampling, and the beats that shaped contemporary hip hop. A Q&A session will follow, offering a chance to engage
directly with two masters of the craft.
Dr. Rawls is more than a producer—he’s a visionary educator. Currently the assistant professor of Hip Hop at The Ohio State University, he holds joint appointments in the School of Music and the Department of African American and African Studies. He’s helping to build one of the first comprehensive hip hop studies programs in the country, aiming to elevate hip hop to the academic stature of jazz and classical music.
Rawls also co-founded the HOPE Program at Ohio University, the first Hip Hop Based Education initiative in higher ed. His book Youth Culture Power, co-authored with John Robinson, explores how
hip hop can transform education for marginalized youth—and comes with a companion album that brings its themes to life.
With production credits spanning Black Star, Slum Village, and Aloe Blacc, and a legacy of jazz-hop innovation, Rawls brings both scholarship and streetlevel authenticity to the stage.
On September 25, join J Rawls and Pete Rock for an evening that promises to be as enlightening as it is electrifying. Whether you’re a hip hop head, educator, or curious listener, this is one crate you’ll want to dig into. *visit https://wexarts.org/talks-more/peterock-and-j-rawls to get your tickets*
Mark L. Ervin is a seasoned leader and dedicated community servant, currently serving as the Polemarch of the Columbus (OH) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He was proudly initiated into the fraternity through the Lexington (KY) Alumni Chapter in Fall 2016.
Professionally, Mark is the Director of Manufacturing at Andelyn Biosciences, a premier full-service Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in cell and gene therapy. At Andelyn, he leads the development, characterization, and production of viral vectors, driving innovation in gene therapy applications.
Mark earned his bachelor’s degree in business operations from DeVry University in Dallas, TX, and brings over two decades of experience in manufacturing leadership and operational excellence.
Beyond his professional and fraternal commitments, Mark is a devoted family man. He has been married to his wife, Jami Jones Ervin, for 22 years, and together they have two sons: Aaron (26) and Caleb (16). Mark finds joy in traveling the world and spending quality time with his family, embracing every opportunity to create lasting memories.
r. Derrick L. Tillman-Kelly is First Vice Polemarch of the Columbus (OH) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. He was initiated into the fraternity through the Illinois State University Chapter, the Kappa Alpha of Kappa Alpha Psi in Fall 2007.
An experienced higher education scholar and administrator, Tillman-Kelly is chief of staff to Dean Ayanna Howard in The Ohio State University College of Engineering. He previously served as director of the UIA Fellows Program and Network Engagement for the University Innovation Alliance. In this role, he worked with member universities to support institutional transformation with the goal of eliminating social identities as predictors of student success and completion.
He serves as vice chair of the New Salem Baptist Church Board of Trustees, founding board chair of Project CLOUDS, and treasurer of the TCC Foundation. He recently concluded a two-year term as Illinois Wesleyan University Alumni Association President and member of the IWU Board of Trustees.
He earned his PhD in educational policy and leadership with a specialization in higher education and student affairs from Ohio State, a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs from Indiana University, and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Illinois Wesleyan.
Columbus Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Herman D. Ware, Jr. is the Senior Pastor of Oakley Full Gospel Baptist Church. Bishop Ware is married to the elegant Karla Ware. They are the parents of Kailey Morgan Ware – a sophomore at Columbus State University, and Herman Dean Ware, III – a senior at Darby High School.
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois Bishop Ware graduated from Hyde Park Career Academy in 1988. Upon graduation, he began his post-secondary education at Truman State University and graduated in 1993 with a B.A. in Economics (Mathematics). In 2013, Bishop Ware earned his Master of Education (Higher Education Administration) from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Bishop Ware was initiated into the Columbus (OH) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Fall 2023. His fraternal work extends to serving as the chaplain and the Chapter Keeper of Records.
Having been licensed in 1993, Bishop Ware began his pastoral ministry at Morgan Street Baptist Church in Boonville, Missouri. He was called to the pastorate of the Oakley Full Gospel Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio in July 2017.
Columbus Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Mr. Wilson was appointed County Administrator in January 2015. As County Administrator, the highest unelected post in county government, Mr. Wilson leads 15 county agencies with over 1,400 employees. He oversees the County’s annual $2.2 billion budgeting process for 35 agencies to ensure Franklin County remains one of the finest, best-governed counties in the nation.
Mr. Wilson holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Ohio University and a Bachelor of Arts from James Madison College at Michigan State University, where he majored in Public Affairs, Metropolitan Studies, and Business. Kenneth Wilson serves as the Immediate Past President of the National Association of County Administrators (NACA), National Forum for Black Public Administrators, Board of Directors Member, and the Ohio City/County Management Association, Board of Directors. He is also an active member on various other boards and commissions. Mr. Wilson hosts the Talk of the County Podcast and lectures at The Ohio State University, Ohio University, and Otterbein University. He is married to DeShawna “Reesie” Wilson, the proud father of two adult daughters, Kala and Kamya, and resides in Grove City, Ohio.
City of Columbus
Council President
Apha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Born and raised on the south side of Columbus, Council President Shannon Hardin is committed to building an equitable future that works for every resident in our city. After being appointed to Council to fill a vacancy in 2014, he won election in 2015, and re-election in 2017, 2021, and 2023. As Council President, Hardin is focused on preparing the Columbus region for the growth of nearly one million new neighbors over the next 25 years with targeted strategies across housing, transit, workforce, safety, and other issues.
Over his time on Council, Hardin has championed many initiatives. He is helping lead the LinkUs plan to transform public transit in Columbus, which would build out 5 bus rapid-transit routes and invest in 500+ miles of greenways, sidewalks, and protected bike lanes. He also championed the Columbus Promise, which allows Columbus City Schools graduates to attend Columbus State Community College for free, in partnership with I Know I Can.
President Hardin chairs the Rules & Policy and Housing, Homelessness and Building Committees and vice-chair both the Zoning and Workforce, Education, & Labor Committees. In addition to Council, Hardin currently serves on the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and the National League of Cities Board of Directors. He is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and attends the Mount Olivet Baptist Church. Council President Hardin lives on the Far East Side with his son, Noah. Initiated November 4, 2023--Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Rho Lambda Chapter
Craig Conley
Deputy Chief of Staff
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Craig Conley is a strategic, visionary leader committed to employing his talent, gifts and skills in such a way to maximize positive influence. His ambition is to enhance overall wellness, peace, and fulfillment within the community. As a result, Craig has proven to be adept in driving high growth in companies ranging from startups to the Fortune 50. His resonant leadership fosters critical thinking, empowerment, and accountability within teams and the individual by developing diverse, engaging, and collaborative work cultures.
Craig currently serves as deputy chief of staff for Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. Prior to his work with the City of Columbus, his corporate journey included leadership roles with LinkedIn, HubSpot, ADP, and multiple companies in the small to mid-market space. Craig graduated summa cum laude from Hiram College, earning his degree in business management. Over the years, he continued his executive education at The Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University and various other leadership cohorts, experiences, and certifications.
Within the NPHC community, Craig is the vice president of Alpha Rho Lambda, the Columbus alumni chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Craig was initiated into Alpha Rho Lambda Chapter on March 19, 2022.
President
See Brilliance
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Dr. Nathan Lee Roy Harris is a visionary leader and educator who is passionate about empowering youth and families through education. As the President of See Brilliance, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide educational opportunities rooted in Black and Latinx cultures, Nathan is committed to equipping young people with the tools they need to discover their innate brilliance. His achievements in this field are awe-inspiring and worthy of respect.
As President of See Brilliance, he has led the organization to exponential growth in impact and reach throughout Columbus, expanding from monthly programming to in- and after-school initiatives in schools, community centers, and churches, and hosting annual STEAM Festivals. The organization has reached over 3500 youth in Central Ohio.
Nathan’s dedication to education is deeply personal, rooted in his own experiences. He graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, receiving a bachelor’s degree in computer science. After college, he pursued his Ph.D. in Engineering Education, focusing on parental involvement in STEM. He became the youngest Black man to obtain this degree from The Ohio State University, following the Buckeye legacy of 4 generations dating back to his greatgrandmother, Bertha M. Jefferson. He is also a proud member of Alpha Phi. Alpha Fraternity Inc. was initiated through the Alpha Rho Lambda chapter in Fall 2023, where he serves as Director of Educational Activities. Nathan’s leadership and dedication to educational equity inspire many, and his work can potentially change the trajectory of countless young lives.
Director of Community Engagement
Columbus City Council
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Marion Meadows serves as the Director of Community Engagement for Columbus City Council and, in this role, provides strategic leadership and support for council initiatives. Before joining Council Marion spent the previous 14 years professionally at I Know I Can, the college access organization in Columbus. During this time, Marion served in numerous roles providing direction and training for services provided to more than 20,000 students across four Central Ohio school districts. Marion also spent time in Undergraduate Admissions and First Year Experience at The Ohio State University and also as a middle and high school teacher as part of the Teach For America program.
While at I Know I Can, Marion was deeply involved in the Ohio Association for College Admissions Counseling. Marion completed Presidential cycle term from 2022-2024. Marion served as committee chair for the Inclusion, Access and Success and Guiding the Way to Impact committees. In 2024, Marion was awarded the M. Jeanne Talley Human Relations Award recognizing an individual whose contributions led to the enhancement of relations among people of diverse cultures, ethnic groups, or with special needs.
Marion has both his B.A. and M.A. degrees from The Ohio State University and is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Marion currently serves as the 1st Vice President for the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Columbus. Marion was recognized as the 2025 NPHC Man of the Year.
Initiated March 19, 2022- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Inc. Alpha Rho Lambda Chapter
Black Greek-letter organizations (BGLOs) emerged during a period that is characterized as a low point in American race relations. These associations were established on the principles of personal excellence, racial uplift, community service, civic action and kinship. Their emergence coincided with significant national developments, including the rise of Ji m Crow laws, the popularity of scientific racism, and widespread racial violence and prejudice.
Black students, whether studying at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) or predominantly white institutions, came together to create these organizations, forging familial ties to one another and outreach within the larger Black community. Those kinships and ties endure to this day. BGLOs formed at a time when Greek life at predominantly white institutions excluded Black students.
Today, the nine BGLOs that comprise the National Pan-Hellenic Council, known as the Divine Nine, have an impact on community service and civic engagement, through outreach programs that include literacy, professional development and voter registration.
Alicia Henry is the President of the Delta Omicron Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated and the Founder and CEO of iTeach’, an education and leadership consulting firm dedicated to equity, emotional intelligence, and healing-centered innovation. A dedicated educator and visionary leader, Alicia has devoted her career to creating spaces where vulnerable populations can rise, heal, and lead.
As the former Principal and Superintendent of FLEX High School in Columbus, Ohio, she served for 10 years since its inception and played a pivotal role in the growth of its national network. Her leadership helped shape a mission-focused model that expanded educational access across the country. At FLEX, she reimagined urban education by cultivating future leaders and fostering environments that inspire both academic success and personal transformation.
Her commitment to service extends deeply into her work within Sigma Gamma Rho, where she leads impactful community programs at both the local and national levels. Through strategic leadership and a steadfast dedication to the sorority’s mission, she ensures that service is not only delivered but deeply felt.
Alicia embodies the philosophy that leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality and as Basileus, she leads with purpose, compassion, and a results-driven mindset. Her career stands as a testament to the transformative power of leadership grounded in vision, action, and an unwavering commitment to community.
When it comes to embodying excellence, service, and community impact in Central Ohio, few do so with the clarity, consistency, and heart of Natasha N. Smith. A proud Howard University graduate and devoted member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Natasha reflects the highest ideals of HBCU values and Black Greek-lettered leadership—leading with purpose, rooted in tradition, and committed to transformative change.
With a career spanning journalism, librarianship, and public education, Natasha is a masterful storyteller who uses her voice to uplift others. In her role as Regional Communications Specialist with Columbus City Schools, she crafts human-centered narratives that celebrate student success, make policy accessible, and highlight innovation across Ohio’s largest school district.
Her service to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is equally impactful. Having served at every organizational level—including as chapter president—Natasha has strengthened Sigma Iota Zeta Chapter through strategic communications, led service initiatives grounded in Zeta’s principles, and amplified the organization’s presence in the community.
Beyond her sorority, Natasha invests her leadership in the nonprofit sector. A graduate of United Way of Central Ohio’s Project Diversity board training, she serves on the board of the Columbus Literacy Council, championing adult education and equitable access to learning—passions fueled by her master’s in library and information science and commitment to educational equity.
Natasha Smith is more than a communicator—she is a connector, an advocate, and a quiet force shaping how Central Ohio sees itself and what it can become.
Dionne is a Senior Consultant with Public Consulting Group (PCG) and a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Delta Omicron Sigma Chapter, where she currently serves as Vice President. At PCG, Dionne partners with state and local agencies to strengthen systems that serve vulnerable children, youth, and families—designing and implementing solutions that improve outcomes and build stronger communities.
With over 22 years as a Licensed Social Worker, Dionne’s career spans roles as a county caseworker, foster/ adoptive parent trainer, Director of Intake, and clinical services therapist. She brings deep expertise in behavioral health, trauma, and substance use, as well as child welfare policy, provider oversight, and workforce development. Her work includes training direct care providers, supporting high-fidelity wraparound services, and consulting with Wake County NC DHHS to increase meaningful foster care placements.
In addition to her consulting work, Dionne is a part-time mental health therapist, providing care to children, families, and individuals navigating mental illness, trauma, grief, and substance use. She also serves as an inpatient therapist at a local mental health hospital.
A graduate of Capital University and Franklin University (MBA), Dionne is the proud mother of two amazing young men. Ms. Pressie’s passion for service is rooted in the belief that lasting change happens when people work together toward a shared vision.
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”–Coretta Scott King
Denise exemplifies the true spirit of a Sigma woman—a leader who blends exceptional planning skills and professionalism with genuine care and compassion. Known for her willingness to step in wherever she is needed, Denise is a steady, dependable presence whose contributions strengthen both individuals and the chapter.
In her role as Director of Membership for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, Denise has demonstrated unwavering dedication to fostering connection and unity. Even while navigating personal challenges over the past year, she has excelled in her leadership responsibilities—remaining diligent in her mission to re-engage and welcome Sorors back home.
Her influence extends across generations within the chapter. Denise uplifts and encourages all members, inspiring Neos and Seasoned Sorors alike to reach their highest potential. Her leadership is characterized by positivity, inclusion, and an unshakable commitment to the sorority’s principles of sisterhood, scholarship, and service.
Denise’s ability to lead with both excellence and empathy makes her an invaluable asset to the chapter. She is more than a capable organizer and strategist—she is a motivator, a connector, and a living example of what it means to serve with heart.
Jackie is a committed and valued member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Omicron Sigma Alumnae Chapter, where she serves as Chapter Webmaster. In this role, she ensures the chapter’s digital presence remains vibrant and engaging—managing website updates, creating dynamic content, and keeping members and the community informed of events and initiatives. Her technical expertise and creative approach have strengthened the chapter’s ability to connect, communicate, and inspire through its online platforms.
Deeply passionate about service, Jackie is an active volunteer within the Columbus community. She dedicates her time to a variety of chapter-led initiatives and collaborates regularly with fellow Divine Nine organizations to expand the reach and impact of service projects. Her work reflects the sorority’s commitment to sisterhood, scholarship, and service, and she approaches every opportunity with enthusiasm and purpose.
In recognition of her dedication and contributions, Jackie was honored with the 2024–2025 Sigma Service Award—a testament to her unwavering commitment to uplifting others and making a meaningful difference. Whether behind the scenes managing the chapter’s communications or on the front lines of community engagement, Jackie leads with excellence, compassion, and the belief that service is both a responsibility and a privilege.
Shiffon Miller is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Women Walking in Purpose, a nonprofit she launched in 2022 to empower youth and families, foster hope, and create meaningful change. Under her leadership, the organization has led transformative initiatives including back-to-school drives, food and coat giveaways, and community violence prevention programs—providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities to those most in need.
A certified life coach, ordained minister, and yoga instructor, Shiffon embraces a holistic approach to healing and empowerment. She guides clients in setting realistic goals, making positive life changes, and building decision-making skills, while supporting their mental, spiritual, and emotional growth. Professionally, she is recognized for her leadership, technical training, and mentorship, consistently earning performance awards for excellence and initiative.
Her dedication to service extends beyond her professional work. Since 2017, Shiffon has been an active member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, contributing to community programs that enhance the quality of life for women and families. She continues to embody the sorority’s principles of sisterhood, scholarship, and service in all she does.
Shiffon’s unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and community impact leaves an indelible mark on every life she touches. She is not only a leader but a light—illuminating paths of possibility and purpose for all those she serves.
Charity Martin-King is a seasoned leader who’s civic, business, coaching, and nonprofit career spans over 30 years. She currently serves as Director of Career Technological Education for the National Center for Urban Solutions: Academy for Urban Scholars. Her extensive experience includes executive and leadership roles with the Columbus Urban League, The Ohio State University, Columbus City Schools, Lutheran Social Services, Ohio Dominican University, and the Mayor’s Office of Education, as well as cofounding LEAD with Purpose. She is also the former owner of Urb an Spirit Coffee Shop, a social justicebased café.
A past president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Columbus and 2024 NPHC Woman of the Year, Charity has significantly advanced scholarships, corporate spons orships, and service initiatives, including the Rooted in Life Campaign and the D9 Day of Service.
Her many honors include recognition from the Ohio Senate, Columbus City Council, and Governor Ted Strickland, as well as awards from The Ohio State University, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, and numerous civic organizations.
Grounded in the values of discipline, integrity, scholarship, purpose, and leadership, Charity is a soughtafter speaker and trainer, inspiring audiences on leadership, trailblazing, and community impact. A proud Columbus City Schools alumna, she holds dual degrees from The Ohio State University, a Master of Science in Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership, and is pursuing her PhD in African American and African Studies.
Dr. Olivia Nathan is a trailblazer in public health and community-centered care. A proud graduate of Spelman College and a devoted member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she brings a lifelong commitment to service, justice, and health equity to every space she enters.
As Chair of the International Awareness and Involvement Committee, Dr. Nathan has led transformative initiatives addressing global health disparities—bringing visibility to issues such as HIV/AIDS and championing policy change in Ohio.
Her professional impact spans multiple leadership roles, including Director of Pharmacy at PrimaryOne Health, Director of Pharmacy Implementation at AndHealth, and currently, Pharmacy Manager at PrimaryOne Health Pharmacy. There, she spearheaded the creation of a full-service pharmacy designed by and for the community—expanding access in underserved areas and defending the 340B Drug Pricing Program to protect affordable care. Today, that pharmacy serves thousands across Columbus and stands as a model of health equity in action.
At AndHealth, Dr. Nathan designs systems that remove barriers and center patients historically left behind. Her work integrates innovation and compassion, always w ith the goal of delivering dignified, person-centered care.
Inspired by her father—a lifelong and now retired pharmacist—Dr. Nathan carries forward a powerful legacy rooted in community, leadership, and action. She is not here for applause; she is here to serve. Her work reflects the very best of Black excellence and continues to reshape what is possible for our communities.
Dr. Diandra Renée Gordon, PhD, Esq., is a visionary educator, licensed attorney, and dynamic leader known for her commitment to racial equity, education reform, and transformational leadership. A proud Columbus City Schools graduate and alumna of the illustrious Hampton University, she also holds a PhD in Human Development and Family Science, a Juris Doctorate, and a Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Human Resources from Cornell University.
Dr. Gordon is the founder and CEO of Culture ED, a training and development consultancy that helps organizations resolve workplace discord and cultivate cultures of authentic leadership and sustainable excellence. She also leads MORE, Inc., a nonprofit empowering underserved youth and families through arts, education, culture, and leadership development.
A two-time TEDx speaker, Dr. Gordon is also the host of the Driven While Black podcast, a platform celebrating Black voices and visionary stories of faith, ambition, and purpose. With over 14 years of experience spanning education, law, and nonprofit leadership, she is widely respected as a strategist, storyteller, and catalyst for change.
Dr. Gordon is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and remains deeply committed to serving her community and inspiring others to dream boldly, lead courageously, and walk fully in their God-given calling.
