Women's Leadership Symposium 2023

When We Lead

Women’s Leadership Symposium March 22-24, 2023

welcome Happy Women’s Herstory Month!

Before the plans materialized, I was already in love with the idea of the OUCAN Women’s Leadership Symposium. Last year’s virtual event was such a huge success that it was only right to explore the idea in person. Once we exchanged information about preserving our mental health and the importance of self-branding and owning your own stuff, it became very clear to me that OUCAN is the place and space for advancing conversations about women in leadership and entrepreneurial ventures.

The OUCAN network is led by a female CEO and women board members in top executive offices. We employ nearly 2,000 staff, engage female consultants and entrepreneurs. We serve 56% of Ohio’s low income households, a substantial portion of which are female led. We understand the Community Action Agency network is THE industry comprised predominantly of women executives, vendors, consultants and constituents and we are committed to equipping women at every level of life and success with tools to help them reach their next level.

When We Lead is more than a theme. It is our bond as a network to mentor the pipline of young female leaders, to support those in transition, to create breakthroughs and lift others as we climb. This week will be a great examination of our personal and professional endeavors and digging deeper to build a path to greater leadership attainment.

Thank you for sharing your talents, time and treasures with us this week. #WhenWeLead Sisterly, Yvonne Cherell CEO, OUCAN

Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.

- Serena Williams

Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.

-Maya Angelou

Welcome to the Ohio Urban Community Action Network’s (OUCAN) Women’s Leadership Symposium: When We Lead. OUCAN is dedicated to supporting community action agencies in urban and metropolitan communities and their employees through professional development opportunities like this. We are excited that you have joined us!

As women take on increasing levels of leadership, we must prepare ourselves and those following behind us to lead well.

We hope your participation in the symposium will spark new ideas and a renewed commitment to reach higher and to bring other women along.This year’s symposium features notable women from various industries, whose stories we are certain will enlighten and inspire you.

Thank you for your participation in our Women’s Leadership Symposium: When We Lead and for your support of OUCAN! Dr. Jacklyn A. Chisholm Chair, OUCAN Board of Directors CEO, Step Forward

YWCA Honoring Dr. Chisholm Dr. Jacklyn Chisholm, President and Chief Executive Officer for Step Forward, has been named one of YWCA of Greater Cleveland’s 2023 Career Women of Achievement.

Dr. Chisholm is a Cleveland native, a graduate of Case Western Reserve University, and serves on the boards of the Cuyahoga County Early Childhood Education Partnership Council, Women of Color Foundation, and as an advisory member of the PRE4CLE Early Childhood Compact and United Way’s Accountable Health Communities Initiative.

The Woman of Achievement Award “is presented to a select group of Northeast Ohio women who have achieved extraordinary accomplishments through career success, community service, leadership, mentoring, and dedication to YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.”

“I nominated Dr. Jacklyn Chisholm for the Women of Achievement award because I felt like she had been overlooked. Dr. Chisholm has 300 plus employees, she has a $45 million budget, and she is an amazing human being,” said Alexandria Johnson Boone, the Chairwoman and Founder of the Women of Color Foundation.

Dr. Chisholm will be honored at the YWCA’s Women of Achievement awards ceremony May 23, 2023. The ceremony will be in person at Severance Hall.

schedule at at glance Wednesday, March 22 10 to 10:30 a.m.: Registration 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Opening Keynote Address 12 p.m.: Lunch 1:30 to 3 p.m.: When We Lead Panel Discussion 3:15 to 4 p.m.

Self Care 4 p.m.: All About Me Empowerment Reception Thursday, March 23 9:30 to 10 a.m.: Continental Breakfast 10:15 to 11:30 a.m.: Breakout Session I 11:45 a.m.: Blue Jean Luncheon 1:15 to 2:30 p.m.: Breakout Session II 2:45 to 4 p.m.: Breakout Session III 4:15 to 5:30 p.m.: Black Girl Rising Panel Discussion 5:30 p.m.: Evening/Dinner on Your Own Friday, March 24 9 to 10 a.m.: Breakfast 10 to 11:30 a.m.: Next Level Panel Discussion 11:30 a.m.to 12:30 p.m: Closing Keynote Address

Schooley Mitchell Ad Goes Here

opening keynote address

Rep. Latyna M. Humphrey Wednesday., 10:30 a.m., Franklin CD

Representative Latyna M. Humphrey was born in Columbus, Ohio and raised on the near east side. She is a proud graduate of Columbus East High School. A single mom who worked her way through college at Columbus State and Franklin University, Latyna’s highest priority is the same as so many others, to give her son a better start in life than she had.

Community service is not new to Rep. Humphrey as she helped with aid during the Flint Water Crisis. There, she volunteered to help with data entry for the American Red Cross and served at local food kitchens. This experience led her to get involved here in Columbus with local organizations such as the YWCA, YMCA, Central Ohio Young Black Democrats, NAACP-Columbus and the Franklin County Democratic Party where she serves as Secretary of the Central Committee.

In 2019, Rep. Humphrey became the Community Outreach Coordinator for Franklin County Auditor, Michael Stinziano. Later, she joined the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas as Bailiff to the Honorable Judge Carl A. Aveni, II. In addition, Rep. Humphrey is a two-time author and sought after speaker.

Women in Ohio Politics 38 of 132

Members of the Ohio General Assembly are women.

Eight in the Senate.

The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus was established in 1967 and is one of the oldest in the country. The OLBC Foundation was established by former members of the General Assembly

1922

was a big year for Ohio women.

Six women became the first of their gender to serve in the General Assembly. Florence Allen was the first woman elected to the Ohio Supreme Court.

4 of 15

Current Congressional delegates are women. Three are Black.

Ohio’s Marcy Kaptur is currently the longest serving woman in the House.

3 of 7

Ohio Supreme Court Justices are women, including Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy.

Other Names to Know

Francis Payne Bolton Helen Rankin Stephanie Tubbs Jones Gertrude Donahey Jennette Bradley Melody Stewart

Maureen O’Connor JoAnn Davidson Mary Ellen Withrow Nancy Hollister Marcia Fudge Rhine McLin

Sources: Baldwin Wallace University Center for Women & Politics of Ohio, Center for American Women in Politics at Rutgers University, Ohio Statehouse Ladies Gallery

when we lead

a panel discussion Wednesday, 1:30 to 3 p.m., Franklin CD Leadership is a journey and studies show that in the last four years the portion of women in senior management roles globally grew to 29%. Women leaders help close the wage gap, bring creativity and innovation, and have a positive impact on workplace policies. This expert panel of women leaders and bosses will share their secret sauce for leading authentically. They will also discuss the challenges they have overcome and helpful strategies they use to lead with intention and grace. Moderated by Yvonne Cherell, OUCAN CEO.

Toni Cunningham, Godman Guild Toni Cunningham is an accomplished leader, motivator, workforce development professional, speaker and coach. Throughout her career, Toni has provided coaching and counsel to numerous individuals and businesses seeking to achieve their next stage of growth. She is the President and CEO of Godman Guild and the former Managing Director of Per Scholas. Her other roles have included time with Unite Us, the Columbus Urban League, American Electric Power and more. She also co-founded Black Tech 614 and Image Anu, LLC, her own full-service consulting firm.

A sought after speaker, presenter and facilitator, Toni truly believes in living out her purpose which is “helping people get to next” in both their personal and professional lives. Committed to excellence and continuous learning, Toni earned her master’s degree in marketing and communications from Franklin University and her bachelor’s degree from Ohio Dominican University. A lifelong resident of Columbus, she is also an alumni of the African American Leadership Academy as well as a 2019 American Express Leadership Academy Fellow. She has earned many awards and serves on several boards including the Ohio Workforce Coalition’s Leadership Committee.

J. Averi Frost, African American Chamber of Commerce J. Averi Frost is the Executive Director of the Central Ohio African American Chamber of Commerce. She is also Executive Director of Freedom Equity Inc., a start-up CDFI poised to provide an alternative to financing for Black-owned businesses in Central Ohio. As the proud daughter of serial entrepreneurs, Averi has always understood that there can be a gap in resources for some of our most disenfranchised business owners. She strives to bridge the opportunity gap between the wealthiest and the poorest members of the community.

Prior to her current roles, Averi served five years as Director of the Columbus Minority Business Assistance Center, a State of Ohio program hosted by the Central Ohio Minority Business Association.

At MBAC, she developed and facilitated business development workshops and counseled clients in several areas including: marketing, government procurement and applying for minority certification.

She has facilitated nearly 200 workshops and been involved in fund-raising efforts that netted more than $5 million over the course of her career. She serves on the board of the Columbus Empowerment Corporation and is an alumni of several other boards. She is graduate of Denison University and Eastmoor Academy High School.

Tracy Maxwell Heard, Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence Tracy Maxwell Heard is the Executive Director of Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence, Inc. (MACC). MACC has been Ohio’s leading voice for cultural competence for nearly 20 years. She is a visionary who has seized this leadership opportunity to take MACC into unprecedented growth in this challenging time of discord by seeing it also as a season of openness that leads to a better way.

She has an extensive background in leadership roles. She is the former Minority Leader in the Ohio House of Representatives having served in the legislature for eight years. In her professional life, she has served as everything from a regional corporate sales manager to a card-carrying UAW member, news anchor and non-profit executive director. She has been commended on numerous occasions with awards and national recognition for her work including receiving an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Wilberforce University. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., serves as Board Chair for the Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity, and is the co-chair of the Public Policy Committee of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Central Ohio Chapter.

Toshia Safford, The Center for Healthy Families Native New Yorker Toshia Safford is a trusted advisor and resource in both the public and non-profit sectors. As co-founder, president, and Chief Executive Officer of The Center for Healthy Families, she led a team of community stakeholders to launch Healthy Families Connections. The collaborative model is designed to move pregnant and parenting youth families on to achieving economic and social self-sufficiency.

Her career includes more than 25 years of successful clinical and human service experience with expertise in non-profit governance, leadership development and business strategy. She is committed to the individual and collective growth of our community’s most disenfranchised residents. She serves on many boards in Central Ohio including the Commission on Black Girls, the Overcomer Foundation and other groups supporting the advancement of women and girls.

Barbara Sykes, Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation Barbara Sykes is President and CEO of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation. She is also a past State Director of Ohio AARP and Past President and CEO of Ohio United Way. A former threeterm State Representative and former Deputy Auditor in Summit County, she was the first AfricanAmerican woman to have served on Akron’s City Council.

She has been recognized for her community service through various awards such as the C. William Keck, M.D., M.P.H. Community Medicine Award, presented by Akron Community Health Resources, Inc. She was also named Legislator of the Year by the Ohio Association of Children Hospitals, Second Harvest for Hunger and Voices for Children of Greater Cleveland. Barbara earned both her undergraduate degree in social work and her master’s degree in public administration from the University of Akron.

The Future is Female

32%

Research shows that companies with more women on their boards outperform those without and organizations with greater gender diversity among senior leaders are more profitable.

In 2022, women held 32% of senior management roles worldwide - the highest number ever recorded.

$31 trillion Women’s global spending power.

75%

💰

Nielsen predicts that by 2028, women will control 75% of the world’s discretionary spending.

33

Fortune 500 companies are led by female CEOs

Women surpass men in 11 of 12 major emotional intelligence characteristics, providing a competitive advantage for women and the businesses they lead.

Sources: Forbes, “Why Everyone Wins with More Women in Leadership” by Soloman Amar, Feb. 7, 2023; Pew Research Center; Leftronic

We’re proud to support the Women’s Leadership Symposium.

Black girls are placed at promise When We Lead.

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blackgirlrising.net

all about me empowerment reception

Wednesday, 4 p.m., Franklin CD You’re invited! Spend a casual and relaxing afternoon filled with music, food and creating your personal “All About Me” empowerment toolkit for the year.

thursday morning breakouts Thursday, 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. Choose One

Ohio A: Dr. Aimee Budnik presents “How the Pathways Community HUB Initiative Can Transform Systems: Spreading and Scaling a Model in Ohio” The Pathways Community HUB is an evidenced based model that Community Action Akron Summit (CA) has been implementing since 2016 (initial funding through Ohio Commission on Minority Health). The model was selected locally as a strategy to eliminate black infant mortality.

The application of the model has since expanded to address other health conditions within adult and pediatric populations. CA was the first Community Action Agency (CAA) in the country to achieve National Certification through Pathways Community Hub Institute. Because the model aligns with the history and mission of community action, CA’s CEO has been a proponent of scaling the model across CAAs. As a result, there are four Ohio HUBs that have been funded to replicate the model within Community Action Agencies and other CAAs that are partnering with HUBs in their community. This session will highlight the process that was utilized to implement this model which included community coalition building and application of data, the process to sustain the model locally through Medicaid Managed Care contracts and the process to spread and scale the model within Ohio and other states. The session will discuss how data, quality improvement methods and partnerships can transform systems to improve equity.

Aimee Budnick, Ph.D., RD/N, LD, is Vice President of Operations at Community Action Akron Summit.

She served as the Pathways HUB director from 2016 to 2021. A registered dietitian, Dr. Budnik has almost 25 years of experience working as a public health practitioner and a certified Improvement Advisor and Improvement Coach.

She was formerly a Community Health Supervisor at Summit County Public Health managing the early childhood and infant mortality related programs and initiatives. Her Ph.D. in Prevention Science is from Kent State University’s College of Public Health. She earned her master’s degree in public health nutrition from Case Western Reserve University.

Ohio B: Brittany Boulton presents “The View from Both Sides of the Table: Advocate and Target Audiences” This workshop is especially good for beginners who need or want support as they start their advocacy journey. Brittany Boulton will talk about the best way to cut a message for various audiences, working with the state as well as the local level and the power of women organizing across party lines.

Participants will develop their own checklist for advocacy meetings that covers what they should do before, during and after a meeting. Come be empowered to talk to elected officials whose backgrounds differ from your own and learn to build your network of women advocates Brittany Boulton is the Director of External Relations for the Finance Fund.

A rural northeast Ohio native, Brittany moved to Columbus in 2008 after graduating from Bowling Green State University. She began her career working in the Ohio Statehouse and has since done advocacy work in the Illinois and Ohio General Assemblies. She has also provided client-based strategic communications support, fund-raised for the homeless in Columbus and serves as vice chair of her hometown’s Clintonville Area Commission.

She is proud to serve as president of the statewide non-partisan group Ohio Women in Government, which supports the development of women working in and around government at all levels in the state.

She is passionate about access to fresh and healthy food, affordable housing, living wage jobs, public education and greenspace. A proud product of public schools and first generation college graduate, Brittany also holds a master’s degree from DePaul University in Women’s and Gender Studies.

blue jean luncheon

Thursday, 11:45 a.m., Franklin CD In celebration of Women’s Herstory Month, participants are encouraged to join us for a Blue Jean Luncheon celebration. Get ready for a midday break with great food, a photo shoot and networking.

Behind every great woman... is another great woman. - Kate Hodges

Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence, and making sure that impact lasts in your absence. - Sheryl Sandberg

thursday afternoon breakouts Thursday, 1:15 to 2:30 p.m. Choose One

Ohio A: DeAndra Harrison presents: “The 23 Discoveries of Me” Do you truly know what type of leader you are or who you can become?

Have you really tapped into your authentic self and the possibilities of where leadership can take you? During this workshop, we will dive into your “Jordan year” to tap into new ways that you can discover your qualities of a leader and provide resources to enhance the way you guide others in both your personal and professional life.

Participants will define leadership styles and assess themselves with a SWOT analysis. They will demonstrate common approaches to effective leadership styles while discovering ways to enhance their current style.

DeAndra Harrison serves as the founding director of two non-profit organizations that specialize in enrichment services for youth: Actions that Matter for Youth and Her Crowned Mindset. Additionally, she operates a brand management consulting firm His & Her Mindset, LLC. As a Columbus native, DeAndra utilized her natural leadership skills, high school lessons and college education to become one of the youngest successful publicists at DKC News, a renowned public relations agency in New York City.

Returning to Columbus, DeAndra fueled her passion for education and learned the fundamentals of childcare from a teacher perspective and business owner. She climbed the ladder to curriculum specialist, site coordinator and regional director of three cities and 12 locations. DeAndra is a proud alumnae of Clark Atlanta University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in mass media arts. She is currently working on her master’s degree in education with emphasis on learning experience design and educational technology.

Ohio B: Kathryn Clausen & Emily Nolan present: “Know the Tools: How to Be Intentional with Your Messaging” This workshop will provide a general overview of communications strategies including identifying key audiences and determining the appropriate outlets to target communications to those audiences. While learning strategies for message development, participants will also discuss branding, data-driven storytelling and more.

Kathryn Clausen is the Communications Director at the Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies. She has more than 20 years experience in the non-profit sector with more than 15 years in the community action network. In her current role, she manages the association’s communications and public relations efforts as well as supporting the communication efforts of member CAAs in Ohio. Kathryn earned her master’s degree in mass communication and journalism from Kent State University.

Emily Nolan has been OACAA’s communications and development specialist since 2021 and has more than four years of professional writing and editing experience. In her current role, she works closely with the Communications and Development Directors to generate content and assist in grant-writing efforts. Emily earned her bachelor’s degree in English and journalism from Wittenberg University where she graduated summa cum laude. She has conducted research in the writing center field and has published three articles on a three-year quantitative research project.

thursday afternoon breakouts Thursday, 2:45 to 3:30 p.m. Choose One

Ohio A: Audrey Taylor presents: “Mentoring: Past, Present and Future” Join us for a discussion on how mentoring changes based on your organization’s goals. We will look at traditional mentoring, speed mentoring and more. We will explore how mentoring has changed for many of us who were once mentored but are now THE mentor. What do our mentees need from us? We will explore the topic from both the mentor and mentee perspectives.

Audrey Taylor is the Director of Professional Development Services at Step Forward, the designated Community Action Agency for Cuyahoga County.

With her staff of seven, all with a passion for building the community, Audrey shepherds outreach activities, computer-based training programs and employment service opportunities. Through her holistic approach to learning, unique leadership style, authentic vision, entrepreneurial spirit and sense of purpose, Audrey is leading her team to build connections through partnerships and a strong referral system.

Her goals for her department include improving the digital literacy rate among adults over 55; seeing high school graduates and young adults find meaningful career and educational pathways; minimizing the digital divide in Cuyahoga County; and working with justice-involved individuals by addressing immediate needs, building follow up services and ensuring client and partner accountability.

Ohio B: Jackie Boehnlein presents: “Breaking Silos for Better Service” Many Community Action clients need more than one service. How can agencies make it easier for clients to receive all the help they need without completing redundant paperwork or having the same conversation several times? Lorain County Community Action Agency created its Star Service program to break down program silos so customers and clients could be served better. The program greatly increased staff knowledge of agency services and gave wings to the idea of deeply serving customers. Examples, forms and sample reports will be provided.

Jackie Boehnlein is the long-time CEO of Lorain County Community Action Agency (LCCAA) where she has revamped nearly every aspect of the organization. She is guided by her agency’s mission to serve and empower her county’s residents in need. A big believer in strengths-based change, Jackie’s approach to transformation is to do more of what you are good at while mastering what is most important.

She earned a master’s in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in business management from Tiffin University. She holds advanced training and certificates in Baldrige-based frameworks, technical writing and performance coaching. Prior to joining LCCAA, Jackie worked in banking and higher education.

I think realizing that you’re not alone, that you are standing with millions of your sisters around the world, is vital. - Malala Yousafzai

black girl rising

a panel discussion Thursday, 3:45 to 5 p.m., Franklin CD

According to the American Psychological Task Force on Resilience and Strength in Black Children and Adolescents, for African American adolescents to develop into individuals actively engaged in optimal personal and collective development, they must be considered “at promise” as opposed to “at risk.” This positive change will help them become contributing members of their families, schools, communities and the broader society. Fran Frazier has invited some of Black Girl Rising’s young leaders to talk about how this data impacts their lives and the lives of their peers. Moderator: Brishundra McGrier

Fran Frazier is a consultant and trainer specializing in issues related to racism and racial equity. She

serves as a Senior Associate for Everyday Democracy, a national organization based in Connecticut.

Everyday Democracy promotes public dialogue and civic engagement in communities and workplaces that want to build capacity for action and change on issues where inequities exist. Fran consults with organizations and communities across the country.

She is also an adjunct professor. She developed and teaches a course: Developing Cultural CompetenceStrategies for Urban Public School Teachers. This is a graduate level course for Columbus, Ohio City Schools’ teachers in partnership with Ashland University.

An ardent advocate for the transformation of African American women and girls, she promotes the role of African American women as change agents within the Black family and the Black community. Since 1979, Fran has established programs, conducted retreats and given presentations on issues of sisterhood, spiritual development and self-empowerment.

Fran’s area of expertise is her ability to present creative and insightful approaches to issues of high sensitivity. Her work in the area of cultural competency in the workplace, cultural awareness training and the creation of culturally specific programs in the Social Services field earned her the YWCA “Woman of Achievement Award” in Racial Justice and recognition from the State of Ohio for engaging state employees to participate in workplace dialogues on racism and its impact on service delivery to Ohio’s families.

Brishundra McGrier, born and raised in low country South Carolina, is a servant leader who dedicates her life to God, family, community and education. A former teacher, she now owns Math Tutoring on the Go! Making math fun for all is why Brishundra continues to share with students and adults.

She serves on the board of the Worthington Alliance of Black Families and Educators and is a ministry leader at The Purpose Center Church. She is a great supporter of community organizations and projects and is honored to serve with Actions that Matter 4 Youth as a site coordinator at a Columbus middle school where she can share her heart for women and girls.

A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., her heart for women, girls and families stems from personal experience inside and outside the classroom. After gaining her own self-confidence on her unforeseen journey, she strives to share how to believe, dream big and trust the process while uplifting others.

Placing Black Girls At Promise While Black girls have some opportunities to keep them strong, the trauma they experience results in risky behaviors and emotional functioning related in the data.

In addition to building strength and increasing resiliency, the trauma our girls are experiencing needs much more attention from all of us.

42%

of African American girls surveyed live with one parent.

Nine percent live with grandparents or other adult relatives.

Who Influences Black Girls?

Half of the girls surveyed said their mothers have the greatest influence over their lives. Nearly a quarter said God played that role. Grandparents and boyfriends were also named often with fathers named by only 8 percent of the girls.

80%

are academically motivated and 37% do their homework.

35%

are sexually active.

50%+

54%

97% of girls surveyed said they like being a girl but 57% believe they are treated unfairly because they are girls.

95%

of girls surveyed said they like being Black and 62% believe they are treated unfairly because they are Black.

have been have experienced threatened, emotional abuse. slapped, hit or Source: Rise Sister Rise Research Study punched at home.

Here’s to You!

Never doubt that the work you do everyday makes a real difference.

As a woman-owned business, SJ Bengel LLC is proud to be part of the OUCAN family. We salute the women of Ohio’s Urban Community Action Network.

SJ Bengel LLC sjbengel.com Communicating with your community.

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next level

a panel discussion Friday, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Franklin CD Have you ever questioned your time and place in life? Have you spent time pondering your next move and the necessary steps or actions to move up to the next phase of your life? This collection of women entrepreneurs, community leaders and bosses will share their stories of resiliency and determination as they take us to the Next Level.

Daphne McKinnie, Huntington Bank Daphne McKinnie is the Community Development Relationship Manager for Huntington Bank in Central Ohio. Daphne recently joined Huntington with more than 15 years of banking experience. A native of Cleveland, Daphne relocated to Columbus in 2014 and became immersed in the diverse communities and culture of the capital city.

Her career in banking has included various roles from personal banker, assistant manager, branch manager and business banker. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social science from the Ohio Dominican University.

Ella Williams, Posh Teatime Co. Named by NBC4 in 2022 as the “Queen of Teatime,” Ella Williams is the owner of the social enterprise Posh Teatime Co., a luxury mobile tearoom, teatime caterer and online tea boutique. She is also an expert in tea ceremonies and an etiquette consultant. With a background in sales and information technology, her career spans several industries including retail, banking and healthcare.

Born to a mother diagnosed with severe schizophrenia, Ella and her younger sister spent their childhood in and out of the Ohio foster care system, homeless shelters, and park benches, before turning to Huckleberry House Inc. at age 16 and becoming a ward of the state.

Despite a poverty-stricken childhood, Ella remained resourceful and enthusiastic about obtaining her education and seeing the world.

Ella transformed her image and the way that the world viewed her and worked her way up from an entry-level call center representative to a corporate maven. She is passionate about helping youth and young adults learn etiquette, home economics and life skills they need to transform their lives even when the odds are stacked against them.

Monica Womack, Minority Business Development Division Monica Womack is the Chief for the Minority Business Development Division at the Ohio Department of Development. In her role, Monica provides vision and leadership to support the growth and sustainability of minority, women and disadvantaged businesses in the State of Ohio. In doing so, she engages with strategic partners at all levels of government, develops private-sector partnerships, and listens to the needs of business owners.

Prior to her newest role, Monica served as an Associate Vice President with the Columbus Urban League. She provided leadership and operations oversight to both the Financial Empowerment Services department and the Workforce and Career Services department. In this role, Monica was able

to leverage resources between programs to support constituents and business owners in the Central Ohio community.

Monica has a bachelor’s degree in financial management services and a master’s of public administration both from Franklin University. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in business administration with a focus on supporting the growth and sustainability of minority-owned businesses.

Tiffany Wright, RAMA Consulting Group Tiffany Wright is Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at RAMA Consulting Group, a Columbus based organizational and stakeholder engagement consulting firm specializing in planning, public engagement, and training and employee development. She is responsible for operations, finance, business development and serves as the lead consultant on client engagements within the non-profit and government sectors.

Prior to joining RAMA, Tiffany was an executive leader with HandsOn Central Ohio, the eighth largest 2-1-1 information and referral system in the U.S., for four years. She served in several leadership roles including Senior Director of Finance and Operations and Interim President and CEO. Under her leadership, HandsOn enhanced its service delivery model through improved systems optimization and infrastructure that improved the lives of people and strengthened neighborhoods through social impact.

Tiffany is also a servant leader who volunteers for several local community-based organizations. She currently serves as Treasurer for Shadowbox Live and as a board member for Dress for Success Columbus, where she also serves on the Finance and Resource Development and Sustainability committees. Her previous board service has included the Starfish Alliance, the Ohio Alliance of Information and Referral Systems, the Central Ohio Healthcare & Financial Management Association.

She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and is a Cycle 10 Alumni Fellow of the African American Leadership Academy. Tiffany holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from North Carolina A&T State University.

Finance Fund Ad

closing keynote address

Danielle Sydnor Friday, 11:30 a.m., Franklin CD

Danielle Sydnor is CEO of Rise Together Innovation Institute, a capstone of a larger, Franklin county-funded strategic plan to help an estimated 400,000-plus county residents find paths toward economic stability. She is also the founder of We Win Strategies Group (WWSG) a firm dedicated to working with a diverse array of stakeholders to create win-win outcomes for individuals, organizations, and communities.

Danielle was the Executive Director of Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI) Northern Ohio, a statewide CDFI, where she led a multi-city team and oversaw operations, fundraising and stakeholder engagement.

Danielle is the Immediate Past President of the Greater Cleveland Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She is a Commissioner on the Columbus Women’s Commission, a member on the Board of Trustees of Eliza Bryant, and Freedom Equity CDFI. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Phoenix. She is a proud recipient of Crain’s Cleveland 2019 40 Under 40 and a graduate of the 2020 class of Leadership Ohio.

who is oucan

Board Chair: Jacklyn A. Chisholm, Ph.D, Step Forward Vice Chair: Jay Black, Jr., Pathway, Inc. Treasurer: Sheila Triplett, Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership Secretary: Lisa Stempler, Miami Valley Community Action Partnership Robert “Bo” Chilton, IMPACT Community Action Agency Malcolm Costa, Community Action Akron Summit Van Nelson, Jr., Trumbull Community Action Partnership Rodney Reasonover, Stark County Community Action Agency Janice Warner, Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron and Richland Counties

staff, consultants and roadmap team Yvonne Cherell is the first CEO of OUCAN. A respected advocate of social justice, equity and fairness in the state of Ohio, she brings a wealth of expertise in leadership, sustainability, greater public policy visibility and leadership.

Consultants Dana Olshefski, CPA, of Kaiser Consulting and Sharon Bengel of SJ Bengel LLC also work to serve OUCAN’s members.

Key staff from member agencies meet regularly to help guide OUCAN initiatives. The group plans training events and conferences as well as providing feedback from around the state.

Members of the Roadmap Team are: Jennifer Atwell, Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron & Richland Counties Kerry Austin, Step Forward Teresa Gary, IMPACT Community Action Agency Rudy Herter, Stark County Community Action Agency Marilyn Montes, Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership Audrey Taylor, Step Forward Chelsie Wilkinson, Miami Valley Community Action Partnership

Ohio Urban Community Action Network 597 High St., Box 538 Worthington, Ohio 43085 www.ohioucan.com