























FRIDAY | OCTOBER 25, 2024
MANOR HOUSE | MASON, OHIO


FRIDAY | OCTOBER 25, 2024
MANOR HOUSE | MASON, OHIO
TOP BUSINESSES OF THE YEAR | TIER 1
ANGELITA MORENO-JONES
CEO | Eastern Personnel Services
SHEILA HOLMES HOWARD
SHH Realty Group LLC dba Ownerland Realty
CHUCK FUTEL
Chuck Futel & Associates
JEREMY SIBERT
CEO | Clearview Construction
TOP BUSINESSES OF THE YEAR | TIER 2
TONY DICKERSON
CEO | Goodies House Of Slab
FRED HARRISON
OWNER | Fresh Painters Of Cincinnati East
STEVEN EASLEY
CEO | Easley Blessed Media
TOP BUSINESSES OF THE YEAR | TIER 3
SIMONE COCKS
Social B & Co. Hospitality Group
CRYSTAL RENDER
CEO | Magnificent Morsels Catering
CHRISTINA DAVIS
CEO | Davis Cookie Collection
2024 TOP CHURCHES OF THE YEAR
NEW MISSION MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
PASTOR TRACY VENT
UNION BAPTIST CHURCH
REV. DR. ORLANDO B. YATES
“Evolve & Thrive!”
On behalf of the Board of Directors, our gala committee, and the entire Collective Empowerment Group Metro Cincinnati Chapter, I am thrilled to welcome you to the 2024 CEG Business Excellence Awards Gala, an evening dedicated to celebrating our businesses, churches, and partners.
This event is a chance to honor our achievements and recognize the invaluable contributions of our supporters, volunteers, and partners. Your commitment and passion have been the driving force behind our mission, and tonight, we gather to reflect on the impact we've made together on the Cincinnati Metro Area.
As our major fundraiser of the year, what we raise this evening will directly impact our initiatives, projects, and programs, enabling us to continue our work and expand our reach. And for the second year in a row, we are blessed to have two sponsors at the investment level: Fifth Third Bank and First Financial Bank. A special thank you to Kala Gibson, Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at Fifth Third Bank, who also serves as our Honorary Co-Chair this year, and Roddell McCullough, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at First Financial. It is because of your invaluable support and investment that our work is possible.
Our theme this year is "Evolve and Thrive," which is a tribute to the resilience of our community. Together, we embrace our ever-changing landscape and continue to flourish. Our Strategic Partner Program has grown to 67 businesses, and our membership has increased to 32 churches. CEG is committed to fostering connections, enabling everyone to achieve tremendous success and fulfillment.
I would also like to take a moment to recognize Erica Garrett, the CEG Program Manager, who has tirelessly led the gala committee. Your dedication and leadership are instrumental in the success of this event. From coordinating the logistics to inspiring our volunteers, Erica has gone above and beyond, ensuring that every detail was perfect.
Thank you for being here and for your continued support. Together, we are making a difference, and I am excited to see what we can achieve in the year ahead.
KALA GIBSON | EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT CHIEF CORPORATE
Kala Gibson serves as executive vice president and chief corporate responsibility officer at Fifth Third Bancorp. He oversees the Bank’s corporate citizenship work, which includes Community Development Banking, Community Impact Banking, Community Reinvestment Act, Inclusion, and Sustainability. He also serves as Chairman of the Fifth Third Foundation’s distribution committee, the Bank’s Corporate Sustainability Committee and is a founding member of the Bank’s Executive Diversity Leadership Council.
Kala joined Fifth Third in 2011 as business banking executive for Eastern Michigan. He became the Bank’s head of Business Banking in 2013, overseeing the division’s strategic planning, operations, sales force, credit fulfillment and product development. In 2020, he led the bank’s Paycheck Protection Program lending and in 2021 lead the acquisition of Provide Inc.
Kala started his career at Comerica Bank in Detroit and has more than 30 years of experience in business banking and credit administration.
Kala earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Grand Valley State University and an MBA from Michigan State University. He also is a graduate of the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking and the Wharton Leadership Program.
PROFESSIONAL
Kala is the 2024 Chairman of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) board, Chairman of the Minority Business Accelerator board and a member of the Executive Leadership Council, an organization committed to increasing the ranks of Black executives at major world corporations. He also serves on the boards of the National Urban League, Grand Valley University Foundation, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, United Way of Greater Cincinnati, the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority Board (SORTA) and ArtsWave, Greater Cincinnati’s unified arts support organization.
Kala has received several awards for his civic and professional contributions, including Savoy’s Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America and Crain’s Detroit 40 under 40.
Courtis Fuller has served as an anchor for more than 30 years and he has spent most of his time as a news anchor in Cincinnati for the NBC affiliate WLWT-TV. Furthermore, he has received more than 300 awards for his excellence in journalism and his tireless community service.
Mr. Fuller has been recognized by the Cincinnati Society of Professional Journalists, the Orlando Press Club, the Cleveland Press Club, the Associated Press, and the National Academy of Arts and Sciences. In addition, was also one of the first journalists inducted into the Central Florida Association of Black Journalists and Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
Michelle Hopkins is an Emmy Award-winning storyteller, dynamic communicator, and passionate advocate for community empowerment. With a career that spans decades in media and civic engagement, Michelle has built a reputation for amplifying the voices of change-makers and leaders.
As the host of the popular series 'Come Have Coffee with Michelle,' she brings together thought leaders from across the region to discuss impactful topics that drive positive change. Michelle’s commitment to uplifting her community is evident in her work with organizations like the Women’s Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, where she champions initiatives that promote equity and leadership. Her role as a moderator, panelist, and emcee has made her a sought-after presence at events focused on social justice, empowerment, and collective action. Tonight, Michelle brings her warmth, insight, and passion for progress to the Collective Empowerment Group Gala, celebrating the power of unity and collective community impact.
Alloy Business Development
Judge Tom Beridon
Blossoms Florist
Mrs. Jarvis Booth
CA Threatts & Sons
Chanima Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation
Clearview Construction
Consolation Baptist Church
Dream Builders University
Easley Blessed Media
Fresh Coat Painters of Cincinnati East
Chuck Futel & Associates
Have An Epiphany
Epiphany Davis
Angelita M. Jones
Mike and Melinda Kelly
Mr. & Mrs. Eric & Vice Mayor Jan Michele
Lemon Kearney
Let’s Dance Academy
Market Direct, Inc.
John & Stephanie Harmon
New Life Missionary Baptist Church
Pastor Donald E. Garrett Jr.
Nothing But Bundt Cakes
Mason, OH
Penultimate, LLC
Royce Sutton
Author: Powerful Questions in the Bible
P. Ann Everson Price & Friends
Commissioner Alicia Reese
SAIGE Consulting
Sanserrae Frazier
SHH Realty Group LLC, Ownerland Realty
Sheila Holmes Howard
Mr. Jeremy Sibert
Ms. Antoinette Sibert
Shiloh SDA
Union Baptist Church
REV. DR. PAUL BOOTH JR.
PASTOR LAMARQUÉ WARD
SHAUNTEL DOBBINS
RHONDA DAVIS
CHUCK FUTEL
SIMONE COCKS
JOHN HARMON
TEPHRA FIELDS
MINISTER TIMOTHY LANE
PASTOR DERRICK MYERS
SHENDA LARRY
PASTOR KZ SMITH
LISA RECCHIA
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Strategic Partner Co-Chair
Strategic Partner Co-Chair
Marketing Chair
Fund Development Chair
Church Membership Chair
Pastoral Care Chair
Community Development Corp. Chair
Advisor
Advisor
ERICA GARRETT | Program Manager
To Establish Partnerships with Churches, Businesses and Financial Institutions that Impact and Empower our Communities.
The Collective Empowerment Group advocates the church as the most effective vehicle to bring about economic wealth building and a community of educated consumers.
The CEG, a Christian Ministry, draws together leaders from faith, business, and public service sectors to develop and enhance economic empowerment strategies for our member Churches and the communities they serve.
Since 1987, Angelita Moreno Jones has been the Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Personnel Services, Inc. She has guided Eastern Personnel’s business throughout Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. Celebrating thirty - five years in business, Angelita has built Eastern Personnel into an award winning service provider which is certified as a SBE/MWBE with the City of Cincinnati, the State of Ohio and with national certifying agencies. Her company motto: Going “Beyond the Call of Duty” to Help You Succeed. Angelita is a graduate of McConnell, the University of the District of Columbia, and attended Amos Tuck at Dartmouth College.
Sheila Holmes Howard is a full time REALTOR® assisting Buyers and Sellers with their real estate investments in areas of residential, multi-family, commercial, land and more. For the past 35 years, she has provided real estate services from NY to CA to OH and is currently a licensed Broker in California. Sheila has received many awards and certifications such as Top Producer, Multi-Million Dollar and CABR Circle of Excellence Awards. From 2018-2020, she was a Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors Board of Directors member. In 2020, she became the first African-American to be place on the Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors “Wall of Fame”. She is currently the Vice President of Avondale Community Council and President of Avondale’s Avenue District Block Club. In 2017 became a Strategic Partner Program Co-Chair and in 2020 was elected to the CEG Board of Trustees.
Charles (Chuck) Futel Jr. is a much sought-after advisor and financial coach, with extensive expertise in financial planning, real estate development and leadership training. He is passionate about helping people to become prosperous and grow in leadership. Chuck has worked with Primerica, North America’s largest financial services marketing organization, for over 30 years helping clients become properly protected, completely debt free and financially secure. Based on Cincinnati’s West Side, Chuck owns and operates his Primerica agency with plans to establish 12 offices serving the Tri-State area. Chuck is married to Marcia A. Futel and they have three children
Jeremy Sibert is the founder of Clearview Construction LLC. He was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and attended Withrow high school. He has three daughters Graciela (12), Viviana (16), and Londyn (6 months). He has never been married but doesn’t it out for the future. Clearview Construction LLC is a locally owned and operated company based in Cincinnati, Ohio established in 2013.The company specializes in custom, residential, and commercial roofing while also providing multiple other home improvement services with an owner who has more than twenty years in the roofing and home improvement industry. Jeremy started Clearview Construction LLC with the goal to help his family, community, and to have a positive impact in the lives of others. Jeremy believes if you put God first, through the power of prayer, and seeking His guidance, anything is possible.
Legacy is important to the Anthony Dickerson. William (Bill) & Myrtle Dickerson founded and established “Goodies Restaurant” in 1984. The goal was to provided a family dining experience while building lasting relationships with their customers. For more than 20 years, they provided guidance for this family owned restaurant until 2000, when Dickerson retired and passed the torch to their children. Anthony, along with his siblings were a part of that transition and re-launch of the restaurant at their current location in Mt. Healthy, Ohio. According to Anthony, “To date we continue to thrive as a family owned and operated business heading into our sixth year at this location. And the legacy continues!
Fred Harrison is the owner of Fresh Coat Painters Cincinnati East, a minority-owned business renowned for its exceptional residential painting services across the Cincinnati area. Under his leadership, the company has earned a reputation for its professionalism, reliability, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Fred is now guiding the business toward expanding into commercial and government contracting, leveraging its strengths and expertise in the industry.
Steven Easley is a highly sought after dynamic speaker and thought leader. He services client’s Communication and Social Media Strategy needs nationally and internationally. He is recognized as one of the rising stars in his industry and has been published in several national and international magazines. His portfolio of corporate clients includes Proctor & Gamble, Macy’s Inc., Cintas Corporation, Fifth Third Bank, Wal-Mart, Nationwide Insurance, NFL, NBA, MLB, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google, Apple, Microsoft, Honda, and Toyota Motor Company, USA to name a few. You will see his work all throughout our culture working with the Obamas, Biden, NAACP, National Urban League and other leaders and political organizations using his gifts to impact change and preserve history.
Steven Easley graduated as the first African-American Valor Victorian of Valley Forge Military College. He continued his pursuit of education at Xavier University where he completed a dual bachelor's degree program in Information Systems and Marketing. He then went on to complete an MBA in International Marketing at Xavier University.
Steven served two tours in Iraq as an Engineer Captain in the U.S. Army. Steven and his wife, J'Nelle, have three children, Steven “Tre”, Imani and Mariah. He says God gave him TIME Tre, Imani, Mariah Easley. He lives by his own personal motto: If your light shines bright, share it with others so that they too may find their way!
Simone Cocks is the Event Maven and CEO of Social Butterfly Events & Designs as well The Confetti Room located in Cincinnati's historic OTR neighborhood. Her introduction to event management was established during her role at Georgia Institute of Technology where she spearheaded educational conferences and expos geared at introducing the incoming class to the University setting and its offerings while also maintaining vendor relationships. This role later blossomed into an opportunity to execute strategic events for one of the nation's top home improvement brands Big Box retailer, Home Depot. Simone moved to Cincinnati and founded Social Butterfly Events in 2015 as a nucleus for her passion for events and her business acumen to merge for quality well curated even. She is a much sought-after consultant in the event industry. She is married with 2 children.
Founded in 2019, Magnificent Morsels is more than just a catering company; it’s a culinary beacon committed to empowering employees, supporting other food-based businesses, and transforming the food and hospitality industry. Our connection with CEG began through the Streetwise EBA program, which provided us with invaluable business insights and support. Over the years, our relationship with CEG has grown into something much deeper—they have become family. Their guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in our growth, helping us navigate challenges and seize new opportunities. With CEG by our side, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the food and hospitality industry, always with an eye toward making a positive impact on our community.
Davis Cookie Collection was born in 2013 while I was a graduate student at the University of Cincinnati. To relieve the stress of exams, I turned to baking, sharing my creations with classmates and colleagues. Their overwhelming praise, calling them the "BEST" cookies they had ever tasted planted the seed for what would soon become a business.
Inspired by my family’s rich culinary heritage, particularly the iconic "Club Safari" in 1950s Cincinnati, where my family’s southern cuisine entertained legends like Aretha Franklin and BB King—I knew entrepreneurship was my calling. Growing up, I was surrounded by scratch-made baking and cooking, which gave me the foundation and love for creating what Davis Cookie Collection is today.
My husband and I have invested our hearts into this journey for over 11 years, and our success is a testament to God, our hard work and the unwavering support of our family.
In 2019, I made the bold decision to leave my career as a Social Worker and pursue our business full-time. Shortly after, we celebrated a major milestone opening our first storefront.
In April 2023, we expanded by launching our cookie dough in Kroger (Oakley Location), and just a few months later, we introduced and launched our cookie truck in June 2023. Thank you so much to CEG for this incredible definition.
New Mission Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1907 and will be celebrating her 117th Anniversary in December 2024. Our mission is to EXALT the love of Christ by EDUCATING and Training the world at large through the Word of God which will EQUIP us to live Godly and faithfully serve one another; then EVANGELIZE with commitment and power to win the unsaved to Christ; as we EXTEND ourselves into the community.
Our Vision: Matthew 28 19:20, 2 Cor. 5:18, Habakkuk 2:2, 21, Changing The World With The Love of Christ By Our Walk (The way we live), Talk (The way we Communicate Love and Christ to others), Serve (The way we Ministry to the needs of others) New Mission have participated in various events sponsored by CEG. These are but not limited to 5th Sunday Services, Leadership Development Programs, Strategic Partner Networking sessions and other. CEG is promoted in our church congregation as a recommended resource for services need by members of our congregation. We were supportive of the 2023 annual dinner hosted by Legacy Point Church.
Union Baptist Church is the oldest African American Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. According to church records, Union was organized July 21, 1831, by fourteen dedicated Christians, ten men and four women who yearned for the freedom of body and soul to worship God in spirit and truth.
We are grateful to God, for Angelita M. Jones, a member of Union Baptist Church and one of the original charter starters of the Collective Empowerment Group. She introduced Union Baptist Church to CEG. For the years 2023 and 2024 our church has utilized and contacted a couple of Strategic Partners to do work in the church. Thus far the church has used two of the partners several times and members of the church have used the service of the Strategic Partner as well. Clearview Construction, Chuck Futel, and Eastern Personnel Services, Inc. have been constantly promoted in the church due to their expedient follow-up to telephone messages. Thank you, Strategic Partners, for your services and membership to CEG as a Strategic Partner.
| TITLE SPONSOR
ENTERTAINMENT & CELEBRATION
P. ANN EVERSON PRICE AND FRIENDS
MASTERS OF CEREMONY
COURTIS FULLER & MICHELLE HOPKINS
PRAYER
PASTOR LAMARQUÉ WARD
||||| SALAD HOUR |||||
WELCOME AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
REVEREND DR. PAUL BOOTH JR. | CEG PRESIDENT
||||| DINNER |||||
PROGRAMS AND GIVING OPPORTUNITY
PROGRAM MANAGER ERICA GARRETT & AMBASSADOR BRITTANY DEBRUCE
CHURCH OF THE YEAR PRESENTERS
PASTOR DERRICK MYERS & MINISTER TIMOTHY LANE
RECOGNITION OF OUR SPONSORS
REVEREND DR. PAUL BOOTH JR. | CEG PRESIDENT
ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW LEGACY AWARDS
PASTOR KZ SMITH & MS. PRISCILLA COOPER
BUSINESS AWARDS RECOGNITION
WORDS OF WISDOM
KALA GIBSON
FIFTH THIRD BANK & CEG HONORARY CHAIR
ENTERTAINMENT & CELEBRATION
P. ANN EVERSON PRICE AND FRIENDS
® | TITLE CORPORATE SPONSOR
PASTOR EUGENE ELLINGTON was a devoted man of God, a dedicated leader, and a beloved member of our community. His unwavering faith and commitment to his congregation were evident in every sermon he delivered and every life he touched. Pastor Ellington's love for people and his community shone brightly in his actions and words. His compassionate spirit and tireless efforts to serve others had an effect on all who knew him. We are forever grateful for his guidance, kindness, and the powerful legacy of love and faith he has left behind.
Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of Pastor Eugene Ellington, a man whose heart was firmly rooted in his faith and whose love for people was boundless. Pastor Ellington was not only a shepherd to his flock but also a beacon of hope and light to all who crossed his path. His deep love for God was reflected in his every word and action, guiding countless souls toward grace and peace.
He was a leader who embraced the Cincinnati community with open arms, always ready to lend a hand or offer a comforting word. Pastor Ellington’s presence was a source of strength and encouragement, and his dedication to serving others was unwavering. He understood the importance of community, of walking alongside each other in both joy and sorrow, and he exemplified this in the way he lived his life.
As we reflect on his legacy, we remember a man who truly embodied the teachings of Christ—loving his neighbor, caring for the downtrodden, and lifting up those in need. Pastor Ellington’s passion for his ministry and his community has left an indelible mark on us all. His words inspired, his actions uplifted, and his spirit brought us closer to God.
We also celebrate the profound impact he had on our lives. Pastor Eugene Ellington will be remembered as a great pastor, a loving man of God, and a true servant of the people. His legacy will live on in our hearts, and his example will continue to guide us as we strive to live with the same love, kindness, and faith that he so beautifully exemplified.
It is a great honor to stand before you today as we recognize someone who embodies the same remarkable qualities and impact as our beloved Pastor Gene Ellington.
Today, we are privileged to present this award to an individual who continues to carry forward Pastor Ellington’s legacy. Like Pastor Ellington, this person has shown an extraordinary commitment to uplifting those around them, building bridges in our community, and leading by example with integrity and grace. This award is more than just a recognition of their achievements—it is a testament to the lives they have touched, the hearts they have warmed, and the positive change they have inspired. Just as Pastor Ellington’s legacy is woven into the fabric of our community, so too is the impact of this remarkable individual. In honoring this person, we are reminded of the power of selfless service, the importance of faith in action, and the enduring influence of a life lived for others. It is with great admiration and gratitude that we present this award, knowing that Pastor Ellington’s spirit lives on in the work and character of this deserving honoree. Please join us in congratulating the awardee as we celebrate their dedication to our community and their embodiment of the values that Pastor Gene Ellington so cherished and exemplified.
May you continue to inspire us all, and may your work continue to be a shining example of what it means to live a life of purpose, love, and service. Congratulations!
DHANA BRADLEY DONALDSON’s legacy of creativity, beauty, grace, generosity, gentility and deep faith continues to inspire and enrich the lives of all she touched. The fruit of Dhana’s life of service flourishes, impacting countless others whom she never met.
Dhana’s resonant and dynamic speaking voice was one of her personal and professional signatures. Whether acting or directing theatre performances, producing festivals or galas, or building business enterprises, Dhana brought her eye for excellence and unwavering work ethic to everything she touched with her distinctive flair, elegance and style. When Dhana walked into a room or completed a project, you knew she had been there.
But Dhana did not use her star quality to diminish others. Her work was intergenerational. With humility and grace and a unique blend of leadership and mentorship, she made sure that the spotlight would illuminate the gifts and talents of those around her. Through collaborations and partnerships, she built bridges across racial, socio-economic and political lines while honoring her commitment to the African American community.
A native of Lynchburg, Virginia, Dhana developed a passion for piano at a young age and presented classical music at many programs and pageants as a teenager. After graduating from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in 1970, Dhana left her childhood home to attend college in Bowling Green, Kentucky where she graduated from Western Kentucky University with a degree in Speech and Oral Interpretation. While there, she joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She pursued her career in Louisville and taught in the Louisville Public Schools before becoming “THE VOICE” of WLOU-AM radio as news director.
In 1994, Dhana brought her formidable artistic and administrative skills to Cincinnati to become Executive Director of the Arts Consortium of Cincinnati. During her tenure, she oversaw the physical restoration of the facility, expanded arts programming, and enhanced the visibility of Cincinnati’s African American artists. In 1996, Dhana was honored as the Robert S. Duncanson Artist-in-Residence at the Taft Museum. The YWCA of Cincinnati recognized her as a Career Woman of Achievement in 1997. During this time, Dhana expanded her creative vision to establish MainStage Events (MSE). MSE has produced major events for organizations in Cincinnati including the Urban League, Collective Empowerment Group (CEG), and Festival 513. She was co-owner of Tri-City Staffing, established in 2013, providing job opportunities for hundreds of Cincinnati residents.
For several years, the Community Empowerment Group reaped the benefit of Dhana’s exceptional gifts through her role in planning and executing its annual gala. The Dhana Bradley Donaldson Creative Impact Award is presented to a person who exemplifies the qualities that made Dhana a gift to CEG and the City of Cincinnati. This individual utilizes creativity, grace and style to build a track record of achievement and impact that reflects a brilliant intellect, commitment to excellence, dedication to African American culture, and connections for effective partnerships. It is with great admiration and gratitude that we present this award, knowing that Dhana Donaldson’s spirit lives on in the work and character of this deserving honoree. Please join us in congratulating the awardee as we celebrate their dedication to our community and their embodiment of the values that Dhana Bradley Donaldson so cherished and exemplified.
DIRECTORY OF CHURCHES
DIRECTORY OF STRATEGIC PARTNERS
“Evolve & Thrive!”
Community is the commitment we make to each other
When a community is strong, it's more than a collection of streets and buildings—it's a place that helps its residents thrive.
That's why we're committed to building stronger communities as a proud supporter of Collective Empowerment Group.