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Excellence through inclusive leadership

Nationwide® joins Who’s Who in Black Columbus in its mission to celebrate leadership excellence and achievement.

An inclusive workforce and workplace is critical to Nationwide’s success. It is fundamental to our identity and how we do business. We know Nationwide is a stronger company when we have a variety of voices and perspectives contributing to our growth.

Bringing together the unique talents, perspectives and lived experiences of each of our associates is part of who we are and how we succeed as a culture and as a company.

At Nationwide, we are passionate about fostering workplaces and communities that embrace belonging and respect.

We congratulate all the nominees, including our own Vinita Clements as she is honored for her exceptional leadership.

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Ready to meet & interact with a like-minded community? Join our network and unlock endless opportunities to engage in Black Excellence. Don’t miss out – join now!

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PUBLISHER & CEO: Hiram E. Jackson

GENERAL MANAGER: Michelle Lynn Washington

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER: Dr. Carter D. Womack

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT: Ernie Sullivan

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Trudie Lippert Cloyd

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Juan Sifuentes, Richard Pouncy

WRITERS: Rhonda Crowder, Donald James

PHOTOGRAPHER: Ira Graham III

ON THE COVER: Gene Smith , Retired Senior Vice President & Wolfe Foundation Athletic Director, The Ohio State University

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Purchase additional copies at www.whoswhoinblack.com

Who’s Who In Black Columbus is a registered trademark of Real Times Media. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book maybe used or reproduced in any way manner whatsoever without the written permission from the Publisher, expect in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles of review. For information, send request to the address as listed.

CRITERIA FOR INCLUSION

WHO’S WHO IN BLACK recognizes individuals who have excelled in their professions or contributed significantly to their communities. This publication highlights those whose accomplishments have enhanced the quality of life citywide or locally.

A thorough effort was made to include individuals with notable positions or achievements. Lists from various sources were consulted to ensure comprehensive inclusion. However, due to the mobility of society and the constraints of time and space, some deserving individuals might have been missed, for which we apologize. Omissions are due to these limitations, not a lack of intention.

Invitations to participate were extended by the publisher, requesting personal and professional data from selected individuals. Only freely submitted information was included. Editors strived for accuracy but cannot guarantee it.

There was no charge for inclusion, and it was not guaranteed. An annual update is planned. Feedback and concerns are welcome and should be directed to the publisher.

Thank You To Our Sponsors and Advertisers

COLUMBUS

CEO MESSAGE

“In this edition, you will find stories that illuminate the diverse talents and achievements of those who call Columbus home.”

Dear Readers,

It is with great pride and excitement that I present to you the latest edition of Who’s Who In Black Columbus. This publication not only celebrates the remarkable individuals who have shaped our vibrant community but also highlights the milestones and achievements that define Columbus.

This year’s edition is particularly special as we honor the esteemed Gene Smith with our Lifetime Achievement Award. As the longtime Athletic Director at Ohio State University, Gene has been a guiding force in our community, demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment to fostering inclusivity and progress. It is a privilege to recognize his invaluable contributions to both the university and the city.

We are also thrilled to feature a thought-provoking foreword by Alex Shumate, a distinguished leader whose insights resonate deeply within our community. Alex’s reflections offer a unique perspective on Columbus’s evolution and the influential figures showcased in this edition.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Vinita Clements, Chief Human Resource Officer at Nationwide, for her compelling introduction. Vinita’s keen understanding of our city’s dynamic landscape provides the perfect backdrop for the stories and profiles contained within these pages. Her contribution enriches our exploration of the impactful individuals and narratives that shape our community.

In this edition, you will find stories that illuminate the diverse talents and achievements of those who call Columbus home. Thank you for joining us in celebrating the extraordinary individuals and stories that make our city a remarkable place to live and grow. It is an honor to share these narratives with you, and I hope you find inspiration in the pages ahead.

HIRAM E. JACKSON

PUBLISHER & CEO OF REAL TIMES MEDIA

KellyBlackman

MonicaCarter

DonaldDennis

LachelleThigpen

SerinaShores RachelWhite

LachelleThigpen

SerinaShores RachelWhite

LachelleThigpen

People are at the heart of what we do.

Great leaders serve with heart. And when you spend your days making a difference, people take notice. Thank you to these great leaders for inspiring us to go above and beyond for our customers and our communities, every day.

COO MESSAGE

“Each person featured in this edition is truly a leader in their home, organization, and the community at large.”

Greetings:

This year, Who’s Who In Black/Who’s Who Publishing Company, founded in 1989 and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, celebrates its 35th anniversary. We sincerely thank you for your continued support in Columbus and across the nation as our brand has grown and thrived.

This edition is also a continuation of great stories about men and women who came before us, worked hard, and made sacrifices so that we would be able to pass on greater opportunities for the success to the next generation.

These men and women who are included in our feature sections have changed the game and made a difference in the lives of so many in our communities and other parts of the world. Each person featured in this edition is truly a leader in their home, organization, and the community at large.

As we focus on connecting our younger people to our seasoned leaders, we want you to join us in supporting our 1000 Books for 1000 Kids Campaign. We want you and your organization to donate at least one book to a girl or boy, young woman, or young man. We want our youth to discover inspiring individuals in Columbus, who reflect their own backgrounds and demonstrate the potential for what they can achieve. They can also be the role model for the ones who will follow in their footsteps. I call this “GENERATIONAL LEADERSHIP.”

GENERATIONAL LEADERSHIP must turn into GENERATIONAL WEALTH for our communities.

Thanks to our sponsors and advertisers for their ongoing support and faith in the team at Who’s Who In Black. We truly value you for your commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the betterment for all citizens in these communities featured in this edition. I also thank all of you who are featured in this 18th edition, those who attend the celebration and purchased this 18th edition.

I want to encourage you, if you are not registered to VOTE please get registered and get others to register also. Once you are registered and you have other registered the next step is to VOTE always in EACH ELECTION – do not miss an ELECTION and take a young person or persons with you when you vote. I am asking you to be that ROLE MODEL. So, we will have developed GENERATIONAL VOTERS!!

Continued blessings to you, as you continue to be blessings to others.

Always be Engaged!

DR. CARTER D. WOMACK

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Curtis Jerome Moody

1950-2024

His personal and professional achievements were a model of the values and principles that inform our mission to provide leadership, access, and advocacy for Black wealth-building and economic mobility.

May his memory forever remain a beacon of light that inspires us all to do well, to do good. Please join us in continuing to extend thoughts and prayers to the Moody family including Jonathan and David Moody, founding members of the Columbus CEO Collective. THE COLUMBUS CEO COLLECTIVE HONORS THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF CURTIS MOODY

Doing well to do good

FOREWORD WRITTEN BY

ALEX SHUMATE, ESQ.

SENIOR PARTNER

SQUIRE PATTON BOGGS (US) LLP

FOREWORD

As we step into the 18th edition of Who’s Who In Black Columbus, it is with great pride and anticipation that we celebrate the vibrant tapestry of achievements, contributions, and stories that shape our community. This landmark edition not only commemorates the individuals who have made significant impacts but also reflects the enduring spirit of resilience, innovation, and leadership that defines Black Columbus.

Since its inception, Who’s Who In Black Columbus has served as a vital chronicle of the exceptional talent and unyielding dedication of those who contribute to the rich fabric of our community. Each page is a testament to the remarkable journeys of individuals who have overcome challenges, shattered barriers, and paved the way for future generations. It is a living archive of our collective history, capturing the essence of our past while looking forward to the possibilities of our future.

In this edition, we continue the tradition of highlighting a diverse array of professionals, activists, artists, educators, and leaders. Their stories are a source of inspiration and a beacon of hope, reminding us of the power of determination and the impact of a united community. From trailblazers in business and politics to innovators in science and

the arts, the individuals featured here exemplify the excellence and perseverance that characterize Black Columbus.

As I reflect on all I have experienced since beginning my legal career advocating for equal opportunity for all, the current political landscape signals a momentous turning point and need for renewed fortitude. The women and men featured here represent the strength we possess as a community and the unlimited possibilities before us. Their accomplishments, along with new initiatives including Adelphi Bank, The Columbus CEO Collective, and The Equity Now Coalition, give me great confidence that we are positioned to continue to elevate as a community and courageously move toward equity.

More than a directory, this book is a celebration of our shared heritage and a call to continue striving for greatness. As you turn these pages, highlighting the extraordinary strides of the honorees, I hope you find motivation to forge your own path to excellence.

Congratulations to all who are featured in this edition. Your contributions demonstrate the strength and potential of our community. Your stories inspire us all to reach for the stars.

Congratulations Dr. Akua Amponsah and Dr. Deena Chisolm!

Dr. Akua Amponsah

Medical Lead, Linden Primary Care

Associate Chief of Population Health, Division of Primary Care Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Dr. Deena Chisolm

Director, Center for Child Health Equity and Outcomes Research

Vice President, Health Services Research Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Thank you for championing all aspects of children’s health and for your leadership, service and commitment.

INTRODUCTION WRITTEN BY

VINITA CLEMENTS

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT,

CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER

NATIONWIDE

INTRODUCTION

It is with great pride and honor that I introduce the 18th edition of Who’s Who In Black Columbus on behalf of Nationwide. This edition celebrates the remarkable achievements of some of the most successful Black leaders in our community. For me, it’s a testament to what is possible and a promise of an even brighter future.

At Nationwide, we know relationships matter. And, as a leader who has navigated the complexities of the corporate world, I know I stand on the shoulders of others who have uplifted me and fellow aspiring leaders. As a result, I have come to deeply appreciate the power of strong networks and the invaluable guidance of mentors. From my personal experience and my professional role as a chief human resources officer, I believe in the power of being surrounded by individuals who not only believed in your potential, but who also provide the wisdom and support necessary to achieve your goals. We can all be instrumental in shaping each other’s journeys.

Within the pages of this edition of Who’s Who In Black Columbus, you will find the stories of leaders who have benefited from the strength of their networks, as well

as their courage and character. True to Who’s Who In Black’s goal, they exemplify the professionals, leaders and creators who make magic every day. Each story is a source of encouragement, demonstrating how perseverance, collaboration and guidance can lead to remarkable achievements. I’m especially pleased to see the African American Leadership Academy (AALA) is among those featured this year. I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand the important role the AALA plays in developing the future leaders for our community and beyond.

As you read through these pages, I hope you will be inspired to cultivate your own networks and seek out mentors who can support your aspirations. Remember, success is rarely a solitary endeavor. It is the result of collective effort, shared knowledge and the unwavering support of those who believe in us.

On behalf of Nationwide, I congratulate all of this year’s honorees. Many thanks to Who’s Who In Black for continuing to feature the great minds and talents contributing to the growth and success of Columbus now and well into the future.

PROUD TO SUPPORT BLACK LEADERS IN OUR COMMUNITY

At Encova Insurance, we know that diversity, equity and inclusion foster our competitive edge by giving voice to every individual’s unique talent and perspective.

Congratulations to:

Archie M. Griffin, Board Member

Yvette McGee Brown, Board Member

Marchelle E. Moore, Senior Vice President, External Affairs, Chief Diversity Officer and President, Encova Foundation of Ohio

Ralph Smithers, Jr., Assistant Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Community Relations

We are grateful for these Central Ohio key leaders who have helped shape and strengthen our organization.

Archie M. Griffin

Yvette McGee Brown

Marchelle E. Moore

Ralph Smithers, Jr.

October 31, 2024

Greetings!

On behalf of the citizens of the Third Congressional District of Ohio, I extend my congratulations on the publication of the 18th edition of Who’s Who In Black Columbus. With a dedication to promoting and uplifting leaders in the Black Community, the release of this publication has been highly anticipated for decades.

Who’s Who In Black Columbus highlights the diversity and inclusivity of our city by creating a space for our changemakers to be honored and encouraged across all fields. The accomplishments of our people deserve to be celebrated, and thanks to the work of the Who’s Who team, we have a platform that does just that.

It gives me great joy to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Who’s Who In Black for their tireless work to elevate Black culture, Black achievement, and Black people I would like to acknowledge Hiram Jackson, CEO of Real Times Media; Dr. Carter D. Womack, Chief Operating Officer of Who's Who In Black; Attorney Alex Shumate, Forward Writer; Vinita Clements, Introduction Writer; and Gene Smith, Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree Additionally, special thanks to the board and staff of Who’s Who for their commitment to reporting the succusses of African Americans in Central Ohio and across the United States.

Our strength comes from our people- those who show up every day ready to lead and inspire. It is publications like Who’s Who In Black Columbus that honor that commitment to making our city a great place to live, work, and raise a family. By sharing the stories and accomplishments of these trailblazers, their impact will continue to inspire for years to come.

Congratulations again on another successful publication. I look forward to this year’s release and future editions of Who’s Who In Black Columbus.

Sincerely,

Joyce Beatty Member of Congress, OH-03

373 South High Street, 26th Floor Columbus, OH 43215

Greetings,

Congratulations to all the inspirational men and women featured in the 18th edition of Who’s Who in Black Columbus. I am honored to join Who’s Who in celebrating the successes and contributions of African American leaders in our community, and uplift them to a broader community.

Now more than ever, the residents of Central Ohio need access to our leadership. Who’s Who is a valuable resource for connecting our community to African American leadership in Central Ohio. Who’s Who is also an outstanding resource for those who may not always hear about the great work those featured are doing. Additionally, it showcases positive role models for young people who are just coming into their own, and is an invaluable resource for the African American community and Franklin County

When people want to know who is in the know of Central Ohio, this is the resource for getting them connected. From business to politics and advocates to youth leaders, Who’s Who delivers a bit of everyone, helping the community get and stay connected.

Congratulations to the writers and staff who work tirelessly each year to find individuals and stories from throughout Central Ohio to highlight in this publication. I am grateful to be included in this small piece of history

Congratulations again to all who have been featured and honored in this year ’s Who’s Who in Black Columbus. This honor is well deserved. I cannot thank you enough for showing up for your community and I hope you will continue to do so.

Yours in Service,

Kevin L. Boyce President

Franklin County Board of Commissioners

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

November 2024

On behalf of the City of Columbus, I am honored to help commemorate the 18thanniversary edition of Who's Who In Black Columbus. To everyone celebrated in this book, thank you for your service to our city and congratulations!

This recognition could not come at a more significant time. We find ourselves in a unique and compelling moment in Columbus history. We are the fastest-growing city in America. We are both witnessing change and actively shaping it. We are, thanks to your vast and vital contributions, paving the way toward a future that reflects the resilience, talent and innovation that has long defined our community. Put simply, we are better, and better poised to thrive, thanks to all of you.

Your leadership is a shining beacon during this period of transition and expansion, ensuring that our growth is inclusive and our collective vision is forward-thinking and equitable. Growth is not just about building structures communities, amplifying voices and making certain that opportunity and prosperity are shared by all.

When we stand together, we are stronger, more empowered and more capable of realizing a future filled with prosperity and possibility for everyone who calls Columbus home. Thank you for your unwavering dedication, for lifting up our neighborhoods, and for helping to realize a brighter tomorrow for our city.

Congratulations, again, on your remarkable achievements. Let s continue to grow and succeed, together.

Sincerely,

Andrew J. Ginther Mayor

Who’s Who In Black Columbus Attendees-

My name is Shannon Hardin and I serve as President of Columbus City Council. On behalf of my colleagues at City Council and the City of Columbus, we are so excited that Who’s Who In Black Columbus is once again hosting exciting events to recognize Black leaders in our community.

Black Columbus residents have had a tremendous impact on our city. From business to fashion to politics to sports, Black leadership has led to innovative and exciting developments that make Columbus what it is. Our city is enriched by the countless contributions of Black leaders. You make Columbus a city I am proud to call home.

This event comes at an especially important time for our community. I know many of us are still dealing with the impacts of the pandemic, facing economic challenges, and grappling with a history of racial injustice. It is essential that we set aside space to check in and care for each other while we celebrate the progress we have made. During this event, you will hear stories celebrating Black excellence across all fields. For example, Gene Smith, is an honoree and a legendary leader in our community that will receive a well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award. We are grateful for his leadership and years of service to so many throughout our city.

I hope this serves as a reminder that all of us have the capacity to be change makers in our community and that we use this event as a chance to commit ourselves to excelling in whatever path we choose.

We are so excited to welcome this event back to Columbus and to provide a platform for celebrating the contributions of our Black community.

Wishing you a fantastic event,

Shannon G. Hardin

President

Columbus City Council

SHANNON G. HARDIN, PRESIDENT | ROB DORANS, PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE NICHOLAS J. BANKSTON | LOURDES BARROSO de PADILLA | NANCY DAY-ACHAUER | SHAYLA D. FAVOR

MELISSA GREEN | EMMANUEL V. REMY | CHRISTOPHER L. WYCHE

CLERK | ANDREA BLEVINS, CMC

Committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Squire Patton Boggs is proud to sponsor the 18th Edition of the Who’s Who in Black Columbus, which proudly highlights our esteemed senior partner, Alex Shumate.

Our firm has a longstanding commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, recognizing that these values are essential to our continued growth and success.

This year’s list of leaders proves once again that our city’s greatest strength is its people. The Ohio Lottery proudly celebrates this year’s list of Who’s Who in Black Columbus. Your leadership and achievements are a big part of what makes this community so special.

VIBE SPOTLIGHT

The VIBE Spotlight is Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana’s opportunity to give well-deserved recognition to the achievements and daily greatness of just a few of the Black professionals in Delta Dental’s network of dentists.

At Delta Dental, we believe that we must all do better. We join Who’s Who in Black in our belief in the power of recognizing those who have made a significant impact on their communities while providing a shining example for the next generations of oral health care professionals.

As you read through these pages and learn a bit about some of the exceptional dentists highlighted here, we want to stress that this is just a small sample of the Black dentists who are forging the future. We thank them for their dedication to oral health care. They have our utmost respect and admiration.

MEET THE DENTISTS ➔

Portia J. Bell, DDS

Dr. Portia J. Bell opened her general dental practice in 1987 and has enjoyed over 33 years of providing dental services to the Greater Columbus community. Her commitment to the dental profession includes serving on the advisory board of the Dental Assisting Program of the Everest Institute, Fort Hayes Career Center Dental Assisting Advisory Board, and the Columbus State Community College Dental Hygiene Advisory Board. Dr. Bell provides comprehensive dental care in an atmosphere that encourages awareness and growth. She moved to Columbus after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Health Science from Indiana State University. She graduated with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1984. Dr. Bell holds memberships in The Ohio State University College of Dentistry Alumni Association, National Dental Association, the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the International Dental Implant Association, and the Columbus Association of Dentists.

Blake Livingston, DDS

Following his graduation from MSU, Dr. Blake Livingston entered the Medical Sciences Masters program at Wayne State University. Dr. Livingston received his degree from the University of Detroit— Mercy School of Dentistry in 2010. He completed a residency in the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in June 2011 and joined private practice in 2011. During his career he has served as president of Wolverine Dental Society, on the Michigan Dental Association continuing education committee and the MDA journal editors advisory board. He also has spent time as director for two federally qualified health centers. Dr. Livingston practices at Livingston Family Dental in Highland Park, Michigan.

Regina Savage, DDS

Dr. Regina Savage has made significant contributions to Ohio’s Oral Health Care Community through her dedication to improving oral health education and disease prevention. With a focus on clinical excellence and education, she has served as the Dental Director of The Free Medical Clinic of Greater Cleveland, offering affordable healthcare. She also established a Dental Clinic at Northcoast Correctional Treatment Facility, providing inmates with oral healthcare services. Her commitment to education led her to become Adjunct Faculty at Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine, training future dental professionals. She also taught Ethics and Jurisprudence to dental assistants at The Akron Institute of Herzing University, all while owning and operating her private dental practice. Dr. Savage’s service extends beyond Dentistry as a Board Member of Advantage Cleveland, a nonprofit that provides children with tennis training, promoting hope and healthy living. She has a beautiful legacy in three highly successful children.

Robert D. Wood II, DDS

Robert D. Wood, II, DDS is a proud graduate of two Nashville institutions, Tennessee State University where he received a Bachelor of Arts, and Meharry Medical College where he completed his dental school training. Dr. Wood has sought experience in multiple settings from public health to corporate dentistry and is now excited to be afforded the opportunity to start his practice in his new home city of Columbus. Dr. Wood truly enjoys developing relationships with his patients and bringing them comfort while under his care. During his free time, Dr. Wood enjoys exploring Columbus with his wife, spending time with family and friends, golfing, hiking, watching sci-fi shows, reading comics, creating art. He is a member of The American Dental Association, The Ohio Dental Association, Central Ohio Dental Society, and Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Theta Chapter.

2024 VIBE Award Recipient

Devray Kirkland

Devray Kirkland is the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer at Cardinal Health, a Fortune 14 company with revenue exceeding $204 billion and over 48,000 employees in 30 countries. He is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive diversity strategy through various programs and initiatives, aiming to attract, retain, and promote a diverse workforce while fostering an inclusive environment aligned with Cardinal Health’s corporate values.

Since joining Cardinal Health in 2012, Devray has played a key role in establishing the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Cabinet and the Generation Next Cohort. He supports seven employee resource groups in the U.S. and multicultural communities internationally.

With a 20-year career in Human Resources, Devray promotes critical dialogue and strategic counsel to sustain an inclusive work culture. He also actively volunteers, serving as a Board Member of the Midwest Regional Board of the American Heart Association and on the Board of Trustees for Mount Carmel College of Nursing. Additionally, he coaches for Handshake America and volunteers with the Westerville South football team. Devray holds a bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Howard University and a master’s degree in Human Resource Development from Bowie State University.

Recognized for his contributions to diversity and inclusion, Devray was named one of Diversity Global Magazine’s 2023 Top 15 Champions of Diversity and featured in Daytime Columbus and Human Resource Director magazine. In 2020, he received the “Top 50 Chief Diversity Officers” award from Diversity First. Devray lives in Westerville, OH, with his wife Nicky and son Devray II, and enjoys traveling and working with youth in the community.

Delta Dental has selected Devray Kirkland as the VIBE Award winner for his exceptional leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion at Cardinal Health. As Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, he has developed a comprehensive diversity strategy that empowers a diverse workforce. His community involvement and advocacy for youth development further demonstrate his commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, making him a deserving recipient of this award.

We all contribute to the success of Cardinal Health. That’s why we’re committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. And we’re creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where employees can be their best, every day. we

2024 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD HONOREE

Eugene Smith

Retired Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation Athletic Director, The Ohio State University

By Donald James

Photo by Ira Graham III

n Friday, June 28, 2024, Eugene Smith, Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation Athletic Director at The Ohio State University (OSU), retired after nearly two decades at the helm of one of the nation’s most storied college athletic departments ever assembled. Over his tenure at OSU, the Smith-led Department of Athletics enjoyed 35 team national titles and 117 individual NCAA championships. Smith is the first and only African American to serve as athletic director at The Ohio State University and the third-longest tenured AD since the school was established in the 1870s.

In addition to leading young men and women to be the best in college sports, Smith sought innovative ways to inspire student-athletes academically and prepare them for life and careers after leaving Ohio State.

On Thursday night, November 21, 2024, at The Ohio State University’s Archie M. Griffin Grand Ballroom in The Ohio Union, Who’s Who in Black Columbus proudly honors Eugene Smith with its coveted Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his vast contributions to OSU sports and the communities across the City of Columbus.

“It is an honor to present our highest award to a man that has given so much to empower others, especially young people,” said Dr. Carter D. Womack, COO, Who’s Who in Black (WWIB). “He has been a visionary leader of excellence and commitment to advance OSU, its world-class sports programs, the City of Columbus and its diverse communities.”

“To receive this recognition honoring African Americans for their excellence and achievements humbles me and means a lot,” Smith said. “It is an honor and responsibility that I don’t take lightly. I have always made sure that I represent the Black community with integrity and do things the right way so the Black community can be proud of what I’ve given to OSU and Columbus.”

During an exclusive interview with Who’s Who In Black Columbus, Smith was candid about his life, values, and pathways to be successful in sports and sports administration, as well as describing the principles that have been intricate in helping others succeed.

Cleveland, Ohio, sports, particularly football, were a part of his DNA. He credits his father, an electrician, and mother, a nurse, for teaching him and his sister values and work ethic while constantly emphasizing the importance of education. Smith grew up in the Civil Rights Movement of the mid-1950s through the early ‘70s, giving him a perspective of race relations in America through the lens of inequality yet reachable possibilities.

When it was time for high school, Smith wanted to attend John F. Kennedy High, an allBlack institution in Cleveland’s Lee - Harvard neighborhood, a growing community of Black middle-class families. However, Smith’s father had other ideas about where his only son would attend high school. “Instead of going to Kennedy, where most of my friends were going, my father sent me to St. Peter Chanel High School, a small private, Catholic, all-boys school in the suburban town of Bedford,” Smith explained. “I was one of three Black students. It was really difficult for me that first year because I’d never been in that type of environment. It was a cultural shock.”

Gene with the 2024 OSU Athletic Hall of Fame Class

Gene with Mom - Elizbeth D. Smith

However, once Smith adapted to his new school environment, he excelled at football, basketball, baseball, track and field, and wrestling. In retrospect, Smith said, “My high school years in a different environment proved to be major building blocks not only for sports but for understanding people of different ethnicities and building character.”

After graduating from Chanel, Smith went on to play defensive end at the University of Notre Dame, where he was a member of the Fighting Irish’s 1973 Associated Press National Championship Team. In 1977, Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration. Between 1977 and 1981, Smith worked as an assistant football coach at Notre Dame, helping the squad become National Champions in his first year on the job. With the encouragement of his former position coach at Notre Dame, Smith’s first job as an athletic director was at Eastern Michigan University (1985 – 1993), followed by Iowa State University (1993 – 2000) and Arizona State University (2000 – 2005). With 19 years under his belt at OSU, Smith amassed 39 years as a Division I AD.

When Smith arrived at The Ohio State University in 2005 to head its athletic department, the department was already one of the largest in the nation. Yet, Smith’s leadership helped 36 varsity sports to soar even higher. Although all OSU sports deserved recognition, football is the

one that consistently made the national spotlight for Buckeye Nation, resulting in 10 Big Ten Championships and five College Football Playoff appearances, including a National Championship (2014) in the Smith era.

While head coaches such as Jim Tressel, Urban Meyer, and Ryan Day received mass media credit – and rightfully so - for OSU’s juggernaut seasons on the gridiron, Smith was the common denominator from 2005 to 2024 who provided the coaches, staff, and players supportive resources at the highest level to compete year after year. Football wasn’t the only sport that flourished at OSU in the AD Smith era. National Championships were also captured in men’s volleyball, wrestling, women’s hockey, synchronized swimming, rowing, men’s tennis, fencing, and pistol.

Smith’s tenure as AD was not without challenges. In 2011, amid an NCAA investigation into football coach Jim Tressel, Smith’s leadership was widely applauded for his transparency and accountability. The COVID-19 pandemic also forced Smith to make difficult decisions due to the cancellation of games and financial concerns resulting in budget cuts and layoffs. However, Smith was able to right the ship and was instrumental in helping lead the Big Ten to make big decisions to continue playing football in 2020.

Gene with Atty Alex Shumate & Former University President Dr. Michael Drake

Gene with NCAA winning OSU ladies Soccer team

‘‘

I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AN ADVOCATE FOR STUDENTATHLETES RECEIVING MORE BENEFITS. I BELIEVE THAT STUDENT-ATHLETES SHOULD BE ABLE TO MONETIZE THEIR PERSONAS. I BELIEVE THAT STUDENT-ATHLETES SHOULD HAVE HAD THOSE RIGHTS A LONG TIME AGOAND NOW THEY DO.

‘‘

While winning is the ultimate goal of any collegiate sports team, Smith also placed academic requirements at the forefront of the student-athletes experience at Ohio State. He prioritized initiatives that ensured athletes had access to top-notch academic support services, career development opportunities, and mental health resources.

“We shifted to a place where student-athletes are focused on their academics,” Smith said. “I’m proud that 36 teams last year had over a 3.0 GPA, and 811 of the 1100 student-athletes had GPAs of 3.0 or higher.”

Smith’s overall quest for helping students didn’t go unnoticed as the NCAA leaned on his leadership skillset numerous times, including choosing him to tackle the complex feasibility of student–athletes becoming paid endorsers and monetizing their names, likenesses, images, and brands for profit outside of school-funded athletic scholarships.

Before July 1, 2021, no specific NCAA policies or guardrails were established to regulate Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) ventures for student-athletes. There was also no “federal NIL legislation” to regulate the inconsistency in stateto-state laws regarding implementing NIL.

“I was asked to co-chair the NCAA committee in 2019 that began to study NIL and come up with recommendations to regulate it because of the inconsistencies in state-to-state laws,” said Smith, who would ultimately testify before Congress to get federal NIL legislation passed. “I have always been an advocate for student-athletes receiving more benefits. I believe that student-athletes should be able to monetize their personas. I believe that student-athletes should have had those rights a long time ago - and now they do.”

In addition to his name forever being associated with the successful collegiate sports programs at The Ohio State University, Smith’s contributions will also be remembered through The Eugene D. Smith Leadership Institute created in 2019 on OSU’s campus. The Institute’s mission is to provide stellar leadership, character, and career development for all Ohio State student-athletes to best prepare them for future careers, whether in sports or other sectors of life.

Gene with championship boxer Sugar Ray Lenord

Gene with United States President Barack Obama

When asked about being The Ohio State University’s first and only Black athletic director in the school’s history, Smith said, “It was an honor and a blessing. I aspired to be the best athletic director, not just the best Black athletic director. I knew, however, I had to perform well because I didn’t want to be an excuse for the hiring authorities to say, ‘Look, they can’t do the job.’ That was always in the back of my mind. But it was a great honor to be the first, and I don’t want or expect to be the last.”

While Smith has stepped away from the everyday hustle and bustle of leading one of the country’s premier college sports programs, he remains connected to the game in numerous ways. Smith is still an active member of the National Football Foundation Board, the Fiesta Bowl Board (chairelect), The Big Ten Network Board, and others.

On October 4, 2024, Smith was one of 14 Buckeye greats enshrined into The Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame during the induction ceremony and dinner held at the Covelli Center on OSU’s campus.

Nevertheless, since retiring from OSU in June 2024, Smith said he spends his newfound free time in Paradise Valley, Arizona, with his wife, Sheila. The couple, married for 32 years, has four adult children, eight grandchildren, and an impressive extended family.

When asked if he misses the excitement of heading The Ohio State University’s legendary Department of Athletics, Smith didn’t hesitate to answer “So far, there has not been a day that goes by that I don’t think about the people I encountered daily for 19 years,” Smith said. “I miss the people and what it means to be a Buckeye. However, I am enjoying retirement and being able to do things and go places when I want.”

Gene with his children and grandchildren

Gene with wife Sheila Smith

CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT

Nationwide®, a Fortune 100 company in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the nation, but they operate with a big heart. Founded in 1926, Nationwide has grown and expanded the solutions and services they provide to their customers. They lead with their number one value - We Value People - and stay true to their On Your Side® commitment to protect people, businesses, and futures with extraordinary care. Nationwide knows they are a stronger company when a variety of voices and perspectives contribute to their growth.

MEET OUR ASSOCIATES ➔

Tony Beal

Vice President National Partners

Tony Beal is Head of National Partners, the unit of Nationwide dedicated to developing strategic relationships with the leadership of the largest brokers in the US marketplace. Beal joined Nationwide in July 2018 from USI/Wells Fargo organization where he was Head of Carrier Relationships; responsible for managing insurance carriers, wholesalers, London markets and other intermediary relationships. Beal is also an 11-year veteran of Travelers, where he held several key roles including his most recent position as the Regional Leader for a four-state territory in the Great Lakes region. Prior to Travelers he worked for Royal and Sun Alliance Insurance and Chubb. Beal holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration in finance and accounting and an MBA from Xavier University. Beal resides in Cincinnati with his wife and two daughters.

Paula Cole

Vice President Pension Risk Transfer

Paula Cole is the Vice President and Leader of Nationwide Financial’s Pension Risk Transfer (PRT) business. As the P&L Officer, she oversees sales and expenses, ensuring the PRT organization’s financial success. With over 20 years of experience, Cole has a proven track record in transforming U.S. PRT organizations into profitable ventures. Her leadership earned her the Nationwide Financial Sales Associate of the Year award in 2021. Cole champions DEI, serving as President of Nationwide’s African American Women Associate Resource Group (AWARE) and a member of Nationwide’s CEO Advisory Council. She also contributes to her community as Board President for Thurber House and holds roles with the National MS Society. In 2023, she was nominated for Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Next Gen Summit. Cole is a former collegiate athlete and certified personal trainer, holding degrees in Sociology, Business Administration, and a Masters in Operational Excellence.

Angela Davis

Vice President Internal Sales and Service - Financial Services

Angela Davis, Vice President of Nationwide Financial’s Internal Sales and Service teams, has been with Nationwide since 1990. With over 34 years of insurance experience, Davis is celebrated for her collaborative and caring leadership style, and her strategic and visionary approach. She leads a team of over 800, managing all aspects of Internal Sales and Service operations, and providing crucial support to financial professionals and members across Annuity, Life, and Retirement Solutions Emerging Markets. Davis holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from The University of Virginia and has her FINRA Series 6, 26, and 63 licenses. Residing in Dublin, Ohio, she is deeply involved in her community, having served on various boards throughout the United States. A proud Life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Davis is also active in Nationwide’s Associate Resource Groups. She values family time and enjoys traveling, reflecting her dedication both professionally and personally.

Christopher Graham

Vice President and

Chief

Investment Officer

Christopher Graham, Chief Investment Officer for Nationwide Mutual Funds, brings over 30 years of expertise in asset management, investment banking, and wealth management. He oversees manager selection and asset allocation strategies for Nationwide’s mutual funds and CIT lineup, managing $75 billion in assets. Graham began his career in investment banking at Salomon Brothers and Gold Coast Securities Ltd., later expanding into private equity and mergers and acquisitions with Borden Capital Management Partners. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Hampton University and an MBA from The Wharton School. An advocate for diversity and inclusion, Graham has served on Nationwide’s Diversity and Inclusion Council and led the United Way campaign’s finance organization. He has held trustee roles at Columbus School for Girls, Public Welfare Foundation, and Goodwill Columbus, and currently serves as President of the Jack & Jill Foundation, Inc. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity.

Debra Griffin

Vice President

Nationwide Financial Securities Backed Lending

Debra Griffin, Vice President of Nationwide’s Securities Backed Lending, leads the effort to offer wealth clients solutions for lending products as a source of financing. Griffin has been with Nationwide for 14 years and has extensive experience in the financial services industry. She previously held the position of Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of Nationwide Bank and senior executive roles at PNC and National City Banks. Griffin has been recognized as an Outstanding African American Woman in Financial Services by the Urban Bankers Association and one of Ohio’s Most Powerful and Influential Women by the Ohio Diversity Council. She serves as a Trustee for CAPA (Columbus Association for the Performing Arts) and The Center for Healthy Families. Griffin is an executive leader of Nationwide’s All Women and African American Women’s Associate Resource Groups. Griffin received her bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and completed her graduate studies at the University of Virginia.

Mike Jones

Vice President Cybersecurity Platforms

Mike Jones is Vice President of Security and Infrastructure at Nationwide, where he provides strategic direction and leadership for the Cyber Platform Services organization. He oversees teams responsible for Identity & Access Management, Data, Network, Endpoint, and Cloud & Application Security. With over 20 years of experience in Information Technology, Jones most recently served as AVP of Network Technology in Infrastructure & Operations, leading the Network Technology product teams. Highly respected in the industry, Jones has received numerous accolades, including the 2023 Outlier National award, which honors individuals for their innovation and outstanding leadership in IT. Jones is a graduate of Franklin University and Cornell’s Executive Leadership Program. His commitment to corporate citizenship is evident through his roles on the Miami University ISA Advisory Board and as a board member of the historic Lincoln Theater and Tailormade 4 Success.

Rich Porter

Vice President

Annuity Distribution – Brokerage

Rich Porter, a Louisville, Kentucky native, learned early from his family that helping others is a fundamental responsibility, regardless of one’s circumstances. This foundation shaped his approach to both his professional and personal life. After earning his J.D. from the University of Louisville School of Law and later completing his Presidents and Key Executive MBA at Pepperdine University, he has established himself as a leader in the financial services industry. With over 15 years of experience, he consistently delivers results that exceed expectations. As Distribution Leader of Retirement Solutions at Nationwide, he oversees strategic initiatives that help Americans prepare for and secure their financial futures. Porter has relocated to Columbus with his wife Toi and their children Chase and Kai. His family’s excitement about returning to the Midwest is matched by their eagerness to contribute to Columbus’s vibrant community. The Porters look forward to making meaningful contributions to their new home city’s growth and success.

Jayme Smoot

Vice President Corporate Sustainability & External Affairs Operations

Jayme Smoot is VP, Corporate Sustainability and External Affairs Operations at Nationwide. She drives corporate sustainability initiatives, collaborating with senior leaders and subject matter experts. She leads activities for Nationwide’s Corporate Sustainability Council, oversees national associate giving and volunteerism, and directs public policy and External Affairs operations. Previously, Smoot was Chief of Staff for Nationwide’s Chief Legal Officer and led the State Legal Team, providing regulatory guidance across 50 states. Her public service includes roles as Commissioner on the Ohio Elections Commission, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Ohio Senate, and Legislative Aide in the Ohio House. Smoot began her legal career at Kegler, Brown, Hill & Ritter followed by Littler Mendelson, PC, where she advised and represented employers in employment law matters. She serves on the board of Pink Ribbon Good and has led the Ohio Women’s Bar Association and Nationwide’s African American Women’s Associate Resource Group.

Rick Lawrence

Senior Associate Vice President N2G Programs – E&S/Specialty

Rick Lawrence is a seasoned Property & Casualty insurance executive with extensive leadership experience across Personal Lines, Standard Commercial, and Excess & Surplus/Specialty lines. He has spearheaded emerging business unit expansions and led significant portfolio transformations. Lawrence is passionate about professional self-development and nurturing talent. At Nationwide, Lawrence has successfully held key roles, including head of CL Direct Distribution, Retail Programs, Book Transfers, and Regional Vice President. Currently, he leads Underwriting and Portfolio Management for Alternative Ventures – N2G. Lawrence serves on the Board of Directors for the United Way’s African American Leadership Academy. He has been recognized by Hartford Business Journal’s 40 Under Forty, Connecticut Magazine’s 40 Under 40, and New England’s 100 Most Influential Men of Color. Lawrence, his wife Cyndrea, and their children, Nevaeh and Zion, are committed to philanthropic efforts, supporting various non-profits and fostering health and wellness through their small business, SoCynFitness.com.

Jennifer Owens

Senior Associate Vice President Human Resources Business Partner

Jennifer Owens is the Senior Associate Vice President for Nationwide Financial Human Resources in Columbus, Ohio. Since joining Nationwide Insurance in 2001, she has made it her goal to align peoplefocused initiatives with business goals to drive success and growth. Owens is passionate about creating an inclusive and engaging work environment. She holds a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and an MBA from Franklin University. Owens is PROSCI certified, a proud member of the Society for Human Resource Management and holds SPHR and SHRM-CP designations. Outside of work, Owens loves spending quality time with her family and friends. She enjoys staying active and believes in balancing work and play. Owens loves adventures with her husband, Chris, and their three children. She is an active community member and a lifelong learner, always ready for the next exciting challenge!

Rhonda Burns

Associate Vice President Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Rhonda Burns serves as the Associate Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), overseeing a comprehensive portfolio of DEI initiatives, including learning, programming, strategic partnerships, employee resource groups, diversity councils, and reputational surveys. Her contribution supports Nationwide as a workplace where associates know they are valued and respected, while also building their individual and collective inclusion competency, capability, and confidence. Notably, she is a founding member of the African American women’s associate resource group, AWARE, underscoring her commitment to Nationwide’s inclusive culture by creating community, belonging and allyship. Burns received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Driven by a deep personal and professional passion for inclusion, she actively contributes to the community through board service with the Financial Alliance for Racial Equity (or FARE) and volunteerism with various local organizations, further amplifying her influence and dedication to creating inclusive environments.

Patrick Dukes

Associate Vice President Claims Legal – P&C Casualty

Patrick Dukes brings three decades of legal expertise in insurance coverage, litigation, and compliance. As the Associate Vice President for P&C Casualty Claims Legal at Nationwide, he has shown exceptional leadership and business acumen. His extensive experience includes roles such as Trial Attorney, Claims Counsel, Assistant General Counsel Corporate Litigation, Chief Compliance Officer at State Auto Insurance, and Regional Associate Vice President Legal. Dukes’ career is marked by strategic vision and a commitment to excellence in the insurance industry. He leverages his deep understanding of legal frameworks and regulatory environments to navigate complex challenges and drive success. Dukes holds a JD from The Ohio State University College of Law and a BA in Social Studies from Youngstown State University. He is an active board member and leader in community initiatives, serving as Board Treasurer for the Ohio Center for Law Related Education and CoChair of the City of Columbus Property Maintenance Appeals Board.

Lia Easler

Associate Vice President Marketing Technology Solutions

Lia Easler is an Associate Vice President of Marketing Operations at Nationwide, where she drives planning, portfolio prioritization, and operational efficiency. In this role, Easler leads Marketing’s AI strategy, operational pilots, and enterprise collaboration to support business growth. Previously, Easler managed business strategies in NF Individual Life Insurance, focusing on underserved segments and new distribution partners. With extensive experience in insurance and financial services, Easler joined Nationwide in 2006 and has held various leadership roles in Property & Casualty Servicing, Processing, Marketing Operations, and Nationwide Financial Group Benefits and Life Insurance. Easler earned a BA in English from Case Western Reserve University and executive education in digital marketing, AI & analytics, and certifications in change management and Six Sigma. She also holds Series 6, 26, and Accident & Health licenses. Easler serves the community through several organizations and represents Nationwide as a board member for the New Directions Career Center.

Carlos Foster

Associate

Vice President Retirement Solutions Sales – Retention

Carlos Foster currently serves as Associate Vice President, Retirement Resources Group. The Retirement Resources Group is a financial services virtual education and financial planning center of excellence, designed to help participants prepare for and live in retirement. Foster has over 20 years of financial services leadership experience. He has held a multitude of leadership roles across the broad portfolio of businesses at Nationwide with increasing responsibilities throughout his tenure and recently completed The Black Executive Leadership Program with The American College of Financial Services. Foster has a passion for community service, financial literacy, and leadership. With an ongoing dedication to philanthropic causes, Foster has been active in a variety of local and national organizations. He served on the board of directors for The American Red Cross Blood Services Board and as Vice Chair for the Atlanta Community Food Bank, receiving Man of the Year award by the Atlanta Tribune Magazine.

Lisa Hollingshed

Associate Vice President People Analytics – Human Resources

Lisa Hollingshed serves as Associate Vice President and Enterprise People Analytics Leader at Nationwide. In this role, she harnesses the power of data to drive innovative workforce solutions, impacting over 23,000 employees. With a distinguished career spanning various leadership roles, Hollingshed has been instrumental in driving growth and fostering a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration. Hollingshed holds a Bachelor’s degree and an MBA, underscoring her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Her dedication to these values not only drives her success but also inspires those around her to strive for excellence. Outside of her professional life, Hollingshed is dedicated to community service and mentoring the next generation of leaders. Hollingshed is an active board member of Impact Community Action, where they focus on initiatives to fight poverty by providing hope-inspiring help and real opportunities for self-sufficiency. Hollingshed’s motto is that she is blessed to be a blessing.

Colleen Saunders-Chukwu

Associate Vice President Technology Data Management

Colleen Saunders-Chukwu is Associate Vice President, Technology, Data and Analytics at Nationwide Insurance. She helps shape the Enterprise Data and Data Culture strategies and drives the successful activation of these strategies to enable business outcomes. In her current role, Saunders-Chukwu oversees data governance, capability and platform adoptions teams who assist the enterprise with executing data practices and projects focused on engineering, AI/Automation, and business intelligence. She earned a Master of Business Analytics (Ohio University) and Bachelor of Science degrees in Mathematics, Finance and Supply Chain Management (University of Toledo) and holds several industry certifications. Saunders-Chukwu is the Executive Sponsor for Nationwide’s Women in Technology Associate Resource Group (ARG) and serves on the Women in Analytics & Pickerington Gifted Curriculum Advisory Boards. A lover of family and sports, she enjoys coaching basketball and volleyball teams and spending time with her husband Clement and their two children Joshua and Adanna.

Danyelle Stagg

Associate Vice President Associate Relations - Human Resources

Danyelle Stagg is the Associate Vice President of Human Resources at Nationwide Insurance. Stagg leads the enterprise Office of Associate Relations and oversees HR Policy Administration, HR Compliance, and the Associate Solutions call center. Stagg is a strategic leader with vast HR experience including HR Business Partnership, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, and Talent Management. Prior to Nationwide, Stagg was a business leader in diverse industries including retail, financial services, book publishing, and higher education. Stagg serves her community as a board member of the King Arts Complex, a member of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Labor & Employment Committee, Wharton School of Business – Human Resources, Pickerington Local School District Civic Action Committee, Choir Manager for the Columbus Children’s Choir, and volunteers at local food banks. Stagg holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Franklin University.

Antonio Wright

Associate Vice President

Property & Casualty Learning and Performance Facilitation & Delivery

Antonio Wright has been in the insurance industry since 1990. He is currently the AVP of P&C Learning and Performance, leading the training delivery teams for the Property & Casualty organization. Additionally, he serves as the President of Corporate Connections, an African American Men’s mentoring and networking Associate Resource Group at Nationwide. This group aims to build and strengthen leaders by fostering an environment where members can network and share experiences, ideas, and resources. Throughout his over 30-year career at Nationwide, Wright has held various roles within claims, including Claims Associate, Claims Manager, Quality Assurance, Project Manager, Training Consultant, and Director. For the past 22 years, he has focused on the learning and performance field. Wright holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Kent State University and several certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP), Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, and Kirkpatrick Certified Gold Professional.

Emerging Leaders

Austine Clopton

Associate Vice President Controller – Corporate Development

Austine Clopton is a trailblazing leader whose integrity and courage have propelled her to pivotal roles at Nationwide. A proud Howard University alumna, she began her career at PwC, gaining extensive experience across multiple industries. After eight years, she transitioned to Vertiv, leading global consolidation and corporate accounting functions. In 2021, Clopton joined the Nationwide Finance Controllership Organization as a Director, driving digital and automation initiatives and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. Her exceptional leadership led to a promotion to Associate Vice President, where she oversees financial reporting and accounting operations and partners to scale new business growth. Clopton champions diversity and inclusion, spearheading recruiting efforts within Controllership. Living by the motto, “The world is changed by your example, not your opinion,” Clopton is active within the central Ohio community. She supports various outreach programs through her church and serves on the nonprofit board of Live Again, empowering girls and women.

Bryan Wood

Senior Director Business Development –Investment Management

Bryan Wood, Senior Director of Business Development, is a financial services professional with a decade of experience in Asset Management, Business Development, Corporate Strategy, M&A, and Management Consulting. Currently, he oversees Investment Management Group (IMG) relationships with key internal partners and leads a team that monitors product menus supporting Nationwide Financial (NF) businesses. Previously, in the Office of Corporate Strategy, he advised Nationwide executives on critical industry challenges, enhancing company value in alignment with its mission and vision. As a Senior Investment Analyst in IMG, he oversaw $5 billion in sub-advised assets across U.S. small-cap, mid-cap, and sustainable investment strategies for NF products. Wood holds a Bachelor of Science in Business with a Finance concentration from Miami University and an MBA from Capital University. He also holds FINRA Series 7 and 26 licenses.

MILLER • ALICE DANIELS • RAY MILLER • ALICE DANIELS

RAY MILLER • ALICE DANIELS • RAY MILLER • ALICE

DANIELS • RAY MILLER • ALICE DANIELS • RAY MILLER

ALICE DANIELS • RAY MILLER • ALICE DANIELS • RAY

MILLER • ALICE DANIELS • RAY MILLER • ALICE DANIELS•

RAY MILLER • ALICE DANIELS • RAY MILLER • ALICE DAN

IELS • RAY MILLER • ALICE DANIELS • RAY MILLER

LIVING LEGENDS

Living Legends are revered for their exceptional contributions in their communities and beyond. They inspire with resilience and innovation, leaving an indelible mark on society, earning global admiration and respect.

ALICE DANIELS • RAY MILLER • ALICE DANIELS • RAY

MILLER • ALICE DANIELS • RAY MILLER • ALICE DANIELS

RAY MILLER • ALICE DANIELS • RAY MILLER • ALICE

DANIELS • RAY MILLER • ALICE DANIELS • RAY MILLER

ALICE DANIELS • RAY MILLER • ALICE DANIELS • RAY

MILLER • ALICE DANIELS • RAY MILLER • ALICE DAN

IELS• RAY MILLER • ALICE DANIELS • RAY MILLER • ALICE

DANIELS • RAY MILLER • ALICE DANIELS • RAY MILLER

ALICE DANIELS

LIVING LEGEND

BY RHONDA CROWDER

BY IRA GRAHAM III

PHOTO

…I was always going to do it my way - good or bad. ”

Alice Daniels Founder Daniels Consults

Creating Small Precious Memories

Alice Daniels grew up in Denver, Colorado where she and her siblings were the only Blacks in their parochial school.

“That gave me a different perspective on who I was and how I fit in,” says Daniels. “It built in some rebellion. I was always going to do it my way - good or bad.”

She became the first Black cheerleader, in the parochial school system, and even led the squad. “It should have been really exciting but it seems like it came with a lot of pressure,” she adds.

Her parents, who provided lots of love, believed in education and family togetherness.

Daniels attended college for two years until she “fell in love.” Despite disapproval from her parents, she married but very quickly learned they were right. Her then husband’s job moved them to Columbus. Eventually they divorced, leaving her to single handedly raise four children.

“The interesting thing that came of it is I learned to build a village for me and my children,” says Daniels.

While working as a receptionist in the birth defects clinic at Children’s Hospital, a doctor noticed how patients opened up to her yet held back with social workers, and suggested she consider returning to school. She began to take a class or two, here and there.

“I was in school so long, people thought I was a professor,” says Daniels, who even attended while supporting her children in college - all of whom graduated.

Prior to completing undergrad studies, she went to work at Central Community House as a family support worker, where she dedicated 24 years of service and rose to assistant director.

“I believe God wanted me in a space to learn,” she says. “That was my launch pad.”

Today she is an Africentric Rites of Passage trained, licensed social worker in Ohio, specializing in individual and family therapy, with over 50 years of experience.

In 1996, the sudden transition of her 22-year-old son, caused her life’s direction to shift both personally and professionally.

“My life was deeply and profoundly changed forever,” says Daniels.

She realized God had something different for her. It was time to re-find herself. In doing so, she established Daniel Consults, In the Business of Creating Small Precious Moments, where she emphasizes the uniqueness of each person, providing individual, tailored counseling services.

“At my son’s service, so many people talked about all the little precious things he did for people and I became very conscious of how we don’t create those for one another in our day-to-day.”

Daniels focuses on creating those moments with everybody she meets, with something as simple as a “hello” or smile. “To me it says that everybody is unique and special and they need to feel that. When you are with me, you need to understand and know I am totally present.”

This grandmother of seven has spoken to over 75 organizations and currently consults with NAMI Franklin County, supporting staff and management through individual and group counseling.

She also believes the Africentic Rites of Passage approach is critical because it makes her culturally competent when it comes to the African American community and others.

“It’s important to look at my own history, to know my history, and recognize the trauma or the success that comes out of our history and to be able to speak to that as I work with people, particularly in my community,” she says. It also supports her appreciation of all cultures. n

RAY MILLER

LIVING LEGEND

BY RHONDA CROWDER

BY IRA GRAHAM III

PHOTO

It’s not about how much money you can make, it’s about how many lives you can save and how many people you can inform.”

Ray Miller Founder & Publisher

The Columbus African American News Journal

The Politician and The Publisher

With his father serving in the air force, Ray Miller was born in Hampton, Virginia, near Langley Field Air Force Base. His father later transferred to San Antonio, Texas and Columbus, Ohio - where Miller has resided since age ten.

He recalls, while living in Hampton, his father invited white officers to their home and asked Miller along with his sisters to recite passages from Ebony and Jet. He can still hear his day say, “Read that, boy,” in a stern voice.

“I guess that’s why we became such clear, strong speakers,” says Miller, a Democratic politician and a former member of the Ohio General Assembly.

His parents eventually separated, leaving his mother to clean the homes of white people to support her children who she expected the absolute best of. “She didn’t take no stuff,” he says.

Miller went on to attend Champion Jr. High, graduated from East High School and enrolled at The Ohio State University where he majored in political science, earning undergrad and graduate degrees in the field.

When asked how he knew he wanted to enter politics, Miller says, “I felt a bug to be in politics at East High School.” He also credits outstanding teachers who encourage everyone in the neighborhood to attend college.

Additionally, while at OSU, he had the great fortune of studying under the tutelage of Dr. William E. Nelson Jr. and Dr. James Kweder. Both men’s wisdom and guidance helped mold Miller into the consummate legislator he went on to become.

He’s currently working to have a building at OSU named in Dr. Nelson’s honor. He’s already gained substantial influence from key civic and business leaders in Franklin County to raise the $13 million for the building.

Upon leaving the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Miller was appointed deputy special assistant to President of the United States Jimmy Carter in the office of Louis Martin, a senior staff person to the president.

Miller was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1982. He won reelection in 1984, and 1986. In 1988, he won a fourth term, and was named President of the Legislative Black Caucus. He again won reelection in 1990 and 1992.

In 1993, Miller resigned from the House to create a policy nonprofit organization. However, his retirement from public service was short-lived. He again ran for the seat in 1998 and won, then re-elected in 2000.

He won the 15th District in 2002 and was reelected in 2006. In 2008, Miller led a successful political coup but following the elections, he stepped down from the post to begin his transition to the private sector.

“My biggest accomplishment as a legislator is learning how to use the support and assistance of people who are well positioned,” he says.

On January 10, 2011, Miller founded The Columbus African American news journal.

“I’ve always loved to read, research and write,” he says, explaining his motivation to start this publication. “I love to translate for people who can’t read or don’t have the desire. It’s not about how much money you can make, it’s about how many lives you can save and how many people you can inform.”

For Miller, his career has always been defined by what he can do for othersmore specifically Black people. “I’ve been blessed by all of these opportunities,” says Miller, who recently completed a six-year appointment on the Central State University Board of Trustees. n

The Lloyds of Columbus

Congratulates Who’s Who on their 18th Edition in Columbus!

ACADEMIC SPOTLIGHT

Driven to forge connections, create opportunity and lead with purpose, The Ohio State University and its people have developed solutions people need throughout its history. This work endures today across six campuses, a constellation of health care facilities, extension offices and agricultural research stations, and a network of partners and outreach offices that spans the globe. We empower people to learn and grow through exposure to a diverse range of communities, perspectives, and experiences for individual growth. Together, we cultivate an environment where everyone can thrive.

MEET OUR ASSOCIATES ➔

W.C. Benton, Jr.

Professor, Operations

The Ohio State Fisher College of Business

W.C. Benton, Jr. is the Edwin D. Dodd Professor of Management and a Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management at the Fisher College of Business. He teaches undergraduate, MBA, and doctoral courses on health care management, purchasing and supply management, operations analysis, and facility design. Dr. Benton has published over 185 articles in renowned journals and serves as an associate editor for several prestigious journals such as Journal of Operations Management and Journal of Supply Chain Management. He has been a Special Issue Editor for the European Journal of Operational Research. His consulting expertise spans major companies and governmental bodies like IBM, RCA, U.S. Air Force, and multiple state transportation departments. Dr. Benton is active on several boards, including The Healthcare Colloquium and The Sleep Medicine Foundation, and is a member of numerous professional organizations. He is also a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

Justin Birru, PhD

Associate Professor, Finance

The Ohio State College of Business

Justin Birru is an associate professor of finance at Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University. He teaches Behavioral Finance in both the undergraduate and MBA programs at Fisher. Dr. Birru’s research interests include behavioral finance and empirical asset pricing. He has published in the Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial Economics, Review of Financial Studies, Journal of Accounting and Economics, Review of Finance, and Management Science. He received his B.S. in Finance at University of Pittsburgh and his Ph.D. in finance from NYU Stern School of Business.

Thomas Dickens

Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Chief Diversity Officer, The Ohio State University Libraries

Thomas Dickens leads Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts at Ohio State University Libraries, focusing on building an equitable workplace and fostering a diverse, inclusive organizational culture. With nearly a decade of EDI experience, he collaborates with stakeholders to advance initiatives that enhance services for library users. Under his leadership, the Libraries received the inaugural Library Excellence in Access and Diversity Award from Insight Into Diversity. Dickens also chairs the Association of College and Research Libraries’ Diversity Alliance Committee, further strengthening Ohio State’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dickens holds a bachelor’s degree from Elmhurst College and a master’s degree in education from the University of Connecticut. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife of 10 years, Jamilya, his college sweetheart, and their three children: Clay, Kennedy, and Kyah.

Tracy L. Dumas, PhD

Professor, Management and Human Resources

The Ohio State Fisher College of Business

Tracy L. Dumas, PhD is a Professor of Management and Human Resources at the Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business, where she teaches the MBA Negotiations course. She is a two timerecipient of the Fisher College Pace Setters Award, the highest college honor, for her research and teaching. Also, in 2023, the graduating class of full-time MBA students voted her the Outstanding Elective Professor. Dr. Dumas earned her PhD in Management and Organizations from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Dr. Dumas’ research is published in top academic journals and practitioner outlets including Harvard Business Review. Additionally, several media outlets have profiled her work including Forbes.com, Fast Company, and Harvard Business Review Women at Work podcast. Prior to entering academia, Dr. Dumas managed client projects for a Chicago-based consulting and research firm. Outside of work, Dr. Dumas indulges her artistic side by playing the piano, taking dance classes, or dancing in local productions.

Dr. Terry L. Esper

Professor

Marketing and Logistics

Dr. Terry L. Esper is a Full Professor at The Ohio State University, specializing in Logistics and Supply Chain Management within the Fisher College of Business. He has achieved global recognition as a Fulbright Distinguished Scholar and is widely published in leading academic journals and industry outlets. His insights are frequently featured in major media such as Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, NPR, and BBC World News, and he has given a TedX Talk. Dr. Esper regularly lectures internationally, with a focus on Europe and Latin America. In addition to his academic role, Dr. Esper serves as Board Chairman for the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, offering executive education and advising companies in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries. He is also active in leadership roles at Ohio State and in his community. Before academia, he worked for Hallmark Cards and conducted research for the U.S. Department of Transportation. Dr. Esper and his wife, Mishi, reside in Columbus, Ohio.

David Harrison

Senior Director, Fisher College of Business Office of Diversity & Inclusion Student Services & Corporate & Community Outreach

David Harrison joined Fisher in 1993. Since arriving in Fisher, his nationally recognized stellar leadership and development fundraising efforts have resulted in over $7 million dollars in secured grants. He is a USMC Veteran with 38+ years of university service. His awards and honors include the following: OSU Distinguished Diversity Enhancement Award-1998; OSU National Alumni Association Josephine Failer Award-1998; OSU Distinguished Staff Award-2001; Most Outstanding Student Organization Advisor Award-2003; Fisher College of Business, Undergraduate Programs, Outstanding Staff Service Award2004 and 2011. In 2023, he received the Fisher College of Business Coykendale Staff Service Award. Recently, he received the 2024 OSU ODI Valerie B. Lee Distinguished Service Award. Harrison and his wife Tamara have been married for over 36 years and they have four adult daughters. They attend the New Salem Missionary Baptist Church (Columbus, OH) and he serves as chairman of the deacon’s ministry.

Dr. James A. Hill

Professor, Operations & Business Analytics The Ohio State Fisher College of Business

Dr. James A. Hill is the Chair of the Operations and Business Analytics Department and professor of operations management at the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University. He joined the Fisher faculty after teaching graduate courses at the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Hill teaches elective courses in supply chain management in the graduate programs. He has twice received the outstanding professor for teaching excellence in the full time MBA program and he was a recipient of the Pace Setters Graduate teaching award at The Ohio State University. Dr. Hill is primarily interested in operations planning and control, supply chain coordination, and social sustainability. His current research examines how intermediaries, more specifically nonprofit organizations, design processes to enable minority business growth. His research and education have included engagements with PepsiCo., Kellogg, Scotts Miracle-Gro Co., Nestle, Sherwin Williams, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo, among others.

Dr. Aeriel D. M. Leonard

Distinguished Assistant Professor of Engineering Inclusive Excellence, Materials Science and Engineering

Dr. Aeriel D.M. Leonard is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at The Ohio State University (OSU). She leads research on advanced characterization techniques and has earned prestigious awards, including the NSF CAREER Award (2023), DOE Early Career Award (2022), and ONR Young Investigator Award (2021). In 2024, she was named Distinguished Assistant Professor of Engineering Inclusive Excellence. Dr. Leonard coadvises OSU’s Society of Women Engineers chapter and received the 2023-2024 OSU Outstanding Faculty Advisor award. She initiated workshops for HBCU students and programs for K-12 students in Columbus to foster early STEM interest. Dr. Leonard chaired the Fourth Summit on Diversity in Minerals, Metals, and Materials Profession and received TMS’s awards. She earned a bachelor’s from the University of Alabama and a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. Dr. Leonard is also a mother, wife, and lifestyle blogger.

Dr. Erin C. McKie

Assistant Professor, Operations

The Ohio State Fisher College of Business

Dr. Erin C. McKie is an Assistant Professor of Operations at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business. Her research focuses on advancing circular supply chains by extracting insights from consumer behavior and predictive models. As part of this work, she frequently collaborates with a diverse array of organizations, including Fortune 100 firms, small startups, and nonprofits. Dr. McKie’s work has been published in prominent academic journals, such as Production and Operations Management and the Journal of Operations Management. Dr. McKie earned her Ph.D. and B.S. in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina (Darla Moore School of Business). She is also affiliated with Ohio State’s Institute for Materials Research and the Sustainability Institute, organizations focused on promoting sustainable manufacturing and interdisciplinary sustainability research. Outside of academia, Dr. McKie enjoys traveling and reading. She is passionate about community engagement and has been actively involved in the Junior League for over a decade.

Lorraine Pennyman

Director, Fisher College of Business Leadership & Engagement

Lorraine Pennyman is a distinguished leader in higher education with 20+ years of dedicated service in Fisher College of Business. As Director of Leadership & Engagement, she enhances the undergraduate experience for 8,000+ students through innovative retention and alumni engagement initiatives. Pennyman made history as the first African American female academic advisor and then administrator within Undergraduate Programs at Fisher. Her commitment to success is evident in her participation on committees and being Vice Chair on the Council of Student Affairs. Recognized with Fisher’s Culture Champion Award and featured in the “100 Years of African American Achievement” publication at Ohio State, Pennyman’s impact resonates throughout the community. Pennyman holds a B.A. degree and an M.Ed. degree. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, a 14-year cancer survivor, married to Chontae, and mother of three. Pennyman continues to inspire through her unwavering inclusivity and excellence in education.

Dr. Monique Ross

Associate Professor Engineering Education Department

Dr. Monique Ross is an Associate Professor in the Engineering Education Department at The Ohio State University. Her research focuses on broadening participation in computing by examining race, gender, and identity, and improving pedagogical practices to retain women and marginalized groups in engineering fields. Dr. Ross earned her Ph.D. in Engineering Education from Purdue University, an M.S. in Computer Science and Software Engineering from Auburn University, and a B.S. in Computer Engineering from Elizabethtown College. Prior to OSU, she was a tenured professor at Florida International University. Her work, supported by over $7M in grants, includes numerous publications and invited talks, such as at the National Academy of Sciences. Dr. Ross co-leads a national undergrad-to-PhD mentoring program. She enjoys reading and began her career as an engineer.

Dr. Melissa Shivers

Senior Vice President for Student Life

Dr. Melissa Shivers is the Senior Vice President for Student Life at The Ohio State University. Dr. Shivers was previously a Student Affairs leader at the University of Iowa, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, University of Georgia, Clemson University and Georgia Southern University. A first-generation college graduate and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Dr. Shivers holds a BS from Georgia Southern University, a master’s degree from Clemson University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Georgia. Dr. Shivers received highest honors from the Southern Association for College Student Affairs, the King Arts Complex and ACPA, a national student affairs professional organization. Dr. Shivers is on the boards of the Wellington School, YWCA of Columbus, Melvin C. Terrell Educational Foundation, King Arts Complex, Campus Partners, Ohio State’s Foundation Board and APLU’s Council on Student Affairs. She was named a 2024 Women’s History Month honoree by Diverse magazine.

Dr. Cynthia W. Turner

Associate Dean of Access, Engagement and Outreach

The Ohio State Fisher College of Business

Cynthia W. Turner, PhD, CPA, serves as the associate dean of access, engagement, and outreach at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business, where she is also an EY Faculty Fellow. Dr. Turner graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with a B.S. in accounting. She went on to earn an M.A. in accounting from Ohio State, where she became the first African American woman to receive a Ph.D. in accounting in 1995. An award-winning educator, Dr. Turner spent 17 years on the faculty at the University of Illinois before returning to Ohio State in 2013. In 2019, she made history again by becoming the first African American woman to join Fisher’s leadership team. Her research has been published in top academic journals, and she actively serves on several nonprofit boards. Dr. Turner and her husband, Kevin, are the proud parents of filmmakers Julien and Justen (the Turner Brothers).

Dr. Davita L. Watkins

Associate Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Dr. Davita L. Watkins is a tenured Associate Professor of Chemistry at The Ohio State University, also holding a joint appointment in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Her research focuses on noncovalent interactions to construct nanostructured polymeric materials. Dr. Watkins earned her B.S. in Chemistry and Anthropology from Vanderbilt University and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Memphis. She started her academic career at the University of Mississippi in 2014 before joining OSU in 2022. Dr. Watkins has received several prestigious awards, including the ORAU Ralph E. Powe Award, NSF CAREER Award, PMSE Young Investigator Award, and ACS WCC Rising Star Award. She leads the Watkins Research Group, specializing in functional materials templated by synthetic organic molecules. Outside of her professional achievements, Dr. Watkins enjoys hiking and is the youngest of five.

HBCUs

BY DONALD JAMES

NATIONAL WRITER

In the broad spectrum of American education, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, collectively called HBCUs, have stood the test of time as mighty pillars of empowerment and resilience in their challenging quests to educate African Americans.

Before the start of the Civil War in 1861, most Southern states had established anti-literacy laws prohibiting enslaved Black people from learning to read or write. Defiance of such laws was met with grave consequences. Even in some so-called free Northern states, providing literacy skills to educate Black people was highly discouraged, especially if it meant integrating with White students.

Attitudes toward educating Negroes/Colored/ Black people began to shift somewhat – mainly in the North – when in 1837, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania became the nation’s first HBCU. The school was initially called the African Institute and renamed the Institute for Colored Youth before becoming Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. In its inception, Cheyney taught Black students trade and agricultural skills.

Three other HBCUs were established before the Civil War: the University of the District of Columbia (1851), Lincoln University in Pennsylvania (1854), and Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio (1856).

Wilberforce was the first HBCU “owned and operated” by African Americans, and Lincoln was the first “degree-granting” Black Institution. In 1865, Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, was established as the first HBCU in the South.

Following the passage of the Morrill Act of 1890, sponsored by U.S. Senator Justin Morrill of Vermont, doors opened for the proliferation of HBCUs under a land-grant system. The Act mandated that Black people have access to educational opportunities, mainly in the agricultural and mechanical sciences, but at learning institutions explicitly created for African Americans. Black schools under the land-grant education system included, but were not limited to, Alabama A&M University, Alcorn State University, Tuskegee University, Fort Valley State University, the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, Southern University, and Virginia State University. Overall, 19 land-grant Black institutions operated under the Morrill Act of 1890.

Nevertheless, according to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, most HBCUs were founded between 1865 and 1900. Many of the storied Black institutions underwent name changes, including The Lincoln Normal School of Marion (Alabama State University), The Howard School (Fayetteville State University), Augusta Institute (Morehouse College), Centenary Biblical Institute (Morgan State University), The Theological and Normal Institute (Howard University), The Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary (Spelman College), Swayne School (Talladega College), The State Normal College for Colored Students (Florida A&M University), Agricultural and Mechanical College for the Colored Race (North Carolina A&T State University), and Freedmen’s College of North Carolina (Johnson C. Smith University).

“They started in church basements, they started in old schoolhouses, they started in people’s homes,” said Marybeth Gasman, an HBCU historian, who co-authored the book HBCU, The Power of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. “As former slaves, they were hungry for learning because, of course, education had been kept from them.”

During the Jim Crow Era - 1870 to 1964 - laws were implemented in the South to oppress Black people by enforcing racial segregation across broad sectors, including education. While there were accounts of African Americans attending Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) during the Jim Crow Era, such occurrences were rare exceptions, far from the rule. For most African Americans during the period of enforced segregation, HBCUs represented the only avenues to higher learning.

PREVIOUS PAGE: Portrait of university students and faculty members posing outside North Carolina University’s Music and Arts Department during an event. (North Carolina Central University via Getty Images)

According to the U.S. Department of Education, there are currently 107 HBCUs in 20 states. The four states with the most are Alabama, North Carolina, Georgia, and Texas. The District of Columbia has two HBCUs, and the U.S. Virgin Islands has one. In 2023, there were roughly 338,700 students enrolled in HBCUs.

The Department of Education, citing the Higher Education Act of 1965, offers the following definition of Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Any Black college or university established “before 1964,” whose principal mission was, and is, to educate Black Americans.

While HBCUs represent about four percent of all colleges and universities in the United States, they produce close to 22% of all Black graduates. HBCUs are also the main pipeline for granting undergraduate degrees to Black students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).

In a 2023 White House report prepared by the Biden-Harris Administration, statistical breakdowns show that HBCUs produce 40% of Black engineers, 50% of Black teachers, 70% of Black doctors and dentists, and 80% of Black judges. HBCU alums can be found in every career and industry in America, including on Boards of Directors of Fortune 500 companies. The storied United Negro College Fund (UNCF) estimates that HBCUs generate more than 134,090 jobs annually while accounting for an almost $15 billion impact on the nation’s economy.

“I wish that people, regardless of race, knew just how much of an impact Black colleges have had on building the Black middle class and pushing social and socio-economic mobility,” Gasman told the Grio in a national story. “We have considerable empirical evidence showing that HBCUs outperform majority institutions in moving people up the economic ladder.”

Politically speaking, hundreds of HBCU graduates have been elected or appointed to local, regional, county, state, and federal government/ political positions. Kamala Harris (Howard University), the 49th and current vice president of the United States, is the first woman and first Black American to hold the high office. The first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall, earned an undergraduate degree from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. He later received his Juris Doctor (JD) Degree from Howard University’s Law School.

On the civil and human rights front, HBCUs have produced iconic advocates, such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Morehouse College), John Lewis (Fisk University), Rev. Jesse Jackson (North Carolina A&T University), Stokely Carmichael/Kwame Ture (Howard University), Andrew J. Young (Howard University), and Fred Shuttlesworth (Selma University and Alabama State University).

The list is long with actors, actresses, and film producers from HBCUs, including sisters Phylicia Rashad and Debbie Allen (Howard University), billionaire media mogul Oprah Winfrey (Tennessee State University), former broadcast journalist Ed Bradley (Cheyney), Taraji P. Henson (Howard University), Will Packer (Florida A&M University), Spike Lee (Morehouse College), and news and sportscaster Michael Strahan (Texas Southern University).

In sports, 35 HBCU graduates are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, including Jerry Rice (Mississippi Valley State University) and Walter Payton (Jackson State University). According to NCAA stats, more than 351 HBCU players have been drafted by NBA teams, ten of which are in The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, including Willis Reed (Grambling State), Earl “The Pearl” Monroe (Winston-Salem State University), and Ben Wallace (Virginia Union University). The WNBA has drafted seven female players from HBCUs, the first of which was Denique Graves from Howard University in 1997.

“As a proud graduate of Howard University, I know firsthand that our HBCUs are centers of academic excellence,” said Vice President Kamala Harris.

Musically, dozens of recording artists from HBCUs are currently enjoying national and international acclaim, including Yolanda Adams (Texas Southern), Roberta Flack (Howard University), 2 Chainz (Alabama State and Virginia State Universities), Lionel Richie (Tuskegee), Megan Thee Stallion (Texas Southern University), and Common and K. Michelle (Florida A&M University).

In the realm of publishing, HBCUs have produced Black Enterprise Magazine founder and publisher Earl G. Graves, Sr. (Morgan State University) and Who’s Who in Black’s Chief Operating Officer Dr. Carter Womack (Alabama A&M University). Authors from HBCUs have included Toni Morrison (Howard University) and Alice Walker (Spelman College).

When spotlighting the many Black experiences at HBCUs, it’s impossible to gloss over the legendary schools’ “mighty marching bands” and their electrifying brands of music, dancing, and overall showmanship.

Tuskegee Normal School (Tuskegee University) is believed to have assembled the first Black college marching band in 1890. Yet, in 1946, Black college bands evolved from militaristic marching and playing to adopt a more exciting and entertaining style, thanks to the creative imagination of the late Dr. William P. Foster, the long-time band director of Florida A&M’s World-Famous Marching 100.

Today, there are at least 40 active HBCU marching bands with their unique flair and sound, including Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South, Howard University’s Showtime Marching Band, Southern University’s Human Jukebox Marching Band, Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands, Bethune-Cookman University’s Marching Wildcats, and the Albany State University Marching Rams Show Band.

In addition to the marching bands, nine historic Black Greek sororities and fraternities – called “The Divine Nine” – have ascended to lofty places in HBCU history and folklore with the common goal of empowering Black communities in America and beyond. Many of the “Nine” had their beginnings at Howard University, including three sororities: Alpha Kappa Alpha (1908), Delta Sigma Theta (1913), and Zeta Phi Beta (1920). The two fraternities established at Howard are Omega Psi Phi (1911) and Phi Beta Sigma (1914). Iota Phi Theta Fraternity was founded at Morgan State University in Baltimore (1963). Two prominent Black fraternities and one sorority were established at Predominately White Institutions: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at Cornell University (1906), Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity at Indiana University (1911), and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority at Butler University (1922).

Since the rise of HBCUs 187 years ago, there have been covert and overt efforts by various lawmakers to merge public HBCUs with PWIs or, in some instances, close the Black institutions of higher learning permanently. According to National Public Radio (NPR), the U.S. Department of Education, and other credible sources, 16 states have underfunded their HBCUs for decades to a collective tune of more than $12 billion. The Department of Education reports that Tennessee lawmakers have shortchanged Tennessee State University by a staggering $2.1 billion.

“Unacceptable,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona in a fall 2023 press release. “Funding inequities have forced many of our nation’s distinguished Historically Black Colleges and Universities to operate with inadequate resources and delay critical investments in everything from campus infrastructure to research and development to student support services.”

Despite legacy statuses, numerous HBCUs, including St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina, Knoxville College in Knoxville, Tennessee, and Barber-Scotia College in Concord, North Carolina, face serious financial and/or accreditation problems,

“As we look to the future, we remain resolute in our mission to uphold the legacy of Barber-Scotia College and its profound impact on generations past, present, and future,” said Dr. Chris V. Rey, president of Barber-Scotia College and the 36th International president of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. “Together, we will continue to champion the values of education, equality, equity, and empowerment, ensuring that our institution remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for all.”

While many HBCUs have been triumphant in the face of constant opposition and barriers, some lawmakers question the relevancy of Black institutions of higher learning in today’s world of education. After all, those who question the relevancy of HBCUs often point to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which became the law of the land, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin at public facilities, including schools. In essence, the doors for African Americans to attend Predominately White Institutions were opened. Yet, with clear pathways for Black students to attend PWIs, many continued to choose Black schools in their pursuit of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

“HBCUs still serve as an important place because they were uniquely created for the African American community to experience an opportunity to see excellence in people who reflect who you are in your culture,” said Dr. Helene D. Gayle, president of Spelman College. “We have professors, many of whom are African Americans so that students can see themselves reflected in the people who teach them and provide services to them.”

It should be noted that following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in June 2023, which ended race-conscious admissions to PWIs, some – but not all - HBCUs are seeing an increase in enrollment of Black students. Interestingly, White students have also appeared on HBCU’s admission radars, even before the High Court’s ruling last year. Eleven percent of students currently enrolled at HBCUs - undergraduate and graduate programs - are White, followed by a smaller percentage of Hispanics and other non-Black ethnicities. West Virginia State University’s White population at the HBCU is 72%, with less than 10% Black. Bluefield State University in West Virginia has a White student population of about 80%, with 14 percent identifying as Black.

Since taking office in January 2021, The Biden-Harris Administration has been committed to championing the growth and sustainability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. In May 2024, the White House released a

statement touting the Biden-Harris Administration’s funding and investments in HBCUs totaling more than $16 billion from Fiscal Year 2021 through Fiscal Year 2024.

“As a proud graduate of Howard University, I know firsthand that our HBCUs are centers of academic excellence,” said Vice President Kamala Harris. This historic investment is transformative – from helping to fund cutting-edge research and making long-overdue renovations to providing mental health resources and ensuring students have access to every opportunity to thrive. And as we look forward, we know that our HBCUs will continue to prepare young leaders to build a better, more just future for our country and the world. That is why President Biden and I have delivered an unprecedented $16 billion to our Nation’s HBCUs,”

On the philanthropic side of funding, “large monetary gifts” for the nation’s colleges and universities have been presented primarily to White institutions by ultra-wealthy White donors, while HBCUs are often at the lower tiers of receiving. The large sums of money donated to PWIs add credence to the old adage, “The rich keeps getting richer.”

However, after the May 2020 murder of George Floyd, the philanthropic landscape of giving large donations shifted. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings and his wife, Patty Quillin, donated $120 million to be equally divided between Morehouse College, Spelman College, and UNCF. Bloomberg Philanthropic entities gave $100 million to four historically Black medical

schools: Meharry, Howard, Morehouse, and Charles R. Drew.

Mackenzie Scott, the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, gave $560 million to 23 HBCUs, which included Prairie View A&M University in Texas.

“There’s a long history in this country with minority institutions being underfunded, being thought of as not competing with White institutions, and therefore not receiving adequate funding to do the work that we do,”

Dr. Ruth Simmons, president of Prairie View A&M said in a statement. “Mackenzie Scott’s philanthropic gifts have been epic. She has broken what had become a troubling pattern in education giving – of the rich getting ever richer - a perennial trend that reinforces racial inequities.”

For HBCUs to survive and thrive, more financial resources are needed to elevate and sustain undergraduate and graduate programs.

“Funding is the key,” said Dr. Quinton T. Ross, president of Alabama State University, who sits on the Board of Advisors of the White House Initiative on Advancing HBCUs. “Compared to our counterparts in higher education, HBCUs have been and are still under-resourced. We call on the federal government, our corporate partners, and philanthropic organizations to look at what these institutions are doing and consider how they can contribute on a local, state, and national level to keep HBCUs thriving.” n

NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY Exterior view of the Clyde Roark Hoey Administration Building (currently known as the James E. Shepard Administration Building at North Carolina Central University) that was built in 1929. The Administration Building is on the National Register of Historic Places and among the earliest brick buildings on the campus. The Dr. James E. Shepard Statue, created by sculptor, William Zorach, is in front of the building and was dedicated on June 1, 1957. (North Carolina Central University via Getty Images)

JANET ADEN

Senior Marketing Specialist | Urban One

Janet Aden is a Senior Marketing Specialist at Urban One, where she drives innovative marketing strategies and enhances brand visibility. With a strong background in media and communications, Aden’s creative and analytical skills have contributed to successful campaigns, positioning Urban One as an industry leader. Beyond her professional achievements, she is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, participating in initiatives that empower women and promote social change. Aden’s commitment to community service and advocacy reflects her dedication to making a positive impact both personally and professionally. She is also a proud mother of Janelle (Blake) Montgomery and Nana to Weston and Julianna, cherishing time with family, friends, and Sorors. In her free time, Aden enjoys traveling and looks forward to becoming an active member of the Columbus community.

BENJAMIN BUCKNER

Brand Marketing Specialist | Urban One

Benjamin Buckner has been a key player at Urban One for the past decade, specializing in broadcast sales, digital sales, and event logistics. His role has been pivotal in connecting brands with the minority community in Central Ohio and across the country through innovative, integrated marketing strategies. His accomplishments include multiple President’s Club awards (2017, 2019, and 2022) and recognition as the #1 Digital Sales Rep from 2017 to 2021, demonstrating his expertise in digital communications and marketing. Buckner’s success at Urban One is supported by a solid background in team management and operational oversight, which he gained in previous roles. These skills have been instrumental in crafting impactful campaigns, leveraging diverse branding platforms, and building relationships that drive business results.

WENDY CYRUS-HERNDON

Senior Director of Marketing | Radio One and Reach Media Inc.

Wendy Cyrus-Herndon, Senior Director of Marketing for Radio One and Reach Media Inc., is an accomplished leader in marketing, advertising, and event operations. She collaborates with executive teams to deliver innovative experiences for partners and audiences of up to 15,000, while managing multi-million-dollar budgets, including an annual budget of $5 million. With over 10 years of experience, Cyrus-Herndon excels in event launches and high-impact marketing campaigns, driving brand presence and team productivity. She fosters an environment of accountability, creative thinking, and problem-solving, ensuring seamless execution of large-scale events like the annual Tom Joyner Foundation Cruise. Originally from Toronto, CyrusHerndon began her career with the company in Detroit before relocating to Ohio in 2018. A married mother of three, she enjoys traveling, shopping, sports, cooking, and cheering for her Dee-troit Lions.

MARC “NAILZ” DIXON

Assistant Program Director/ Afternoon Host WCKX 107.5 | Urban One Columbus

Marc “Nailz” Dixon brings his high energy, electric personality and contagious laugh to the Columbus airwaves every weekday 3pm to 7pm in the Kickback. He jokingly describes himself as a seventh-year senior on campus who just can’t stop celebrating life and bringing you on the ride. You’ll be sure to see him out around Ohio laughing and having a good time on the mic, turntables or in the crowd. On your way home from work or school turn him up and join in on the Kickback “...because who don’t like to celebrate life... right?!”

RAE ELLIS

Senior Integrated Outreach Specialist | Urban One

Rae Ellis, a Providence, Rhode Island native, has lived in Columbus since 2005. With over 18 years of experience, she serves as a Senior Integrated Outreach Specialist at Urban One, partnering with a diverse clientele comprised of local organizations, non-profits, political clients and Fortune 500 corporations. She has served on the UNCF Columbus Leadership Council, the Alex Shumate Wexner Center for the Arts African American Outreach and Engagement Council and the GenWex Advisory Council for the Wexner Center for the Arts. Rae is a multiple-time recipient of the Urban One President’s Club Award in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2020, 2021 and 2023. She specializes in creating innovative and strategic solutions, business development, political campaigns and executive level selling. Ellis is the proud mama of Sophia, a Columbus School for Girls Alumna and certified aesthetician and Capo, her 11-year-old Boston Terrier. A balanced life for Ellis includes reading, working out, volunteering, and spending time in nature.

YAVES ELLIS

Midday Personality, Joy Lead Pastor, New Birth Christian Ministries

Yaves Ellis is the Midday Personality on Joy , hosting from 12pm-3pm, Monday through Friday. He has been Lead Pastor of New Birth Christian Ministries since 2020, having preached since his early teens. A Columbus, Ohio native, Ellis initially gained national recognition as a Christian Rap artist, with several Billboard and iTunes charting projects. His ministry extends beyond music, as he has devoted years to outreach and prison ministry, developing a model designed to reach those often neglected by society. With over 15 years of experience in media, Ellis anchors his career in community and service, while advocating for the practical application of the Gospel. His impact is felt not just in the church, but through his work with advisory boards, universities, and city governments. As a co-founder of More Life Trauma Care, he has helped provide over $200,000 in free counseling services since 2022. Ellis is married to Bonita Ellis, and they have two beautiful children.

LEAH HENRY

On-Air Personality, Multimedia Producer, Host

Leah Henry is an on-Air Personality, Multimedia Producer, and Host. She has a big personality like her home state of Texas! As a graduate of Howard University, she believes in uplifting the black community. Henry’s known for her viral entertainment brand “Leah’s Lemonade.” She’s been featured in TMZ, Yahoo, E News, The Daily mail, and more for her popular celebrity interviews. You can hear Henry on the airwaves of Power 107.5 as a radio personality. You can also catch Henry as an Entertainment correspondent on outlets like MSNBC, Fox Soul, and Fox 5 DC. As Henry famously says at the Lemonade Stand “Grab a cup, throw it back. and sip on all of that!

JERMAINE “BABY J” JONES

Production Director, Station Voice, Weekend Jock | Urban One Columbus

Jermaine “Baby J” Jones is a 25+ year radio veteran and graduate of Winston-Salem State University who has done just about everything there is to do in the industry from promotions to every other air shift, program director, and now radio production. He’s spent time in markets such as Greensboro, NC, Charleston, SC, Providence, RI, Columbus, GA, Atlanta, GA, and now he’s in his fourth year in the Columbus, OH area as Production Director, Station Voice and weekend jock for Urban One Columbus. His love for radio started as a youngster growing up in Louisburg, NC as he would regularly get in trouble for “constantly chattering” during class. Jones has turned that “chatter” into a career that has put him in roles as promotions associate, morning drive jock, afternoons, overnights, program director, and more!

“The radio bug hit me, and I’ve been hooked ever since I strapped on the headphones.”

TERRENCE MYLES

Promotions & Marketing Director | Urban One Columbus Co-Founder & Operations Director | Cordelion Performing Arts Academy

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Terrence aims to harmonize corporate and community relationships, fostering a robust exchange of resources and knowledge for a brighter, more interconnected future.

ROBYN SIMONE

ssistant Program Director | Magic 95.5/Joy 106.3

Robyn Simone, a Detroit native, has defied odds to become a radio powerhouse. Her journey began at Wayne State University, where she overcame early setbacks with determination. Despite initially failing to gain entry to Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts, Simone persisted, impressing them with a demo that unlocked her passion for music and broadcasting. Balancing motherhood, work, and night classes, Simone honed her skills, ultimately landing roles in Cleveland, Columbia, Milwaukee, and Albany. Now, she serves as Assistant Program Director for Magic 95.5/Joy 106.3 in Columbus, where she commands the midday airwaves from 10 am to 3 pm. Simone’s story is one of resilience, blending life lessons with a dedication to inspire others. Her journey is a testament to perseverance: if she can, so can you.

Game Changers

DIVERSE EXPERIENCES

GROUNDBREAKING IDEAS

VISIONARY LEADERS

LaShawnda Battiste

CO-OWNER

BATTISTE LAFLEUR GALLERIA

BY RHONDA CROWDER, PHOTO BY IRA GRAHAM III

Game Changers

Continuing the Family’s Legacy

Unquestionably so, LaShawnda Battiste was fated to become an influential force in Columbus’ floral design milieu.

She is a third generation owner of Battiste LaFleur Galleria, a high-end floral galleria, providing exceptional floral design services for discerning clientele.

“Whether we’re creating a luxurious personal arrangement or staging a full-scale event, at Battiste LaFleur, we don’t just sell a product. We provide an unforgettable floral experience.”

Born in Albany, Georgia but raised in Kingstree, South Carolina, she fell in love with flowers and bold colors at a very young age while spending countless evenings and weekends designing flowers with family in the shop, founded by her paternal grandmother Geraldine (GG), in 1941 - the same year Battiste’s father was born. “Two births happened that year,” says Battiste.”

Battiste Flower Shop was the first Black-owned business in Kingstree since Reconstruction. And, of her paternal grandparents’ 19 children, her father, John, along with her mother, Ramona, stepped in to continue the Battiste legacy.

The oldest of ten children, Battiste’s parents had a tremendous influence on her ability to lead, not only in business, but by making a change, in her moment, every time. Her parents were among those active in the 1960 Civil Rights Movement. Both had a zealous commitment to activism as field secretaries for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.

“I can remember as kids, my sister Vera and I would listen to our father, uncle Julian [Bond], uncle Andy [Young], and uncle John [Lewis], strategize, and how icons such as Stokley Carmichael and Willie Ricks would work for our civil rights.”

Despite watching and working in the business, she didn’t know she wanted to or would ever take on ownership. Instead, Battiste graduated from high school and entered the workforce, building a successful 26-year career as a human resource professional with Time Warner Cable.

In 1989, she moved to Columbus. It wasn’t until her daughters Diondra and Dr. Feon Battiste became adults that she decided to pursue higher education. The three of them attended college together and supported one another. Battiste earned both an undergraduate and a Master of Business Administration from Ohio Dominican University.

As a result of visiting Columbus, her parents decided to move the business to Ohio. They established themselves on Long Street in the King-Lincoln District. “The rich history of the neighborhood spoke to the area where the flower shop began,” Battiste explains.

Ironically, they were located on Long Street back home.

Once her parents decided to retire, a decision had to be made. Who will continue? Vera and LaShawnda’s husband Benjamin stepped up first, leaving their respective careers, and then Battiste.

“The choice was very easy,” she says. “We gave everything we could to corporate America. It was time to take the leap of faith.”

Today, the three keep the business thriving through relationships built and maintained over the last 22 years. They serve corporate and individual clients, with daily deliveries to Cincinnati and Dayton. They are still defining what the business looks like in this era and are always exploring the next level.

“We keep the values of our grandmother, to treat people with decency and courtesy,” she says. “Our customers are not taken lightly. That’s how we’ve grown the business.”

The hope of Battiste LaFleur Galleria’s current owners is that the younger generations will soon train and take over.

When not working, Battiste enjoys traveling to the Caribbean and attending NFL games and her favorite flowers are Celosia cristata (Brain Flower). n

Jennifer Bullock

BY MATT BARNES, PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFF ZWICKER

Turning Grief into Action

To know Jennifer Bullock is to know a woman of action. You see that every weekday on NBC4, in her role as the 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. anchor and getting answers and results for our viewers in her “Better Call 4” segments. You see in the way she worked her way up in the 10 years she has been at NBC4, from morning producer, to traffic anchor, to weekend anchor to her current role.

But it’s what she is doing outside of the walls of the station that is most impressive.

On October 11, 2021, Jennifer and her husband, Gerald were anticipating the birth of a little boy, adding to their family of four. But Miles was born sleeping. It was out of the grief of that stillbirth that Miles’ Mission was formed.

Alongside her family, Jennifer has championed advocacy and awareness of pregnancy and infant loss. She has given many speeches, produced numerous television stories, and provided resources for families that have experienced the same grief. And through Miles’ Mission, Jennifer and her family have been able reach even more families. Whether that be partnerships with Central Ohio health systems, providing funding for Cuddle Cots or ForgetMe-Not Baskets, or working with organizations like

Columbus Public Health and Celebrate One to help bring more attention to the cause. In only 17 months, they have already made a profound impact on the communities of Columbus, Zanesville and beyond.

I’ve known Jennifer since college, when we both attended Ohio University. And now, I get the honor of working with her at a station we both grew up watching. And to see her work ethic, her passion, and her strength through all of this has been incredible. After enduring a moment of so much pain, she turned that pain into a purpose in her life. It’s so admirable but also, not surprising.

Because again, Jennifer is a woman of action. Not one to take no for an answer. Not one to sit back and wait. And not one to see others hurting and not reach out. And now, through her daily work as a journalist and consumer advocate, and her life’s passion of supporting mothers and families through the toughest times of their lives, she has consistently proven to be a force for good.

No one should have to go through what Jennifer and her family have had to go through. But I am glad there are people like them and organizations like Miles’ Mission to support those who have or will go through the same thing. Because every life matters. n

Margaret D. Finley, CPEC, CDP

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION & CORPORATE AFFAIRS, ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS, INC.

PRESIDENT, CENTRAL OHIO DIVERSITY CONSORTIUM

BY RHONDA CROWDER, PHOTO BY IRA GRAHAM III

Living Life by Design

Margaret D. Finley believes we are destined to live life by design, rather than by someone else’s expectations. Her journey began in Akron, Ohio’s Edgewood Projects, where she was raised until she was six years old. Her quality of life improved after IBM recruited and hired her stepfather and her family realized the American Dream of home ownership. They moved “up on the hill.”

Finley was also enrolled in St. Bernard’s Catholic School, her first experience of being in an environment where most students did not look like her.

Her first act of living life by her own design was convincing her parents to allow her to go to a neighborhood public school in sixth grade, a decision that broadened her horizons.

She attended the University of Akron for two years before leaving to become a mother devoted to a child born with cerebral palsy. This life-changing experience gave her a new perspective and a deep connection to those living with different abilities. Inspired by her daughter, she founded the nonprofit Black Women on the Move to support the enrichment of girls and women.

Taking a leap of faith, determined to spread her wings, Finley moved to Columbus without a support system. She landed a Jobs Opportunity Counselor role with the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, then her first leadership Director role with the Columbus Urban League, focusing on a marketable office skills program for women with a goal to achieve self-sufficiency and independence.

Her career took a significant turn when JPMorgan Chase recruited her as a Training and Development Consultant. Although the transition to corporate

America felt challenging, mentors and coaches took her under their wing and propelled her to over a decade long successful career. She began her career at JPMorgan Chase as a Consultant, ultimately being promoted to the Vice President level.

Finley also completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Global Management and Communications at Wilberforce University with the support of JPMorgan Chase’s tuition reimbursement program.

Finley believes she is blessed and fortunate to be in a role that she calls her soul and heart work.

She serves as head of Culture & Engagement and Corporate Affairs at Advanced Drainage Systems, INC. She also serves as President of the Central Ohio Diversity Consortium. She has received numerous awards and recognition for her commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and the enrichment, development and advancement for women and girls Her journey is a testament to standing in one’s truth authentically. She is her ancestor’s wildest dream. Her daughter remains her inspiration, driving her relentless pursuit to make a difference in the lives of those she is entrusted to engage and lead.

Finley describes a female game changer as a woman who redefines the norms, breaks barriers, and inspires others through her innovative ideas and actions. She leads with confidence, transforms challenges into opportunities, and leaves a lasting impact on her work, board rooms, community and beyond.

She is indeed living life by God’s design and destiny. Her first book, “The Art of Presence – Cultivating a Life of Deep Awareness and Connection,” will be released in 2025. n

Terry Green FOUNDER AND CEO

THINK MAKE LIVE YOUTH

BY RHONDA CROWDER, PHOTO BY IRA GRAHAM III

A Story of Trauma, Tragedy, Transformation and Triumph

Born in Toledo, Ohio, Terry Green spent the early part of his childhood with his great-grandmother, who served as a lead nurse in her church.

“That’s where I got the heart of service,” he says.

Green recalls being a smart, intelligent child who always made the honor roll. He moved to Columbus at age 11 with his mother, a single parent and a hustler who battled drug addictions.

“Columbus was a culture shock,” continues Green, explaining how that change in environment transformed his life. By 15, his mother was incarcerated and he found himself homeless, couchsurfing, and living off friends. He committed his first crime at 16 and at 20 received a four and a half year prison sentence. But…

“Prison was the best thing that ever happened to me,” he says. “It gave me an opportunity to change my life. Going to prison, with all that trauma, was motivation to change.”

During that time, he earned his GED, took college courses and stayed connected with his greatgrandmother, the only person he could call who would answer.

“Sometimes I felt like I was dead to the world,” he explains. “I didn’t have too much support.”

In 2012, he was released to a half-way house, where he served the last six months of his sentence and continued to work on his transformation and change.

Being introduced to programs while incarcerated propelled him into the world of community service, work he did in addition to his third shift employment in a warehouse. But, a bad car accident in 2015, leaving him with a broken foot, led him to discover a deeper purpose for his life.

Today, Terry Green is the Founder and CEO of Think Make Live Youth non-profit, CEO and Lead Consultant of Breaking Statistics LLC, social justice consulting firm as well as the Founder of the Social

Justice Awards, a celebration event dedicated to honoring outstanding professional and community leadership.

He has 12 years of experience in public speaking, 8 years of nonprofit executive leadership and provided over 200+ presentations in more than 12 cities throughout the United States.

He is considered a national thought leader on the topics of effective solutions and strategies to support diversity, equity and inclusion, youth empowerment, as well as community enrichment for companies, organizations, schools, and outreach groups.

Green is a graduate of Franklin County YouthBuild and received the national YouthBuild USA Outstanding Commitment to Leadership and Social Justice Award. He is an alumnus of the United Way of Central Ohio Neighborhood Leadership Academy. As a young community activist, Green also served as a Community Organizer for America Forward Today’s Student Campaign.

He serves on the Supreme Court of Ohio Subcommittee on Responding to Child Abuse, Neglect and Dependency, and recently received an appointment to serve as a Board Member for Franklin County’s Rise Together Innovation Institute which is an organization aiming to decrease poverty within Central Ohio.

Green got his criminal record expunged in 2020 and helps others do the same. And, he is a marketing guru with over 30,000 followers on LinkedIn. He has pushed through many challenges in his life and now he is dedicated every day to provide more innovative strategies, resources and opportunities for youth, returning citizens and executive leaders to thrive in today’s society. His next big goal is to write a book, to share his journey with others.

“I want to help those who have been through similar experiences,” says Green. n

Regina R. Harper

HEAD OF

TRANSFORMATION

AND DELIVERY FOR TECHNOLOGY EMPLOYEE SUPPORT SERVICES WITHIN EMPLOYEE PLATFORMS

JPMORGAN CHASE

BY RHONDA CROWDER, PHOTO BY IRA GRAHAM III

A Humble and Faithful Servant

“To whom much is given, much is required.” That’s the motto of Regina R. Harper, who has a deep sense of longevity, commitment and faithfulness. And, it’s evident in every aspect of her life.

Raised by “humble” parents, the youngest of six, this Columbus native with roots in North Carolina is an active member and minister at the same church, Oakley Full Gospel Baptist, where she was baptized at six years old. Her family also attends Oakley and still does family dinners after church.

She has known her husband and Bid Whist partner, Julian R. Harper, since age 14. He is her most ardent supporter and protector.

Career wise, she is a multifaceted professional known for her leadership, organization, and communication skills. Although her 34-year professional career at JPMorgan Chase has encompassed key positions, she now leads a team that provides real-time technology support to all employees anytime, anywhere, with data driven insight and product expertise to provide the best employee experience. She is one of three female executive directors, who are women of color in technology in the Columbus market.

Harper, who never studied technology formally states, “I see technology as a business.” She brings all her formal educational and leadership skills as well as training and development experience to the role.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Communications from Franklin University and a Master of Business Administration with a Human Resources Specialization from Ashland University in addition to a project management certification from the University of Colorado at Denver and received a ProSci Change Management certification.

Harper has also demonstrated a steadfast devotion to purposes larger than herself. Her lifetime

commitment to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. began in 1986, on the campus of Bennett College. She has held various leadership roles within the organization at the local, regional, and national level, including Regional Director of eight states within the Midwest. She has also rendered exemplary service to the Prince Hall Masonic family since joining Esther Chapter #3, OES, in December 1999. Her service culminated in her election to serve Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star for the State of Ohio as the Grand Worthy Matron in August 2022.

Seeing others struggling to get the basic needs to survive and thrive compelled her to expand her outreach. In 2010, she started the Kingdom Knowledge Foundation to address social issues, such as poverty, homelessness, and hunger. The Foundation sought to provide basic necessities for those in need of improving their quality of life. There was also a need within the community to promote education by providing school supplies, after-school programs, and scholarships.

She’s the recipient of numerous awards including recognition as an Outstanding Young Woman of America and was a member of the United Way Project Diversity Cycle 13 class.

“I grew up with a powerful sense of community and the belief that everyone has a responsibility to help others,” Harper says. And, despite all she has accomplished, she’s far from done. She is working on a Master of Divinity and knows God continues to move her to serve women.

“All of the lessons I’ve learned to help me be successful, I try to share with others,” she says. “It’s all about people. That’s what drives me and what gives me energy. If I can help someone along the way, then my living is not in vain.” n

Jordan

Hawkins PRESIDENT

OHIO YOUNG BLACK DEMOCRATS

BY RHONDA CROWDER, PHOTO BY IRA GRAHAM III

To be Young, Gifted and Black

While in middle school, 2007-08, Jordan Hawkins’ great-grandmother called him everyday to talk about then U.S Senator and presidential candidate Barack Obama. He listened. Also, growing up in the Church of God in Christ, he always participated in Black History Month programs - reciting speeches from the likes of Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and James Baldwin.

He believes those experiences shaped his interest in the civic process.

But, Hawkins who grew up in the greater Cleveland, Ohio area and played high school sports, went on to attend Otterbein University on a lacrosse scholarship and majored in engineering. The Black Lives Matter movement, rise of Trumpism, his experiences as a Black man in predominantly white environments and joining Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. inspired him to switch his major.

“It took me experiencing what I was experiencing,” he says. “I became proud of who I am, and had to learn a lot of real life lessons about identity, speaking up and being proud of who I am.”

As a result, Hawkins found himself in leadership positions within Otterbein’s Black student organizations and a student activist committed to addressing racism on campus.

His political career began in 2016, as an intern at the Ohio House of Representative and the NAACP’s Washington D.C. Bureau. He graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in Sociology.

Jordan further immersed himself in the political realm by relocating to Washington D.C. to serve as a congressional intern with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation in former Congresswoman Marcia Fudge’s D.C. office.

“It was amazing working with her. She became a mentor and auntie figure,” says Hawkins.

He returned to Columbus and joined State Senator Vernon Sykes’ office as a legislative aide. During the 2018 midterm election, Hawkins took a leap of faith and joined the then Democratic nominee for Ohio Treasurer, Rob Richardson, as his statewide political director. Following the 2018 election, he became the deputy engagement director of the Ohio Democratic Party and member of the Ohio Young Black Democrats in 2019.

In addition to newfound opportunities with campaign politics and organizing across Ohio’s progressive ecosystem, Hawkins became a member of the New Leaders Council of Columbus and United Way Project Diversity fellowship in 2019.

He currently serves as President of the Ohio Young Black Democrats, a statewide organization and official caucus within the Ohio Democratic Party which mentors, recruits, and empowers the next generation of young Black leaders across the state while engaging and mobilizing Black voters. He is also the first Black man and youngest person to be the executive director of the Ohio House Democratic Caucus (OHDC), serving at the pleasure of Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo.

In his role, he recruits and helps manage state legislative candidates in Ohio’s 99 state legislative districts as well as leading the execution of all strategic campaign activities of the OHDC with members of the Ohio House and partners across the Democratic ecosystem. Serving in this role since 2021, he ran the caucus during the 2022 midterm election and the current 2024 presidential election.

As far as running for public office himself, he sees it as a strong possibility however, as a man of faith, only if God calls him to do so. Either way, he plans to continue being a servant leader.

Jordan’s mantra is simple: let your work do the talking, and always stay true to yourself. n

Kristopher Jackson PRESIDENT SIGMA 614 FOUNDATION

BY RHONDA CROWDER, PHOTO BY IRA GRAHAM III

A Multi-Faceted Leader

An Akron native, raised by his mother Alyce in a single-parent home, Kristopher “Kris” Jackson grew up a “church boy” and his love of God led him to start his first ministry “CDOG,” which stands for Christians Depending on God, at age 13. He met with friends twice a month at the library, provided refreshments, held Bible study and conducted community outreach by giving teddy bears to homeless children.

This “heart for the community,” he says, is inherited from his grandmother Joyce, a former educator and active life member of Delta Sigma Theta. Even at 91 years old, she’s still his pride and joy.

“She was always doing something, and I was always doing something with her,” says Jackson.

Jackson recalls his grandmother telling him that, at two years old, he was taking control and running things - a character trait remaining with him throughout his life and career.

Today, Jackson is a real estate executive, artistic director and pastor in addition to serving as the president of Sigma 614 Foundation.

A graduate of St. Thomas University, Jackson is the Vice President of Operations, Senior Portfolio Manager for Star High Management, a 601W Company. He is also dedicated to arts and culture as essential to a community’s quality of life, embracing and sharing his passion within the Ohio and Florida communities both as a volunteer and professional.

With a love for music and musical theater, Jackson has directed and produced several large-scale shows. He’s served as Vice President of Operations for the Rhythm of Gospel Awards (the nation’s largest independent Gospel award show), has performed and sung onstage and worked extensively offstage on creative teams and served as President & Managing Director of Players by the Sea in Jacksonville, Florida until his move to Columbus, Ohio, in May 2020.

In 2021, Players by the Sea named him President Emeritus.

He also serves as Executive Pastor of Mount Nebo Baptist Church under the direction of Rev. Arthur M. Davis II.

Despite joining Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., only four years ago, he currently serves as President of Sigma 614 Foundation, which seeks to be a beacon of leadership by utilizing diverse talents to create environments where the community is motivated to achieve and reach its highest potential. The foundation aims to empower people to become selfsufficient shareholders in the economic and social fabric of the communities it serves. Additionally, the foundation prioritizes the economic empowerment of the African American community, recognizing it as essential for fostering long-term prosperity and social mobility.

Under Jackson’s leadership, the Sigma 614 Foundation awarded over $675,000 in rental assistance, housed over ten pregnant mothers rentfree for a year, and expanded its reach.

Additionally, he actively serves as 1st Vice President of Beta Omicron Sigma and as the International Deputy Chief of Staff to International President Chris V. Rey, J.D.

“I came in swinging because that’s one of the things they asked in our interviews. ‘Are you coming to do the work or are you coming to sit aside,’” Jackson explains.

“But, I didn’t plan on working this hard.” He smiles and laughs.

Jackson’s multifaceted involvement in the arts and his leadership in various professional and community roles exemplify his commitment to enhancing the cultural fabric of his community and beyond while empowering individuals and fostering economic and social growth.

“I serve a mighty God,” says Jackson. “Sometimes being busy is the covering.” n

The Honorable Dontavius L. Jarrells

STATE

REPRESENTATIVE (D-1) AND ASSISTANT MINORITY LEADER

OHIO’S GENERAL ASSEMBLY

BY RHONDA CROWDER, PHOTO BY IRA GRAHAM III

A Voice for the People

In the heart of Ohio’s legislature, a young leader embodies resilience, compassion, and dedication to public service. Dontavius L. Jarrells, raised in Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood - marked by racial tension and economic challenges - understands what it means to struggle. His story mirrors the experiences of many Ohioans, but his determination to turn hardship into hope sets him apart.

“Growing up in communities like Hough, you see what disinvestment looks like in real time,” Jarrells reflects. Witnessing his mother’s sacrifices as she worked tirelessly to provide for their family, he learned the value of hard work. He saw the gaps in access to housing, education, and essential services and felt a desire to make a difference.

“Choosing a career in public service was not merely a professional decision. It was an act rooted in love, love for the people of Ohio and belief in their potential,” he says. “It is this love that drives me to stand up for their rights and well-being.”

Jarrells’ commitment to speaking truth to power became evident early. In elementary school, he was a natural leader, advocating for smaller class sizes. His sense of justice shone at 12 when he defended a homeless woman being taunted on public transit. In high school, he captained the robotics team and led service initiatives, organizing Thanksgiving meals for families in need.

These moments crystallized his belief in standing up for those who cannot stand for themselves.

At Hiram College, where he majored in Political Science and Economics, Jarrells learned how policy shapes lives.

“It clicked in me that what I wanted was to stand up for people and speak truth to power.”

His journey began with a fellowship at the Legislative Service Commission, giving him an inside view of policy making. He worked in nonprofit and state agencies focused on mental health and addiction services and

later in the Franklin County Treasurer’s Office, where he deepened his understanding of the challenges faced by Ohio’s vulnerable communities.

In 2016, driven by duty, Jarrells ran for State Representative, House District 25. He lost by 1,500 votes - a narrow defeat that might have dissuaded others, but not him. “Although that loss stung, it wasn’t a defeat. It was a lesson.”

He became Chair of the Black Caucus of Young Democrats of America, a founding member of the New Leaders Council of Columbus, and established the Columbus African Council to bridge the African Diaspora. These roles expanded his influence and reinforced his commitment to fostering young leaders.

“People have to know your why,” Jarrells emphasizes. Vulnerability and transparency became pillars of his leadership. In 2020, he ran again for House District 25 and won.

“I credit my victory to being able to tell people that everything I do is about building policies that would have saved my mom, that would have given her, and families like mine, the chance to thrive.”

During his tenure, Jarrells has secured $150 million for lead prevention programs, passed no-cost lead abatement legislation, and championed laws eliminating discriminatory deed covenants and derogatory language from state codes. He has brought millions in funding back to his district.

Now serving his second term as Representative for House District 1, and as elected Assistant Minority Leader - the highest-ranking Black member in the Ohio House - Jarrells’ vision remains simple: an Ohio where no one is unseen or unheard.

His presence in the House is revolutionary, embodying the spirit of courage and hope. “My love for people drives me.” n

Joan Madison FOUNDER

JOAN’S BRIDAL COUTURE

BY RHONDA CROWDER, PHOTO BY IRA GRAHAM III

Excellence by Design

“It’s definitely a path I believe I was on from a very young age,” says Joan Madison, a renowned fashion designer with over three decades of experience. Known for her sophisticated, modern, highfashion designs that bring empowering artistry to the runway, her recent achievements in 2023 speak volumes about her exceptional talent and craftsmanship. She received the Greater Columbus Arts Council’s (GCAC) prestigious Artists Elevated award in Fashion, was named Designer of the Year by the Columbus Fashion Council and won first place in the Highball Halloween Costume Couture Fashion Show with her collection, “Her Hair is Her Crown,” reflecting her deep rooted African heritage. With the support of GCAC, she turned this 4-piece capsule collection into a full 15-piece collection that was presented at the House of iKon’s 10th Year Anniversary show during London Fashion Week 2024.

This journey through the world of fashion began for Madison, a New York city native, at seven as she designed and crafted custom clothing for her Barbie dolls.

“I wanted to dress her,” Madison explains. “I wanted her to wear what I designed. She didn’t have a wardrobe, just a few basic pieces. I wanted to change her clothes everyday.”

Madison would also sell Barbie outfits at school out of her lunch box for a quarter.

Madison comes from a very close-knit family, her parents and brother. Always a creative child, she started dancing at age 2 and grew up in the performing arts. As a teenager, in the theater and arts, she danced on Broadway.

“I was exposed to a lot of the arts in New York. I always had that creative, expressive energy.”

Always intrigued with textiles, at 13, she started working in a fabric store in Long Island and would make clothes for customers. That’s when she

designed her first bridal gown. “I loved the idea of being able to create something for a special day.”

She went on to spend over 15 years in New York’s garment industry until snagging an opportunity to work for Limited and Express in 1998. She ran their technical department for 10 years and still designed the side, filling the desire to have her own business.

She says The Limited is responsible for bringing a lot of talent to Columbus, making it 3rd in the nation for fashion and she’s grateful for the opportunity to contribute.

“I find the fashion community here is like a family,” she says. We all support each other.”

Since then, she’s been featured in esteemed fashion publications such as Elle and Dean Magazine just to name a few and believes there’s much more to come.

“International opportunities have been afforded to me,” explains Madison, who has been selected to present in Cuba, where one of her pieces will be on display in a museum. She’s also been selected winner of the Dresden Germany Fellowship.

Her source of inspiration, she says, comes from the universe. “Being an empath, I start creating from there and drawing from different life experiences.”

Her ultimate goal is to design wardrobes for motion pictures and dress celebrities. She wants to see her pieces on the red carpet and even the Met Gala.

“I think it will come in time. My journey is leading to that. More exposure will attract that kind of attention.”

A true visionary with an enduring legacy as a designer, she’s leaving an indelible mark on the world of fashion. n

The

Honorable Algenon L. Marbley

FEDERAL JUDGE

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO

BY RHONDA CROWDER, PHOTO BY IRA GRAHAM III

A Light Within the Democracy

Algenon L. Marbley recalls growing up in the small town of Nashville, North Carolina where the children played outside without a care in the world and were raised by the village. He particularly enjoyed going to the coastal town of Morehead City where his paternal grandparents lived to enjoy time at the beach.

Looking back, Marbley says his childhood was a very “idyllic upbringing.” And his most memorable moments are those spent with his maternal grandmother, whom he adored.

With both parents and his paternal grandfather being teachers, there was never a question of whether he would attend college. The only question was where. In the fourth grade, he declared career interest upon his teacher’s request. He said professional baseball player or lawyer. Considering his inability to master the game (he instead played basketball in high school) and his “gift of gab,” law seemed most ideal.

“I was always talkative and up for a lively debate,” says Marbley, an only child. “Both of my parents were the engaging type. They never shied away from discussion involving the issues of the day.”

As a result of heavy recruiting, he decided to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he became a North Carolina Fellow. During the competitive selection process, he determined he would never misrepresent himself or his values - a virtue that remained with him throughout his life and one he’s even imbued with his children.

Marbley went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from Northwestern University and practiced civil, criminal, and administrative law at Vorys, Sater, Seymour, and Pease, where he worked his way up to partner. He never wanted to be an elected jurist but did dream of becoming a federal judge because they have judicial independence, not being beholden to an electorate.

In 1997, upon recommendation from Senator John Glenn, President Bill Clinton appointed him to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. In his twenty-seven years on the bench, Marbley has presided over some of the most important cases in central Ohio and the country, ranging from voting rights issues to policing. The Washington Post adopted one of his statements made during a trial as its motto: “Democracy dies in darkness.”

Marbley even served as the Chief District Judge from September 14, 2019 to September 6, 2024, becoming the first African-American in that capacity.

He received an Honorary Doctor of Laws in 2022 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and was selected as the Northwestern University Law School Trienens Visiting Judicial Scholar in 2021, where he delivered the Trienens Lecture. This year, Marbley was inducted into the Ohio State University’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion 2024 Hall of Fame. He was also awarded the Dawn Clark Netsch Award for Public Service by Northwestern Pritzker School of Law Alumni Awards. He serves as a member of the Constitutional Law Committee of the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

He also remains active in the community. He currently serves as a Member on the Boards of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) School, and The Columbus Symphony.

Marbley is married and the father of two adult sons, one stepson, four granddaughters and one grandson. He loves to play golf and listen to jazz.

His advice to young people, “There was nothing exceptional about me, enabling me to become a federal judge. You have to be tenacious in your pursuit of excellence.” n

Jerry Saunders, Sr. & E. Gayle Saunders, APR

FOUNDERS AND CEOS

AFRICENTRIC PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT SHOP, INC. THE SAUNDERS PR GROUP

BY RHONDA CROWDER, PHOTO BY IRA GRAHAM III

Faith, Family, Leadership and Legacy

Jerry and Gayle Saunders individually are a movement. Together, they are a force. A power couple, relationship goals - speaking highly of each other - they work hard individually and collectively for their family, in their respective businesses, and on behalf of the community.

Jerry is a Columbus native. Gayle was born and raised in North Middleton, Kentucky.

Both come from large families with lots of love. Gayle graduated from the University of Louisville and now serves on the board of directors for the University of Louisville Athletic Association.

Jerry graduated from Oberlin College and later became Executive Director of the Eldon W. Ward YMCA of Central Ohio, where, by chance, he met Gayle.

The two went on to build dynamic professional careers coupled with strong civic engagement.

Since 1997, Jerry has served as CEO of Africentric Personal Development Shop, Inc. (APDS), an innovative and culturally-centered behavioral healthcare agency established in 1988. Also, he is managing partner with The Saunders Business Development Group, LLC.

Jerry is an agent for change in Central Ohio and has created and/or led countless initiatives and boards that have high impact on community and serving people. He is chairman of the board of directors for Equity Now Coalition (ENC), vice chair of the board of directors for Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity (WCEO), trustee of United Methodist Children’s Home, Inc., member of Mt. Carmel Health Systems Foundation Board of Trustees, inaugural member of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Health Equity Community Advisory Board, vice chair of Franklin County Reentry Advisory Board, Dispatch Editorial Community Advisory Board, National Representative for 100 Black Men of Central Ohio, Inc., and a founding member of The Columbus CEO Collective.

“Jerry has been leading people since he could talk,” says Gayle, who achieved several firsts including first Black female videographer at a news network in Columbus, first female deputy director for the City of Columbus Department of Public Safety and first person of color to be named Public Relations Professional of the Year by the Central Ohio Public Relations Society of America. Gayle serves as president of Twin Rivers (OH) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and hosts her own local TV show called ‘SASSEE.’

Following a dynamic and award-winning career as a public relations executive for fortune 500 corporations and other high-profile organizations, Gayle launched her own full-service PR firm in 2014.

As founder and CEO, she continues to lead as a nationally renowned thought leader in reputation management and strategic public relations consulting. With a portfolio of high-profile clients, Gayle delivers strategies from conception to execution that transform organizations from within and have a lasting ripple effect across communities.

“Gayle is a super leader,” says Jerry. “I am so proud of how she intentionally provides economic opportunity for Black and Brown entrepreneurs and creatives.”

One of her career highlights include serving as the liaison to the White House and managing 100+ media outlets and an in-house team of 70+ university professionals during former President Barack Obama’s 2013 commencement speech at OSU. Gayle deems her greatest accomplishment being a mother to Jerry Jr. “It’s a joy and privilege for us to pour into him as he pours into us.”

When asked how they balance it all, Gayle responds, “We enjoy and celebrate the times we’re together” while Jerry says, “I see it as just living.”

He adds, “We have lots of common interests and our most common interest is our connection with The Creator.”

CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT

Huntington Bank is deeply committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within its workforce and the communities it serves. We actively promote an environment where individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, and experiences can thrive, believing that diverse perspectives enhance creativity and drive innovation. Through various initiatives, such as employee resource groups and targeted recruitment efforts, Huntington Bank strives to create a workplace that reflects the rich diversity of its customer base, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. This commitment not only enriches the company culture but also strengthens its ability to meet the needs of its diverse clientele.

MEET OUR ASSOCIATES ➔

Kelly J.F. Blackmon

Senior Vice President Director of Talent Acquisition & Executive Recruiting

Kelly J.F. Blackmon is the Senior Vice President and Director of Talent Acquisition and Executive Recruiting at The Huntington National Bank in Columbus, Ohio. She develops and implements talent acquisition strategies to attract highly qualified and diverse candidates across Huntington’s eleven-state footprint. Blackmon provides strategic direction and expertise to hiring managers and senior leaders within the organization. She holds a Bachelor of Science from The Ohio State University and an MBA from Central Michigan University, along with a professional designation in human resources. Additionally, she is a graduate of Huntington’s Executive Women Leader Program and received a Certificate in Fostering Diversity and Inclusion from Yale University. Blackmon also completed Huntington’s DEI Executive Certification Program with The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business and recently earned a Korn Ferry Leadership Architect (KLFA) certification. In 2024, she was recognized as a Mover and Shaker by the Columbus Urban League.

Monica Carter

Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Finance Technology

Monica Carter is the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Finance Technology at The Huntington National Bank. The Columbus native’s career path began with advanced classes in math and science from elementary through high school in the Columbus City School system. She continued her education at Columbus State Community College and earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering. Carter has held various roles within the information technology ecosystem, which provides a vast understanding of the inner workings of this technology organization that supports one of the top regional banks in America. She excels at multiple levels of IT management, delivering efficient and innovative technical solutions to complex business challenges. She attributes her success to continuous improvement, refinement, and constant learning.

Donald Dennis

Executive Vice President, Community Development, Multicultural Banking and Financial Education

Donald Dennis oversees Community Development, Multicultural Banking, and Financial Education at The Huntington National Bank. He leads initiatives with public-sector and community organizations to implement Huntington’s $40 billion Community Plan, which enhances economic vitality and financial security in the communities served. This plan provides essential resources to address social, racial, environmental, and economic inequities in under-resourced communities. Before this role, Dennis managed diversity, equity, inclusion, and culture at Huntington, joining the bank in 2018 after serving as AVP of Learning & Performance Excellence at Nationwide Financial Services. He has also held various technology management positions in financial services. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Dennis serves on the boards of the MidOhio Food Collective and Columbus Community Kitchen, LLC, and is a member of the UNCF Columbus Leadership Council. He completed the Executive Program in Leadership at the University of Michigan and the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.

Serina Shores

Senior Vice President, Wealth Risk Officer Huntington Investment Company, Huntington Private Bank, Huntington Insurance Inc.

Serina Shores is Senior Vice President - Wealth Risk Officer for Huntington Financial Advisors, Huntington Private Bank, and Huntington Insurance Inc. With over 23 years of experience in the financial services industry, Shores also has experience as a Field Analyst at the United Nations. Shores brings extensive hands-on experience in risk monitoring and assessment. Before joining Huntington, Shores served as Vice President Compliance Director at JPMorgan Chase’s Investment Services Corp. Shores serves on the Board of Maryhaven and is an active member of the FINRA CIC and Membership Advisory committees. She is also a member of the Bank Insurance & Securities Association Diversity Equity & Inclusion committee. She also leads the BISA Rising Star Program. Over the past decade, Shores has dedicated her time to organizations such as the National Center for Women and Information Technology, helping young women from underserved communities’ access and pursue careers in the computing field.

Lachelle Thigpen

Executive Vice President, Consumer & Regional Banking Segment Risk

Lachelle Thigpen leads the Consumer and Regional Banking Segment Risk team at The Huntington National Bank. She is responsible for administering a risk program that supports the Enterprise Risk Management strategy and framework. Prior to her current role, Thigpen was the Regulatory Relations Director and the primary point of contact for the Federal Reserve Board, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Thigpen’s Huntington career has spanned over 25 years across multiple segments and leadership roles, including Consumer and Regional Banking, Auto Finance, Commercial Real Estate, Corporate Risk, and Internal Audit. She earned an MBA from Ohio Dominican University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Franklin University. Thigpen currently serves on the Wexner Center Foundation Board of Trustees and finance committee and as Chair of the Consumer Bankers Association Risk Committee.

Rachel White Director Customer Solution Center

Hailing from Dayton, Ohio, Rachel White graduated from Meadowdale High School and continued her education at The Ohio State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. As an advocate of lifelong learning, White graduated from the Consumer Bankers Association’s Executive Banking School in 2021 and earned an MBA from Capital University in May 2023. White’s journey with The Huntington National Bank began in 2013. Today, she serves as Director of the Customer Solution Center. Before joining Huntington, White’s career journey included roles at JPMorgan Chase, Discover, and Victoria’s Secret Catalogue. Her passion and gift allow her to see emerging talent that others traditionally may overlook. She believes intentionally shaping a positive culture determines an organization’s success and longevity much more than strategy ever will. Her personal philosophy is that we are so much more than what we do. It’s about who we are, how we show up, and how we help others.

By Rhonda CrowdeR

In the heart of Columbus, Ohio, where innovation mingles with tradition, a revolution is quietly taking shape in the fashion world. This isn’t about the glittering runways of Paris or the bustling streets of New York. It’s about Columbus - a city where a movement is redefining style, culture, and community.

‘‘

Fashion is the fourth largest economy in Columbus. That’s why we have our events, to make sure we are pouring into the entrepreneurs.

‘‘

- KEIRA CHATMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COLUMBUS FASHION COUNCIL

with its own fashion week, a Top 10 design school, and a wealth of clothing companies, Columbus is home to a thriving fashion scene - enough for one 2012 study to determine that the city has the nation’s third-highest number of fashion designers behind New York City and Los Angeles.

And, at the forefront of this movement are two key players: the Columbus Fashion Council and the Columbus Fashion Alliance, each contributing to a vibrant tapestry of Black fashion.

Founded by Thomas McClure, the Columbus Fashion Council (CFC) is a 15-year old, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to elevating and supporting the fashion industry in Central Ohio. Serving local designers, models, photographers, videographers, stylists, students, and event specialists, CFC provides a vital platform for creativity and growth within the fashion community.

“Our primary focus is on entreprenuership,” says Keira Chatman, who has led CFC as executive director for the last year. She explains that, when people think of fashion, clothes come to mind. But, there’s more to it. It’s a business.

“Fashion is the fourth largest economy in Columbus. That’s why we have our events, to make sure we are pouring into the entrepreneurs.”

With its signature event, Fashion Week Columbus, bringing together emerging and established designers, CFC’s impact is farreaching. This event allows local talent to shine on the runway, while connecting them with valuable opportunities and resources such as manufacturers and media that help spread the word about their work.

Other events include the Fashion Awards Ball and Fashion Industry Conference Additionally, CFC has awarded over $60,000 in scholarships to fashion design students, directly investing in the future of fashion by supporting the next generation of talent.

Keira Chatman, Executive Director, Columbus Fashion Council

One of the organization’s most significant accomplishments is the establishment of Common Thread Shops on 3rd, a partnership with the city creating Columbus’ first fashion district. This innovative retail space takes designers from runway to retail, offering them the chance to showcase and sell their creations directly to the public.

‘‘Victoria’s Secret & Co. has proudly dedicated time and resources to supporting causes and organizations that drive positive change within the community, such as the Columbus Fashion Council and Columbus Fashion Alliance, and fosters growth and development of the fashion industry in Columbus.

‘‘- LESLIE NIXON, AVP OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS AT VS&CO.

The district plays a key role in transforming the city into a thriving fashion hub.

Through its various programs, workshops, scholarships, and initiatives, CFC continues to nurture local talent, enhance the creative economy, and shape Columbus into a recognized fashion destination.

“Everything we do supports the fashion designers or goes back into the organization,” says Chatman.

On the other hand is the Columbus Fashion Alliance CFA, which focuses workforce development and students.

When asked why he saw a need to start this organization in 2019, Yohannan “Yogi” Terrell, CFA’s CEO and executive director says, “When I learned Columbus is the third largest fashion industry in the country, I started to imagine what could happen if we unlock that potential and what it would do for our community since we always seem to shape the culture.”

Through CFA, he sees the opportunity to both teach the business of fashion and create an economic engine in Columbus. He refers to the movement as Fashion 2.0, the ability to create jobs, brands and support creatives.

With that, the mission of CFA is to create, connect, and move fashion forward as the organization seeks to enhance Columbus’ culture into one that equips, fosters, and supports emerging designers and brands in the ultimate quest to become and sustain Columbus as a regionally, nationally, and even internationally respected fashion hub.

By cultivating education, community, imagination, and opportunity, CFA strives to become a fashion manufacturing and innovation leader while building an alliance of stakeholders from across all domains of the fashion and retail ecosystem, from fabric and printmakers to suppliers and distributors; from boutique retailers to large retail chains; from large scale brands and manufacturers to individual makers; from teaching

CFA CEO and Executive Director Yohannan “Yogi” Terrell

artists to up-and-coming designers and students. Today, the CFA is excited to embark on a new chapter of impact. In 2025, CFA will open a 43,000 square foot fashion innovation center in Downtown Columbus. This will be the first of its kind in the Midwest and will be the home to fashion innovation, entrepreneurship, and culture.

Chatman and Terrell think collaboration is imperative. Chatman says CFC and CFA host one event together and both focus on sustainability, a big topic in the fashion industry right now. “It’s very simple,” says Terrell. “The more organizations we have working together the stronger our ecosystem is. As we’re trying to build in Columbus, it’s great for us to work together. It shows the Fashion community is connected. We have a better impact and turn out.

Joan Madison, designer and owner of Joan’s Bridal Couture, has been showing collections with these two organizations for over 10 years.

“Thanks to Keira Chatman and Thomas McClure, for all they have done to provide a platform for designers to showcase their art,” says Madison. “I have seen firsthand the impact that these organizations have on the Columbus fashion community scene.

Madison says Fashion Week Columbus is a place where designers can come together to showcase their work, network with industry

professionals, and learn from each other. She also describes it as a place where the Columbus fashion community models, make-up artists, hair stylists, everyone, can come together to celebrate fashion and support our local designers.

‘‘As proud members of this vibrant, innovative community,” Nixon adds, “we are inspired by the talented individuals whose hard work fuels the city, helping Columbus shine as a leader in fashion retail. We’re thrilled to continue to advance the industry and champion fashion’s current and future Black creatives and brands.

‘‘Apparently, Columbus - with its rich history and vibrant cultural scene - has carved out a unique space in the fashion world. The Columbus Black fashion Industry, fueled by the CFC and CFA, demonstrated that true change begins with a single vision and a commitment to uplift one’s heritage. In this Midwestern city, fashion thrives not just on the runways but in the heart of the community, proving that style and substance can come together to create something truly remarkable.

Scan the QR codes to watch exclusive runway videos from Columbus Fashion Week!

FWC 24 Designer Jasmine Burton

FWC Finale Designer Ryan Grant

FWC 24 Designer Xantha

FWC 24 Designer Jasmine Burton

FWC 24 Designer James White

FWC 24 Designer Jasmine Burton

CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT

At Encova, we believe that everyone deserves to feel valued and heard. We’re committed to creating a workplace where diversity and inclusion thrive, because we know that different perspectives lead to better ideas and stronger solutions. By fostering a culture of respect and equity, we empower our team members to reach their full potential and deliver exceptional service to our customers.

MEET OUR ASSOCIATES ➔

Yvette McGee Brown

Chair, Governance Committee

Vice Chair, Audit Committee Member, Technology Committee

Yvette McGee Brown is a member of the board of directors for Encova Insurance. Brown is Partner-inCharge of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Advancement at Jones Day law firm, advising clients in government investigations involving police or corporate misconduct, discrimination, internal investigations, disparate impact, Title VII and Title IX. She works with leadership on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategies and frequently assists clients develop DEI plans. Brown spent 11 years as a jurist, including as a justice on the Ohio Supreme Court, before returning to private practice. Brown is an arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association, serving on complex commercial panels. She was a director for two public companies and now serves on the boards of directors for The Jeffrey Company and KIPP Columbus. For Encova, Brown serves as chair of the Governance Committee, as Vice Chair of the Audit Committee and as a Member of the Technology Committee.

Archie M. Griffin

Vice Chair, Governance Committee Member, Investment and Compensation Committee

Archie M. Griffin is a member of the board of directors for Encova Insurance. Griffin served over 11 years as president and CEO of The Ohio State University Alumni Association and as advisor and consultant to The Ohio State University Office of Advancement. Elected to the Motorists Mutual Board of Directors in 1991, Griffin currently serves as Vice Chair of the Governance Committee and as a Member of the Investment and Compensation Committees. As alumnus of The Ohio State University, the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner is nationally recognized by ESPN, the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame and more for his 1972-1975 seasons. Griffin remains active with philanthropic endeavors in communities locally and nationally. He created the Archie Griffin Scholarship Fund and The Archie and Bonita Griffin Foundation Fund, which provide continual investments in youth focus programs. Griffin also serves on the boards of directors for local and national organizations.

Marchelle E. Moore

Senior Vice President, External Affairs Chief Diversity Officer and President, Encova Foundation of Ohio

Marchelle E. Moore is Senior Vice President, External Affairs, Chief Diversity Officer and President of the Encova Foundation of Ohio at Encova Insurance.

As Encova’s first Chief Diversity Officer, Moore leads innovative efforts to make an inclusive and equitable atmosphere for all associates. As senior vice president of external affairs and president of the Encova Foundation of Ohio, Moore is responsible for leading strategic corporate citizenship initiatives and advancing the organization’s philanthropic efforts across its geographic footprint. Moore’s professional affiliations include board appointments to Installed Building Products and The Columbus Foundation. Moore also serves on the Independent Review Panel for JobsOhio and is a member of Women Corporate Directors and the Ohio State Bar Association. Moore is a past chair of The Ohio State University Alumni Association board of directors. Moore holds a Juris Doctor and a bachelor’s degree in English from The Ohio State University.

Ralph Smithers, Jr.

Assistant Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Community Relations

Ralph Smithers, Jr. is Assistant Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Community Relations, at Encova Insurance. He is responsible for managing diversity, equity, inclusion and community engagement efforts. Smithers holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and insurance from The Ohio State University. He currently serves on the boards of directors for the Lincoln Theater, Leadership Columbus and Women for Economic Leadership and Development (WELD) and is a trustee of the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges. Smithers is also a member of the Lambda Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, serving as Social Action Chair. Ralph has been recognized by many local organizations, including Columbus Business First, the Ohio Minority Suppliers Development Council, the Simon Kenton Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges. Additionally, Smithers received awards from the Columbus Urban League Young Professionals and The Ohio State University Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

EMERGING LEADERS EMERGING EMERGING EMERGING EMERGING LEADERS

Emerging Leaders are innovative, adaptable, and socially responsible. They leverage technology, prioritize sustainability, and inspire teams to drive growth and positive change in the business world. These leaders excel in encouraging diverse perspectives, and promoting continuous learning and development. By cultivating strong relationships and effective communication, Emerging Leaders build cohesive teams that are motivated to achieve common goals.

Dionne Anderson

Administrative Officer | Franklin County Child Support Enforcement Agency (FCCSEA)

Dionne Anderson, who worked her way up to an Administrative Officer position with Franklin County Child Support Enforcement Agency, is originally from Akron, Ohio and has been a resident of Central Ohio for 35 years. Anderson attended The Ohio State University earning a degree in criminal justice. She has been with Franklin County for a total of 24 years and has made a significant impact in the work culture of the agency by making it a priority to upskill and motivate leaders. Her genuine, honest, helpful spirit allows her to connect to staff in a way that motivates all to be better and do better. Anderson was nominated by her peers for Employee of the Year in 2022 and is actively involved with the Franklin County Racial Equity Council, the FCCSEA Leadership program, several Employee Resource Groups and she mentors others to reach their own professional potential.

Chelsea Marie Barnett

Policy Manager, Franklin County Board of Commissioners | Owner, OYA Organizes

Chelsea Marie Barnett is the owner of OYA Organizes, a professional organizing service specializing in physical and digital spaces and community project engagement. She serves as president of Rewriting the Narrative, Inc., and is the programming co-chair for The Lincoln Theatre. Previously, Barnett was an account executive at Bartha, an AV event staging and media production company. She now works as a policy manager for Commissioner Boyce in Franklin County. Barnett’s lifelong dream is to become a producer and director of documentaries and television, focusing on innovative storytelling. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, celebrating with friends and family, and prioritizing health and wellness through fitness, veganism, and therapy to enhance her consciousness.

Shelbie Briggs Associate Community Center Specialist | Discover Financial Services

Shelbie Briggs, a proud Columbus, Ohio native, is a visionary leader dedicated to blending culture with experiences that drive meaningful change. As the Associate Community Center Specialist at Discover Financial Services, Briggs engages with community organizations and nonprofits through impactful programming. Her previous leadership roles, including Director of Programming at The Urban Business Development Center (The U) and Project Coordinator for the African American Leadership Academy and RAMA Consulting, demonstrate her commitment to breaking down barriers and empowering leaders within her community. Briggs is also the Executive Assistant of The Grief Club, where she helps redefine how grief is experienced within supportive communities. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys singing at her church, painting, drawing, and spending quality time with her family and friends. Passionate about fostering environments that celebrate diversity and encourage authenticity, Briggs is dedicated to cultivating spaces where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Kimberly English Cole

Program Manager, Community Relations | Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA)

Tyisha Blade possesses a diverse background in journalism, communication, and creative writing. She Kimberly English Cole is a natural ideator, connector, and convener. She studied Advertising and Graphic Design at Columbus College of Art & Design and later graduated magna cum laude from The Ohio State University with a B.A. in Public Management, Leadership and Policy, specializing in Nonprofit Management. Before joining Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), Cole enjoyed an 8 ½ year trajectory with Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML), serving in four Columbus branches. Cole’s previous roles include Neighborhood Leadership Academy Alumni Association Coordinator for United Way of Central Ohio, Grant Manager for Greater Columbus Arts Council, and Community Partnership Specialist for BalletMet. She led as the Vice President of Central Community House/Transit Arts Board of Trustees for two years and currently sits on the Community Advisory Board for the Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA. Cole is a professional artist, musician, and thespian with various accolades in a variety of performance genres.

Zara Durham

Communications & Data Manager Ohio Women’s Alliance

Daizhon Cox

Policy Intern, Franklin County Board of Commissioners

Community Activist | Student at The Ohio State University

Daizhon Cox, a 20-year-old student at The Ohio State University, embodies the spirit of service and leadership in his community. Pursuing a dual degree in political science and public policy, he passionately advocates for justice and equity. A proud native of Columbus, Ohio, Cox’s dedication is evident through his involvement in the Young Scholars Program, where he empowers underrepresented youth. As a Staffer for State Representative Latayna Humphrey and an Administrative Policy Intern for Franklin County Board President Kevin Boyce, Cox actively shapes policies to uplift marginalized communities. His commitment extends to serving on the Police Chief Advisory Panel and coaching varsity girls’ volleyball at Columbus Academy.With a history of impactful service, including past internships with Judge Jaiza Page and the Shamsanky Law Firm, Daizhon tirelessly works to combat hunger and youth violence. His self-confidence, determination, and compassionate leadership inspire many and highlight his potential as a transformative leader.

Zara Durham, the Communications & Data Manager at Ohio Women’s Alliance, is from Columbus, Ohio. She graduated in 2020 from an HBCU with a degree in mass communications. Durham is an accomplished author, businesswoman, and communications guru. She wrote “The Future Is Pretty: A Girl’s Guide to Getting Through College and Becoming a Female of the Future,” which led to the founding of her organization that supports young women on their journey from girlhood to womanhood, by offering programming on college and career readiness, life skills, leadership development, and selfdiscovery. The guiding principle, “Knowledge is Power, We Help Girls Wear the Crown,” reflects Durham’s commitment to helping young women thrive and achieve their full potential. Currently, serving as the Personal & Professional Co-Chair for the Columbus Urban League Young Professionals, she’s committed to continue making a positive impact, leaving a sparkle and adding value to every space she enters.

Andre Frazier

Account

Quiana Few

HR Business Partner | Intel Corporation

Quiana Few is an HR Business Partner at Intel Corporation, supporting Datacenter & AI Engineering teams within the Intel Product Group (IPG) division. She also serves as the Program Manager for the Intel Technologist Community, an ERG focused on advancing the careers of African American technical leaders. With over 18 years of HR experience across industries such as technology, pharmaceutical, and insurance, Few excels in building strong relationships and delivering impactful HR solutions. Certified as a SHRM-SCP, expertise includes HR strategy, employee relations, and performance management. Few holds a Master of Science in Administration (HR) from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (HR) from The Ohio State University. She is committed to community impact, currently serving as the 2nd Vice President, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Iota Zeta Chapter. Quiana is a wife and a proud mother of four boys.

Clerk Supervisor | Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center

Andre Frazier is a graduate of Tuskegee University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science in 2017. In 2018, he and his family established a family farm focused on sustainable agriculture. Additionally, Frazier played a key role in founding “The Foundation of Health and Wellness,” a non-profit dedicated to promoting overall health and well-being. He is currently the Account Clerk Supervisor at Franklin County Dog Shelter, where he aids in administrative operations and contributes to animal welfare efforts.

Ashley Grayson

Stanley E. Gates

Director of Community Engagement | Columbus City Council

Stanley E. Gates II serves as the Director of Community Engagement for Columbus City Council. Born and raised in Columbus, Gates leads a team that develops and executes strategies to engage Columbus area stakeholders by developing policies based on constituent issues. Beyond outreach, Gates facilitates Councilmember priorities such as developing and implementing racial equity agendas and researching best practices and initiatives from other cities. Gates is a proud alumnus of both Howard University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and The Ohio State University where he earned his master’s in Educational Policy. He is most proud to have had the opportunity to interview Civil Rights leader, John Lewis, while at Howard University. Gates lives by the Malcolm X quote “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

Student Leadership and Engagement Activities Specialist | The Ohio State University

Ashley Grayson is a Student Leadership and Engagement Activities Specialist at The Ohio State University where she advises the Ohio Union Activities Board (OUAB), student leaders and general body of the main student programming entity at Ohio State. She is dedicated to fostering student engagement by curating over 250 extraordinary programs and events for the undergraduate, graduate, and professional students on campus. Grayson is also the CEO of Allure Events and Co-Founder of Just Friends Events. In addition to her professional work, Grayson is a dedicated member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and is an Executive Board member of Columbus Urban League Young Professionals, having served in various leadership positions of YP Empowerment Summit, Membership, and Social and Cultural Events Chair. Grayson’s dynamic leadership, coupled with her extensive experience in event planning and community engagement, makes her a tremendous asset to elevate every guest experience to new heights.

Shavonda Green

Shaneece Green

Founder | Sharks & Lilies, The Jewelry Company

Shaneece Green is the founder of Sharks & Lilies, The Jewelry Company, launched in 2017. Specializing in heirloom-quality jewelry, Sharks & Lilies crafts pieces of jewelry designed to be passed down for generations. Certified in crystal and chakra healing, she creates jewelry that is both visually stunning and empowering. She leads workshops blending jewelry making with self-empowerment, hosts corporate and private jewelry events, and has designed custom pieces for several largely followed individuals, as well as reaching an international audience through the Queenology Conference. Recently, she has refocused her brand on themes of empowerment and emphasizing love for oneself with new designs and workshops. Education is a key value for Green, who holds dual B.A. degrees in Political Science and Educational Studies from Ohio Dominican University and will complete her MBA in Organizational Leadership in 2025. She also serves as the inaugural Diversity Initiatives Coordinator for Capital University Law School.

Social Program Administrator | Franklin County

Shavonda Green is an educated professional with a proven track record in human-centric services, adept at spearheading internal process improvement initiatives within a government agency. Skilled in managing and facilitating project resources, with a focus on cultivating best practices. Committed to enhancing efficiency, collaboration, and service delivery to meet the unique needs of diverse communities. Green has been with Franklin County since 2017 in a variety of roles. Starting as a case manager at Job and Family Services before moving into a supervisory position. Green joined the Franklin County Office on Aging in May 2024 as a Social Program Administrator directly overseeing Adult Protective Services. Prior to coming to the county Green worked in the health care industry. Green has created Operation Manuals for both Job and Family Services and Adult Protective Services allowing for the standardization of processes. Also, in the creation workflow charts that map out current and future business processes.

TeLisa Harrison

Human Resource Officer, Recruitment 2 |

Franklin County Board of County Commissioners Department of Human Resources

TeLisa Harrison serves as a Human Resource Recruiter for the Franklin County Board of Commissioners. Harrison specializes in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with governmental agencies, private organizations, and the general public. A great coalition builder within the organization, Harrison empowers, supports, informs and provides Franklin County residents with access to resources, ensuring their voices are heard and valued. Harrison is member and graduate of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators Mentor Program, dedicated to the advancement of black public leadership in local and state governments. Harrison earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies from Wright State University. In addition to serving in her community, Harrison is an avid traveler on a quest to visit the 50 states before turning 50. Harrison finds great joy in spending time with family, loved ones and bringing smiles to the faces of all those she comes in contact with.

Dr. Maria N. Houston-Beck

Licensed Clinical Psychologist/Executive Director | Houston Wellness Solutions/LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence

Dr. Maria N. Houston-Beck, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and proud Central Ohio native, is deeply committed to advancing mental health, particularly within marginalized communities. Since 2005, Dr. Houston-Beck has dedicated her career to human services, offering care and support to children, youth, families and adults. As the Executive Director of Lutheran Social Services CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, she currently leads initiatives focused on supporting survivors at high risk of harm. Through her private practice, Houston Wellness Solutions, Dr. Houston-Beck employs a strengths-based approach to empower individuals on their healing journey. A respected expert in the field, she frequently shares her insights through organizational consultations, workshops, keynote presentations, and media engagement. Driven by a passion for creating positive change, Dr. Houston-Beck remains steadfast in her dedication to empowering individuals and building resilience within her community.

Niki Long

Shianne Howard

Center Director, Special Projects | Franklin

County Department of Job and Family Services

Shianne Howard has been with Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services for nearly 7 years. She began as a Clerical Assistant before being promoted to Case Manager. In 2021, she was selected as one of the first case managers to join the Agency’s Family Stabilization Unit (FSU), an innovative pilot at the time that focused on providing whole family supports for families of young men of color who had become involved in the justice system. While Howard was at FSU she was promoted to Administrative Officer, and the unit received a Best in Category Award from the National Association of Counties for its successful outcomes. She currently serves as Center Director for Special Projects, overseeing a team of 20 employees who staff outreach events in the community as well as administer emergency assistance like rent support. Howard is dedicated to continuous learning.

Call Center Supervisor | Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services

Niki Long has been with Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services since 2013, working her way up from a Call Center Agent to Case Manager before being promoted to Call Center Supervisor in 2022. Long leads a team that helps handle upwards of 10,000 calls each week from residents struggling to meet core needs like food, health coverage, childcare or stable housing. She is constantly going above and beyond in meeting her job responsibilities and advancing the Agency’s mission. She pours into her team, instilling the value of empathy, and is always willing to assist her staff and colleagues without hesitation. No matter the tasks, Long makes sure to complete them with a positive attitude and her collaborative spirit fosters a productive work environment, where everyone feels valued and motivated. In addition to her strong work ethic, Long draws from her experience at every level.

Angela Mitchell

Bobby Arthur McAlpine

President of the Undergraduate Student Body | The Ohio State University

Bobby Arthur McAlpine is the current President of the Undergraduate Student Body at The Ohio State University, where he is a fourth-year double majoring in City and Regional Planning and Political Science. A Cincinnati native and graduate of St. Xavier High School, McAlpine discovered his passion for public service early on. At Ohio State, he has been recognized as a Morrill Distinction Scholar and has worked tirelessly to uplift underrepresented voices on campus, serving as the second Black Speaker of the USG (54th) General Assembly. McAlpine is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, having organized events like the First Annual Black History Month Gala, which fostered community among all students. Despite personal setbacks, including the loss of a friend and a grandmother, he remains resilient. His internships include Duke Energy, Taft, Stettinius, and Hollister Law Firm, and he has received the Uplift/Support Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. In his free time, McAlpine enjoys baking, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Diversity & Inclusion Consultant, State Farm Insurance | Co-Founder, Black Women in Nature

Angela Mitchell is a dedicated and community-oriented servant leader, and the co-founder of Black Women in Nature. With a mission to cultivate sisterhood and empower Black women, Mitchell has been instrumental in driving the nonprofit organization’s vision and impact. Through her leadership, Black Women in Nature has successfully fostered a sense of community and promoted equitable access to the outdoors. Mitchell is also a fervent communicator and a diversity, equity and inclusion consultant with State Farm Insurance. With a proven track record in program development, consulting and executive communication, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise for creating inclusive environments. Mitchell is a proud graduate of The Ohio State University and an esteemed member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She actively contributes to her community as a Board member of the Central Ohio Greenways and was recognized by the Columbus Urban League as a 2024 Herstory Mover and Shaker.

Tracy Parks

Greg Owens

Entertainer | GLO Entertainment

Greg Owens is a multifaced musician, songwriter, producer, composer and actor. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Owens has been a staple within the Columbus music scene. He has worked with countless bands, and artist such Mojoflo, Harmonic Soul Band, Chrissy T, and more. Owens has had opportunities to open up for both national and international artist such as Boy II Men, PJ Morton, Pleasure P and more. His music has been heard on radio stations such as 106.7 and 107.5. Owens is a proud graduate of Northland High School. He has a passion for youth which has included working for Columbus City Schools for 5 years. Owens enjoys listening to music, fitness, nature, dancing and being around positive energy. His key to success is that versatility increases value! The more versatile you are, the more valuable you become!

Training Supervisor | Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services

Tracy Parks has been with Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services for more than a decade, beginning as a Case Manager before being promoted to Supervisor of the Training Unit in 2022. In her role, she is responsible for helping new and long-time employees navigate state-run systems as well as facilitating professional development opportunities. Parks can connect with trainees on a personal level no matter the generation, which makes her one of the most relatable trainers. She is able to tailor her training for the skill and experience level of each of her trainees, while also keeping them grounded with core principles and real-life examples. She exemplifies servant leadership and was voted by her peers as one of the Agency’s Employees of the Year in 2023. Tracy has a master’s in social work for The Ohio State University.

Tia Ramey

Marketing Director | RM Communications

Tia Ramey is a dynamic leader in business, communication, and public service, currently serving as the Marketing and Communications Manager for the City of Gahanna. She oversees communication strategies across 14 departments and 22 channels, ensuring cohesive messaging and community engagement. With over a decade of experience, Ramey has successfully led marketing and outreach campaigns in both the public and private sectors. Ramey holds a BFA from the Columbus College of Art and Design and pursued graduate studies in Marketing and Communication at Franklin University. She also teaches social media and self-branding at Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs, empowering future marketing professionals. A TEDx speaker and prolific author, Ramey frequently lectures at colleges and universities, sharing her expertise on communication strategies. Her commitment to open dialogue and community empowerment has earned her recognition as a respected leader in Ohio’s business and public service sectors.

Antwyan Reynolds

Employee Benefits Supervisor | Franklin County Board of Commissioners

Antwyan Reynolds serves as Employee Benefits Supervisor for the Franklin County Cooperative Health Improvement Program. The Cooperative administers comprehensive benefits and well-being programming across Franklin County agencies. Reynolds leads employee benefits operation staff and all operational aspect of the Franklin County Cooperative’s employee benefits program which includes medical, emotional wellbeing solutions, pharmacy, dental, vision, life, COBRA, disability, and flexible spending programs. He is responsible for vendor management as well as the online benefits administrative system. Reynolds received his BA in communications studies from The College of Wooster and his master’s in healthcare administration from Ohio Dominican. Reynolds is also an active high school and college sports official. He officiates Field Hockey, Basketball and Women’s Lacrosse. Reynolds was recently selected as Ohio High Schools Athletic Association 2024 Field Hockey Official of the Year.

Joseph Scrutchen

Kayla Ridley

Equity Communications Officer | Franklin County Board of Commissioners

Kayla Ridley, a Columbus native, serves as the Equity Communications Officer at the Franklin County Board of Commissioners’ Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication analysis and practice from The Ohio State University and a master’s in business administration with a focus on digital marketing from Franklin University. A first-generation graduate, Ridley earned her OSU degree through the Young Scholars Program. She proudly brands herself as “Kayla, The Human Resource LLC,” committed to being a resource for her community. Her diverse interests – fashion, dance, makeup, and public affairs – allow her to express creativity in all she does. A natural leader, Ridley actively participates in community initiatives and projects, driven by her faith and the belief that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). She is passionate about uplifting others and making a meaningful impact.

Social Program Developer | Franklin County Child Support Enforcement Agency (FCCSEA)

Joseph Scrutchen, Social Program Developer at Franklin County CSEA, is a first-generation college graduate from Ohio University with a degree in criminal justice. With over eight years of experience in government and human services, Scrutchen brings a wealth of knowledge and commitment to improving the lives of non-custodial parents and their children. For five years Scrutchen worked at the Department of Youth Services, where he gained firsthand experience supporting young people and their families. This work was followed by 3.5 years in child support, where he developed a deep understanding of the challenges fathers face within the legal and child support system. These roles have provided Scrutchen with invaluable insight into the systemic barriers parents encounter and drive to advocate more equitable solutions. Scrutchen’s passion for service extends to sports, where he coached football and basketball within the community for several years, offering mentorship and guidance to youth.

Monica Tolliver

Chae X. Seals

Program Manager | Leadership At Its Best, LLC

Chae X. Seals is a full-time Senior Baccalaureate student at The Ohio State University. He is doublemajoring in political science and international studies. He accompanied them with a minor in history. When he isn’t studying, he is working two jobs. One as a Dispatcher at Dayton Freight Lines, Inc. The second is as a Program Manager for a youth organization at Leadership At Its Best, LLC. under its President and CEO, Dr. Carter D. Womack. Born and raised in Cleveland, OH, Seals is from a large family (last of 9 siblings and uncle of 15 nieces and nephews). He travels back to visit them often. After higher-education, Seals aspires to lead a career in diplomacy, possibly working in the Foreign Service at the U.S. Department of State.

Payroll Support Officer 2, Department of Human Resources | Franklin County Board of County Commissioners

Owner | Ana Soap Company

Monica Tolliver has over 10 years of experience in Human Resources and is part of the newly formed centralized payroll team, ensuring payroll is accurate and submitted on time. With a bachelor’s in business administration from Ohio Dominican University, her passion has earned her a partnership with Experience Columbus Minority Business Program. As the owner of Ana Soap Company for the past 4 years, she loves creating handcrafted soap in her spare time. Balancing her business, career, and family, she’s a proud wife and mom-always finding joy in the little things. Her guiding quote: “Nothing is impossible with God,” keeps her grounded and focused. In the few years, Tolliver hopes to open a brick-and-mortar store and have her products on store shelves.

Tahirah Wingard

Niyah Walters

In-House Counsel | Columbus City Counsel

Niyah Walters is a young lawyer who is passionate about law and community. Walters received her bachelor’s degree from Wright State University and her Juris Doctor from University of Toledo College of Law. She currently works for Columbus City Council where she serves as in-house Counsel and is a legal analyst in the Legislative Research Office. She is the immediate past President of the Columbus Urban League Young Professionals, a big sister in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Walters’ mantra is “Be the change you wish to see.”

Public Information Office 2 | Franklin County Office on Aging

Tahirah Wingard is the Public Information Officer for the Franklin County Office on Aging, a role she began in May 2024. Before joining the county, Wingard served as the marketing director for Restoring Our Own Through Transformation (ROOTTRJ), a non-profit reproductive justice organization dedicated to addressing concerns and needs around Black maternal and infant health. A graduate of Capital University with a bachelor’s in business administration, Wingard is committed to driving positive change and fostering transformation within the communities she serves.

H. Dwayne Young

Assistant Director, Operations | Franklin County Animal Care & Control

H. Dwayne Young, the Assistant Director of Operations at the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center, is a Cincinnati native with over 19 years of animal welfare and veterinary related experience. Young has been blessed with experiences on both the federal and local government levels which has taken him across our nation from Alabama to Alaska, to Texas and now back home where it all began. After graduating from Tuskegee University in 2013, his passion for BIPOC representation in the animal welfare and veterinary fields grew exponentially. Young has served on the Veterinary Technical Support Committee with the National Association for Black Veterinarians, is a member of the Shelter Education Committee for the Midwest Veterinary Conference and is a Community Member of The Ohio States IACUC. However, he is most proud of the work he continues to do as an inaugural member of Franklin County’s Racial Equity Council.

CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT

Ohio Black Expo is a statewide non-profit organization committed to enhancing the lives, success, and well-being of African Americans in Ohio. We drive change and foster growth through initiatives that address critical disparities in areas such as health, education, senior support, business, technology, and youth engagement.

Our signature event, the Ohio Black Expo: Riverfront Culture Fest + Convention, takes place every Memorial Day Weekend, to empower and unite Ohio’s 1.7 million Black residents and those beyond. This annual gathering welcomes guests from across the nation to engage in solution-focused workshops, build connections at networking events, and celebrate the richness of Black culture. With food, the arts, and an unforgettable atmosphere, there’s no better place to be!

MEET OUR ASSOCIATES ➔

Lawrence e. HamiLton iii

COO

Ohio Black Expo

Lawrence E. Hamilton III (“Butch”), is a life member of the CSU National Alumni Association. Hamilton graduated magna cum laude from Central State (B.S. Ed.) and Bowling Green State University with a master’s degree in school counseling. While attending Central State, Hamilton was part of the SGA and Student Action Committee that was instrumental in preventing the closure of CSU in the mid-90s. His commitment to serving the community manifests in both service and activism. In addition to his non-profit work in leadership with the Ohio Black Expo, he serves on the board of Land of the Freed. Land of the Freed is working to restore the African Jackson Cemetery, preserve the legacy of Randolph Freedpeople, and memorialize their historic Black settlement in West Central Ohio. Hamilton is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He is the proud father of two sons, Omavi and Asali, and his bonus daughter Shakayla. He is happily married to Sherri Hamilton.

2025 Ohio Black Expo Riverfront Culture Fest

May 24: 11AM to 11PM

May 25: 12PM to 8PM

Downtown Columbus

SHerri HamiLton

President & CEO Ohio Black Expo

Sherri Hamilton was appointed as President and CEO of the Ohio Black Expo in 2021, after serving as Marketing and Communications Director. Her commitment to the organization’s mission of improving the quality of life for African Americans in Ohio is her driving force. The Ohio Black Expo conducts year-round programming and events that culminate with the annual Riverfront Culture Fest + Convention in downtown Columbus each Memorial Day Weekend.

Sherri serves on a number of boards, including the Ohio History Connection’s Advocates of Diversity and The Land of the Freed. She is dedicated to helping the Black community thrive in every way throughout the diaspora. Hamilton was greatly influenced by her native New Yorker parents Jim and Joyce Robinson, who were also servant leaders in the Columbus community. She is the proud mother of daughter Shakayla and two bonus sons, Omavi and Asali. Hamilton is happily married to Butch Hamilton.

Gayle Saunders,

Photo: Ira Graham Photography

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

The City of Columbus is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion, embracing its multicultural community as a source of strength. The city actively promotes initiatives that support equity in housing, education, and employment. Through outreach programs and partnerships with local organizations, Columbus strives to create an inclusive environment where all residents can thrive, reflecting the rich tapestry of its population.

MEET OUR ASSOCIATES ➔

Craig Conley

Deputy

Chief of Staff

Craig Conley serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff focused on community impact for the Office of the Mayor. In this role, he acts as the liaison to various city departments, including public health, recreation and parks, neighborhoods, and Celebrate One, while overseeing external and community affairs. With over 20 years of corporate experience, Conley has held leadership roles at LinkedIn, HubSpot, ADP, and other small to mid-market companies. He graduated summa cum laude from Hiram College with a degree in Business Management and completed executive education at The Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. Conley is active in the community, serving on multiple executive boards, including the African American Leadership Academy and the local chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. A proud father of four, his passions include family, community service, learning, and entrepreneurship. His hobbies include travel, fitness, reading, and cooking.

Jim Jackson

Director of Digital Communications, Office of the Mayor

As the Director of Digital Communications in the Office of Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, Jim Jackson manages content across the city’s social media platforms, highlighting Columbus’s rich history, diversity, and vibrant community spirit. He earned his BA in Communication from the University of Cincinnati in 1999, where he joined the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Alpha Alpha Chapter and the Communication Association Seeking Excellence. In 2002, Jackson completed his MS in Higher Education at Florida State University, serving on the Student Senate and as a graduate advisor for two Greek organizations. Jackson volunteers at One Church in the One Kids department, helping youth grow in their faith. With over a decade as a television news anchor and reporter, his hobbies include watching TV, weightlifting, and spending time with his family. He is married to Renee and has two stepsons, Avery and Jaden, along with pets named Braxton and Ferguson.

Alysha Martin Deputy Director of Human Resources

Alysha Martin is the Deputy Director of Human Resources for the City of Columbus, overseeing Labor Relations, Occupational Safety and Health, and Employee Benefits and Wellness. In partnership with the Director of Human Resources, she aligns HR functions with citywide initiatives and provides guidance to department leaders and HR professionals. A licensed attorney, Martin graduated from Capital University Law School and holds a Master of Science degree from Xavier University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Cincinnati. Actively involved in the HR community, she serves on the board for the Ohio Public Employer Labor Relations Association and recently taught as an adjunct professor in the Human Resources Management Program at Columbus State Community College. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated since 2008, Martin is also a proud wife and mother of two. In her free time, she enjoys family activities, traveling with a book, and exploring new cuisines.

Jennifer Moore

Assistant

Director of Asset Management,

Department of Finance

Jennifer Moore is a results-driven Human Resources and Operations Executive with over 18 years of experience in public sector HR management, fiscal oversight, and strategic planning. Currently, she serves as the Assistant Director of Asset Management for the Department of Finance in the City of Columbus, overseeing HR functions for more than 320 employees across multiple divisions. With proven expertise in talent acquisition, employee relations, and compliance with labor laws, Moore excels in developing training and professional development programs. She effectively analyzes data to enhance departmental policies and operational efficiency, fostering a positive workplace culture and building collaborative relationships with leadership and staff. Moore earned her MS in human resources management from Franklin University in June 2024. Her skills encompass Human Resources Management, Fiscal Oversight and Budgeting, Employee Relations and Compliance, Training and Professional Development, Data Analysis and Policy Improvement, and Strategic Planning and Operations Management.

Charles Newman

Public Relations Specialist

Charles Newman is an accomplished Public Relations Specialist dedicated to crafting compelling narratives and building impactful connections with diverse audiences. Newman began his PR career with the City of Columbus, where he developed skills in strategic communication and media management. Renowned for his strategic thinking and cultural awareness, he excels at creating comprehensive campaigns that integrate traditional and digital approaches. His experience spans various industries, including government relations, nonprofits, and religious organizations, where he effectively identifies core messages that shape public perception. A graduate of Ohio Christian University with a B.A. in Business Administration. In addition to his professional work, he serves as the Senior Pastor of Antioch Columbus, Executive Secretary of the Ohio Baptist General Convention, Inc., and is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He is married to Janna and is the proud father of five energetic sons.

LaShanna Potts

First Assistant Chief of Police

Through strategic leadership and community partnerships, LaShanna Potts identifies opportunities for growth in operational processes within the Columbus Police Department. She leads dynamic teams and organizes large-scale operations, employing crime-reducing strategies and technological advancements. As a respected law enforcement professional, she has a proven track record in fostering police legitimacy by developing self-sustaining initiatives that enhance community trust. Recognized nationally for her leadership in community engagement, Potts has received several awards, including the Change Agent Award from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the Community Hero Award from LYFL. She is also a board member for the Central Ohio Boys and Girls Club. Married and a mother to one daughter and her nephew-son, Potts is passionate about serving others. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music and reading. Her favorite quote is, “Inspect what you expect.”

Elon Simms

Chief of Staff to the Mayor

Elon Simms is the Chief of Staff to Mayor Andrew Ginther, responsible for leading the mayor’s cabinet and advancing the City of Columbus’ Equity Agenda. Prior to this role, he served as Vice President of Community Impact at Crane Group, managing the philanthropy program, which included community engagement, volunteerism, charitable contributions, and DEI initiatives. Simms began his career as a Child Welfare Caseworker at Franklin County Children Services and later served as the Director of Field Education in the College of Social Work at The Ohio State University. A proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., he sits on the boards of FCCS, Smart Columbus, Experience Columbus, The Columbus Sports Commission, and The African American Leadership Academy. Simms holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University and completed the Young American Leaders Program at Harvard Business School. He is also a Columbus Business First 40 Under 40 honoree.

Dr. Kenyona Walker Assistant Chief Diversity Officer

Dr. Kenyona Walker is the Assistant Chief Diversity Officer for the City of Columbus, where she supports the Chief Diversity Officer in ensuring equitable practices across the city. A proud graduate of Columbus City Schools, Dr. Walker earned her Ph.D. from The Ohio State University in 2020. With experience leading equity initiatives at both a large land-grant university and an urban school district, Dr. Walker has developed strategic plans and tools to ensure sustainability and impact. As a certified DEI professional, she is passionate about fostering equity and diversity in the workplace and empowering others to do the same. Dr. Walker has researched, taught, and published on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is skilled at identifying inequities and creating actionable solutions. She believes equity is a shared responsibility and right for all. Dr. Walker lives near Columbus with her husband, Dr. Todd A. Walker, and their children, Daniel and Terilyn.

The Most Influential section honors the top executives, prominent religious leaders, politicians and government officials, distinguished doctors, and accomplished attorneys who are making significant impacts in their respective fields. From boardrooms to courtrooms, from medical centers to places of worship, these influential figures are driving progress, shaping policies, and uplifting communities.

Nicholas Bankston

Council Member | Columbus City Council

Council member Nicholas Bankston is a dedicated public servant and thoughtful leader on issues facing Columbus neighborhoods. At city Council, Bankston chair the Economic Develpment, Small & Minority Business, and Technology committees. A proud graduate of east High School and The Ohio State University and a lifelong resident of Columbus, Bankston is a champion for the people of Columbus and is determined to make an impact in his community. Demonstrating his unwavering dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion, Bankston introduced an essential measure on February 6th, 2023, through resolution 0027X-2023. This innovative change to the internal city process allowed the public to readily view which ordinances on the council’s meeting agenda contain city contracts involving minority vendor participation. By improving the visibility of the city’s efforts in minority vendor procurement, Bankston effectively elevated the impact and recognition of this work fostering transparency and accountability.

Joyce Beatty Congresswoman | U.S. House of Representatives

In the 118th Congress, Joyce Beatty serves on the exclusive House Committee on Financial Services as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions. The Financial Services Committee oversees the entire financial services industry, including the nation’s banking, securities, insurance, and housing industries, as well as the work of the Federal Reserve, the United States Department of the Treasury and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Prior to her service in the U.S. House of Representatives, Beatty was senior vice president of outreach and engagement at The Ohio State University and a member in the Ohio House of Representatives for five terms. During her tenure in the Ohio House, she rose to become the first female Democratic House Leader in Ohio’s history and was instrumental in spearheading and enacting legislation to require financial literacy in Ohio’s public school curriculum, to expand STEM education, and to secure funds to help under- and uninsured women access breast and cervical cancer treatment.

Aja Bland

Vice President, Relationship Manager | Bank of America

Meet Aja Bland, Vice President and Relationship Manager empowering the Columbus Business Banking Team at Bank of America. In her role, Bland collaborates with clients to offer tailored financial solutions that drive business growth and innovation. With a commitment to client success, she helps mid-sized businesses achieve their financial goals and realize their ambitions. Bland brings over 14 years of banking experience, including 9 years at Bank of America, where she’s taken on roles from Commercial Associate to Small Business Banker. Her client-centered approach and ability to transform financial insights into actionable strategies have distinguished her as a trusted partner. Bland holds a dual degree in Management and Leadership and Business Administration from Franklin University, where she graduated cum laude, and recently completed her MBA.

The Honorable Laurel Beatty Blunt

Judge | Tenth District Court of Appeals

Judge Laurel Beatty Blunt graduated from Spelman College magna cum laude in 1996 and Vanderbilt University Law School in 1999. Appointed to the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, General Division in 2009, she presided over more than 10,000 cases, involving a variety of issues from sentencing on murder and rape cases to multi-milliondollar civil litigation. In 2018, she took the bench as the first Black woman to serve on Ohio’s Tenth District Court of Appeals. In 2023, Judge Beatty Blunt was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Community Leadership by Franklin University and the prestigious Women of Achievement Award by YWCA Columbus. Judge Beatty Blunt teaches master’s level public policy students as the Towsley Policymaker in Residence at the University of Michigan Ford School of Public Policy. She is currently a member of the Ohio Sentencing Data Platform Governance Board and Alvis, Inc. Board of Trustees.

Kevin Boyce President | Franklin County Board of Commissioners

Kevin Boyce made history when he was elected in November of 2016 as the first African American to be elected to the Franklin County Board of Commissioners in its 213-year history. Today, he serves as President of the Board. Boyce has had a distinguished career in public service, having served as State Treasurer, State Representative, and a member of Columbus City Council. In addition to public service, Boyce is a licensed Investment Banker and has conducted over $5 billion dollars in transactions in states such as Ohio, New York, Texas, Michigan, Indiana, Tennessee, and California. A serial entrepreneur at heart, his latest endeavor is the creation of America’s 18th Minority Depository Institution, Adelphi Bank, located in the historic King-Lincoln District in Columbus, Ohio. The bank’s primary mission is to reduce the wealth gap by providing homeownership opportunities, entrepreneurial resources, and banking services for underserved communities.

Nichole M. Brandon Director of Human Resources | City of Columbus

Nichole M. Brandon is the Director of Human Resources for the City of Columbus where she is responsible for providing HR direction and support to all City of Columbus Departments. Brandon previously held the position of Deputy Director for the Department of Development and Human Resource Manager for the Department of Public Safety, Division of Police. A graduate of the Ohio State University, she studied sociology and criminal justice and minored in African American studies. She is also an alum of the African American Leadership Academy, and completed the Harvard Business School Executive Education Program, Changing the Game: Negotiating and Competitive Decision Making. Currently, she is the Chair of the Board of Directors for CME Federal Credit Union and is a member of the Ohio Public Employers Labor Relations Association (OHPELRA), and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Brandon enjoys giving back to her community through various volunteer opportunities. Her passion lies in promoting the empowerment of women and emerging leaders and she supports the work of AALA, YWCA, Dress for Success, and Star House.

Cheryl Brooks Sullivan

Franklin County Treasurer | Franklin County Treasurer’s Office

Franklin County Treasurer Cheryl Brooks Sullivan is the first African American and the first African American woman to serve in any Franklin County office. Brooks Sullivan has modernized the Treasurer‚Äôs Office, saving taxpayer dollars by expanding email billing, implementing IT, data analytics and expansions. Under her leadership, the office created the Director of Retention Services position and launched programming such as the Star Program, Starfish Charitable Fund, Linked Deposit, and workforce development programs to support homeowners in Franklin County. She serves as Board of Directors Chair, for Central Ohio Community Improvement Corporation, Chair, Franklin County Budget Commission and Franklin County Investment Advisory Committee. She is a member of the Franklin County Board of Revision, the Franklin County Automatic Data Processing Board, and the Franklin County Microfilming Board. She serves on the boards of the Greater Columbus Arts Council, the Community of Caring Development Foundation and Ohio Legal Help.

The Honorable Kim A. Browne

Judge | Franklin County Domestic Relations & Juvenile Court

Kim A. Browne has served as Judge of the Franklin County Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court since 2002, re-elected in 2004, 2010, 2016, and 2022. She has held positions as Lead Juvenile Judge and Administrative Judge. Active in community initiatives, she chairs the Franklin County Juvenile Justice Community Planning Initiative and engages with local middle schools through programs like the Teen and Police Service Academy. Additionally, she contributes as a writer and mock trial coach for the Ohio Center for Law Related Education. Judge Browne oversees the Court’s Judicial Extern program in collaboration with OSU Moritz and Capital University Colleges of Law and teaches at Ohio Dominican University. She chairs the Ohio RECLAIM Advisory Committee and participates in several organizations, including the Ohio Supreme Court Case Management Advisory Committee and the Ohio Black Judges Association. She holds a law degree from The Ohio State University and an undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Cincinnati.

Elaine Bryant

Chief of Police | City of Columbus

Chief Elaine Bryant began her career in law enforcement with the Detroit Police Department on August 31, 2000 and rose through the ranks to Commander by 2019. She was reassigned as the Commanding Officer of Professional Standards Bureau in January of 2019, which consisted of Internal Affairs, Force Investigations, Integrity Unit and Disciplinary Administration Unit. She made history as Columbus Police Department’s first chief from outside the division, and its first African American female Chief. Mayor Andrew J. Ginther announced Bryant’s selection on June 2nd, 2021, after a nationwide search. Bryant holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration; Community Development from Central Michigan University where she graduated with honors (Magna Cum Laude). She also holds a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Bowling Green State University where she graduated with honors (Summa Cum Laude). She is a graduate of session 76 of the Senior Management Institute for Police. Bryant is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.

Vinita Clements

Keira Chatman

CEO

| Pride Communications, Inc. DBA Pride Magazine

Keira Chatman is a dedicated community advocate and dynamic leader, currently serving as the President of the Columbus Urban League Young Professionals. She is also the Executive Director of the Columbus Fashion Council, where she leads Fashion Week Columbus, Ohio’s premier fashion event, creating platforms for emerging designers. As a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty, Chatman has honed her expertise in finance and real estate, helping clients navigate the housing market with confidence. She has earned the President’s Excellence Award for selling over 100 homes and is a member of the Sterling Club. In addition to her real estate accomplishments, Chatman is the owner of Legacy House 614, an event space and Airbnb, where she supports local entrepreneurs and investors. With a passion for empowering others, Chatman continues to make an impact through her work, helping to shape the future of Columbus’ fashion and business communities.

Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer | Nationwide

Vinita Clements leads Nationwide’s human resources, overseeing compensation, benefits, learning and development, diversity, equity and inclusion, recruitment, succession management and organizational effectiveness. Clements is pioneering Nationwide’s workplace of the future by redesigning its approach to attracting and retaining talent, focusing on the associate experience, workplace flexibility and career development. Under her leadership, the company continues to be recognized as an employer of choice. Passionate about mentoring and supporting community arts and education, Clements was recognized as one of the Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America by Savoy in 2022 and named to the Diversity Woman Elite 100 in 2023. She is a member of The Executive Leadership Council, Senior HR Executives Council and serves as a board trustee for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, National Urban League, and Columbus Museum of Art. She is also on the advisory board for Catalyst and a charter member of the National Advisory Council for The Kids Mental Health Foundation.

Janelle Coleman

President | American Electric Power Foundation

Vice President of Community Engagement & Inclusion | American Electric Power Company, Inc.

Janelle Coleman is President of the American Electric Power Foundation and Vice President of Community Engagement and Inclusion for American Electric Power (AEP). She leads AEP’s inclusion and philanthropic strategies, overseeing $30M in annual investments across the company’s 11-state service area and engaging more than 17,000 employees in volunteerism within their communities. Coleman is committed to giving back to her community. Appointed by Governor John Kasich, she serves on the board of trustees for her alma mater, Ohio University, and is a former board chair. She is also an active member of the Executive Leadership Council, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and The Links, Inc. A graduate of Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, Coleman holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She is married to Michael B. Coleman, former Mayor of Columbus and current partner at Ice Miller’s Government Law Group.

Michael B. Coleman Partner | Ice Miller LLP

Michael B. Coleman is a transformational leader in business, law, and government. As a Partner at Ice Miller LLP, he specializes in economic development and has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America since 2020. Known as a top business leader in Ohio, he chairs the Sustainability Committee for Advanced Drainage Systems and serves on its Governance Committee. Additionally, he is Lead Director for Adelphi Bank, where he contributes to its Governance and Loan Committees. Coleman is also on the advisory board of Cambridge Holdings and holds positions with several nonprofits, including OhioHealth Corporation and KIPP Columbus Schools. A founding member of the African American Mayors Association, he chaired the board of advisors for The Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs. As Columbus’s first African American mayor, he managed over $2 billion in budgets and $7 billion in private investment. Coleman is a sought-after speaker on leadership and economic development.

Hearcel F. Craig

Senator | Ohio Senate

Hearcel F. Craig serves as the Ohio Senate Assistant Minority Leader. A U.S. Army Veteran, Craig has an extensive and distinguished career in the public and private sectors. Craig’s accomplishments include initiatives focused on economic and workforce development education, healthcare, housing and reducing gun violence. He was selected as a Council of State Governments Henry Toll Fellow and currenly serves as Co-Chair, Midwest Legislative Conference Education Committee. He has been certified as an NASD Arbitrator and a graducate of Leadership Columbus and the Ohio Executive Institute. He has received numerous honors and awards including the First Leadership Ohio, Distinguished Alumni Award. Senator Craig earned an MSA from Central Michigan University, BSBA from Franklin University and studied at Ashland Theological Seminary. Craig is also a Join Together National Leadership Fellow at Boston University School of Public Health. Craig serves as an Associate Minister, First Church of God.

Erica C. Crawley, J.D., M.P.A

Franklin County Commissioner |

Franklin County Board of Commissioners

Franklin County Commissioner Erica C. Crawley, J.D., M.P.A. Commissioner Erica C. Crawley is a mother, advocate, and veteran. As the first Black woman Commissioner, her commitment to serving every resident every day comes from her lived experiences and deep understanding of what working families need to thrive and not just survive. Commissioner Crawley has always stood with the most vulnerable among us, working to ensure access to high-quality childcare, affordable housing, supportive addiction, mental health treatment, better maternal health outcomes, and first-rate veteran services for those who have bravely served our nation. She currently serves on numerous boards. Like so many of her neighbors, Commissioner Crawley knows what it’s like to fight and work hard to get ahead. Originally from Youngstown, Commissioner Crawley’s family reflected on the story of successes and struggles that so many families share in our community. She is a first-generation college graduate.

Al Edmondson

Owner, A Cut Above the Rest Barber Shop | Executive Director, Making a Difference

Al Edmondson is a dedicated community leader in Columbus, Ohio, focused on economic empowerment and improving the quality of life for underserved communities. He owns A Cut Above the Rest Barber Shop, a local staple, and serves as Executive Director of Making a Difference, a nonprofit addressing social and economic disparities. Edmondson emphasizes education, health, and financial literacy as pathways to success. His barber shop serves as a community hub for discussions on these topics, offering resources like voter registration, health screenings, and financial workshops. A respected figure, Edmondson has received numerous awards for his leadership and frequently collaborates with local organizations and government officials to create programs for personal and professional growth. One notable initiative is the Columbus CARE Coalition, which connects individuals affected by trauma and violence to vital resources. His commitment to uplifting the community continues to inspire positive change in Columbus.

Shayla D. Favor Council Member | Columbus City Council

Councilmember Shayla D. Favor was appointed to fill the unexpired term of newly elected Franklin County Court of Common Please, Judge Jaiza Page on January 14, 2019. As a member of Council, Favor in intentional about focusing her work to ensure that everything she legislates and advocates for is filtered through an equity lens in order address these disparities and combat racism through policy. In addition to serving on Council, Favor serves on the Executive Board of the John Mercer Langston Bar Association, whose purpose is to be a facilitator of excellence within the legal profession while encouraging community service for those in need. Favor also serves on the Executive Board for the annual design conference, Create Control Fest. Create Control Fest aims to provide a platform for creatives of color in the industries of art, music, design, activism, tech, scholarship and entrepreneurship.

Frances Curtis Frazier

Researcher and Educator

Frances Curtis Frazier is a Researcher and Educator. A native of Philadelphia, PA, she holds a B.S. cum laude in Special Education from Norfolk State University and a M.A. degree in learning disabilities and behavioral disorders from The Ohio State University. Frazier’s area of expertise is her ability to present creative and insightful approaches to issues of high sensitivity. She is an inspiring and proven facilitator with over 40 years of experience specializing in issues related to structural racism, racial and economic equity. She is the Principal Investigator of a major research study Placing Black Girls At Promise: Rise Sister Rise Research Study. This groundbreaking research is an influential factor in programs and policies addressing the mental health needs of African American girls across the state of Ohio including serving as the Co-chair of the Columbus, Ohio Commission on Black Girls. Frazier has received many local and national awards. She believes in the collective power of women and girls.

Shannon Hardin

Dr. Eugene L. Gibson, Jr.

Senior Pastor | Mt. Olivet Baptist Church Assistant Professor of Theology | Methodist Theological School of Ohio

Dr. Eugene L. Gibson, Jr. is the Senior Pastor of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church and the Assistant Professor of Homiletics at Methodist Theological School of Ohio. He holds the following degrees: Bachelor of Theology; Master of Religion in Urban Ministry; Master of Divinity; Doctorate of Ministry; and Ph.D. from the Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, IN. In addition, he is a 2012 inductee into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers of Morehouse College. Dr. Gibson provides consulting services, life skills workshops, and leadership training through I Speak Life LLC. Gibson is married to the former Ms. Shakitha Shanese Boone. Together they share four children, Trinity, Taylor, Jaden, and Kyndall.

Michael Harden

Chief Technology Officer and General Counsel | Disney Group International

Michael Harden is the Chief Technology Officer and General Counsel for Disney Group International, where he navigates the intersection of innovation and compliance within one of the world’s most cherished entertainment brands. With extensive experience in technology and legal frameworks, he oversees the development of transformative tech solutions that enhance global initiatives and improve customer experiences. In his dual role, Harden ensures that technological advancements adhere to legal standards, particularly in data privacy, intellectual property, and international regulations. He is committed to fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration, empowering teams to innovate while safeguarding the brand’s integrity. Outside of work, Harden focuses on staying ahead of industry trends, mentoring emerging leaders, and spending quality time with his family. He believes that technology can enrich storytelling and is excited to further Disney’s legacy of innovation on a global scale.

President | Columbus City Council

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. As Columbus grows, Council President Hardin is focused on fostering an inclusive economy by partnering to build mass transit and affordable housing, empowering small and minority businesses, and providing youth with pathways to the middle class. Regardless of the issue, Council President Hardin serves on the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and the National League of Cities Board of Directors. He was appointed to Council in 2014, subsequently won election in 2015, 2017, and 2021. Council President Hardin earned his bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College and is a proud member of the Mount Olivet Baptist Church.

Jack Harris CEO, Founder, President & Publisher | The Minority Communicator News

Jack Harris is the president and publisher of The Minority Communicator News, which has served communities in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Dayton, Ohio, for over 35 years. With a rich background in radio, he has owned and managed two stations, WCKX 106.3 in Columbus and KBWH in Omaha, Nebraska, where he advanced from air personality to Music and Program Director. An accomplished entrepreneur, Harris made history as the first Black owner of a radio station in Central Ohio and has founded several businesses, including nightclubs and transportation services. He is also a recording artist with Chess Records, a songwriter, and an entertainment promoter. Recognized as a Living Legend by Who’s Who In Black Columbus, Harris is multilingual and has studied at Lincoln University, Roosevelt University, and Marquette Law School. Married for over 50 years, he has operated The Communicator with the support of his family.

Judge Monica Hawkins

Judge | Franklin County Court of Common Please, Division of Domestic Relations and Juvenile

Judge Monica Hawkins was elected Judge of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations and Juvenile in 2019, bringing with her over 23 years of public service experience working with families in our community. Since taking the bench, Judge Hawkins has presided over more than 16,000 cases involving juvenile delinquency, abuse, neglect and dependency, permanent court custody matters, divorces and dissolutions, custody, visitation and child support cases. Judge Hawkins oversees the Juvenile Intervention Center Community Garden and the A/N/D Consortium. She services on the Community Advisory Board for My Brother’s Keeper Violence Prevention, JJCPI/ JDAI Executive Committee, the JDAI DSI/Warrant Committee and the Criminal Justice and Community Correction Planning Board. Judge Hawkins serves as executive board member to Look Ma No Hands Organization, served as former Board President and long-time board member on Gentry Landings Condominium Association, and she was a Big Sister with Big Brother/Big Sister Organization.

William J. Hicks II, MD (“B.J”)

Vice President of Neurosciences | OhioHealth

Vascular neurologist William J. Hicks II, MD (“B.J”) served as the Co-Director of the OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital’s Comprehensive Stroke Center and Medical Staff President. His groundbreaking work has help usher in a unique stroke treatment to the city. In 2023, OhioHealth formally asked Hicks to assume the role of Vice President of Neurosciences. A Columbus native, Hicks completed his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College, medical degree from Howard University, neurology residency at Henry Ford Hospital, and a vascular neurology fellowship at the University of Texas (Houston). He was the President of the Columbus American Heart Association (AHA) and is now the President of their Midwest Board of Directors. He’s also a Board member for OhioHealth and a member of the Board of Governors for The Columbus Foundation. Dr. Hicks enjoys spending time with wife Nicci, two young children, extended family, and his faithful German Shepherd.

Larry James

Stephanie Hightower President and CEO | Columbus Urban League

The first female president in the history of the Columbus Urban League (CUL), Stephanie Hightower’s dedication over the last 12 years has transformed CUL into a dynamic force, fostering an inclusive economy, increasing wealth in Black and urban communities and investing in untapped potential. She has grown CUL revenues seven-fold, to $22 million, earning more than $10 million in endowments. Now ranked among the top 5% of all Urban League affiliates, Hightower and CUL have launched nationally recognized initiatives for Black women entrepreneurs, hosted a highly successful National Urban League conference, created the Equity Now Coalition and transformed an abandoned building into an innovation and technology hub. Hightower’s quest for excellence encompasses all aspects of her life. A 2021 CEO of the Year nominee, YWCA Woman of Achievement, Homeport’s 2023 Voice and Vision Honoree, she set world records as an Olympic hurdler and has been a leader for World Athletics (WA) and U.S. Track & Field Association, including chairing WA’s Gender Leadership Task Force. She’s served on numerous community boards, such as Columbus Board of Education and Celebrate One.

Donna James Managing Director | Lardon & Associates

Donna James is a trusted resource and advisor to leaders in the public and private sector. Prior to starting Lardon & Associates, she served as President of Nationwide Strategic Investments, a division of Nationwide Insurance and Financial Services Company. She serves on the board of directors for public companies Victoria’s Secret & Co., The Hartford, American Electric Power and the private company Xponance. James is chairwoman of the board for Victoria’s Secret & Co. In the community, she is cofounder of the Center for Healthy Families, a collaborative focused on transforming the lives of pregnant and parenting teens and their children. She is co-executive director of the African American Leadership Academy, focused on strengthening a diverse pipeline of leadership talent across the business, nonprofit, government, education and entrepreneurial communities. She is the wife of attorney Larry James, managing partner with Crabbe, Brown & James. They have two adult children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Managing Partner | Crabbe, Brown & James

Larry James has been at the heart of the Columbus business, legal, civic, and political scene for the last thirty years. In recognition of his many achievements, the law firm changed its name from Crabbe, Brown, Jones, Potts & Schmidt to Crabbe, Brown & James in January 2001. He served as Director of Public Safety for the City of Columbus over police and fire from 1989-1992. James is a life member of the Sixth Circuit Judicial Conference and he has served as General Counsel of the National Fraternal Order of Police since 2001. He is married to Donna and they have two adult children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jason Jenkins

Chief Diversity Officer and Executive Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion | City of Columbus

Jason Jenkins is serving as the Chief Diversity Officer and Executive Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. In his role, he oversees diversity and inclusion management for the City of Columbus providing strategic oversight and policy guidance on key initiatives to support supplier diversity, workforce diversity and equity. A graduate of Otterbein University, he received his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. In addition, he is a Columbus Business First C-Suite Award honoree, a graduate of the African American Leadership Academy and is Lean Six Sigma Certified.

Devray Kirkland

Vice President, DE&I, Chief Diversity Officer | Cardinal Health

Devray Kirkland is the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer at Cardinal Health, a Fortune 14 company. He leads initiatives to attract, retain, and promote a diverse workforce while fostering an inclusive environment. Since joining in 2012, he has helped establish the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cabinet and Generation Next Cohort, and supports seven employee resource groups in the U.S. and global multicultural communities. With 20 years in Human Resources, Kirkland drives strategic efforts to sustain an inclusive culture. He is active in volunteer work, serving on the Midwest Regional Board of the American Heart Association and the Board of Trustees for Mount Carmel College of Nursing. Kirkland was named one of Diversity Global’s 2023 Top 15 Champions of Diversity and received the “Top 50 Chief Diversity Officers” award in 2020. He holds degrees from Howard University and Bowie State University. Kirkland lives in Westerville, OH with his family.

Suzan Bradford Kounta

Executive Director | Lincoln Theatre

Continuing her remarkable tenure as Executive Director, Suzan Bradford Kounta infuses the Lincoln Theatre with a vivacity that is contagious. With unwavering dedication and boundless energy, she fosters an environment that encourages the introduction and incubation of local artists. Under her visionary leadership, the Lincoln Theatre has become a beacon of artistic brilliance, preserving its historical legacy while embracing innovative forms of expression. As she approaches 15 years of service, her profound impact continues to elevate the Columbus arts community, ensuring that the theatre remains a cherished institution for years to come. In parallel, Kounta has been an adjunct faculty member of the Ohio State University Dance Department for several years. She is a dancer, instructor, and choreographer of traditional West African dance. She is also cofounder and artistic director of the Thiossane Institute, a dance company that promotes traditional West African dance, music and culture.

The Honorable Stephanie Mingo

Judge | Franklin County Municipal Court Environmental Division

Judge Stephanie Mingo was appointed and then elected Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court Environmental Division in 2019. She was re-elected to a six-year term in November 2021. She is the first African American and first elected woman to preside over the Environmental Court. As a practicing attorney for more than 11 years prior to taking the bench, Judge Mingo began her career in private practice in Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court, serving as a child advocate. Prior to her appointment to the bench in 2019, Judge Mingo served in public practice as an Assistant Prosecutor with the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office and Assistant Chief Legal Counsel for the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office. In addition to her work in the courtroom, Judge Mingo is also co-founder of the judicial initiative Beyond The Bench, recognized for its unique efforts to engage and connect the bench to the community.

Karen Morrison

Senior Vice President | OhioHealth

Karen Morrison is an Independent Director Of Greif, Inc. Global industrial packaging, and Palmer-Donavin, Wholesale Distributor of Building Supplies. Morrison was a Director of Safe Auto, an auto insurer and she is a Founding Director of Adelphi Bank, chairing the Governance Committee. She is president of the OhioHealth Foundation and Senior Vice President of OhioHealth Corporation. Morrison is a highly regarded expert in Health Care Public Policy, Regulatory, Government, Social Responsibility, Philanthropy, Compliance, and Corporate Governance. Morrison holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Vanderbilt University, Master of Science from The Ohio State University, and Juris Doctorate from Capital University. Becker’s Hospital Review recognized her as an “African American Leader In Healthcare, 2019.” In May 2023, she became the inaugural recipient of The Columbus Business First, “Businesswoman Of The Year.”

Demetries Neely

President | The DJN Company

Demetries Neely, an attorney, is the immediate past president and CEO of The King Arts Complex. Neely sits on the committee for Columbus’ new music hall. She is on the board of Ohio Bar Liability Insurance Association Company where she serves as the Treasurer, chair of the Finance Committee, and is vice chair of the Investment Committee. She also sits on the board of The Ohio State University Self Insurance Board. Neely is a member of the American Bar Association. Neely earned a Bachelor of Arts from Johnson C. Smith University. She continued her education and attained a Master of Arts and a Jurist Doctor from OSU. Neely believes if you touch one life, you can change the world. Neely is the proud mother of one daughter and resides in Columbus, Ohio.

Kathy A. Owens

Dr. Vann R. Newkirk, Sr. President | Wilberforce University

Dr. Vann R. Newkirk, Sr. is the 23rd president of Wilberforce University, the first private historically Black college university (HBCU) in the U.S. Before this role, he was interim associate vice president at Alabama A&M University and served as president of Fisk University. A native of Elizabethtown, North Carolina, he earned his bachelor’s in sociology from Barber-Scotia College, a Master of Arts in history from Winthrop University, a Master of Science from North Carolina Central University, and a Ph.D. in history from Howard University. Dr. Newkirk is currently writing a history of African Americans in Alabama and has published works on HBCU challenges and crime in North Carolina, including the award-winning “Lynching in North Carolina.” His priorities at Wilberforce include engaging community supporters for fundraising and improving student retention and graduation rates, aiming to enhance the university’s standing among nationally ranked liberal arts colleges.

Leslie Bauknight Nixon

AVP, Community Relations | Victoria’s Secret

Leslie Bauknight Nixon is a dedicated advocate for community service and women’s empowerment. With degrees in journalism, mass communications, sports administration, a Juris Doctorate, and an Ed.D in sports management education, Nixon has spent her career building programs that create lasting impact. After practicing law with the St. Thomas University Human Rights Institute, she transitioned to the sports world, playing critical roles in Super Bowl volunteer services, and eventually founding the Miami Dolphins Special Teams volunteer program, a first for the NFL. Now serving as associate vice president of community relations at VS&Co, Nixon leads initiatives like the VS&Co Essentials program, which redistributes products to women in need, and the Global Fund for Women’s Cancers, which funds research and supports women scientists. Her work consistently centers on making a tangible difference in the lives of women and communities, reflecting her deep commitment to service and philanthropy.

Director of the Department of Finance and Management | City of Columbus

Kathy A. Owens is the first Black and first female Director of the Department of Finance and Management for the City of Columbus. She oversees a staff of more than 300 employees responsible for facilitating, crafting and monitoring the city’s $2 billionplus operating and capital budgets, vehicle fleet, facilities maintenance, procurement, real estate and construction management. Further, she serves as a board member to the City’s Depository Commission and Treasury Investment Board and Sewer & Water Advisory Board, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Board and the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio Board. Previously, Owens served as a deputy chief of staff of policy and operations in the Office of the Mayor. Additionally, she has held municipal positions. Director Owens was born and raised in Columbus and is a graduate of Linden McKinley High School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Urbana University and MBA from Ashland University.

The Honorable Jaiza Page Judge |

Franklin County Court of Common Please, General Division

Judge Jaiza Page is a Columbus native. She was elected to the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, General Division on November 6, 2018. She began her first term on January 3, 2019. She has enjoyed her time on the bench so far and strives to promote access to justice for everyone who enters her courtroom. Judge Page also created the court’s first youth summer program, the Justice 4 All youth summer camp where she partners with The Ohio State Moritz College of Law and Always With Us Charities to teach middle and high school students in the Columbus community about the legal system.

Bernita A. Reese, MS, CPRP Director | City of Columbus

Bernita A. Reese joined the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department in January 2022. Reese joined the City from the Huntsville, Alabama Parks & Recreation Department, where she served as the Director. Reese has a background of specialized training and experience that surpasses 25 years in the parks and recreation profession. She is a practical, problem solving, professional administrator, educator and selfmotivated organizer who welcomes evaluation based on performance. She is active in a diverse range of professional activities at national, state and local levels. She is currently a member of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA). She is the current president of the Bridge at Austin and previously served on numerous boards including Sports DeKalb. Reese has experience working with public, private and military recreation. She has worked nationally and internationally in recreation, athletics and therapeutics.

Dr. Mysheika W. Roberts

Health Commissioner | City of Columbus

Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika W. Roberts leads a team of more than 500 public health professionals who are focused on neighborhood-based approaches that address the social determinants of health from safe, affordable housing and education to jobs and gun violence in order to decrease the health disparities that exist. Roberts has a prolific 20-year public health background at the local, state and national levels. Prior to her appointment as Health Commissioner in December 2017, she was the Medical Director and Assistant Health Commissioner at Columbus Public Health. Roberts extends her service to the community beyond the walls of Columbus Public Health. She earned her MD from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and her MPH from the University of Michigan. A native of Los Angeles, she enjoys spending time with her husband Edward and their dogs Cosby and Rudy while exploring the diverse culture and experiences of Columbus, the 14th largest city in the nation.

Alex Shumate

Michael J. Robinson

Vice President, Corporate and Foundation Relations | YWCA USA

Michael J. Robinson serves as VP of Corporate & Foundation Relations at YWCA USA, where he’s responsible for leading and managing YWCA USA’s fundraising efforts for institutional giving and foundation relations to support the mission and work of YWCA USA. He is currently serving as an advisory member of the board for The Community of Caring Foundation and the Mt. Carmel Foundation Board. He also leads a financial literacy initiative at his church, City of Grace. Robinson has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio for more than 20 years as a member of its African American Advisory Council and as a youth mentor. Robinson earned his Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation from The American College of Financial Services in 2018 and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Ohio Dominican University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He enjoys spending time with his family.

Jenell R. Ross President | Bob Ross Auto Group

Jenell R. Ross is the only African American Automobile Dealer to reach 50 years in business. She was the first second generation African American Woman Automobile Dealer in the country, while also having the distinction of being the only Buick, GMC and Mercedes-Benz Dealerships owned by an African American Woman. Ross is currently a member of the Board of Directors for Cars.com, is an Independent Director to the Hub Group’s Board of Directors and is an Emeritus Trustee for the University of Dayton. Ross honored her mother who battled breast cancer by establishing the Norma J. Ross Memorial Foundation, raising over $950,000 to date for the Foundation and $375,000 for the American Cancer Society. Ross has received numerous awards and honors over the years. Most recently, Woman of Color Automotive Network honored her with the Pinnacle Award.

Senior Partner | Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP

Alex Shumate, senior partner of global law firm Squire Patton Boggs, is consistently selected for inclusion in the annual Best Lawyers in America and in Ohio Super Lawyers. He has a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating, meaning that he is ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for his legal expertise, communication skills and ethical standards. He is Lead Independent Director of The JM Smucker Company, Founding Director of Adelphi Bank and Board Chair of The Columbus CEO Collective. Previously, he served on Boards for Nationwide Financial Services and Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company. He served twice as The Ohio State University Board Chair; and was Chief Counsel and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Ohio Governor. Shumate has been honored by United Negro College Fund, United Way, NAACP and The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. In 2007, he received Columbus Chamber’s Columbus Award.

Renee Shumate

External Affairs Manager | American Electric Power

Renee Shumate is the External Affairs Manager at American Electric Power, managing AEP Ohio’s External Affairs and Economic Development initiatives. She brings extensive experience from Information Technology, Banking, and Energy sectors. As a committed community leader, Shumate served on the YWCA Columbus Board of Trustees for 13 years, including a term as Board Chair. She currently serves on the Community Shelter Board and the Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation Board of Trustees. A member of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Shumate has been honored as the 2024 YWCA Columbus Woman of Achievement and the 2024 Columbus Urban League Herstory Maker. She is also a member of The Links, Incorporated, where she serves as Recording Secretary for the Twin Rivers (OH) Chapter. Her favorite quote is, “To whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48). She is married to Alex Shumate.

Ernie Sullivan

President/CEO | Sullivan Staffing Strategies

Ernie Sullivan is a native of Columbus, Ohio. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Capital University, a Professional in Human Resources certification from the Society for Human Resources Management and completed the executive Education Program at the University of Virginia’s Darden School and the Kellogg School at Northwestern. He has over 27 years of experience in Human Resources at Chase Bank and is now President and CEO of Sullivan Staffing Strategies, a human resource consulting firm, specializing in diversity recruitment for client companies. He is also Executive Vice President of Who’s Who In Black. Sullivan serves on the Business Advisory Board at Central State University. Additional community activities include being a member of the Board for St. Stephen’s Community House, as well as the Board of Directors for Youth and Families. In October of 2020, Sullivan was appointed to the Board of Action for Children.

Charleta B. Tavares

CEO, PrimaryOne Health | Former Ohio State Senator

Charleta B. Tavares is the CEO of PrimaryOne Health, the largest federally qualified health center in Central Ohio, serving over 40,000 patients. She actively participates in the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers, holding leadership roles on the Board and various committees, and is involved with the National Association of Community Health Centers on multiple committees. Tavares also serves on several local non-profit boards, including the Human Service Chamber and Health Impact Ohio. A former elected official, she was the first Democrat and African American woman in the Ohio House (1993-1998) and Senate (2011-2018) from Franklin County. She made history as the first African American woman in leadership roles within the Ohio General Assembly. A Columbus native and proud alum of Columbus City Schools and Spelman College, she also holds a degree from The Ohio State University and an Honorary Doctorate from Franklin University.

Almar Walter

Adam K. Troy President/CEO | TROY Enterprises

A multi-dimensional social entrepreneur, Adam K. Troy is noted as a transformational leader with broad-based experience in real estate and community development. Over the past decade, he has served as a valued advisor to a wide range of business, religious and political leaders. Skillful in interacting with stakeholders, community groups and government officials at varying levels, he is recognized for his ability to gain consensus. As President and CEO of TROY Enterprises, his business interests are diversified and comprise a portfolio of companies spanning public-private partnerships, real estate development, leadership training, and fine art collecting. Troy has a Bachelor of Arts in Banking & Finance from Morehouse College. He is also a graduate of the Summer Leadership Institute at Harvard University Divinity School’s Center for Church-based Community and Economic Development Study. He is the recipient of numerous awards/ recognitions and has developed a legacy of community service within a number of organizations.

Dr. Keith A. Troy

Pastor | New Salem Baptist Church

Dr. Keith A. Troy is Pastor of the New Salem Baptist Church. Under his guidance, the congregation has grown steadily. His unyielding passion for training and leadership serves as the foundation upon which New Salem’s internal church growth model is built and continues to yield a relevant ministry. Troy received his Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College where he majored in Religion and minored in Education. He earned his Master of Divinity Degree from the Colgate Crozer Seminary and his Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary. Troy’s level of formal training coupled with his renowned modern-day practical approach to religion serves as the basis for why so many refer to him as a “master teacher.” He is married to the former Brenda Patterson. They are the proud parents of three daughters, Myeshia, Tiffane’, Shanece and two sons, Andre’ and Kendall and seven grandchildren.

Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer | Columbus State Community College

Almar Walter is the first executive to serve as Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Columbus State. As a member of the president’s cabinet, his leadership portfolio focuses on enhancing student success while driving inclusion and belonging initiatives. With nearly 16 years of experience in higher education leadership, Walter has guided several student affairs departments to successful outcomes. His experience spans from teaching cross-cultural communication to developing strategic operational plans that promote workplace equity. He is currently a doctoral student in the Higher Education Executive Cohort program at Ohio University. Walter’s successes have earned him recognition as a 2024 Columbus Business First C-Suite Honoree and a member of ColumbusCEO’s Future 50. He is also deeply engaged in the community, serving on several boards and as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. In his personal life, Walter relishes spending time with his beautiful family and enjoys international travel.

Dr. Donald W. White, Jr.

Executive Vice President, Operations | Leadership At Its Best

Dr. Donald W. White, Jr. serves as the Executive Vice President Operations of Leadership At Its Best in Columbus, Ohio. A retired Police Sergeant, Dr. White has dedicated his life to service, both in law enforcement and the military. He is a proud veteran of the Army National Guard and the United States Air Force. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. White has received numerous honors, including the Valor Award, Officer of the Year, the Presidential Ribbon, and recognition as one of the Top 10 African American Males of Dayton. An active member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. In addition to his leadership work, Dr. White is a two-time published author, sharing his insights and experiences with a wider audience. Dr. White is deeply committed to his family, being married with three children, several grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. His life reflects his dedication to service, leadership, and community, making a positive impact at every stage of his career.

Carla Williams-Scott

Director of the Department of Neighborhoods | City of Columbus

Carla Williams-Scott was appointed the first Director of the Department of Neighborhoods in June 2016. Williams-Scott previously served as the Assistant Director of Economic Development and Community Partnerships for Franklin County. In her role, she managed the Board of Commissioners Community Partnership Grant program, a $16,000,000 portfolio that provides support to local community-based organizations that serve county residents. In addition to the Community Partnership program, she managed the People Works Workforce Development program which assists low-income county residents to obtain full-time living-wage jobs and career pathways leading out of poverty. She is a graduate of Leadership Columbus and The United Way of Central Ohio Project Diversity Leadership programs. She has served on the board of the Kiaca Art Gallery, the Epilepsy Association of Central Ohio, and Friends of the Library, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Gahanna Lincoln High School PTO and IMPACT Community Action Agency and currently serves on the board of Community Research Partners.

Christopher L. Wyche

Councilmember | Columbus City Council

During his first term on City Council, Christopher L. Wyche is dedicated to making Columbus a green hub through sustainable practices in energy, housing, and transportation. He chairs the Public Utilities & Sustainability Committee and serves as vice-chair of Neighborhoods, Recreation, and Parks. Before joining City Council, Wyche worked in the nonprofit sector, first as Corporate Relations Manager for United Way of New England and then as Development Manager for City Year Columbus. He also spent nine years as Director of External Affairs for AT&T in Central Ohio, promoting tech training and accessibility for underserved communities. Wyche serves on the Board of Trustees for Central State University, Ohio’s second oldest HBCU, and is active in the Brookside Village Community Association. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economic Management from Ohio Wesleyan University. A father of three, he lives in North Columbus with his wife, Julia, and their children.

CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT

Nationwide Children’s Hospital is renowned for its exceptional care, featuring dedicated doctors like Dr. Akua Amponsah and Dr. Deena Chisolm. Dr. Amponsah specializes in pediatric medicine, bringing compassion and expertise to her young patients, while Dr. Chisolm is one of the nation’s leading epidemiologists in pediatric health services. Her two-decade research career has focused on improving health outcomes for traditionally underserved children.

MEET OUR ASSOCIATES ➔

akua a. amponSaH,

md, faap

Associate Division Chief for Population Health, Division of Primary Care Pediatrics

Medical Lead Physician, Linden Primary Care Center

Akua A. Amponsah, MD, FAAP, is the Associate Division Chief for Population Health in the Division of Primary Care Pediatrics, and the Medical lead Physician for the Linden Primary Care Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. She is an Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. A board-certified pediatrician and community advocate, Dr. Amponsah completed medical school at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, and did her pediatric training at Children’s Hospital of Michigan.

Dr. Amponsah’s clinical interests include all aspects of general pediatrics, and she is especially interested in child advocacy and the health of children in urban settings. She has practiced in the Linden area for nearly two decades and has helped to position the Linden clinic to be recognized in the community as a resource and a safe space through innovative programs that address social determinants of health, provide parent education, and link our care to the child’s community. Her mission as a pediatrician is not only to provide excellent care within the clinic setting, but also to collaborate with the community to improve health outcomes.

Dr. Amponsah has taken on leadership roles in the community with a focus on health equity. Some Examples include programs that address infant mortality including her work with Moms2B and Celebrate One, neighborhood revitalization through her work with Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families, obesity through her work with Pediatric Vital Signs project and the Medicaid innovation for community improvement program. Dr. Amponsah is committed to ensuring that children and adolescents receive excellent health care and addressing the underlying social factors that give rise to disparities.

Her work within the clinical setting and in the community has garnered her multiple teaching awards and for her outstanding contributions to the children or Central Ohio Nationwide Children’s Hospital awarded Dr. Amponsah the Citizenship Award in 2018 and Physician of the Year Award in 2021.

deena J. cHiSoLm, pHd

Nationwide Foundation Endowed Chair in Health Equity Research

Director of the Center for Child Health Equity and Outcomes Research

Dr. Deena Chisolm serves as the Nationwide Foundation Endowed Chair in Health Equity Research and directs the Center for Child Health Equity and Outcomes Research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. As a tenured Professor in The Ohio State University College of Medicine, she is the first Black woman to achieve this rank in her department. Dr. Chisolm’s research focuses on enhancing health and health care for children and families, boasting over 120 peer-reviewed publications on pediatric health services, outcomes, and equity. She has secured more than $30 million in federal grants addressing issues like health literacy, disparities in pain management, and the impact of racism on maternal and child health.

Passionate about developing diverse health researchers, Dr. Chisolm has mentored over a dozen graduate students and leads the NIHfunded REaCH LABS Program, providing funded internships to undergraduates from underrepresented populations, particularly from historically Black colleges and universities. Over 50 students have gained research experience in her lab.

Dr. Chisolm is also committed to promoting minority health in the community, serving as a public speaker and board member for the Columbus Board of Health. She has held leadership roles in the Ohio Commission of Minority Health and has participated in advisory committees for various U.S. health agencies.

Her contributions to child health and health equity have garnered local and national recognition, including induction into the YWCA Women of Achievement and an honorary doctorate from Miami University. Dr. Chisolm holds a B.S.Ed. in biological science education from Miami University and an MS in preventive medicine from The Ohio State University College of Medicine, where she was the first to earn a doctoral degree in Health Services Management and Policy. She and her husband, Jerard, have been married for 32 years and are active members of St. Philip Evangelical Lutheran Church in Columbus.

The “Who’s Who 1,000 Books for 1,000 Kids” campaign aims to empower children across the Columbus area by providing Who’s In Who Black publications to elementary, middle, and high school students.

By sponsoring this campaign, you help Who’s Who In Black distribute these editions to students of all ages. Our goal is to inspire children and help them find role models who reflect their own experiences and aspirations.

For more information, please contact sponsors@whoswhoinblack.com

Together, we can inspire and uplift the next generation of leaders.

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) aims to promote cooperative actions among its member fraternities and sororities to address mutual concerns and enhance their overall well-being. It facilitates the creation and growth of local councils, serves as a communication link between these organizations, and provides leadership training through workshops and national conventions. NPHC collaborates with various community groups such as the NAACP, Urban League, and the United Negro College Fund, contributing to initiatives that foster unity and economic empowerment.

MEET OUR MEMBERS ➔

Dr. Judy A. Alston

Co-Chaplain & Co-Parliamentarian Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - Columbus (OH) Alumnae Chapter

Dr. Judy A. Alston is Professor & Chair of the Department of Educational Leadership at Miami (OH) University. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Administration from The Pennsylvania State University; a M.Div. from Methodist Theological School in Ohio; a M.Ed. in Educational Administration; a M.Ed. in Secondary Education both from the University of South Carolina; and a B. A. in English from Winthrop College. She is a prolific speaker and writer. She is the author of Herstories: Leading with the Lessons of the Lives of Black Women Activists and co-editor of The Undivided Life: Faculty of Color Bringing Our Whole Selves to the Academy. She is also the Associate Pastor of Woodland Christian Church; a board member of the National Benevolent Association and a board member of the General Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She is a 30+ year member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Dr. Tiffany Brannon

CEO, Former Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated International Executive Director of Domestic Violence Program Initiatives

Dr. Tiffany Brannon is a native of KY & is the founder/ president of Kentucky Association of Professional African American Women, Inc. (KAPAAW), where she leads initiatives empowering Black women and their families through intentional programming. She’s a professor and manager at a domestic violence shelter, overseeing housing programs and funding supporting survivors in Columbus. She was honored with the 2024 Commonwealth of Kentucky MLK Jr. State Leadership Award by the governor Andy Beshear himself and is a dedicated member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, where she has held various leadership roles. She holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision from the University of the Cumberlands. She is a wife and mother of four. She enjoys reading, community service, and mentorship. She is an avid researcher, published author and publishes peer reviewed articles. She is extending her award-winning mentorship programs to the city of Columbus this year!

James Burke IV

Member at Large Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity

James Burke IV is the owner of Before and After Photography, an Ohio-based studio known for its professional expertise and dedication to community service. With over a decade of experience in photography, Burke also leverages his background in process improvement and cybersecurity to streamline business operations and enhance client experiences. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Beta Omicron Sigma chapter and past president of the Columbus NPHC. His passion extends beyond the lens, as he is deeply committed to giving back to the community, particularly through initiatives focused on addressing homelessness. Burke frequently provides free photography services to nonprofit organizations and organizes charitable events to support local causes. His work reflects a strong belief in the power of community and the importance of helping those in need. By combining his technical skills with a deep sense of social responsibility, Burke strives to leave a lasting impact both through his photography and his efforts to improve the lives of others, creating a legacy of service and compassion.

Kerry Charles

Phi Beta Sigma (Rho Chi Sigma Chapter - Westerville) NBC4

Kerry Charles is a weeknight anchor for NBC4. He has worked as an anchor, reporter and/or producer in Cincinnati; Shreveport, LA; Greensboro, NC; and, Atlanta, GA. Since joining NBC4, Charles has worked on projects that have been recognized by the Associated Press, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Emmy). A graduate of Linden-McKinley High School, Charles studied communication at the University of Cincinnati. While in middle school, he became a host for a weekly radio program at WCBE-FM, Kids Sundae. He was also an anchor and reporter for the 10TV Kids News Network. Charles is President of the Columbus Association of Black Journalists, a Board of Trustee for St. Stephen’s Community House, a member of the Fort Hayes High School Film/TV Advisory Committee and has been a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. for more than 20 years.

Cordell E. Dillon

President, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc, Rho Chi Sigma Chapter

Precision Mortgage Group, LLC

Cordell E. Dillon, owner of Precision Mortgage Group, LLC, has been a driving force in the mortgage industry for 27 years. A proud native of Canton, Ohio, he has made Columbus his home since earning his Management and Marketing degree from The Ohio State University in 1996. As he celebrates 20 years of small business ownership, Dillon is dedicated to his company’s mission of “Trust and Honesty at its Best,” emphasizing unparalleled service and education for clients across Florida, Ohio, and Texas. An active community leader, Dillon serves as president of the Rho Chi Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. while also being recognized as a Prince Hall Mason and Shriner. His commitment extends to volunteering with various central Ohio nonprofits, where he leverages his Certified Credit Specialist designation to teach essential classes on credit, budgeting, savings, and mortgage lending at local churches and agencies.

Moses Edwards, Jr.

Chaplain

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity

Moses Edwards, Jr. serves as the Pastor of First Baptist Church of Chillicothe, Ohio. He leads a 200-year-old congregation, fostering spiritual growth, community outreach, and ministry development. Moses was named 1st Vice President of the Eastern Union Missionary Baptist Association and leads the Youth and Young Adult Auxiliary. He is a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity. He is also active in social media marketing, managing the popular Black Greek Lifestyle platform on Instagram. Moses is pursuing a Master of Theological Studies at Trinity Lutheran Seminary. He enjoys writing, mentoring, and spending time with his wife, Jill. His favorite quote is, “I’m praying God gives you the courage you need to cut off who need to be cut off.”

Bydea E. Foster

NPHC of Columbus-Recording Secretary, Iota Nu Sigma- Social Planner Columbus City Schools

Bydea E. Foster, native of Columbus, Ohio, works to ensure the safety of nearly 9,500 plus individuals daily. While in this role, she helps schools in her region to recover from crisis incidents while working to regain a healthy and safe learning climate, provides ongoing safety training for district employee’s, and builds relationships with community members. Foster is a graduate of Wilberforce University, with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration. She a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Iota Nu Sigma Alumnae Chapter. She’s the Social Planner for her Chapter and the Recording Secretary for the local NPHC Chapter. In her leisure, she enjoys attending church, working in the community with her Chapter & fellow Divine Nine organizations, traveling, concerts, visiting HBCU’s football classics, providing resources for youth in college and spending time with her family and friends.

Tia R. Goodlett

Basileus/President

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Iota Nu Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Worthington, Ohio

Tia R. Goodlett, MSW has been a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. since 1999. Ms. Goodlett currently serves as the Basileus (President) of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Iota Nu Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Worthington, Ohio and has served in this role for a few years. Goodlett is a proud graduate of Kent State University and The Ohio State University and enjoys her free time with her two children.

Le-Ann M. Harris, DNP, RN, NEA-BC

First Vice President, Delta Sigma Theta OhioHealth, Grant Medical Center

Le-Ann M. Harris, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, is the CNO, Vice President at Grant Medical Center. Dr. Harris joined OhioHealth in 2004 after an extensive career in long-term care. Dr. Harris finds passion in delivering compassionate, high-quality care. She began her career in nursing serving as a Registered Nurse. She later became the Director of Nursing, before being named the Chief Nursing Officer. Dr. Harris has received numerous leadership awards and is a Hudson Institute Internal Coach. She graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor and a Master of Health Administration. She attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia receiving a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Dr. Harris serves as member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated., where she is a member of the board. She also serves on the board of the Downtown Endoscopy Center and serves as program advisory member for several universities. She currently resides in Delaware, Ohio with her family.

Alicia Henry President

Delta Omicron Sigma Alumnae Chaper Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.

Alicia Henry has spent nearly 20 years in education, specializing in dropout prevention and recovery. As one of the founding administrators of FLEX High of Columbus, she now serves as the school leader, helping to create resource centers across Ohio and beyond that support opportunity youth and adults in earning high school diplomas and pursuing career and technical education. Henry is passionate about trauma-informed practices and has served as an adjunct professor, designing international digital courses. A proud Denison University alumna, she earned her BA in Education and Communications in 2005 and received the Denison Distinguished Leadership Award. She holds an MA in Curriculum and Instructional Design and has completed doctoral coursework at Walden University. Henry has been a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated since college and, after serving as president of the Black Alumni Association, now serves on the Alumni Advisory Board, supporting alumni engagement and fundraising.

Traylene Hines

Recording Secretary, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Columbus (OH) Alumnae Chapter State of Ohio

Traylene Hines is the Information Technology Enterprise Cybersecurity Solutions Manager at the Ohio Department of Administrative Services. Hines is responsible for the implementation of enterprise initiatives, assessing gaps, improvements, overseeing controls and solutions that meet business objectives while complying with security standards. She also manages the Ohio Cybersecurity Apprenticeship program. Previously, Hines became the first IT PMO Manager at the Ohio EPA and also established EPA’s first IT training program. Hines holds a Master of Science in Project Management from Central Michigan University, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She is an Executive Committee member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Columbus (OH) Alumnae Chapter and is currently serving her second term as the President of Ohio University’s Columbus Ebony Bobcat Network. Hines also serves as a founding member of Ohio Pathways to Computing Undergraduate Computing Success that supports STEM. She was a 2023 Who’s Who in Columbus awardee.

Dr. Stephen Lewis Sr.

Treasurer NPHC of Columbus

Dr. Lewis Sr. is the Leader of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Bexley City Schools, an urban school district in the heart of Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Lewis is in year two of his role after coming from Olentangy Local schools where he served for 2 years as the Supervisor of Equity and Inclusion. Dr. Lewis’ passion is in creating sustainable cultures of belonging for all students, so they may flourish and are prepared for the many paths that await them upon conclusion of their K-12 journey. Dr. Lewis developed the districts Equity Plan 2.0 which focuses on the science of Targeted Universalism which encompasses concepts of PBIS, MTSS, and Social Emotional Learning. Dr. Lewis is a certified Restorative Practices facilitator and believes that the role of education has evolved to where preparing the “whole child” is critical to the future success of the next generation of leaders.

Dr. Carolyn McClerking

President | Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Gamma Zeta Zeta Chapter

Dr. Carolyn McClerking is the current president of Gamma Zeta Zeta Chapter, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. in Columbus, OH. She is a Certified Nurse Practitioner at The Ohio State University James Cancer Hospital and currently practices in hematology/bone marrow transplant. She is also the founding director of The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse practitioner program at The Ohio State University College of Nursing. Dr. McClerking’s nursing career spans over 25 years. She holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Nursing and Broadcast Journalism from The Mississippi University for Women, a Master of Science in nursing from The University of Michigan and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. She is also a veteran of the United States Army Reserve. Her research interests include interprofessional simulation and cardiovascular disease in minority women veterans. In her leisure time, she enjoys going to the gym and spending time with family.

Marion Meadows

First Vice President NPHC Columbus

Marion Meadows is the 1st Vice President for the National Pan-Hellenic Council Columbus. Marion is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Alpha Rho Lambda Chapter as a Spring 2022 Initiate. Meadows received the Outstanding NPHC Rep Award for NPHC Columbus in 2024. Professionally, Meadows serves as the Director of Programs for I Know I Can, where he directs organizational strategic initiatives, and as the Past President for the Ohio Association for College Admission Counseling. In April 2024, Meadows received the M. Jeanne Tally Human Relations Award which recognizes those who have given above and beyond in need and meritorious service. Meadows is also a 2024 graduate of the African American Leadership Academy. Meadows is the proud husband of Dr. Chante Meadows and father to four boys- Jackson (15), Andrew (11), and 5-year-old twins, Channing and Chase.

Adrian Moore

Assistant Principal, Champion Middle School

Columbus City Schools

President, NPHC Columbus

Adrian Moore brings over 25 years of senior management experience in the non-profit sector, having held leadership roles in major cities such as Chicago, New York, Houston, Minneapolis, and Columbus. A former YMCA executive, Moore has managed several high-level initiatives and programs, showcasing his dedication to organizational growth and community impact. Currently, he serves as the Assistant Principal at Champion Middle School in Columbus City Schools, where he continues to inspire students, staff, and the community. Beyond his educational career, Moore and his family own Impact Luxury Transportation Company, and he is also an experienced professional basketball trainer. His passion for community service is reflected in his role as President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) of Columbus, where he fosters collaboration across fraternities and sororities. Moore holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Iowa State University.

Dr. Anthony B. Redic

Chapter President Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity

Dr. Anthony B. Redic, in additional to serving as President of Beta Omicron Sigma, is a global program leader for IBM, a financial strategist for small business owners, adjunct profressor, and a Registered Financial Consultant, RFC®. As a leader, he activates his passion and purpose by teaching, serving the community, developing teams, and finding creative ideas to address social challenges. Dr. Redic has a special focus on mentoring youth and developing programs which help build the mental and physical health of black men. His PhD is in Organizational Psychology, with a focus on a satisfaction, productivity, and economic value of work-life balance program for older African American men. Dr. Redic has been married for 33 years, has two adult sons, a wonderful daughter-in-law, and two amazing grandsons. He has been a member of the great Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated for over 20 years.

Dana L. Ross

Executive Leadership Team

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

RDana L. Ross is the Executive Assistant Officer at FCBank, where she works closely with the President and coordinates projects across the organization. She acts as a liaison for the bank’s sponsorship with The Columbus Crew and plays a vital role in branch activities, project planning, and training initiatives. Additionally, Ross serves on the company’s BIPOC committee, promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace. Active in her community, Ross is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., where she chairs the Gamma Zeta Zeta Education Foundation. She is also involved with Mt. Hermon Baptist Church and serves on the Steering Committee for Leaders United at Columbus United Way. Furthermore, she is a board member of Life Start, LLC, contributing her expertise to support various initiatives aimed at community development and empowerment.

Tei Y. Street

Executive Leadership Development Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

The “Amazing” Tei Street is an international motivational speaker, trainer, and education consultant. She has more than 25 years of experience in youth leadership development, higher education, curriculum development, training in sexual assault, domestic violence prevention, as well as ATOD prevention. She holds Bachelor & Master of Arts degrees from The Ohio State University, and a Master of Ministry degree from Ohio Christian University. Additionally, she serves as the Director of the Health Sciences Academies & Pathways 2 Progress (P2P) at The Ohio State University. Street is an in-demand speaker, and the recipient of a plethora of awards and recognitions, too many to list. She is the Immediate Past President of the Board of I Know I Can and the Vice President of the Board of Made for Medicine. She is the author of two books and an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Columbus (OH) Alumnae Chapter.

Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan, Jr

Executive Director, The Ohio Council of Churches Member, Civic Endeavors Committee of Alpha Rho Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan, Jr. is Executive Director of the Ohio Council of Churches. This Columbusbased,105-year-old statewide organization brings 17 Christian denominations together as a Jesus Christ movement for unity, justice, and peace. An internationally known justice advocate, Dr. Sullivan leads the OCC’s public efforts to abolish Ohio’s death penalty, prevent gun violence, end gerrymandering, and dismantle systemic racism. Dr. Sullivan is a sought-after interview guest of local and statewide media representatives. He is known for delivering eloquent speeches during Ohio Statehouse hearings and social justice rallies in Ohio and across the US. A life member of the NAACP and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Dr. Sullivan was awarded the 2020 Martin Luther King, Jr. Social Justice Award by the Ohio MLK Holiday Commission. He earned a BS from Ohio University; MDiv from Lexington Theological Seminary; and DMin from United Theological Seminary. Sullivan holds honorary doctorates from Bethany College and Heidelberg University.

Courtney White

Unified Supportive Housing System Program Manager Community Shelter Board

Courtney White, a Columbus native and graduate of The Ohio State University, has broad experience in program management, compliance, and organizational efficiency. As the Unified Supportive Housing System Program Manager at Community Shelter Board, she ensures federal compliance while helping clients transition into permanent supportive housing. Her expertise includes donor relations, event coordination, candidate sourcing, and financial coaching. As an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Iota Zeta chapter, and the Columbus Urban League Young Professionals, White enjoys being involved in her community and networking. Outside of work, White has been bartending for nine years and frequently bartends events around the city. She is also an artist and looks forward to dedicating more time to her creative pursuits. One of her favorite quotes is, “Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.”

Lucretia Williams

Executive Leadership Team

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

Lucretia Williams is the President & CEO of Distinct Event Planning, LLC - a premier event management & design firm. With over 26 years of event planning experience, Williams specializes in planning corporate, nonprofit and social events. Her client roster includes Victoria’s Secret & Co., NiSource, NBA, OhioHealth, Economic & Community Development Institute, and Hennessy just to name a few. DEP events have been featured by Essence Magazine, The B Collective Magazine, Inside Weddings, NBC 4, and Good Day Columbus. Williams is a member of the National Association of Women Business Owners, Meeting Professionals International, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Williams won the Meeting Professionals International “Planner of the Year” award in 2023 and the Smart Meetings “Smart Women In Meetings” award in 2024. Williams loves to travel and is a proud graduate of The Ohio State University.

Dr. Carter D. Womack

Chief Operating Officer, Who’s Who In Black 27th & 29th Past International President Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Dr. Carter D. Womack has held executive roles with leading companies such as Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Ryder Systems, Blockbuster, Viacom, and Value City Department Stores. A visionary leader, he founded the Black Men’s Voting Collective in Columbus, Ohio, launching the campaign “Their Body, Their Choices!” to encourage Black men to support women’s rights to make decisions about their bodies. He also worked on Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign. Dr. Womack is the Founder and CEO of Leadership At Its Best in Columbus. He has been actively involved in numerous organizations, including Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the National Pan-Hellenic Council, where he served as both the 28th and 29th National President. Recognized for his influence, Dr. Womack was named by Ebony Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential African Americans and was inducted into the Alabama A&M University Alumni Hall of Fame in 1990.

Make a statement that echoes through generations. With Pitch Black, you’re not just a brand; you’re a powerful movement of change.

to everyone featured in this year’s edition of Who’s Who In Black Columbus — you embody the strength and leadership that shape our community!

Don’t miss out on being included next year — nominate yourself or someone making a difference in Columbus today!

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The Academy’s mission is to increase the number of central Ohio’s African American leaders and broaden its awareness of a wider pool of capable and civic minded African American professionals. Maximizing the potential and engagement of all social and economic sectors is essential to the greater purpose of building “best at” and “best to be in” businesses and communities. The Academy seeks to accomplish this by offering strength-based curriculum focused on efficacy, leadership agility and leadership interaction.

By Donald James

Senior National Writer, Who’s Who In Black

The African American Leadership Academy: Rooted in Purpose, Defined by Excellence

Since its inception in 2005, the African American Leadership Academy (AALA) in Central Ohio has continued to develop, nurture, support, and help Black leaders excel and evolve in their professions, careers, and other empowering leadership endeavors with corporations, communities, nonprofits, governmental entities, and the world of entrepreneurship.

In essence, AALA is a community-based leadership development initiative that was created to expand the number of African Americans in leadership positions in the public and private sectors. By design, AALA creates rich and authentic development experiences for its Fellows, who, in many cases, have become CEOs or C-Suite executives at mid-to-largesized corporations and other organizations.

“We are not a grassroots, early career type of program,” said Mo Wright, co-executive director of AALA. “Typically, the folks who come to and through our program are already accomplished and coming in with middle-level or higher management experience. Our job is to take good leaders and make them even better. However, the African American Leadership Academy is more than a program; it’s a promise to ourselves and our community that we can achieve greatness—together.”

Wright said the programming at AALA is about helping Fellows make intentional, strategic moves and developing the mindset to navigate any challenge that presents itself. He adds that the organization goes beyond the conventional definition of success by expanding the narrative for its Fellows to realize and value the meaning of true leadership, prosperity, and professionalism with unwavering commitments to serving and empowering underrepresented communities.

Each year, AALA selects 40 motivated Fellows poised for significant accomplishments yet already engaged in meaningful leadership and community roles.

According to Wright, the Fellows embdiverse talent,” explained Donna A. James, who with Mo Wright, serves as co-executive director of AALA.

The Fellows engage in sessions focused on efficacy and leadership agility, allowing them to hone their skills in personal and professional arenas. The program emphasizes networking, mentorship, and connecting Fellows with seasoned leaders who serve as guides and role models. Through focused discussions, workshops, and self-reflective practices, Fellows lean into their respective leadership styles, ready to navigate the complexities of race and gender in the workplace. The Academy’s curriculum covers a wide array of topics essential to leadership, including strategic decision-making, organizational management, and cultural competence.

“What sets AALA apart is its specific focus on the unique challenges that African American leaders often face, offering a space where participants can openly discuss issues like racial bias, the pressure of being “the first” or “the only” in leadership settings, and the complexities of navigating predominantly white institutions,” said Wright.

One of the hallmarks of AALA is its emphasis on helping Fellows realize that readiness for growth starts with oneself.

Round Table Conversation with Yvette McGee Brown, former Ohio Supreme Court

Team

“Our mantra is ‘You Are The Project,’ ” Wright said, adding, “AALA believes that becoming the best ‘you’ must happen before becoming the best leader of any organization.” Wright echoed the words of the late Warren G. Bennis, a pioneer in Contemporary Leadership: “Before you can become a leader, you first have to become yourself.”

The incredible impact of AALA is evident in its growing network of alums. With 400-plus graduates – and countingthe Academy is the creative source for producing a diverse group of leaders who excel in various sectors of society. Graduates over the years have taken prominent leadership positions in a broad sector of today’s industries, ranging from CEOs, school superintendents, community and civic leaders, nonprofit executives, and elected and appointed government officials. The goal for each alum, regardless of professional position, is to contribute positively to the fabric while also advancing all communities of color in tangible ways.

Of the 400-plus alums of AALA, their fingerprints of leadership acumen have surpassed the Ohio State Line, touching corporations and communities in California, Georgia, New York, North

Carolina, Oregon, Texas, Washington, D.C., and other locales across the United States. In addition to Greater Columbus in Central Ohio, AALA has spun leadership programs in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Charlotte, North Carolina.

AALA’s evolution has made powerful impacts since its humble beginnings almost 20 years ago when a group of movers and shakers in Greater Columbus saw a collective need to develop Black leaders to fill current and future leadership roles in a multiplicity of corporate, community, civic, and other settings.

Legend has it that prominent Columbus attorney Larry James and his wife, Donna A. James, the former President of Nationwide Strategic Investments and advisor to executives of Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurs, spearheaded AALA after arranging a dinner to discuss their idea about creating a Black leadership training and empowerment organization. The power couple invited other movers and shakers in Greater Columbus to the dinner, including Warren Tyler, Yvette McGee Brown, and Donn Vickers. When the dinner was over, the foundation and mission of AALA had been established.

with AALA participants “

A focus on intentionality, self-development, and a high impact belief system... that’s what it takes to navigate leadership for professionals of color...and that’s what AALA does exceptionally well.”

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“Many Black professionals are invisible to the majority community and to some extent Black community leadership when opportunities arise for effective diverse talent,” explained Donna A. James, who with Mo Wright, serves as co-executive director of AALA. “Age, religion, politics, professions, neighborhoods, and other isms separate us all if we don’t make a concerted effort to bridge the divides. Our intent at AALA is to expand the pipeline of effective diverse leaders to enable individual and collective prosperity for our region.”

As AALA looks forward to its 20th anniversary in 2025, the need for strong Black leadership is more paramount than ever. While AALA will continue to train stellar African American leaders for top executive positions in congruence with its core values and mission, the organization will expand its portfolio of leadership training while committed to keeping its core values and mission.

“AALA is not just about developing leaders; it’s about fostering a movement that seeks to empower every participant to lead from the best version of their most authentic selves,” said Wright, who completed AALA 18 years ago. “Yet, we will continue to evolve. In addition to our core leadership program at AALA, we want to work directly with companies to develop professionals of color. We want to approach companies’ HR to develop programs that have our principles but are based on the core values of what the organization believes in. Our goal is to develop a leadership academy exclusively for those organizations that they can own and brand.”

Wright said that AALA will also soon launch a program called “Coaching Circles,” where professionals can take advantage of AALA’s mastermind group of trusted veteran leaders and professionals who will coach, mentor, and develop young professionals primarily just out of college or working in their first professional job and career.

Nevertheless, keeping what has effectively worked for AALA for close to two decades is critical. However, expanding leadership training programs is necessary to meet the growing needs of African Americans.

“The Black community cannot afford to simply hope and wish for great leadership,” said Robert “Bo” Chilton, AALA’s Advisory Board Chair. “We must be grounded in the struggle and real work of developing the next generation of leaders to carry the torch and light the way. For 20 years, AALA has built a pipeline of leaders who are doing well and doing more good in our community. We will continue to do the good work of preparing them.”

Team Meeting with facilitator on the topics of Reflecting and Reconnecting

Program participants in learning session

Attorney

Larry James and Yvette McGee Brown

SHAWN BAILEY

Business Development

Shawn Bailey, a Wittenberg University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech/English, has over 36 years of experience in sales and business development. He currently serves as the Director of Business Development at NBC4. As co-founder and President of the NeXT Basketball Foundation, founded in 2015, Shawn uses youth sports to promote leadership and personal growth. NeXT’s motto, “One can’t lead until they humble themselves and serve,” emphasizes leadership through community service. Bailey is also the author of Rough Draft: Three Universal Questions to Reflect Upon, which guides self-discovery through three questions: Who Are You? What Do You Believe? What Is Your Purpose? A proud father to six children — Logan, Austin, Bryce, Ryan, Addison, and Reese — Bailey’s work reflects his commitment to empowering the next generation and growing through service and selfreflection.

MATT BARNES Anchor

Matt Barnes is the morning co-anchor of NBC4 Today, a position he took in January 2016. He joined the NBC4 staff in May 2010 as a sports anchor and reporter. He is a proud graduate from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University, graduating cum laude with a degree in broadcast journalism. Barnes has reported on 3 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Beijing and most recently the Paris 2024 Games. As a native of Columbus, being out and about in the community is very important to him. He is an avid volunteer and supporter of the Ronald McDonald House in Columbus. He also serves as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio and was named the National and Ohio 2020 Big Brother of the Year. You also might see him talking to schools around the area, including his alma maters Indianola Elementary, Johnson Park Middle and Bishop Hartley High.

KEVIN A. CARTER

Senior Account Executive

Kevin A. Carter is a Senior Account Manager with nineteen years of experience at NBC4. Carter helps small and mid-sized companies grow their businesses with dynamic, multi-platform advertising campaigns that are created specifically for them. Through his work, Carter has overseen marketing plans for successful advertisers throughout central Ohio and the entire country. Carter is also very active in his community. He has sat on several boards in central Ohio including the Columbus Urban League, Increase Community Development Corporation, and the American Lung Association. Carter is also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. In his free time, Carter plays piano and sings in his church choir. Carter currently lives in Pickerington Ohio with his wife and four children.

KERRY CHARLES Anchor

Kerry Charles is a weeknight anchor for NBC4. He joined the station after working as an anchor/reporter in Atlanta and as a morning news anchor in Greensboro, NC. His on-air career began in Shreveport, Louisiana. Additionally, Charles worked as a newscast producer at stations in Columbus and Cincinnati. Charles attended Columbus City Schools and graduated from Linden-McKinley High School. He studied communication at the University of Cincinnati. Since joining NBC4, Charles has worked on projects that have been recognized by the Associated Press, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Emmy). Charles helps organize the annual ‘Thanksgiving Back’ turkey giveaway, feeding thousands of local families. Charles is a Board of Trustee for St. Stephen’s Community House, a member of the Fort Hayes’ Film/TV Advisory Committee and hold memberships with Phi Beta Sigma and the Columbus Association of Black Journalists (President).

CIERRA JOHNSON

Anchor

Cierra Johnson is an anchor and reporter with NBC4. Central Ohio is home for Johnson. She attended Gahanna Lincoln High School, where she was an active member of WGLH, the school’s nationally recognized student television program. After graduating from Gahanna, Johnson attended Ohio University where she studied broadcast journalism in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. Johnson is an Emmy-nominated journalist. She joined NBC4 after working at KNTV in San Francisco and previously WBNS, WKBW in Buffalo, and WCPO in Cincinnati as a participant in the Scripps Apprentice Program. Johnson also enjoys giving back to the community and is an active member of several local and national organizations. Johnson is a member of Junior League, a volunteer with Dress for Success, National Association of Black Journalists, Kitchen Kapers and a member of the committee that plans Wonderball, a fundraiser for the Columbus Museum of Art.

WESLEY McINTYRE Broadcast Engineer

Wesley McIntyre is a highly accomplished professional with a dynamic career spanning two diverse worlds. Currently, he shines as a pivotal member of the NBC4 team, contributing his expertise to deliver top-notch broadcasting experiences. His technical prowess, honed during his previous role as an arena technical coordinator for the NHL, offers a unique perspective and an unparalleled skill set in the media industry. He seamlessly transitioned from the NHL, where precision engineering was the name of the game, to the fast-paced, everevolving world of news broadcasting. His contributions behind the scenes are invaluable, ensuring that NBC4 consistently delivers the high-quality content that viewers rely on. Combining a passion for media and sports technology, McIntyre’s career path exemplifies a commitment to excellence. He continues to be a driving force in the world of broadcasting, upholding the highest standards of technical proficiency.

BRETT MILLS Reporter

Brett Mills joined NBC4 in June 2024 as a reporter. He graduated from the New York Film Academy’s broadcast journalism program and started his career working for ABC News and the teams at Good Morning America and World News Tonight with David Muir. Mills also worked as a news anchor, reporter and producer at WETM-TV in Elmira, New York, before making the move to Columbus. Both stations are owned by Nexstar. Mills is excited to be in central Ohio to spend time with some of his extended family here. When Mills is not reporting, he enjoys cooking and watching movies, mostly from the ‘80s and ‘90s.

DARYL MURPHY Digital Media Account Executive

Daryl Murphy is a digital marketing sales associate with NBC4 Columbus. In this role he works in partnership with local businesses and organizations to create solution-based advertising campaigns. These campaigns serve millions of impressions that put partners’ brand messaging in front of target audiences across NBC4 platforms and the broader digital universe. Outside of work, Murphy is an avid runner who has run a 5k every day for more than 1,000 consecutive days and regularly competes in road races including marathons. He is the founder of Miles For Justice, a community org to advance more equitable communities through education and athletics. Murphy also serves as the community coach at Nike Easton and hosts community runs at the store each week.

GABRIELLE PHIFER

Daytime Columbus Reporter

Gabrielle Phifer joined NBC4 in October 2023 as a lifestyle reporter for Daytime Columbus. Before coming to NBC4, Phifer was the morning reporter for WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She began her career in Arkansas as bureau chief, reporter and fill-in anchor at KTVE/KARD. She received her undergraduate degree from University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Master of Science in journalism from Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism. When Phifer isn’t on air, she loves being involved in the community, especially with the youth. She’s a longtime mentor and enjoys visiting schools to speak with students about her career and encourage them to be the best they can be. She’s also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and National Association of Black Journalists. Phifer, who has family in central Ohio and watched NBC4 when she came to visit, is delighted to be in Columbus.

BRYAN STILL Meteorologist

Meteorologist Bryan Still joined Storm Team 4 in August 2023. It’s a homecoming for Still, who grew up in Reynoldsburg, lived through the blizzard of 2008, the remnants of Hurricane Ike that same year, and the derecho storm of 2012. Still started his meteorology career at WKBN in Youngstown, Ohio. Later he moved to KVEO in Brownsville, Texas. While he was in elementary school, Still developed a passion for weather when a meteorologist visited his second-grade class. He was so excited when he saw the vehicle used for storm-chasing and all the instruments inside. Still is a graduate of Reynoldsburg High School. He attended Columbus State Community College before continuing his studies at Ohio State University. Still was in Boy Scouts troop 366 and climbed to the rank of Eagle Scout. Between high school and college, he served a mission with his church in Mexico for two years. In that time, he learned to speak Spanish fluently.

Personality Portraits features biographies and photographs of local African American professionals, highlighting their diverse achievements and contributions across various fields. This section celebrates their successes, honors their professional excellence, and provides inspiration and representation, showcasing the rich talent and leadership within the community.

Brandy N. Avery

Sakinah Ali Neuromodulation Specialist | Sakinah Ali LLC

With a background in cognitive and computational neuroscience from The Ohio State University, Sakinah Ali has worked at the forefront of mental health innovation. As a former TMS Technician and Clinical Application Specialist, she specialized in advanced, non-invasive brain stimulation therapies and led TMS advancements in the Northeast, restoring neural function and improving patient outcomes. Now, as an entrepreneur, Ali focuses on creating solutions that expand mental health care in underserved communities. Through Zora’s House, she develops platforms that increase access to care and drive change. As a member of the Clinical TMS Society, she advocates for equitable healthcare, and as part of the National Society of Black Physician Assistants, she aligns her next career phase with healthcare innovation and equity. Her guiding belief is: “We are all powerful beyond measure.”

Co-CEO | Keys to Black Wealth

Brandy N. Avery is a business owner with over 15 years of experience in business development, financial advising, and management in both corporate and non-profit sectors. She currently serves as Regional Vice President at Primerica Financial Services Inc., where she acts as a licensed financial adviser, business coach, and mentor to clients across central Ohio and the U.S. Avery is also Co-CEO of Keys to Black Wealth, a multimedia brand focused on promoting financial literacy and addressing the racial wealth gap through engaging educational content. Her accolades include the Mahogany Columbus Small Business Award, the Franklin County Treasurer Economic Empowerment Award, and Congressional Recognition from Congresswoman Joyce Beatty. A graduate of Columbus East High School and Wittenberg University, Avery is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Sherry H. Barbour

Marriage and the Family Therapist Supervisor | Inspiring Purpose Counseling Group and The Couples Couch

Sherry H. Barbour is a licensed marriage and family therapist supervisor and multibusiness owner dedicated to empowering families. Originally from Virginia, she has lived in Columbus, Ohio, since 2008. After a career as a third-grade teacher focused on academic success in South Linden, Barbour transitioned to therapy, fostering healing within family systems. She began her educational journey at 32, earning a Bachelor of Human Development and a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy from Amridge University in 2016. Currently, she is pursuing her Doctorate in Behavioral Health and is trained in various trauma and couples therapy models, including pending certification in Imago couples’ therapy.

Anita Bethune

Dr. Love Benton

Equity Manager | City of Columbus

Dr. Love Benton, a scholar specializing in leadership, change, and equity, currently serves as the Equity Manager for Columbus, Ohio, the 14th largest city in the nation. With over twenty years of experience, Dr. Benton has led innovative initiatives in education and nonprofit sectors, fostering community partnerships and spearheading Columbus’s equity agenda. Before her role in Columbus, Dr. Benton taught as an Adjunct Professor at Temple University and continues to teach at Otterbein University and Columbus State Community College. Throughout her career, she has not only educated students but also developed equitable curriculum and frameworks for teachers nationwide. Dr. Benton’s expertise spans various fields, including education, policy, diversity, equity, inclusion, curriculum development, teaching, learning, and the nonprofit sector. She holds a B.S. from The Ohio State University, an M.Ed. from Ashland University, and both an M.A. and Ph.D. in leadership and change from Antioch University.

Director of Regional Operations | Discover Financial Services

Anita Bethune is an accomplished Financial Services Operations Director with over 15 years of experience driving operational excellence in the financial services industry. Currently she leads a collections operations team at Discover Financial Services. Bethune has a proven track record in streamlining processes, enhancing customer experiences, and delivering measurable results in cost efficiency and productivity. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology from The Ohio State University and Master of Business Administration from Ohio University. Outside of work, she is actively involved in her church community at StrongPoint Church and raising her daughters with her loving husband, Hobson Bethune.

Cedric Blackmon

Owner | Destination Forward

Cedric Blackmon is the driving force behind Destination Forward Logistics Ltd., a company recognized for its commitment to excellence in transportation and logistics. As owner and operator, Blackmon oversees every aspect of the business, ensuring that each client receives personalized, reliable service tailored to their specific needs. His hands-on approach and attention to detail have earned Destination Forward Logistics Ltd. a reputation for delivering high-quality results in a competitive industry. With a strong entrepreneurial background and a passion for logistics, Blackmon has successfully grown the company, building strong partnerships and a loyal customer base. His leadership is marked by innovative problem-solving and a dedication to exceeding client expectations, positioning the company as a leader in the field. Cedric’s unwavering commitment to quality and efficiency drives the ongoing success of Destination Forward Logistics Ltd., making it a trusted name in the logistics and transportation industry.

Roderick Q. Blount, Jr. Intervention Specialist | ESCCO

Roderick Q. Blount, Jr., a native of Columbus, is an Intervention Specialist in the South-Western City School District. He provides special needs focused education and provides a means to help the students become more successful in all areas of the school environment. He previously served as an Instructor at Ohio Business College. Blount has been featured in several newspapers for his book on the history of African Americans in Greene County, Ohio and has served as a contributing editor in several publications. He serves as a member/officer of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (Midwestern Regional Secretary), the Prince Hall Masons (KYCH,33*), GUOOF, Kentucky Colonels, CULYP, the Columbus NAACP (Exec. Board), Omicron Delta Kappa, Order of Omega, Golden Key, and Phi Alpha Theta. Blount earned two BA degrees from Ball State University, an MA degree from The Ohio State University, and a master’s in Education from Ohio University.

Davonna Booth-Minor

Senior Director, Account Management | S.H.E. Advocacy

Davonna Booth-Minor is a devoted mother and health advocate. She has had a career as a Healthcare and PBM Professional for over 25 years working with some of the top Fortune Five companies in America. She is an accomplished writer, motivational speaker, life-coach, and health enthusiast. She is active in magazine, radio and television. BoothMinor is an active member of the women’s advocacy organization, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Central Ohio Chapter, where she has served as both a board member and chair of the Healthcare Committee. In 2014 Booth-Minor competed against 52 women from across the United States in the Miss Plus America pageant and was crowned Mrs. Plus America. In 2015, Booth-Minor was inducted into the “Who’s Who African American” publications, and became a celebrity ambassador for St. Jude Children’s Hospital where she is spreading their message of hope to champion cures for children’s diseases.

Fatima Bouyer

CEO | The Whole You Wellness Studio, Office Bad Ass, Bad Ass

Mobile Bartending

Fatima Bouyer leads three dynamic businesses, each with a unique focus on empowering and servicing different needs. At The Whole You Wellness Studio, she prioritizes holistic fitness and wellness for women, offering personalized fitness training, nutrition guidance, and wellness workshops, especially catering to women over 40. Through Office Bad Ass, she provides virtual assistant services designed to streamline administrative tasks, digital management, and operational efficiencies, empowering entrepreneurs and businesses to focus on their core strengths. Her third venture, Bad Ass Mobile Bartending, brings a unique flair to events by providing mobile bartending services that elevate any gathering with professional bartenders crafting delicious cocktails. She is an active member of Goldman Sachs 10KSB Alumni and the WCEO Org. Fatima holds a degree in business management communications from Ohio University. In her personal time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and working out.

Darnita Bradley

Alyncia M. Bowen, PhD Dean of the Ross College of Business

Executive Director | Franklin University

Dr. Alyncia M. Bowen serves at Franklin University as the Dean of the Ross College of Business, Executive Director of the Leadership Center and Co-Executive Director of the Global Center for Healthcare education. An advocate and leader in transnational education, Dr. Bowen ensures innovative learning practices to both domestic and international students. This is accomplished through ensuring quality curriculum and diverse modalities of learning and program offerings. Dr. Bowen leadership experience spans healthcare, business, and higher education. She has presented and published on the topics such as f communities of practice, AI, leadership, black female education leaders. Dr. Bowen, a Faculty Fellow, holds a Ph.D. from Capella University. She serves as a member of the COSI Community Board, Mount Carmel Health System Foundation Board and Ohio Leaving Quality Committee of the Board. Dr. Bowen is a proud member of New Destiny Church of God in Christ and Alpha Kappa Alpha.

Senior Manager Local Government Affairs & External Engagement | JobsOhio

Darnita Bradley is senior manager of local government affairs and engagement for JobsOhio, the state’s private economic development corporation. In her role, Bradley is responsible for leading engagement, outreach and collaboration with government officials and key stakeholders across Ohio. She assists in strategy execution and plays an instrumental role in helping to increase JobsOhio’s visibility and engagement with all stakeholders to ensure communities have the resources they need from JobsOhio to support their own economic development initiatives. Her work has helped JobsOhio make significant inroads with many of the rural, small and economically disadvantaged businesses and communities. Bradley sits on the boards of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and the Columbus-Franklin County Finance Authority. She previously served the boards of the Community Shelter Board and Ohio Tax Credit Authority. Bradley’s work has resulted in stronger, more vibrant communities and a stronger, more vibrant Ohio.

Timothy Brown

Area Director, Fellowship of Christian Athletes | Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Timothy Brown is an author, coach, and motivational educator who has inspired youth and young adults for decades. Coach Tim Brown is the host of Be a Baller Podcast –Building a Life Long Legacy. Brown is a licensed and ordained minister and a staff person for The Fellowship of Christen Athletes.. He is committed to helping families prepare their children for a bright future through being led by the word of God. Coach Brown is a Chaplin for several area high school sports teams. and speaks at FCA Huddles, Churches, and Youth Conferences. He has served as a chapel speaker for The Ohio State University Football, Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams. Brown has used his unique combination of skills and experiences to author three books. Brown and wife Karmen have been married for 40 years and they are proud parents of three adult children.

Cantrell Butler

Kioshana LaCount Burrell

Associate Director, Advancement Marketing and Communications | The Ohio State University

Kioshana LaCount Burrell, MBA, is the Associate Director of Advancement Communications at The Ohio State University. She leads programmatic initiatives in workforce development, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement. Burrell develops and implements digital credentialing programs, ensures accessibility in communications, and serves as a subject-matter expert for employee resource groups. A three-time Amazon best-selling author, Burrell has received multiple awards, including the 2024 Career Innovator Award from the Ohio Career Development Association and the 2023 CASE Circle of Excellence Award for Program Development. She holds an MBA from Faulkner University and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Workforce Development and Education at Ohio State. Burrell is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and serves on various professional boards, including the Equitable and Transparent Resources Committee for Columbus City Schools. In her free time, she enjoys storytelling for the Mary Jane Patterson Legacy Project and mentoring aspiring authors.

Executive Director of Shelter Services |

The YMCA of Central Ohio

Cantrell Butler serves as the Executive Director of Shelter Services for the YMCA of Central Ohio, where he leads the Van Buren Center, one of the nation’s largest shelters, serving over 700 individuals, including children, every night. Since joining in 2023, Butler has brought a wealth of expertise in managing complex, multidisciplinary teams, but what sets him apart is his commitment to listening and learning from those he serves directly. A proud graduate of The Ohio State University and recipient of the 2017 Columbus Community Award. Butler’s leadership is inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s belief in basic human rights of clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and healthy land to call home. This powerful vision shapes every aspect of his work, as he fosters a culture of dignity, compassion, and respect within the shelter, and serves as a beacon of hope.

Mary Bynum, PhD

Department Chair for Healthcare Programs, Program Chair for Healthcare Management, and Lead Faculty for Public Administration | Franklin University

Dr. Mary Bynum is the Department Chair for Healthcare Programs, Program Chair for Healthcare Management, and Lead Faculty for Public Administration at Franklin University. She has over 27 years of experience in healthcare experience, both in the public and private sector. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The Ohio State University, Master of Arts in Public Policy and Management, and Doctorate in Health Administration from the University of Phoenix. Dr. Bynum, a distinguished national speaker and wellness enthusiast, is a certified case manager, certified health coach, registered nurse and founder of the Legacy Wellness Group, LLC. She is the recipient of numerous awards including the Stephan Shank award for Teaching Excellence and the Central Ohio Social Justice Award of Education Advocacy. Dr. Bynum serves several community and professional organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Dr. Bynum is the proud mother of two sons (London and Roman).

Kim Campbell, PhD Senior Talent Development Consultant | Nationwide Children’s Hospital

With more than 30 years of education, human resources and healthcare experience, Dr. Kim Campbell currently serves as the Senior Talent Development Consultant for Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Her areas of human resources and higher education responsibility are vast. In her current role, Dr. Campbell is responsible for leading and maintaining school-based relationships that focus on pipeline programs intended for employment at Nationwide Children’s hospital. Dr. Campbell also currently serves as an Adjunct Faculty member and Doctoral Faculty Advisor at Franklin University where she received the Robert L Bailey Teaching Award. A dedicated community leader and advocate, Campbell serves on several local boards. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, and The Girl Friends, Inc., Columbus, Ohio Chapter. Dr. Campbell is a graduate of The University of Toledo, where she currently serves as a member of the Alumni Board and she earned her PhD from Capella University.

Francisco Caro Programs Manager | Equitas Health for Health Center Programs

Francisco Caro is the Programs Manager at Equitas Health for Health Center Programs in Columbus, Ohio. In this role, he oversees the programmatic coordination of housingfirst initiatives, HIV case management programs (Ryan White), and HIV/STI prevention strategies, including PrEP health navigation, harm reduction initiatives, and HIV/STI testing. With years of experience in public health, Caro is focused on innovative harm reduction and sexual health advocacy for marginalized communities. Caro’s expertise in program planning, community engagement, and health promotion has empowered him to lead teams implementing transformative prevention and HIV care programs. He is deeply committed to advancing sexual wellness, reducing stigma, and creating inclusive spaces for queer communities of color. He is also the leader of Brothers In Unity, a community engagement group and affinity space for anyone who identifies as a queer man of color, fostering a sense of shared experience and a community care network.

Lisa M. Chambers CEO | TECH CORPS

Lisa M. Chambers brings over two decades of experience in driving cross-sector alliances and leading award-winning K-12 technology programs. As CEO of TECH CORPS, Chambers orchestrates impactful initiatives, leveraging her strategic prowess to expand the organization’s reach and influence. Under her leadership, TECH CORPS has seen remarkable growth, serving more students, deploying volunteers, and expanding its geographic footprint. Chambers’ commitment to excellence has garnered national recognition, including awards from US Black Engineer & Information Technology and Women of Color magazines. She has received prestigious accolades such as the comSpark Tech Power Player and OhioX Trailblazer awards. Chambers’ dedication to education extends to her service on the Ohio Tuition Trust Authority Board and the State Committee on Computer Science. A proud alumna of The Ohio State University, Chambers is also a founding member of the Black Computer Science Network and serves on the board of Cocoon Technologies, Inc.

Dr. Angela Chapman Superintendent/CEO | Columbus City Schools

Dr. Angela Chapman’s journey as a public educator spans over 25 years, leading to her appointment as the 22nd Superintendent/CEO of Columbus City Schools. Dr. Chapman believes providing high-quality education is a civil right that empowers students and transforms communities. As a parent with a son who is also part of CCS, she embraces the responsibility of shaping a brighter future for every student. With a diverse background in education and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Tennessee State University, Dr. Chapman’s impact is deeply felt. She joined CCS in 2019 as the Chief of Transformation and Leadership, where she introduced innovative strategies to enhance school leadership and regional support. As CCS strives to be both the city and District of choice, her leadership shines as a beacon of hope and progress. Her dedication to leveling the playing field and creating stronger schools paves the way for stronger communities.

Ta’Sha L. Charles-Camara,

MSW

DEI Consultant | Equity Empowerment

Ta’Sha L. Charles-Camara, MSW, is a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Kentucky, specializing in Macro social work practices. She is a Columbus native and 2015 graduate of Columbus City Schools, and Alumnae of the Ohio Dominican University ‘20 and Ohio State University ‘22. Charles-Camara is a dedicated community advocate. She focuses on implementing evidence-based practices to reform the juvenile justice system. In addition to her academic pursuits, she serves on the Young Professional Board for St. Stephen’s Community House, where she leads volunteer initiatives. Charles-Camara is currently working on her dissertation and will defend it in Spring of 2025.

Lewis Chongwony

Director of Research Core and Lead Faculty, Quantitative Methods and Research Design | Franklin University

Dr. Lewis Chongwony is currently serving as Director of Research Core and as Lead Faculty, Quantitative Methods and Research Design at Franklin University. He has a very rich diverse educational background and research interests, including big-data and analytics; performance improvement; instructional technology, design and leadership; organizational learning and knowledge management; and management of innovations. Dr. Chongwony consults and helps both individuals and organizations deliver valued results by designing and building innovative scalable solutions which are individually relevant and globally competitive. He graduated with a Ph.D. in Instructional Technology & Design and a Master of Arts in International Affairs from Ohio University. Dr. Chongwony also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Studies from Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya. He holds a certificate in Applied Data Science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Performance Improvement from International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI).

Bishop John Coats

Joseph Clark, Jr.

International Field Coordinator | AFSCME International Union

Joseph Clark, Jr., a native of Youngstown, Ohio, is a dedicated second-generation union activist. With 15 years of experience in juvenile detention and state and private prisons, where he served as a sergeant, Clark has a deep background in the field. His union work includes roles as an organizer with Local 3 (SEIU), a Business Representative for 1199 Columbus (SEIU), and various positions with Working America and the AFL-CIO, including Canvasser, Canvass Director, and numerous national staff roles. Clark is married to Debra A. Clark with a blended family of 3 children: Joseph Clark III, Jade JoAnn Clark, and Ronald T. Smith. He is the proud son of the (late) Joseph Clark Sr., 1st African American Director of United Steelworkers of America, District 27, mother (late) Thelma V. Clark, a Community Activist, E-Board of NAACP 40 year. He pledged Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. at Youngstown State University and was a charter member of the Tau Rho Sigma Alumni Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity in Youngstown, Ohio. Additionally, he is a Prince Hall Mason, holding the 33rd degree in the Order of the Eastern Star (OCD). His affiliations include Alla Baba Temple #53 PHA, APRI, CBTU, NAACP, the Ohio Unity Coalition, and FMBC.

President | Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Columbus and Vicinity

John T. Coats, II, is a respected leader in both the Church and community. He serves as Senior Pastor of Metropolitan Church and Superintendent of the Ohio West Capital District. For over 14 years, he has been Executive Secretary of the Ohio West Jurisdiction of the Church of God In Christ. In 2016, Pastor Coats was elected President of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Columbus and Vicinity, the oldest such alliance in Central Ohio, and serves as Vice President of the Ohio IMA. As Chairman of the Black Caucus of Central Ohio, he advocates for civic education and political empowerment in the Black community. He also spent 18 years with the Ohio Coalition of Concerned Black Citizens. A pro-life leader, he made history as the first African American Executive Director of Ohio Right to Life. Pastor Coats is a seasoned media professional and host of The John Coats Show. He holds degrees from Capital University and Trinity Lutheran Seminary.

Kimberly English Cole Program Manager, Community Relations | Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA)

Kimberly English Cole is a natural ideator, connector, and convener. She studied Advertising and Graphic Design at Columbus College of Art & Design and later graduated magna cum laude from The Ohio State University with a B.A. in Public Management, Leadership and Policy, specializing in Nonprofit Management. Before joining Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), Cole enjoyed an 8 ½ year trajectory with Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML), serving in four Columbus branches. Cole’s previous roles include Neighborhood Leadership Academy Alumni Association Coordinator for United Way of Central Ohio, Grant Manager for Greater Columbus Arts Council, and Community Partnership Specialist for BalletMet. She led as the Vice President of Central Community House/Transit Arts Board of Trustees for two years and currently sits on the Community Advisory Board for the Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA. Cole is a professional artist, musician, and thespian with various accolades in a variety of performance genres.

Lashana Crone

Ty Collier CEO |

Queerencia LLC

Ty Collier is an innovative and compassionate creative. He has an expert background in working with high-growth enterprises to expand brand awareness through the platform of apparel and accessories. After many years of assisting companies achieve their wildest dreams he decided to chase one of his own, Queerencia. Queerencia is a black and LGBTQ+ owned brand that merges queer history and queer culture with trendy products to educate and encourage queer people to be bold and proud of who they are. Collier is committed to the activism it takes to influence positive change in the world to build a better tomorrow.

Supervisory Career Management Specialist/Division Chief |

Department of Defense - Defense Logistics Agency

Lashana Crone, a native of Columbus, works for the Department of Defense as a Division Chief for the Defense Logistics Agency. She oversees enterprise-wide training programs for over 25,000 employees. Crone holds a Master of Arts from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor of Arts from The Ohio State University. An active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she has served on the Executive Board for Communities in Schools of Central Ohio and The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. She volunteers for Ohio Health’s Wellness on Wheels, The Center for Healthy Families, and the Malaika Mentoring Program, where she was named Mentor of the Year in 2019 and received a proclamation by Columbus City Council for her community impact. Franklin County Children Services honored her as the 2024 Inspiration Instigator. She is a national speaker, a member of Vineyard Columbus Church, and enjoys spending time with family.

Amber D. Crosby, M.S., LPCC-S

Chief Operational Officer | Inspiring Purpose Counseling Group

Amber D. Crosby, M.S., LPCC-S, is a mental health clinician with a specialty in working with marriage, couples, and family. Amber graduated from Mississippi University for Women with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master’s of Science in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling at Walden University. Crosby has earned experience in community mental health working with children, maternal child health, adolescents, and families as a Home-based Clinician and in hospital settings with individuals diagnosed with chronic mental illness and addiction as a Partial Hospitalization Program Therapist. She is trained in EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) and specializes in trauma as well. She acts as Site Supervisor and Chief Operational Officer at IPCG. Crosby believes that who we become is strongly influenced by our family of origin.

David DeBerry II

Karen Cross-Hatten

Owner/CEO | Legacy Builders Coaching & Consulting

Coach Karen Cross-Hatten, an experienced leader and educator, brings a diverse background to her work. For over 15 years, she has taught across various institutions, specializing in general education, business, and HR. Despite raising three children, CrossHatten relentlessly pursued her education, earning a Bachelor’s in HR Development, a Master’s in Adult Learning, an MBA, and a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification. A champion for community, Cross-Hatten has served as a non-profit president and volunteered with organizations like SCORE. There, she initiated workshops and an online book club for small business leaders. Cross-Hatten’s passion lies in empowering medium businesses. Leveraging her extensive training, experience, and research, she designs programs that foster effective leadership, team building, and sustainable growth. Soughtafter for her expertise, Cross-Hatten’s dedication helps organizations and individuals achieve their full potential.

Co-CEO/Investment Advisor | Keys to Black Wealth

David DeBerry II has 12 years of entrepreneurial experience in the financial services industry. David based in Columbus, OH, serves as a Regional Vice President with Fortune 1000 company, Primerica Inc. In this role David serves as a Licensed Investment Adviser, Business Coach, and Mentor to individuals throughout central Ohio and the United States. DeBerry also serves as the Co-CEO of Keys to Black Wealth, a multi-media and edutainment brand. Combining education and entertainment to deliver relevant content, Keys to Black Wealth helps create awareness around financial literacy, with the mission of closing the racial wealth gap. Accolades and awards include Top 100 people in finance, Mahogany Columbus Small Business Award, Franklin County Treasurer Economic Empowerment Award, and Congressional Recognition presented by Congresswoman Joyce Beatty. DeBerry is a graduate of Wright State University and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. DeBerry has a loving 5-year-old son.

Corey Easley

Video Producer | WME Sports

Corey Easley is a Video Producer for WME Sports, traveling the world to create highimpact content for professional athletes. With a keen eye for storytelling, he specializes in showcasing the journeys of elite competitors. Previously, he served as the interim director of content for the University of Tennessee, where he produced dynamic social media content and team hype videos, while mentoring student assistants. A native of Columbus, Ohio, Easley began his career as a video production specialist at Liberty Athletics, enhancing the university’s brand through engaging video content. His experience includes internships with Purdue Athletics and ESPN, where he honed his skills in producing marketing materials for high-profile events. Easley holds a degree in communications and electronic media from Capital University, where he also served as a Diversity Ambassador and brand manager for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. His commitment to excellence continues to shape the sports media landscape.

Navo Emmanuel

Senior Associate | PwC

Chelsea Elliott, MSW

Founder & CEO | Sōmōcom Lab®

Chelsea Elliott, MSW, Founder & CEO of Sōmōcom Lab® and developer of the EQ Kids Crew® Card Game, the REACH to Connect® Communication Framework, and Empower (SPACE) Teen EQ Leadership Program. Using her personal mental health challenges and educational expertise, Elliott and her team are committed to helping people, adults and children’s alike, connect and communicate with other more effectively by improving their emotional intelligence. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati, a Master of Macro Social Work degree from Boston College, an Emotional Intelligence Coaching certification, and completed business programs through Cornell University, Goldman Sachs, and the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center. She has been featured on the Today Show, Parents Magazine, Good Housekeeping, PBS, Care.com, and other notable news and media outlets.

Navo Emmanuel is a Management Consultant at PwC, specializing in financial services consulting with a focus on regulatory compliance and business intelligence. She has contributed to multi-million-dollar projects for U.S. G-SIB clients, using her expertise to drive impactful business strategies. In addition to her role at PwC, Emmanuel is the founder of N. LLC, a business intelligence firm providing data-driven solutions to help organizations make informed decisions. She was selected for the Columbus Urban League’s Incubate Her program, a Goldman Sachs-backed initiative empowering Black women entrepreneurs. As a Mende refugee from Sierra Leone, Emmanuel’s personal experiences fuel her passion for philanthropy and her drive to uplift marginalized communities. She is actively involved in social impact organizations, where she helps build resilient communities and mentors underrepresented entrepreneurs, offering guidance to help them grow their businesses. Emmanuel believes in the power of technology and data to create equitable opportunities and lasting change.

Bertie Fields

Oncology Account Manager | Jazz Pharmaceuticals

Bertie Fields in an oncology nurse who received her BS and a MS in nursing from The Ohio State University. Her entire career has been spent focusing on research and education. She has been very involved in the Oncology Nursing Society with leadership roles locally, regionally and nationally. Fields has edited and published two books on clinical trials nursing and contributed to the nursing literature in cancer prevention, clinical trials and nursing leadership. She has received multiple awards locally, regionally and nationally for her dedication, mentorship and making a difference for her nursing colleagues, patients, and her community. Fields is the founder and co-lead of Black Girls Do Bike Columbus, is on is a founder of two book clubs and enjoys spending time with family, friends and her Sorority Sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

Ciera Frazier

Donna Y. Ford

Distinguished Professor of Education and Human Ecology | The Ohio State University

Donna Y. Ford is a leading expert in gifted education and an advocate for underrepresented minority students. Now an EHE Distinguished Professor at Ohio State University, Ford’s work focuses on identifying giftedness in children of color and lowincome backgrounds, who often perform poorly on traditional IQ tests. In the landmark McFadden v. Board of Education case, she exposed racial bias in gifted education and advocated for more inclusive selection practices. Ford’s “Equity Formula” became a key tool in addressing discrimination in gifted programs. She has written for The New York Times and earned multiple accolades, including the Summer Institute for the Gifted Person of Significance Award. Ford’s own childhood experiences in East Cleveland, facing cultural and academic barriers, fuel her advocacy. She plans to launch a scholar institute for Black girls at Ohio State, empowering them with academic self-confidence through her Female Achievement Model for Excellence.

CEO | Frazier Consulting Services

Since 2019, Ciera Frazier has profoundly impacted her community by repairing thousands of consumer credit reports, enabling individuals to achieve financial freedom, homeownership, and successful business ventures. Through her leadership in the credit repair industry, she offers invaluable support to those seeking economic stability. Frazier hosts free credit education classes, empowering individuals with essential financial knowledge, and organizes back-to-school giveaways to support local families. Her commitment extends beyond credit repair; she actively contributes by paying rent for those in need and spearheads events designed to uplift and empower women. Her dedication to improving quality of life and fostering economic growth underscores her significant role in the community.

Charlene Free

Professional Speaker, Founder and CEO, Author | Flow of Life, LLC

Charlene Free is the Owner of Flow of Life, LLC. through which she offers a variety of professional speaking services. Within her women’s service initiative, SisterServ, she provides service to women and girls throughout the year, by partnering with a variety of service organizations. Free is a published author of the book, “The Leader’s Ship: Navigating and Team building”. She is a proud, 35-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and has served as chapter president and international workshop leader. She currently serves on the regional leadership development committee. Free is a WELD Calendar Honoree, recipient of the Margaret Davis Bowen Outstanding President Award, and the NPHC Award for leadership and service. She currently serves as the Director of Women’s Ministries of Gospel Lighthouse Church. Free is the daughter of Mr. Jake and the Late Gwandulyn Wright and the mother of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas (Charnelle) Knight.

Adriana Gordon

Oyauma Garrison President and Chief Executive Officer | Maryhaven

Oyauma Garrison serves as the President & CEO at Maryhaven, a non-profit organization that helps individuals and families lead healthy lives free from addiction and mental health challenges by providing education, treatment, and support. Garrison served as the National President & CEO for A Kid Again. Garrison is a former insurance company executive of over 20 years. Garrison currently serves as a Director on the Board of Buckeye Mutual Insurance Company, Board Member of Aileron, Board member of Franklin University, and a Board member of Columbus Recreation and Parks Foundation. He has served as Board Chair for St. Vincent Family Services, co-chair of the United Way Campaign Cabinet corporate development committee and served as Co-Chair of the United Way of Central Ohio Tocqueville society. Active in the community, Garrison has received numerous awards for leadership and community service. Most recently he was named the winner of the 2024 Smart50 Award.

Central Ohio Political Point for Sherrod Brown Campaign | Friends of Sherrod Brown

Adriana Gordon is a Cincinnati native and first-generation graduate of The Ohio State University, earning her bachelor’s in 2022. While at OSU, she was a Program Lead for the Social Change Program, which sparked her passion for public service. Six months before graduation, she began working as a legislative aide for State Representative Humphrey, launching her career. In August 2023, Gordon joined Ohio Young Black Democrats, managing five regional chapters. In January 2024, she became President of Central Ohio Young Black Democrats. Under her leadership, the chapter held over 20 events, engaged in quarterly community service, and expanded partnerships. In August 2024, she joined the Sherrod Brown campaign as a Political Associate. Gordon serves on the Franklin County Democratic Executive Committee and is active in the Columbus Urban League Young Professionals.

Sharon S. Gordon CEO | Urban Trendsetters, LLC

Sharon S. Gordon is the CEO and founder of Urban Trendsetters Media, LLC., a lifestyle brand and multi-media company that offers a range of advertising, marketing, and branding services, including television production, syndication, distribution, online radio, event management, and more. Gordon launched Urban Trendsetters News Magazine (www.urbantrendsetters.com) in February 2003. Urban Trendsetters expanded to include the online portal and TrendE-Blast email marketing services. In December 2019 Gordon became the first woman and black American to own and operate a national 100% Black Owned and operated broadcast television network, UTS TV (www.utstv.com). In addition to Urban Trendsetters Gordon launched software companies Best B.A.M.! Videos and the B.A.M. 24-7 Agency. She is also a motivational speaker and media coach. Her specialties are promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity in media and outreach for corporations and small businesses.

Terry Green

Shelly-Ann Gray, MBA, MSIRE President | Leasing Temporaries LLC

Shelly-Ann Gray began her journey as a leasing agent and has developed a passion for real estate, with a focus on mentoring others. Over the years, she held various positions from Property Manager to Director overseeing Training & Development and Revenue Management, across various companies in Central Ohio where she has honed her leadership and strategic skills. She holds an MBA from Franklin University and a master’s in international real estate from FIU. Gray worked at RealPage, a software company for 8 years with credit in the development of products such as AI Revenue Management and Business Intelligence, before founding Leasing Temporaries in 2020 providing Staffing solutions and training across the property management industry. She is a licensed Realtor in Ohio. Originally from Jamaica, Gray has lived in Ohio for 30 years. She is a wife and mother of 2 daughters.

Founder & CEO | Think Make Live Youth

Terry Green is the Founder and CEO of Think Make Live Youth non-profit, CEO and Lead Consultant of Breaking Statistics LLC, social justice consulting firm as well as the Founder of the Social Justice Awards, a celebration event dedicated to honoring outstanding professional and community leadership. Green has over 12 years of experience in public speaking, 8 years of nonprofit executive leadership and provided over 200+ presentations in more than 12 cities throughout the United States. He is a national leader providing effective solutions and strategies to support diversity, equity and inclusion, youth empowerment, as well as community enrichment for companies, organizations, schools, and outreach groups.

Zuri Greer

Co-Owner | Persona Custom Clothiers

Zuri Greer, co-owner of Persona Custom Clothiers. Persona Custom Clothiers has made garments for several celebrity clients including Michael Irvin, Lamar, Jackson, Marvin Sapp, Big Daddy Kane and others. Greer along with business partner Derrick Robinson founded the business in 2012 in Dallas, Texas. Zuri brought the business to Columbus, Ohio the following year in 2013. Persona Custom Clothiers have been commissioned to style and create garments for both men and women. Everything from footwear, athleisure wear, leather goods and suits. Zuri is a graduate of Central State University and is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.

Alex Harper

COO | Spartan Global

Ralonda Hampton

Senior Director of Communications and Engagement | Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission

Ralonda Hampton serves as the Senior Director of Communications and Engagement for the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). In this position, Hampton oversees MORPC’s Communications & Engagement team and leads impactful initiatives to connect communities. Hampton also develops, conducts and reviews MORPC’s outreach strategies to ensure compliance with branding, public involvement and DEI policies. Prior to joining MORPC, Hampton served as a Legislative Aide at Columbus City Council. Hampton has more than 16 years of experience in the public and private sectors spanning in human resources, diversity & inclusion, economic development and community engagement. Hampton holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in marketing from Kentucky State University. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and a Board Member of the Central Ohio Diversity Consortium (CODC). Hampton resides in Columbus with her husband Kenny and two children, Kennedy and KJ.

Alex Harper, released in 2018, has built an impressive record in social activism and professional achievements. He co-authored an accredited apprenticeship program for Ohio’s supply chain sector and partnered with the Ohio Secretary of State to promote voter participation among the reentry community. In Cleveland, he coordinated voter education and on-site registration with Second Chance employers. Harper has been a consultant on seven political campaigns over three election cycles. Recently, he collaborated with Cuyahoga County’s reentry office to produce plays on collateral sanctions for Reentry Week. Harper is involved with Lions International, Cleveland NAACP, Cleveland Hearing & Speech New Partners, Society of American Military Engineers, and American Enterprise Institute. He chairs the City of Richmond Heights’ DEI Advisory Committee and the non-profit It’s Not a Moment, It’s a Movement, focusing on mental health and youth violence prevention. He is also a proud father of four.

Nichole L. Harris Chief Clinical Officer/Owner | Inspiring Purpose Counseling Group LLC

Nichole L. Harris, LPCC-S has worked exclusively in the helping profession since 1992 when she decided to become a Psychology major while attending The Ohio State University. She received her master’s degree from Georgia School of Professional Psychology with a specialty in Counseling. Harris has experience in working with at risk youth, families who have experienced domestic violence, children who have been the victims of abuse and neglect, and adults in transition. Harris has been afforded the opportunity to work with children, adolescents, individuals and families in many different settings such as shelters, residential treatment, hospitals, community mental health and private practice. Her passion for the last 16 years has been Maternal Child Health and supporting women during their birth journey. Currently Harris is working on her Birth and Post-Partum Doula Certification through (ROOTT) and is now a full spectrum Doula Apprentice.

Laron Henderson

Carol Hector-Harris Managing Director | CH2 and Crew

Carol Hector-Harris is an award-winning journalist and educator who has made noteworthy accomplishments in a career spanning more than 45 years in print and electronic media, education, public relations, fundraising, photography, public speaking, and special event coordination. In the U.S. and the Caribbean, she is recognized as an expert communications and public relations strategist and broadcast producer, director, writer, and editor. As an educator, she taught communications at Columbus (Ohio) State Community College and journalism at Ohio University (OU) while working toward a PhD in journalism, where she is now a PhD candidate. Starting in the late 1970s, HectorHarris began researching her family history. In 2010 she discovered that her fifth greatgrandfather, Quock Martrick, was born in Ghana in 1756 and served in the Revolutionary War with “The Conductor,” George Washington. She and her husband live in Columbus, Ohio with their family.

Poet/Author | Soul Poetry Healing

Laron Henderson is a poet and spoken word artist whose journey began with journaling his thoughts. His poetry focuses on men’s mental health and emotions, addressing the difficulty men face in expressing themselves freely without their manhood being questioned. Through his work, Henderson shares his personal struggles to help other men learn to express their emotions. His debut poetry album, Hidden Emotions: Black Man’s Tears, is available on all streaming platforms. In addition to exploring social injustices within the African American community, his poetry aims to raise awareness and drive social change. Henderson also writes about self-motivation, understanding the need for encouragement during challenging times.

Karen Hewitt

Founder and Principle Consultant | K Hewitt Consulting

Karen Hewitt earned their BS in Mathematics at St. Francis University (PA) and their Master of Arts in Educational Policy and Leadership at The Ohio State University. Hewitt is committed to doing the work of creating experiences that connect, foster belonging, and curate community. Hewitt is the Founder of K Hewitt Consulting and Co-founder of The Ohio REST Collective. Her areas of expertise are Community and Cultural Organizing, Leadership Development, Team Building, Gender and Sexuality; centering Black and LGBTQ+ experiences and wisdom. Currently Hewitt serves as the President of the Board for The Buckeye Flame and as a member of the Board of Directors for Zora’s House. Hewitt is also a creative, donning the name Karen Marie. Their art compels others to journey inward and encourages them to see the world in hopeful ways.

Vincent Hill

Assistant Director - Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | Columbus State Community College

Vincent Hill teaches, researches, and consults on various topics including diversity, equity, and inclusion, personal and professional development, as well as holistic wellness. Professionally, Vincent serves as the Assistant Director in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Columbus State Community College. Born into a military family, he was raised overseas in Germany, but calls Toledo, Ohio home. Vincent holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management & Finance from Ashland University, a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education & Student Affairs from The Ohio State University and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Policy and Leadership at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Hill also serves as co-chair of Columbus State’s African American Employee Resource Group.

Dr. Terrance Hinton

Professor | The Ohio State University

As a scholar-practitioner at The Ohio State University, Dr. Hinton’s research and scholarly contributions focus on addressing barriers that prevent previously incarcerated individuals from reintegrating back into society. Community wise, Dr. Hinton has instructed, mentored and assisted over 4,000 justice involved citizens for reentry purposes that include previously serving as Program Manager for Reentry Services for Alvis Incorporated. In 2023, Dr. Hinton was awarded 2022-2023 Lecturer of the Year at Ohio State within the Sociology Department for his teaching efforts to students. His contributions in the criminal justice field have been highlighted within peer reviewed journals, op-eds and magazines for corrections professionals. His work has also been featured in the Columbus Dispatch, NBC4 WCMH-TV News Columbus and WOSU Public Media Radio. Organizations he is a proud member of include Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated, the Harmony Project and the African American Leadership Academy.

Tanya M. Holmes Owner | Ka-La Healing Garden Resource Center

Tanya M. Holmes is the Chief Executive Officer of Ka-La Healing Garden Resource Center LLC and the Ka-La Healing Garden Foundation, roles she has held since 2010. Her nursing career spanned from June 1978 to October 2006. Holmes has received numerous accolades, including the Phenomenal Woman Magazine Award (2016), Minority Farmer of the Year for Ohio (2015), and the AKA Pamela Redden Humanitarian Award (2017). Additional honors include recognition from Minority Landowner Magazine (2016), Senator Sherrod Brown (2018), Mayor Frank Jackson (2021), and the Cleveland Police Foundation (2022). She also earned awards from Cleveland City Council (2022, 2023). Holmes owns the Ka-La Healing Garden Resource Center, an urban green space, and directs a Summer Youth Leadership Program. She operates a farm stand market, is President of the Street Block Club, and serves on the Police Committee.

Erica Howard

Tiffany Hough Community Liaison |

Belmont Pines Hospital

Tiffany D. Hough serves as a community liaison at Belmont Pines Hospital, where she establishes partnerships with organizations and companies that provide essential services for children, adolescents, and families. Through her role, Hough works to enhance community resources and improve access to care. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., which reflects her commitment to community service and social justice. Hough holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s in public administration, equipping her with the knowledge and skills to effectively navigate complex social issues and advocate for those in need. Her educational background and professional experience drive her dedication to making a positive impact in her community.

Senior HR Operations | Cardinal Health

Erica Howard serves as the Director of Leadership for Columbus Young Professionals (CYP) and is an active member of the Human Resource Association of Central Ohio (HRACO). Committed to helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential, she leverages her expertise in human resources, leadership development, and project implementation to guide teams toward success while fostering a culture of collaboration and respect. Howard is the author of three books, including Rise and Thrive: A Woman’s Guide to Success and Empowerment, through which she inspires others to pursue personal development and engage in community service. She utilizes her experience in mentorship and leadership to lead discussions on important topics, such as the benefits of having a personal board of directors. Her work encompasses coaching, speaking engagements, and content creation, all aimed at empowering individuals to enhance their careers and lives. Howard’s mission is to encourage people to thrive in all areas of life, both professionally and personally.

Brianna Hunter Space & Presentation Business Partner | Target

With over eight years of experience in retail and five years specializing in merchandising, Brianna Hunter currently serves as a Space & Presentation Business Partner for Target, focusing on the decorative home category. Throughout her career, she has developed a keen eye for trends, visual storytelling, and data-driven planning that drives sales and enhances the in-store experience. Hunter’s expertise lies in creating strategic floor plans, optimizing product placement, and delivering compelling visual presentations that align with brand standards. In her role at Target, she works closely with cross-functional teams to implement space strategies that elevate the guest experience while maximizing profitability.

James Jackson

Dr. Annette Jackson Spiritual Covering

| Chi Sigma Delta Fraternity & Sorority Inc.

Dr. Annette Jackson is the American Beauties Plus Classic Woman 2023-24. She advocates for Down Syndrome. She’s one of the founding Pastors of Apostle of the Church of Columbus, located in Columbus, Ohio where she served alongside her late husband Pastor Marcus O. Jackson. They have six adult children, twenty-five grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Annette is a certified Transformational Life Coach, Conference & Motivational Speaker, a published bestselling Author, former Co-host on the “Anointed to Win” radio broadcast, KGGR Gospel Radio Station, Dallas, TX and former Co-host for the Anointed To Win Christian Television Talk Show. She is currently serving as Spiritual Covering and is the former National Program Director for Chi Sigma Delta Fraternity & Sorority, Inc, a non-collegiate organization. Dr. Jackson serves her community through volunteerism for causes such as domestic violence and all disabilities. Dr. Jackson is an armature wire art sculpture and fashion designer.

Director of Digital Communications | Office of Mayor Andrew J. Ginther

Jim Jackson grew up on the east side of Columbus and is the Director of Digital Communications in the Office of Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. Jackson graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor’s degree in communications and holds a master’s degree from Florida State University in higher education with a minor in broadcast journalism from Florida A&M University. He spent more than a decade as a television news anchor/reporter in Florida and Columbus, covering everything from hurricanes to elections and crime. He is a proud member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Alpha Alpha Chapter and loves to volunteer at his church, participating in activities with the kids. Family is everything to Jackson, and he enjoys spending time with his wife, Renee, two stepsons, Avery and Jaden, and playing with his dog, Braxton. He also likes to binge watch his favorite TV shows and work out.

Dr. Aishia Johnson

Owner | Elite 211 Business Solutions

Dr. Aishia Johnson is a distinguished leader in the fields of Human Resource Management (HRM) and Project Management, serving as the owner of Elite 211. With a robust expertise in operations, process optimization, and leadership development, Dr. Johnson is renowned for her strategic approach to enhancing organizational efficiency and fostering leadership excellence. In addition to her professional achievements, Dr. Johnson plays a pivotal role in community and organizational leadership. She is the current Board President of The Hidden Figures Foundation, where she champions initiatives that support and celebrate underrepresented figures in various fields. Her commitment to community empowerment and development is further evidenced by her active participation as a mentor with Dress for Success, while serving as the President of Board for the Hidden Figures Foundation, recording secretary of the National Council of Negro Women Inc. (NCNW), Columbus Section, and as a member of Charms, Inc., Columbus Chapter.

Christian Johnson Co-Founder | ABC Black Iconic Figures

Christian Johnson is a creative business leader with experience in project management, creative design, business logistics and operations. Johnson possesses a strong background in education, special event planning, program development, politics and mentorship. She currently works with the YWCA to empower women and eliminate racism through advocating for women, girls, marginalized and underrepresented communities. She is also the CEO and Founder of CNoelDesigns, and Co-Founder of ABC Black Iconic Figures. She is robustly active in her community and uses her talents and experiences to help others live and love their own thriving life.

Jonathan Johnson Member/Concept Design | INTRSCT Non Profit

Jonathan Johnson is a community leader, educator, and creative director who merges the gaps between various artistic practices, including fashion, music, and visual arts, to educate and curate immersive experiences and programming. His goal is to push innovation and create opportunities for underserved youth, utilizing marketing, branding, and interactive experiences as tools for storytelling. He is also the founder of INTRSCT, a non-profit organization dedicated to intersecting community cultures through memorable and educational experiences.

TJ Johnson President | Tra’Bian Enterprises

TJ Johnson is President of Tra’Bian Enterprises, a dynamic force in Information Technology Solutions, specializing in IT Staffing and cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence. Under her visionary leadership, Johnson redefined industry standards by delivering advanced AI-driven services and DEIA-focused Staffing Solutions that empower organizations. The Founder of the groundbreaking, “Seniors Tech Conference,” Johnson champions digital literacy, access, education, and equity for our underserved Senior communities. The Conference addresses critical challenges like social isolation, diminished independence, and limited access to technology, providing Seniors with the tools to thrive in today’s digital age. Johnson holds a BA from Ohio University, in Political Science/Pre-Law. Pursued a MA at The Ohio State University in American Public Policy, Soviet Union Politics. She currently is an Elected Ward Committee Woman & Board Member; Central Ohio African American Chamber of Commerce (COAACC); Member of: Franklin County Digital Equity Coalition, Minority Health Advisory Committee, OMSDC and New Salem Baptist Church.

Toya J. Johnson, M.Ed

Deputy City Clerk | Columbus City Council

Toya J. Johnson oversees the day-to-day operations of Columbus City Council as the Deputy City Clerk. A politics and public service veteran, Johnson is engaged in the Columbus community. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., serving on committees and as a Collegiate Advisor, a member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Central Ohio Chapter (NC100BWCOC), Board Trustee and Executive Committee member for Franklin Park Conservatory, and Directions for Youth & Families Board Member. Johnson completed Leadership Ohio, Project Diversity/Pride Leadership, the African American Leadership Academy and Leadership Columbus. A charter member of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) Columbus Chapter, she was the chapter’s first secretary. An alumna of Hampton University and Cleveland State University, Johnson and her husband have two children and one grandson. She attends Vineyard Columbus Church and enjoys travel, music, sports, and family.

Chenelle Jones, PhD

Executive Director of the Center for Public Safety and Cybersecurity Education | Franklin University

Dr. Chenelle Jones is the Executive Director of the Center for Public Safety and Cybersecurity Education (CPSCE) and the Chair of the Public Safety Programs at Franklin University. In her current role, Dr. Jones champions academic innovation by developing curricular and co-curricular opportunities that support student success. She is a highly sought-after speaker, presenter, and media commentator, whose research highlights critical issues in policing and youth violence. Specifically, Dr. Jones is the National Director of Research for the Teen and Police Service (TAPS) Academy, an international program designed to reduce social distance between teens and the police. She helped to develop and implement the first community immersion training for the Columbus Division of Police. She also coordinated the first Safety Summit for Columbus City Schools. Dr. Jones serves as Vice Chair of the Columbus Civilian Review Board, is also a member of several organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Edsha Jones CEO, Entrepreneur |

Edsha Love Enterprises & The Luxury Hair Lab

As a multi-passionate entrepreneur and licensed professional in both beauty and finance, Edsha Jones is committed to transforming lives. She owns The Luxury Hair Lab, where she elevates women’s confidence through luxurious hair extensions and expert education, empowering future beauty professionals to succeed. With over 16 years of experience, Jones’ dedication to authenticity, integrity and craftsmanship sets her apart. In 2024, she expanded Edsha Love Enterprises into financial services, focusing on holistic financial planning. She guides individuals and families to financial literacy, investing and building generational wealth. She also recruits and develops aspiring financial professionals, leading them through the process of earning state financial and federal securities licenses. Native to Columbus, Jones’ pursuit of excellence has earned national acclaim, with features in VoyageOhio and Bold Journey publications, among others. Beyond business, she’s passionate about wellness, art and serving her community through organizations like Zora’s House and Columbus Urban League.

Tonya Kerrin

Tonya Kelly, M.Ed. Founder/Executive Director | Empower Our Youth Foundation/Ostomy Warriors

Tonya Kelly, M.Ed., is a dedicated 3rd-grade teacher and a published author. At her school, she manages a classroom of eager learners, guiding them in all core subjects while promoting positive behavior through PBIS. An advocate for mental wellness and antibullying, she actively supports students and their families. Kelly has received recognition from the Columbus City Council for her contributions to the ostomy community, where she founded the Ostomy Warriors support group. She holds a master’s degree in education. Outside of work, Kelly enjoys modeling, traveling, spending time with family and always making a positive impact in her community. A proud Ostomate warrior of seven months, her personal motto is “Resilience, Faith, and Favor,” symbolizing her journey as an ostomate.

Registered Nurse | TanktheNurse LLC

Tonya Kerrin, an Ohio native, is a seasoned healthcare professional with over three decades of service. As a medic in the U.S. Army during Operation Desert Storm, she demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication. In 2005, she founded Covenant Home Health Agency, establishing a trusted name in home health care. Kerrin’s life took a transformative turn in 2011 when she overcame a health challenge, leading her to embrace holistic healing. Now a Full Certified CARE Instructor with the Center of Aromatherapy Research and Education, she educates others on Essential Oils’ benefits. As a wellness nurse consultant, speaker, and coach, she helps individuals navigate trauma and mental health issues. An award-winning author, her book, Thank You for Your Service, details her experiences and triumphs as a female Army sergeant during Desert Storm. Kerrin’s story is one of courage and resilience.

Vanessa King

Founder & Board President | Queen Nefertiti Productions Inc.

Vanessa King, the Founder and Board President at Queen Nefertiti Productions Inc, is a native of Columbus, Ohio. With over 20 years of producing and directing pageant competitions, King has made a big impact in the pageant community. Her commitment extends beyond pageantry, as she has been a member of the Junior League of Columbus since 2020 and she has volunteered with several organizations and events including JuneteenthOhio, the American Heart Association, Autism Speaks, the March of Dimes and First Night Columbus. King’s accolades include being selected as a 2023 Outstanding Senior Volunteer by Medical Mutual, a 2022 Future History Maker by Urban One and she received a Jewel Award from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for her outstanding work in performing arts. King has also been recognized for her work in the community by State and City Officials. She is a graduate of Columbus City Schools and Oakland City University.

Dr. Toni Kleckley

CEO/Founder | Transformation Now Inc.

Dr. Toni Kleckley is an Ordained Minister, Entrepreneur, Author, and Board-Certified Chaplain. As a servant-leader in her community, she serves as the first black woman-appointed Police Chaplain and Commissioner of the Reynoldsburg Planning and Zoning Board. She proudly accepted an appointment by U.S. Senator Brown’s Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act as an Ohio representative. Dr. Kleckley founded Transformation Now Inc., a 501c3 organization that offers two initiatives: The Christian Girls Rock scholarship program for youth and GEMS University, which provides resources and educational classes for grandparents. Dr. Kleckley is a member of the NAACP, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., and Sigma Iota Zeta Chapter and has earned a Doctor of Theology. The City of Reynoldsburg Mayor and City Council awarded her a resolution for her community service. Dr. Kleckley is grateful for God’s gift of her loving family. Favorite Quote: Giving reflects God’s character.

Kontarh Kpogba-Davies

Outreach Support Officer Supervisor |

Franklin County Child Support Enforcement Agency (FCCSEA)

Kontarh Kpogba-Davies, Outreach Support Officer Supervisor at Franklin County CSEA, was born in Liberia and migrated to the US at 14. Her strong commitment to academic success began with the New York Public School System. That commitment continued at West Virginia State University, where she became a first-generation college graduate. Furthering her education success, Kpogba-Davies became the first in her family to earn a Master of Arts degree while attending Franklin University in Columbus. For over 13 years, Kpogba-Davies has called Central Ohio home. With more than 20 years of public service, her leadership style emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, and continuous growth. She is passionate about empowering teams and creating a supportive, inclusive environment that ensures individual and organizational success. Kpogba-Davies continues to dedicate her time to uplifting young girls in Liberia through education and mentorship, believing in its power to transform lives.

Ashequka Lacey

Founder | Inspiring Jreams Publishing/ Baby Bays Naturals

Ashequka Lacey is a public speaker and the owner of Inspiring Jreams and Baby Bays Naturals. Baby Bays Naturals is a skincare line designed for babies and young children with eczema and dry or sensitive skin. Lacey is also an author, with books including Jakobi & Me, The Little Girl With The Big Name, and the recently released eBook There’s Something About Jakobi: Defying All Odds. Through her book coaching program, she aims to inspire and guide aspiring authors through the self-publishing process.

Tasya Lacy

Small Business Owner | Hoopfitness

Tasya Lacy is a 2020 National Spokeswoman for the American Heart Association and a current Survivor’s Have Heart Ambassador. She shares her personal journey of living with cardiovascular disease and surviving a widowmaker heart attack, which occurred while she was hula-hooping—a lifelong passion of hers. Thanks to her commitment to a healthy physical regimen, she was able to endure the heart attack with no damage, attributing her survival to both her physical fitness and her love for hula-hooping. Lacy’s active lifestyle gave her an 80% chance of survival. Well-acquainted with health issues, she maintains control through low-impact workouts that she enjoys. Passionate about hula-hooping since the age of nine, she has conducted extensive research on its history and benefits.

Ladorian Latin, PhD Program Chair of Mathematics | Franklin University

Dr. Ladorian Latin is the Program Chair of Mathematics in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Technology at Franklin University. During her tenure, she has served in various capacities, such as Chair of the Personnel Committee of the Faculty Senate, Faculty Mentor, and University liaison for high schools participating in the College Credit Plus Program throughout Ohio and Chair of the Constitution Review Committee. In 2019, she received the Lead Faculty of the Year Award. Dr. Latin also serves as an American Council on Education (ACE) Credit reviewer and serves on the Executive Board of the ACE Women’s Network, Ohio. She has over 15 years of teaching experience in higher education and has designed math courses for several universities. Dr. Latin earned a Ph.D. and an M.S. in mathematics from Louisiana State University.

Dr. Joanne Lunceford

Deputy Director

Columbus Office of Violence Prevention, Office of the Mayor

Joanne Lunceford, DSW, MSW, the Deputy Director of the Office of Violence Prevention, Office of the Mayor is a social justice scholar-practitioner and has over 25 years of experience as a social work and community corrections professional. Dr. Lunceford is a proud alum of Columbus East H.S., and earned her BA from Miami University, her MSW from Case Western, and her DSW from USC. She has served as a juvenile and adult probation officer, manager in the non-profit and for-profit worlds, professor, board member, and in 2006, she became the founding Executive Director of The Peace Project - a grassroots violence prevention organization, and later founded The RCB Initiative, LLC - a racial justice business. She is a member of many social work and civic organizations, has received honors and acknowledgements for her leadership, service, and humanitarian efforts, and was named the 2023 NASW-Ohio Chapter, Region 5 Social Worker of the Year.

Bobby Arthur McAlpine

President of the Undergraduate Student Body | The Ohio State

Charity Martin-King

Vice President of Leadership and Workforce | Columbus Urban League

Charity Martin-King has a civic, business, coaching, and nonprofit career which spans over 30 years. She currently serves as Vice President for Leadership and Workforce Development for the Columbus Urban League. She has over 30 years of experience. She is also co-founder of LEAD with Purpose; a leadership development non-profit organization. Her career experience includes Columbus City Schools, Lutheran Social Services, The Ohio State University; Young Scholars Program, Ohio Dominican University; Village to Child Program, The Mayor’s Office of Education; Columbus Youth Commission, and I Know I Can. She is the former owner of Urban Spirit Coffee Shop, a social justice-based coffee house. Martin-King is a proud product of Columbus City Schools. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a dual degree in Political Science and African American Studies, a Master of Science Degree in Agriculture Communication Education and Leadership and a current PhD student.

Chrisahwndra Matthews

Founder & Executive Director | Literacy in the H.O.O.D.

Chrishawndra Matthews, Founder & Executive Director of Literacy in the H.O.O.D. (Helping Out Our Disenfranchised) is determined to bring books to Cleveland’s inner-city neighborhoods. Known in the community as “Shawn Literacy,” she is a one-person literacy movement, doing all she can to empower parents and give them the tools they need to create a reading-friendly environment at home. Tirelessly she looks for opportunities to catch the attention of families and children: her accomplishments include creating a children’s reading area in an East Cleveland medical clinic waiting room and establishing a partnership with The Urban Barber Association to give away haircuts and books. Her heartfelt crusade has netted her national media attention, from Good Morning America and CNN to the Kelly Clarkson Show. She is proud to be the 2020 winner of The Center for Community Solutions’ Anisfield-Wolf Memorial Award.

John Meacham

Rochelle Mayo-Barrett, BSSW, LSW

Family Service Worker and Co-Owner | Young Chefs Academy of Gahanna

Rochelle Mayo-Barrett, BSSW, LSW, has served over 23 years in the community as a Licensed Social Worker and advocate for Child Development Council of Franklin County, Head Start. Within those 23 years, she has helped families advocate for their children, starting with pregnancy through kindergarten. Early intervention is key for our next generation. Her love for children, and seeing them get a head start, inspired her to partner with another strong advocate and they are now the owners of Young Chefs Academy Gahanna, a culinary school for the young and the young at heart. Their goal is to make sure that young people have the skills that they need to build our future. She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Sigma Iota Zeta Chapter where she has served as the Second Anti-Basileus, and currently serving as an advisor to the Pearlettes a Zeta Youth Auxiliary.

Executive Director | Ohio Legislative Black Caucus

Black Outreach Manager | The Sherrod Brown Campaign

John Meacham is the Executive Director of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC) and the Black Outreach Manager for the Sherrod Brown Campaign. He leads efforts to protect and uplift Ohio’s Black and minority communities, collaborating with OLBC members to develop legislative, political, and communication strategies. In his campaign role, he works to engage and mobilize Black voters statewide. With extensive legislative experience from his time with the Ohio Legislature and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), Meacham has contributed to policy development, legislative drafting, and oversight of state utility regulation. He has built strong relationships with lawmakers and stakeholders, ensuring impactful policy outcomes. Married for 10 years, Meacham and his wife, Aerica are proud parents of their two-year-old son, John Meacham III. Known for his strategic vision and dedication to community empowerment, Meacham remains committed to advocating for equitable legislation and positive change.

Arica Morgan

CEO

& Founder | Aayoorica Cosmetics

Director of Programs | Dress for Success Columbus

Arica Morgan is a dynamic leader, entrepreneur, and community advocate from Columbus, Ohio. As the CEO and Founder of Aayoorica Cosmetics, she empowers women to embrace their beauty with confidence. Her leadership extends beyond business, as she passionately connects with and uplifts those around her. Morgan serves as the Director of Programs at Dress for Success Columbus, where she plays a pivotal role in advancing equity and helping women achieve self-sufficiency through education and professional development. Her impact reaches across her community, where she has been recognized for her dedicated work in eradicating homelessness among veterans. Morgan’s nurturing spirit has earned her the title of “Auntie” to many, both within her family and beyond. She is driven by a deep commitment to serve and inspire, ensuring that everyone she touches feels empowered to grow, thrive, and reach their fullest potential.

Jamilah Muhammad

Morning Reporter | Spectrum News 1

Jamilah Muhammad is a morning reporter for Spectrum News in her hometown of Columbus, Ohio. An alumna of The Ohio State University, Muhammad returned to Columbus in 2021 after beginning her career at Spectrum News 1 in Kentucky. Since then, she has become a key storyteller in her community, covering local and statewide issues as part of the morning news team. She regularly connects with city, county, and state organizations to keep viewers informed about valuable resources. Muhammad holds a master’s degree in communication from Ohio University, where she honed her skills in communication strategy, content creation, and diversity leadership. She is passionate about using these abilities to support organizations that make a positive impact. Beyond journalism, Muhammad serves as Board Chair for Girl Code Media, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing the relational challenges faced by women and girls in today’s digital age.

Ronald G. Murray, MPA, LSW, LCDC-III

Subject Matter Expert – Ryan White Manager | Equitas Health

Ronald G. Murray, MPA, LSW, LCDC-III, is a distinguished leader and community advocate based in Columbus, Ohio. He is the SME - Ryan White Program Manager at Equitas Health and a licensed social worker with extensive experience in health program management. Murray is the Owner and CEO of Murray Consulting Group, Inc., and the CEO/Executive Director of PEACE of Mind for All, Inc., where he provides expert guidance on health program development and community engagement. He is also a respected community educator and trainer. Murray serves as the Board President of UMADAOP of Franklin County and the Board of Trustees Community Liaison Chair for Stonewall Columbus. Additionally, he is the Director of Social Action for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Beta Omicron Sigma Chapter, and the Director of Program and Development for the Sigma614 Foundation. His extensive expertise and innovative approach significantly impact local and regional efforts.

LoLo Mychael

Chief Executive Officer | The U

LoLo Mychael is a passionate advocate for equity, working to close gaps for entrepreneurs of color while advancing cultural competence in every space she leads. As Co-founder and CEO of The U, an Urban Entrepreneur Support Organization, she has transformed access to education, resources, and funding for urban entrepreneurs. Under her leadership, The U’s Accelerator Program ranks among the top 5 in Columbus and was named 2023 Small Business Advocate by COAACC. Mychael’s work has earned her recognition, including the Reese Neader Memorial Award for Entrepreneurship and Social Change. In addition to her work with The U, Mychael works with Angela Rye and Impact Strategies to shape Black media narratives and drive policy work in international, government, and advocacy spaces. Currently pursuing a law degree and living with Lupus and Alopecia, Mychael is also a dedicated advocate for health equity, particularly dealing with Black Health Justice.

LaTasha Pannell

CEO | Agape Care

Comfort Owusu-Ansah

Photographer | Comfort Photography

For over 20 years Comfort Owusu-Ansah has been the owner and head photographer of Comfort Photography. With her keen ability to observe her surroundings and read people’s emotions, she always manages to be in the right place at the right time to capture the most memorable photos. She has a remarkable skill for making people feel at ease in front of the camera. Clients often tell her that she is the embodiment of her name, and they praise her for creating a calming and personable atmosphere that allows them to truly be themselves. This is where her true expertise lies-capturing the genuine essence of every individual and occasion she photographs! Owusu-Ansah has been locally and nationally published and is an inductee in The Knot Wedding Hall of Fame. She is a member of the Westerville Area Chamber, the Tri-Village Chamber, as well as Experience Columbus.

LaTasha Pannell, B.A., is the Owner and CEO of Agape Care, a healthcare agency dedicated to providing direct support to individuals with developmental disabilities. She is a proud graduate of The Ohio State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Pannell also serves as the board secretary for Brown Girls Mentoring. As a mother of three, she is motivated by her children to continually improve and is committed to giving them a strong foundation and a lasting legacy.

Tyler Morgan Parker

Lawyer & Non-Profit Founder | Black Women in Law (BWL)

Tyler Morgan Parker is a recent graduate of The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law with a mission to diversify the legal profession, especially for Black women. In 2024, she founded Black Women in Law (BWL) to enhance the reach and impact of Black women in the field. Since its launch in January, BWL has grown rapidly, attracting over 200 members in its first week. While in law school, Parker served as the National Director of Pre-Law Affairs for the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA), where she organized the largest pre-law symposium in the organization’s history. Her work has been recognized by New York Attorney General Letitia James and has earned her leadership awards from the Federal Bar Association, John Mercer Langston Bar Association, Women En Blanc, and the Theta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Tyler Patterson

Filmmaker | Aisle 6 Collective

Tyler Patterson is a 26-year-old cinematographer from Columbus, Ohio. His passion for film sparked eight years ago and instantly realized filmmaking and directing was his purpose. As he honed his craft, the principles of representation, expression, and documentation became the core pillars of his work. Patterson is particularly interested in how storytelling and entertainment can be used to educate audiences and spark meaningful dialogue about larger societal concepts. Beyond filmmaking, Patterson is a member of Aisle Six Collective, a group of seven young, Black creatives dedicated to fostering community collaboration through arts and entertainment. Since its inception in April of 2022, Aisle Six has curated a range of inclusive and engaging experiences for the community. Patterson helps cultivate a collaborative environment, ensuring that the voices of Black creatives are heard, and their talents recognized.

Melinda Payne Owner/Event Planner/Designer | Melinda Payne Events

Melinda Payne, the owner of Melinda Payne Events, is an outstanding event planner, designer, and reputable contributor Columbus, Ohio event planning industry. Payne credits her reputation of kindness, positivity, and selflessness to serve as one of her greatest accomplishments. Her passion for uplifting others, specifically single parents, is fundamental to her business. Her exceptional creativity, attention to detail, and dedication to providing top-notch service have set a new standard for event planning. Payne’s ability to turn clients’ dreams into stunning realities is truly remarkable. Her professionalism, enthusiasm, and commitment to excellence make her a standout nominee for recognition in the Who’s Who In Black Columbus publication. She has planned everything from weddings and parties to conferences, graduations, and baby showers. Payne’s organizational skills have earned praise throughout Central Ohio, the Midwest and beyond.

Elisa Perkins

Quality Improvement Specialist | Franklin County Office on Aging

Elisa Perkins is a Quality Improvement Specialist with extensive experience in administrative support and leadership coordination. Starting with the agency in 2022, Perkins focuses on enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency while continuing to provide invaluable support to senior leadership. Known for her willingness to assist others, Perkins finds great satisfaction in sharing her extensive knowledge through teaching and training. Her diverse professional background includes roles at Worthington Presbyterian Church, the Greater Columbus Convention Center, and in catering sales and facility management. Her adaptability and leadership skills are evident through these experiences. Perkins holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Ohio Christian University and an Associate of Arts in Hotel, Tourism, and Event Management from Columbus State Community College. She is also a certified Notary Public. Outside of her professional endeavors, Perkins is a devoted mother and grandmother and actively participates in community activities.

Dr. Tina Pierce Chief of Strategy & Belonging | The Ohio State University Alumni Association Vice-President | Columbus Board of Education

Dr. Tina Pierce, an alumna of The Ohio State University, is the Chief of Strategy and Belonging for the OSU Alumni Association with over 20 years of higher education experience. Recognized for her work in diversity, equity, and inclusion, she has received the Pay It Forward Award for Volunteerism and the Mary Ann Williams Leadership Award. As the Vice-President of the Columbus Board of Education since 2019 and Immediate Past President of the Ohio School Board Association Central Region, she advocates for equity and community engagement. Dr. Pierce founded WORTH and the WORTH Foundation to promote civic education and leadership. In 2020, she established the Dr. Tina Pierce Social Justice Scholarship to support Columbus City School graduates committed to social justice and activism. A Columbus City Schools graduate herself, she holds a Ph.D. in Political Science with a specialization in College and University Teaching. Dr. Pierce is also a mother to Andrew, Malcolm, Catherine, and Michelle.

Cailyn D. Pittman Community Engagement Analyst | City of Columbus

Cailyn D. Pittman grew up in the Linden neighborhood and is a dedicated public servant committed to giving back to the community that has invested so much in her. As a Legislative Community Engagement Analyst for the City of Columbus, she supports the city’s efforts to enhance the quality of life in all Columbus neighborhoods. Pittman previously served as Vice President of the Central Ohio Young Black Democrats, where she championed civic engagement and empowerment. In 2023, she was nominated for the “Columbus is My Neighborhood” platform, which highlights Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) individuals contributing to the community. She also received the Milo Grogan Outstanding Service Award. Pittman holds an MPA from Franklin University and is passionate about education, policy, and community service.

Densil R. Porteous

CEO/Executive Director | Pride Fund 1 & Stonewall Columbus, Inc.

Densil R. Porteous is a dynamic advocate, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader committed to advancing equity and inclusion in the LGBTQ+ and Black communities. He currently serves as the CEO of Pride Fund 1, a venture fund dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, and as the Executive Director of Stonewall Columbus, Central Ohio’s leading LGBTQ+ community center. With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and higher education administration, Porteous has worked with institutions like Kenyon College, Stanford University, and the Wexner Center for the Arts. His advocacy spans key leadership roles on national boards, including the Human Rights Campaign, Equitas Health, and Advocates for Youth. Densil’s work centers on intersectionality, racial justice, and supporting marginalized voices in the entrepreneurial and nonprofit sectors. As a Black, gay/Queer, and Jewish leader, Densil remains committed to fostering spaces of inclusion and visibility for all.

Rodell Rahmaan

Filmmaker | Double R Productions

Rodell Rahmaan is a versatile filmmaker and professional athlete, blending his love for storytelling and sports. As the founder of Double R Productions in Columbus, Ohio, he leads all aspects of the business, from marketing to directing and editing‚ ensuring each project reflects his creative vision. Rahmaan’s ability to multitask began at Bowling Green State University, where he played football while majoring in Media and Communications. He honed his skills through an internship with the Athletics media team, mastering the craft of producing engaging, high-impact videos on tight deadlines. Now a professional athlete in the United Football League (UFL), Rahmaan applies the same discipline, creativity, and drive to filmmaking as he does on the field, consistently pushing the limits of visual storytelling. Rahmaan is a Freelance Filmmaker based in Columbus, Ohio.

Gloria Ann Redding

Founder | GLO: Generating Learning Opportunities, LLC

Gloria “Glo” Redding serves as the Founder/CEO of GLO: Generating Learning Opportunities and operates as a Family Life (Parenting) and Education Consultant. She is the author of “Generating Learning Opportunities” at www.glolearning.com/the-book. GLO specializes in delivering tailored services focusing on family values and positive parenting. Redding, MLS, is a dedicated community leader with a Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) in Human Ecology and a Bachelor of Science from The Ohio State University. She is a lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and member and the design and faculty team of Central Ohio Parent Leadership Training Institute (COPLTI). Her contributions extend to various boards and committees, and she holds the esteemed title of National Council of Family Relations (NCFR) Emeritus Member. When not engaged in professional activities. Redding enjoys time with her husband, James, grandchildren, family, and friends, as well as spiritual enrichment, healthy living, networking, and travel.

Sarah Yolanda Robinson

Author/Podcaster | S. Yolanda N the Know

Sarah Yolanda Robinson resides in Columbus, Ohio. She attended Franklin University and graduated from The University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a master’s degree in education. Robinson is the author of the historical fiction work, There Is Magic in the Blackberry Patch. As a multimedia personality, she hosts the YouTube show, S. Yolanda N the Know. Robinson’s accolades include The Ohio State University Distinguished Affirmative Action Award an Avery International award and a Kwanzaa Umoja Award. Her CMACAO Head Start team was bestowed the John Glenn Best Practice Award. In 2019, Robinson was inducted into the Greater Columbus Basketball Legends Association Hall of Fame and received their My Brother’s Keeper Award. In 2020 the group created the S. Yolanda Robinson Humanitarian Award. Her work is profiled in An Encyclpedia of Path Breaking Women at The Ohio State University and A History of Black Women in America.

Marcus Rucker

Assistant Director of Purchasing, Mail, and Print Services | Franklin University

Over the past 9 years, Marcus Rucker has been employed at Franklin University where he is currently the Director of Purchasing. He spends his energy setting an example of inclusion and acceptance through his work via multiple avenues at Franklin University including the Black Alumni Advisory Subcommittee, Diversity Dimensions Committee, and as a University Resolution Officer. He has also served as a mentor to multiple incoming Franklin family members. Outside of work, Rucker is the proud girl-dad/ gymnastics father of a 10-year-old daughter. He strives to instill the importance of education through continuing his own. Currently enrolled in the EdD program at Franklin University, he has centered his dissertation topic around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within higher education with the hopes of equipping organizational leaders with better methods to measure DEI effectiveness

Stephanie Scales-Kaba

Clinical Director | reSet Today

Stephanie Scales-Kaba holds a Master’s in Social Work and Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University. She is a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC) and a Licensed Social Worker (LSW). Scales-Kaba is the President and CEO of Step 2 It With Faith Foundation, Inc., a non-profit offering transitional housing, counseling, and consulting services. She spent twenty-two years at Maryhaven, Inc., applying her knowledge in cognitive-behavior therapy and criminal behavior therapy. She now serves as the Clinical Director at reSet Today Treatment Facility and as an Adjunct Professor in Social Human Services at Columbus State Community College (CSCC). Actively involved with her church, Mount Zion Missionary Baptist, Scales-Kaba is also on the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Advisory Board for the Linden Area and is writing a book. Her favorite quote is, “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.”

Deshawn Sensabaugh Teacher | Columbus City Schools

Deshawn Sensabaugh is a proud graduate of Ohio State University and a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Beta Omicron Sigma Chapter. As a career technical education teacher at Columbus City Schools, he develops and implements a competencybased Computer and Technology CTE curriculum, focusing on equipping students for credentialing and enhancing their skills for future success. Sensabaugh holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Ashland University and serves as a Robotics Coach in the STEM Department. With a strong passion for youth development, he has previously worked in the charter school sector and with the National Youth Advocate Program, supporting students and youth in various capacities. In his free time, Sensabaugh enjoys robotics and mentoring young leaders.

Terrence Sigers

Ken Shelton

Vice President Quality & Regulatory Affairs | Victoria’s Secret & Co.

Ken Shelton is currently Vice President at Victoria’s Secret & Co., overseeing Quality Management, Regulatory Affairs and Technical Services for Lingerie and Apparel. With over 27 years of experience, he has excelled in leadership roles, including guiding Raw Material teams within Victoria’s Secret and LBrands, showcasing a steadfast commitment to building teams and growing people. Before joining VS&Co., Shelton held key positions at renowned companies such as Nike, JC Penney, Target Corp., and WL Gore & Associates. Throughout his distinguished career, he has consistently prioritized fostering team empowerment and talent development. Shelton is actively engaged in giving back to the community, serving on the Board for The Underfashion Club and supporting organizations like the National Black MBA, National Urban League, as well as contributing internally to VS&Co employee resource groups and mentoring programs. He regularly shares his industry expertise as a content expert in programs like the Executive Speaker Series.

Radio Host/Program Producer | IHeart Radio

Terrence Sigers, aka City Newwss, is a dynamic radio DJ at 106.7 The Beat on iHeartRadio, one of the city’s top hip-hop stations. Known for his energetic personality, he’s become a voice of the streets, delivering the latest in hip-hop music, news, and culture. Beyond the airwaves, Sigers is passionate about giving back to the community that raised him. He’s organized charity events like back-to-school drives and holiday toy giveaways, ensuring local kids have the resources they need. Sigers’ dedication to service extends to youth mentorship, where he inspires the next generation by using his platform for positive change. He’s also involved in raising funds for nonprofits and leading neighborhood cleanup efforts. His authenticity and big heart have made him a beloved figure both on and off the air. As a leader in hip-hop radio, Sigers remains committed to uplifting his community and making a lasting impact.

Summa Simmons

Associate Vice President, Treasury | Victoria’s Secret & Co.

Summa Simmons is the Associate Vice President of Treasury for Victoria’s Secret & Co., where she leads the treasury function, ensuring the company’s cash is working efficiently to support business goals. She manages key banking relationships and drives initiatives to make sure the company has the financial resources needed to grow and succeed. Simmons holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Hunter College and is a Certified Treasury Professional (CTP). She is a graduate of the McKinsey Executive Leadership Program and is passionate about diversity and inclusion, having served as the Legacy Lead for MOSAIC, VS&Co.’s African American and Black Associates employee resource group. She also mentors emerging leaders and serves on the board of The Center for Healthy Families. Outside of work, Simmons enjoys traveling, exploring new cuisines, and spending time with her husband, Michael, and their mini-Australian shepherd, Rocsi. Simmons resides in Westerville, OH.

Ekima Smith

Desie Smith

Owner/COO | The Five Party & Event Center

Desie Smith boasts over 20 years of experience in hospitality management, excelling in various management roles. His expertise spans banquet and catering sales, inventory and revenue management, sales forecasting, budget oversight, and supplier relationship management. Smith has played a pivotal role in numerous new hotel launches, as well as rebranding and remodeling projects, demonstrating his comprehensive skill set and commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry. Smith has a genuine passion for people, consistently prioritizing customer satisfaction and team development. He believes in creating memorable experiences through exceptional service and fostering a positive, collaborative work environment. His dedication to people is the driving force behind his success in the hospitality industry.

CEO/Founder | The Five Party & Event Center

Ekima Smith, the CEO and Founder of The Five Party & Event Center, has had diverse careers across multiple sectors. She has contributed to finance and accounting operations for CITI Group, LBrands (the former parent company of Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works), and Nationwide Insurance. Her expertise spans areas such as earnings preparation, capital and P&L modeling, inventory management, supplier relations, and departmental budgets. While her career has spanned across the corporate sector, Smith has always had a passion for event planning and design. In 2020, she established The Five Party & Event Center, a premier venue in Ohio specializing in private celebrations, business meetings, and children’s parties. Additionally, Smith’s commitment to philanthropy shines through, particularly in her support for children’s causes including local schools, youth organizations, and youth sports teams. Smith enjoys traveling and exploring local eateries with her husband Desie and sons Cameron and Aiden.

Leisan C. Smith

Chief Equity Office | Columbus School for Girls

Leisan C. Smith, Chief Equity Officer at Columbus School for Girls, is a mom, educator, and advocate for social justice with over 20 years of experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. A Columbus native and proud Bearcat, she holds degrees in communication and educational foundations from the University of Cincinnati. Smith’s career has centered on empowering marginalized voices, from her role as the inaugural Director of UC’s LGBTQ Center to her work as Director of Student & Community Engagement at Bexley City Schools. She graduated from the African American Leadership Academy and United Way of Central Ohio’s Project Diversity. In 2024, Smith was honored in Bexley’s Black History Month Street Light Banner Program for her contributions to the community. At CSG, she creates an inclusive environment for students, families, and staff. Smith is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., and enjoys reading, music, and teaching and taking Zumba.

Rob Smith

Natasha Smith Regional

Communications Specialist | Columbus City Schools

Natasha Smith, a Detroit native, holds a B.A. in Print Journalism from Howard University and a master’s in library and information science from Wayne State University. She is currently a Regional Communications Specialist for Columbus City Schools. A graduate of United Way of Central Ohio’s Project Diversity 25th cycle, Smith joined the Columbus Literacy Council board, demonstrating her commitment to community empowerment. A dedicated member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, she has served as Immediate Past President of Sigma Iota Zeta Chapter, Ohio Chief of Staff, and Ohio Training and Development Coordinator. She is also active with the Columbus Urban League Young Professionals and the American Library Association. As Vice President of the Howard University Alumni Club of Columbus, Smith proudly champions HBCU spirit and alumni connections.

Vice President of Raw Materials | Victoria’s Secret

Rob Smith identifies as a strategist, innovator, and disruptor, with over 20 years of experience and success as a textile chemist and product development leader in the fashion industry. As a catalyst for change and an example of what’s possible when intention, hard work, and determination are applied, Smith is a leader who inspires others to take action, all while staying grounded in his core values. Smith serves as Vice President of Raw Materials for Victoria’s Secret. As a chemist, Smith travels the world, transforming the fashion industry through science and innovation. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Textile Chemistry from North Carolina State University where he continues to mentor up-and-coming students. Smith can often be seen wearing a fresh pair of kicks in the office, around town, and across the globe, all while being his authentic self.

Shameikia I. Smith

Vice President of Housing Programs | IMPACT Community Action

Shameikia I. Smith currently serves as the Vice President of Housing Programs at IMPACT Community Action. At IMPACT, Smith leads a team that supports neighbors experiencing housing insecurity in Central Ohio, distributing over $30 million of household aid since 2020. Smith is a proud graduate of Columbus Public Schools and The Ohio State University, holding both Bachelor’s of Science and Master’s of Science in Social Work. Smith participated in the inaugural 2016 Leadership University offered by Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio & Indiana, and received the 2017 Hero Award from the Community Shelter Board. In 2018, she received the YMCA Living Our Cause Award. Smith’s greatest passion is serving people. She believes that part of her responsibility to others is to be a voice for those that have been unseen and unheard.

Shirley A. Smith-Washington Owner | SAW Unlimited

Shirley A. Smith-Washington is the owner of SAW Unlimited, a public and motivational speaker service. She is also a highly sought fashion commentator and program moderator throughout Northeast and Central Ohio. She retired as a community relations administrator and still engages in community activism as she travels. She has received many community awards such as: High Point awards., State of Ohio and Maryland service awards. Smith-Washington has served in board positions with nonprofit/and community agencies such as: Family and Human Services. Community Action Agency, United Way, Library Board, Women’s Entrepreneur Growth Organization, National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women. She is a Past Chapter President and Golden Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. As an elected precinct official, she has actively engaged on her constituent’s behalf, ensuring lines of open communication and transparency. She is ever focused on the community being educated, engaged, encouraged and represented in matters that affect our life and lifestyles. She loves to travel and is a proud mom of 2 daughters, 5 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Lewis R. Smoot, Jr.

President, CEO & Chairman of the Board | Smoot Construction

Lewis R. Smoot, Jr. is the third-generation leader of Smoot Construction, one of the Midwest’s largest Black-owned construction firms, founded by his family over 78 years ago. After serving in the U.S. Navy as a Senior Hospital Corpsman, he earned a degree in Industrial Technology from OSU and completed the Executive Development Program at the Fisher College of Business. Smoot has held various leadership roles within Smoot, ultimately becoming CEO and President in 2021. He champions diversity and inclusion in construction, notably through Saturn Partners, and remains committed to community service, serving on boards such as the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium and Columbus State Community College Foundation. His leadership reflects his core values of character, humility, integrity, pride, and performance (C.H.I.P.P.).

Brenda D. Spencer President & CEO | Spencer 4Higher Media LLC

Brenda D. Spencer is the President and CEO of Spencer 4Higher Media LLC a Multicultural Advertising, Media Buying, Special Events and Sales Training Agency. Spencer is the Founder and Creator of the Annual Caring for the Caregiver Expo’s currently held in Columbus, Toledo and Cleveland, Ohio with plans to expand across the United States. Spencer was the first African American President of American Women in Radio & Television, Buckeye Chapter. She is a published Author and Speaker, was selected as the 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year from Increase CDC and received the 2018 Business Award for “A Tribute to African Americans.” Spencer 4Higher Media is listed as one of the Top 50 Minority Owned Businesses by Business First Columbus. Spencer handles advertising for Ohio Sickle Cell, Ohio Lottery & Ohio Black Expo and is an Instructor at the Ohio Media School. Spencer has one daughter and one grandson.

Tamara Staley

Regional Director of Sales | Mayo Clinic Laboratories

Tamara Staley is a native of Lorain, OH. She received her undergraduate degree and MBA from Otterbein University. She is an accomplished and conscientious professional with extensive experience in healthcare sales, new business development, and client relations management. Recognized for her astute leadership and expertise, she is a multiple award-winning professional in her field. Staley has established a strong presence within her community and is passionate about making a difference by supporting meaningful causes. As a lifetime member and President of the Columbus Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and a lifetime member and Past President of the Columbus Chapter of the National Black MBA Association, she is dedicated to professional growth and community service. An avid believer in stewardship, Staley inspires others to uplift one another, striving to create opportunities that empower the next generation to thrive.

Tracy Stearns Director, Learning and Development | Central Ohio Transit Authority

Tracy Stearns serves as Director of Learning and Development for the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA). She is passionate about growing people, especially our youth through work-based learning opportunities, internships and pre-apprenticeships. She joined COTA in 2014 as a Sr. Administrative Assistant. Born and raised in Columbus, Stearns graduated from Walnut Ridge High School and went on to become a proud graduate of Ohio Dominican and Devry Universities. Since her time at COTA she has founded and implemented several successful programs which have proven to be life changing for COTA employees and their families. These efforts served as a segway to her becoming a recipient of the Columbus Business First HR Impact Award for 2024. Stearns is a devoted Christian with a genuine interest in connecting with people and a passion for serving others. She enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters and three granddaughters.

Dr. Sean Stevenson Marketing Coordinator | End The Violence

Dr. Sean Stevenson’s journey from a life of crime to a force for positive change showcases the power of redemption. In 2009, he founded End The Violence to break the cycle of violence in his community. After discovering his own dyslexia, Stevenson helped pass legislation with Governor Kaisch in 2012 to legally recognize Dyslexia as a disability. In 2017, he organized the First National Gang Summit, fostering peace in gang-troubled neighborhoods nationwide. His collaboration with criminal justice experts produced several key intervention models. Since 2020, he created a workforce program with jobs to fit the people; launched a food pantry for families in need; and continues to engage in court advocacy, helping dozens of clients receive reduced sentences or probation instead of prison time. In 2024, he was recognized by a United Nations Ambassador with an honorary doctorate and Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering Community Violence Intervention work.

Monika Talley

Steve Stevenson Senior Vice President | A Kid Again

Steve Stevenson was born in Pittsburgh, PA, and graduated from Point Park University. He joined the staff of City Year in 1993, where he managed day-to-day operations across six different sites: Columbus, Cleveland, Detroit, Philadelphia, New Orleans, and Baton Rouge over the course of 20 years. Afterward, he served as the Executive Director at The Ward Branch YMCA of Central Ohio, leading the branch in an amazing community. He then joined the Columbus City School District as the Director of Student Mentoring, overseeing mentoring efforts for the district. Currently, Steve is the Senior Vice President of A Kid Again, where he leads a team of Executive Directors nationwide, fostering hope, happiness, and healing for children with life-threatening conditions and their families through year-round adventures.

Child Support Liaison | Franklin County Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court

President | Canal Winchester Local Schools Board of Education

Monika Talley, MPA a native of Akron, Ohio is the first African American Child Support Court Liaison for Franklin County Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court. She was appointed to the Board of Education for Canal Winchester Local Schools in January 2020, then was subsequently elected to her first full-term in the General Election of 2021 in which she is currently serving as the first African American Woman President of the school board. For 20 years, she has been serving Central Ohio families in need of child support services. She continues to lead efforts to establish legal parentage, provide procedural and subject matter guidance to court users, judicial staff, and the local bar as well as direct and manage CSEA Liaison Department operations that oversee the Title IV-D, public child support dockets which include appeals from administrative child support actions. Talley earned an Executive Master of Public Administration degree from Ohio University.

Malissa Thomas-St. Clair Founder/CEO | Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children

Malissa Thomas-St. Clair is a lifelong resident of Columbus, Ohio, where she has lived for 50 years. As a native of the city, she has a deep-rooted history in Columbus. She became a teen mother at 16 and graduated from Eastmoor High School in 1992. With the support of her family, exceptional educators, coaches, and community resources, she successfully graduated in the top 50% of her class. In 1997, she earned her undergraduate degree from Capital University, followed by her first master’s degree in 2009 and her second in 2018. She is currently nearing the completion of her doctoral degree. With 26 years of experience as an educator in Columbus City Schools, Malissa is also a coach, mentor, and community advocate. Following the tragic murder of her son, she founded Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children, driven by her passion to prevent others from experiencing the pain of losing a child to violence.

Bryan Truttling

Leadership Intern | Columbus City Schools

Bryan Truttling is a Leadership Intern with Columbus City Schools, where he previously served as a fourth-grade teacher. Truttling also coordinates CCS involvement in the Rising Leaders Program, an experiential partnership with The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business that introduces Columbus elementary students to a university learning environment. A former Big Ten Football athlete at the University of Illinois, Truttling is a true team player and is known for his authenticity, work ethic, and genuine care for students, staff, and families. Truttling earned a BA in English, a BA in Elementary Education, and a MA in Education and has more than 15 years of teaching experience. In his spare time, he enjoys cycling (including annually riding for Pelotonia), traveling, exploring Columbus, and spending time with family and friends. Truttling is a proud husband to his wife, Jana, and father to their son, Vincent, who just started kindergarten.

Dawn Turnage, MS/AJS

Assistant Director, Youth Development Division | Columbus Department of Recreation and Parks

Dawn Turnage MS/AJS, a graduate of Youngstown State University with BCJ and a graduate from University of Phoenix with a master’s in administrative justice and security, also completed the 2021 cohort Leading Successful Programs: Using Evidence to Assess Effectiveness from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Turnage has over 25 years’ experience, working in social services, criminal justice, and public service, with much of her time being with Recreation and Parks in Youngstown (the first African American female Director for the City of Youngstown Recreation and Parks), Westerville, and currently as the Assistant Director for the City of Columbus’ Department of Recreation and Parks Youth Development Division. Turnage is also one of 12 selected ambassadors of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women 2023 #RealWomen Class of Survivors. As a National Ambassador for the AHA, she lives her passion and has received numerous awards for her efforts.

Christina “Chrissy T” Turner Artist/Educator | Chrissy T Creates

Columbus-based artist Christina “Chrissy T” Turner is a multifaceted vocalist, actress and educator, weaving her passion for storytelling into a vibrant artistic journey. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music Performance from Central State University, Chrissy’s soulful voice has captivated audiences across local to international stages. With nearly two decades of experience, she has showcased her talents in numerous theatrical productions, earning acclaim and two prestigious drama awards for her performances. Turner released her debut EP, “Metamorphosis” featuring her breakout single, “Stuck in Limbo,” which reached #1 on Amazon Music’s UK R&B Hot Releases Chart. As a dedicated performing arts educator with organizations like The Lincoln Theatre and The Ohio Arts Council, Turner has spent over 13 years nurturing and inspiring young artists in Central Ohio. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her family, cuddle up with a book, and learn about her family’s ancestry.

Gaëtane Verna

Rev. Dr. John Tyus

Executive Director | The I.D. Movement

Rev. Dr. John Tyus has a degree in business administration with a dual minor in marketing and management, masters in pastoral counseling and a doctoral degree in ministry where the focus of his dissertation was “Designing a Mentoring Program for Fatherless Black Males in a Postmodern Generation.” Throughout his career, Dr. Tyus has staged events, published several books through his nonprofit organization The I.D. Movement where he serves young fatherless black males. Whether it’s being recognized by the Ohio House of Representatives for his work in social justice or him staging community events such as The Conversation with the Fathers at the Lincoln Theater, Dr. Tyus seeks to connect the hearts and minds of generations. Dr. Tyus serves as Sr. Pastor of World Conquerors through Jesus Christ. They believe the cornerstone of the community is the church, striving to live and share the love and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Executive Director | Wexner Center for the Arts

Gaëtane Verna is the Executive Director of the Wexner Center for the Arts at The Ohio State University, a role she assumed in 2022 after serving a decade as leader of Toronto’s The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery. Her accomplishments during her time in Columbus include representing the Wexner Center at the 2024 Venice Biennale. Verna has over 25 years of experience working with renowned contemporary artists. She has held leadership positions at Canada’s Musée d’art de Joliette and Foreman Art Gallery at Bishop’s University, and she has taught in the art history departments of Bishop’s University and the Université du Québec à Montréal. Verna currently serves on the Board of Directors of Holt/Smithson Foundation and Sobey Art Foundation. In 2017, she was appointed Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government to recognize her significant contribution to furthering the arts throughout the world.

Jasmine Walker Strategic Urban Planner | GHD

Jasmine Walker is an Environmental Engineer based out of Columbus, Ohio. She received her bachelor’s in environmental engineering from her beloved HBCU, Central State University, and her Master’s in environment and natural resources from The Ohio State University. She is the current co-chair of the Black Employee Resource Group (BEATS Black Empowerment, Action, Teamwork, and Success) for the US and Canada at GHD. Walker recently switched to a Strategic Urban Planner role that advocates for environmental justice and equity through infrastructure and community engagement through project work. Outside her professional life, Jasmine loves to give back to her community with her advocacy efforts towards environmental justice for underrepresented communities as the Columbus People’s Climate Innovation Center’s Young Black cohort. Through her lived experiences, she is determined to amplify the voices of those who are often left unheard and dismissed from “having a seat at the table”.

Carol E. Ware

Retired

Almar Walter Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer | Columbus State Community College

Almar Walter is the first executive to serve as Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Columbus State. As a member of the president’s cabinet, his leadership portfolio focuses on enhancing student success while driving inclusion and belonging initiatives. With nearly 16 years of experience in higher education leadership, Walter has guided several student affairs departments to successful outcomes. His experiences range from teaching cross-cultural communication to developing strategic operational plans that promote workplace equity. He is currently a doctoral student in the Higher Education Executive Cohort program at Ohio University. Walter’s achievements have earned him recognition as a 2024 Columbus Business First C-Suite Honoree and a member of ColumbusCEO’s Future 50. He is also deeply engaged in the community, serving on several boards, and as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. In his personal life, Walter relishes spending time with his beautiful family and enjoys international travel.

Carol E. Ware received a Bachelor of Science in Magazine Journalism/Advertising from Bowling Green State University. Following an early career in publishing and public relations in her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, she retired from the Ohio Department of Medicaid as the Health Equity Administrator, after 30 years of service. Ware has served on the Ohio Commission on Minority Health; the UNCF Leadership Council; and helped organize the NPHC Choir in Columbus. A past president of the Columbus Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she also served as Midwest Regional Director and nine years on the National Executive Board of the sorority. She is currently a member of the BGSU Foundation Board of Directors and the BGSU Black Alumni Council. A resident of Westerville, OH, she serves on the board of trustees, youth ministry advisor and as a choir director at the Second Baptist Church in Columbus.

Christopher Washington, PhD Provost and Executive Vice President | Franklin University

Dr. Christopher Washington has served as the Provost and Executive Vice President of Franklin University since 2005. Franklin University champions accessibility and affordability, and empowers adult learners to seek high quality, affordable and efficient pathways to academic degrees. Dr. Washington embraces the digital revolution in a way that brings education to every eager learner’s doorstep. He recognizes the value of alternative credentials as pathways to education, and has supervised an approach to incorporating professional certifications, and micro-credentials offered through FranklinWorks Marketplace, into degree granting programs. He promotes innovative teaching methods and aligns curriculum with the employer needs in global markets. Dr. Washington holds a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University He is a recipient of OSUs College of Education and Human Ecology Career Achievement Award and Western Illinois University’s Distinguished Alumni Award. He is a fellow with the Innovative Leadership Institute and an active member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council.

Kendall White

William Washington

Political Director | Friends of Sherrod Brown

William Washington is a committed community organizer and political strategist with over 15 years of experience. A native of Columbus, Ohio, Washington has been involved in more than 25 ballot initiatives and campaigns. His love for history was nurtured by his parents, who exposed him to museums and mentors, instilling values like “You show me your friends, and I will show you your future” and “Idle hands are the devil’s playground.” These lessons shaped his sense of responsibility and his drive for change. After Clark Atlanta University, Washington returned to Columbus and held various political roles, including serving as African American Outreach Manager for the Ohio Democratic Party. He also helped fundraise for Pittsburgh’s first Black mayor, Ed Gainey. Now, as Political Director for U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, Washington continues his work in public service. Outside of politics, he enjoys Ohio State football, and spending time with friends and family.

Deputy Director | Ohioans To Stop Executions

Kendall White is a dedicated public servant and thoughtful leader. A proud graduate of Ohio Dominican University (2018) and Ohio University (2022), White is a person who is determined to make an impact in his community. Born and raised in Cincinnati, OH, White has overcome obstacles that shaped him into the servant he is today. As the Deputy Director at Ohioans to Stop Executions, White has implemented and engaged in strategic strategies to help abolish the death penalty in Ohio. From grassroots organizing to lobbying state legislators, White has helped continue the momentum of the community to pass legislation that focuses on criminal justice reform. He currently partners with over 20 statewide leaders to form a coalition that pushes the agenda to abolish the death penalty and contributes to community building. By helping establish other strategic methods to help other nonprofit organizations thrive within the community.

Sharon D. White Chair, Board of Directors | Bold Brothers Foundation

Sharon D. White (MI), chair of the BOLD BROTHERS Foundation Board of Directors headquartered in Columbus, OH. White currently serves as a healthcare executive with an Ohio health system. She is a professional with over 25 years of experience in broadcast media and community and public relations. White is active in non-profit and corporate board service. She serves as a facilitator for training in leadership, social media, marketing/communication and branding. White is affiliated with numerous organizations including a member of the University of Dayton Board of Trustees and President of the UD National Alumni Association. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and a member of The Dayton Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Her awards include Central Region Volunteer of the Year, National Urban League and Dayton Daily News Ten Top Women Award.” She is inducted into the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame and the Dayton Area Broadcasters Hall.

Adrienne Williams

William Wilder

Community Planning Analyst | City of Columbus, Department of Neighborhoods

William Wilder is a Community Planning Analyst with the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods, where he assists in implementing the One Linden, Envision Hilltop, and Eastland Community Plans. He plays a vital role in moving the plan work forward. Wilder was also instrumental in the inaugural Leadership Linden Academy cohort, where he served as the program’s administrative support. A recent graduate of The Ohio State University, he earned a Bachelor of Science in City and Regional Planning in May 2023. As a passionate mental health advocate, Wilder shared his survivor story at the 2024 Suicide Prevention Conference at The Ohio State University, engaging medical professionals across Ohio. A proud East Columbus native, Wilder is an alumnus of Columbus Downtown and Walnut Ridge High School, where he often returns to mentor students. In his leisure time, Wilder enjoys traveling, reading, writing, cooking, watching movies, and spending quality time with family.

Marketing Manager | Bread Financial

Adrienne Williams majored in African American Studies and Psychology at Northwestern University and earned an MBA at The Ohio State University in 2019. She is a marketer that worked in various industries. Outside of work, she is an avid agriculturalist. In 2020, she co-founded the Growing and Growth Collective. Through the development of this organization, she connected her African American studies background with agriculture. Along with another colleague, she identified a need to promote more diversity in urban agriculture spaces and to address inequities within the food system by leveraging a culturally relevant framework. This framework is inclusive of promoting urban agriculture in six gardens and robust programmatic support that explores topics around land access, diversity in farming and food justice. Her goal is to continue to promote healing and activism through the land, as her legacy stems from a rich history of land stewards.

Archie Williamson Founder/President | Diversified Systems, Inc.

Archie Williamson founded Diversified Systems in 1990. DSI is a management and consulting firm specializing in information systems and technology. With a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Toledo and graduate of Northwestern’s Kellogg Advanced Management Executive program, Williamson has led DSI to serve Fortune 1000 businesses and government agencies across multiple states. For Over 30 years, DSI has partnered with major technology firms while promoting diversity and inclusion. Williamson has received numerous accolades, including the 2021 Columbus Business First C-Suite Award and was named the 2017 Columbus Business First Outstanding Diverse Business Leader award. His commitment to diversity extends to recruiting and retaining underrepresented groups in the technology industry. Williamson is actively involved in various boards, including the ASPYR, A Kid Again, and Columbus State Foundation Board. Williamson is a founding member of The Black Data Processing Association, Columbus Chapter.

Renee T. Willis, Ph.D.

Executive Director | Martha Holden Jennings Foundation

Cayme Andrea is a coach dedicated to supporting postpartum moms who navigate the balance between caring for their families and themselves. With personal experience in this journey, she understands the unique challenges these women face. Andrea works with confident, passionate go-getters who feel that something is off in their lives. She specializes in helping moms find equilibrium through internal healing, boundary setting, and achieving peace. Her clients often seek harmony in their careers, relationships, family life, and health or want to prioritize their own needs. With over 17 years of experience, Andrea holds titles such as life coach, executive coach, and leadership mentor, focusing on holistic wellness by aligning mind, body, and spirit. As an internationally credentialed integrative life coach and NLP practitioner, she is committed to helping her clients create lasting change and attain emotional and financial freedom.

Honoree Index

Ali, Sakinah.................................. 182

Aden, Janet ................................... 68

Alston, Judy 158

Amponsah, Akua A. ..................... 154

Anderson, Dionne ........................ 114

Avery, Brandy 182

Bankston, Nicholas ...................... 134

Barbour, Sherry H. ....................... 182

Barnett, Chelsea 114

Battiste, LaShawnda...................... 74

Beal, Tony ...................................... 36

Beatty, Joyce 134

Bell, Portia J. ................................. 24

Benton Jr., W.C. 54

Benton, Love 183

Bethune, Anita ............................. 183

Birru, Justin 54

Blackmon, Cedric 183

Blackmon, Kelly ............................. 98

Bland, Aja 134

Blount, Jr., Roderick Q. 184

Blunt, Laurel Beatty ..................... 135

Booth-Minor, Davonna 184

Bouyer, Fatima 184

Bowen, Alyncia ............................ 185

Boyce, Kevin 135

Bradley, Darnita 185

Brandon, Nichole M. .................... 135

Brannon, Tiffany 158

Briggs, Shelbie ............................ 114

Brooks Sullivan, Cheryl ............... 136

Brown, Timothy 185

Brown, Yvette McGee .................. 110

Browne, Kim A. ............................ 136

Bryant, Elaine 136

Buckner, Benjamin......................... 68

Bullock, Jennifer ............................ 76

Burke IV, James 159

Burns, Rhonda............................... 41

Burrell, Kioshana LaCount........... 186

Butler, Cantrell 186

Bynum, Mary ............................... 186

Campbell, Kim 187

Caro, Francisco ........................... 187

Carter, Monica ............................... 98

Chambers, Lisa M. 187

Chapman, Angela ........................ 188

Charles-Camara, Ta’Sha L. ......... 188

Charles, Kerry 159

Chatman, Keira............................ 137

Chisolm, Deena J. ....................... 154

Chongwony, Lewis 188

Clark Jr., Joseph .......................... 189

Clements, Vinita .......................... 137

Clopton, Austine 45

Coats, Bishop John ..................... 189

Cole, Kimberly Elizabeth 114, 189

Cole, Paula 36

Coleman, Janelle ......................... 137

Coleman, Michael B. 138

Collier, Ty 190

Conley, Craig ............................... 128

Cox, Daizhon 115

Craig, Hearcel F. 138

Crawley, Erica C. ......................... 138

Crone, Lashana 190

Crosby, Amber 190

Cross-Hatten, Karen .................... 191

Cyrus-Herndon, Wendy 69

Daniels, Alice 48

Davis, Angela................................. 37

DeBerry II, David 191

Dennis, Donald .............................. 99

Dickens, Thomas ........................... 55

Dillon, Cordell 160

Dixon, Marc ................................... 69

Dukes, Patrick ............................... 41

Dumas, Tracy L. 55

Durham, Zara .............................. 115

Easler, Lia ...................................... 42

Easley, Corey 191

Edmonson, Al .............................. 139

Edwards Jr., Moses ..................... 160 Elliott, Chelsea 192

Ellis, Rae ....................................... 70 Ellis, Yaves 70

Emmanuel, Navo ......................... 192 Esper, Terry L. ............................... 56

Favor, Shayla D. 139 Few, Quiana ................................ 115 Fields, Bertie................................ 192

Finley, Margaret D. 78 Ford, Donna Y. ............................. 193 Foster, Bydea .............................. 161 Foster, Carlos

Adriana

Christopher

Gray, Shelly-Ann

Ashley ..........................

Green, Shaneece 116 Green, Shavonda 116 Green, Terry........................... 80, 195 Greer, Zuri 195 Griffin, Archie M. 110 Griffin, Debra .................................

Lawrence E.

Sherri

Ralonda.......................

Michael

Alex .................................

Le-Ann .............................

Harris, Nichole L. 196 Harrison, David .............................

Harrison, TeLisa...........................

Jordan 84 Hawkins, Monica ......................... 141 Hector-Harris, Carol......................197

Honoree Index

Henderson, Laron 197

Henry, Alicia ................................. 162

Henry, Leah 71

Hewitt, Karen 197

Hicks II, William J. ....................... 141

Hightower, Stephanie 142

Hill, James A. 57

Hill, Vincent.................................. 198

Hines, Traylene 163

Hinton, Terrance 198

Hollingshed, Lisa ........................... 43

Holmes, Tanya M. 198

Hough, Tiffany 199

Houston-Beck, Maria N. .............. 117

Howard, Erica 199

Howard, Shianne ......................... 117

Hunter, Brianna............................ 199

Jackson, Annette 200

Jackson, James ........................... 200

Jackson, Jim ................................ 128

Jackson, Kris 86

James, Donna ............................. 142

James, Larry ................................ 142

Jarrells, Dontavius L. 88

Jenkins, Jason ............................. 143

Johnson, Aishia ........................... 200

Johnson, Christian 201

Johnson, Jonathan ...................... 201

Johnson, TJ 201

Johnson, Toya J. 202

Jones, Chenelle ........................... 202

Jones, Edsha 202

Jones, Jermaine 71

Jones, Mike ................................... 38

Kelly, Tonya 203

Kerrin, Tonya 203

King, Vanessa.............................. 203

Kirkland, Devray 26, 143

Kleckley, Toni 204

Kounta, Suzan Bradford .............. 143

Kpogba-Davies, Kontarh 204

Lacey, Ashequka 204

Lacy, Tasya .................................. 205

Latin, Ladorian 205

Lawrence, Rick P. 40

Leonard, Aeriel D.M. ...................... 57

Lewis Sr., Stephen 163 Livingstone, Blake 25

Long, Niki..................................... 117

Lunceford, Joanne 205 Madison, Joan 90

Marbley, Algenon L. ....................... 92

Marshall, Monica 206

Martin-King, Charity 206

Martin, Alysha .............................. 129

Matthews, Chrisahwndra 206

Mayo-Barrett, Rochelle 207

McAlpine, Bobby Arthur ........ 118,206 McClerking, Carolyn 164

McKie, Erin C................................. 58

Meacham, John ........................... 207

Meadows, Marion 164

Miller, Ray ...................................... 50

Mingo, Stephanie......................... 144

Mitchell, Angela 118

Moore, Adrian .............................. 165

Moore, Jennifer............................ 129

Moore, Marchelle E. 111 Morgan, Arica .............................. 207

Morrison, Karen ........................... 144 Muhammad, Jamilah 208

Murray, Ronald G. ....................... 208

Mychael, LoLo 208

Myles, Terrance 72

Neely, Demetries ......................... 144

Newkirk, Vann R. 145

Newman, Charles 130 Nixon, Leslie Bauknight ............... 145

Owens, Greg 118

Owens, Jennifer 40

Owens, Kathy A. .......................... 145

Owusu-Ansah, Comfort 209

Page, Jaiza 146

Pannell, LaTasha ......................... 209

Parker, Tyler Morgan 209 Parks, Tracy 118

Patterson, Tyler ........................... 210 Payne, Melinda 210

Pennyman, Lorraine 58 Perkins, Elisa ............................... 210 Pierce, Tina 211 Pittman, Cailyn D. 211 Porteous, Densil R....................... 211 Porter, Rich 39 Potts, LaShanna 130

Rahmaan, Rodell .........................

Smithers, Jr., Ralph ......................111

Smoot, Jr., Lewis 217

Smooth, Jayme.............................. 39

Spencer, Brenda D. ..................... 217

Stagg, Danyelle 44

Staley, Tamara ............................. 218

Stearns, Tracy ............................. 218

Stevenson, Sean 218

Stevenson, Steve ........................ 219

Street, Tei Y.................................. 166

Sullivan, Ernie 148

Sullivan, Jr., Jack ......................... 167

Talley, Monika .............................. 219

Tavares, Charleta B. 148

Thigpen, Lachelle ........................ 100

Thomas-St. Clair, Malissa............ 219

Tolliver, Monica 120

Troy, Adam K. .............................. 149

Troy, Keith A. 149

Truttling, Bryan ............................ 220

Turnage, Dawn ............................ 220

Turner, Christina 220

Turner, Cynthia W. ......................... 59

Tyus, John ................................... 221

Verna, Gaëtane 221

Walker, Jasmine .......................... 221

Walker, Kenyona ......................... 131 Walter, Almar 149, 222 Walters, Niyah ............................. 120

Ware, Carol E. ............................. 222

Washington, Christopher 222

White, Rachel .............................. 100

White, Sharon D. ......................... 223

Wilder, William 224

Williams-Scott, Carla ................... 150

Williams, Adrienne ....................... 224

Williams, Lucretia 168

Williamson, Archie ....................... 224 Willis, Renee T. ............................ 225 Wingard, Tahirah 120 Womack, Carter D. ..................... 168 Wood, Bryan .................................. 45 Wood, Robert D. 24 Wright, Antonio .............................. 44

Wyche, Chris ............................... 150

Young, H. Dwayne 121

Washington, William .................... 223 Watkins, Davita L. .......................... 60 White, Courtney 167 White, Donald .............................. 150 White, Kendall 223

Advertiser Index

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