2024 Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT

2024

MISSION The Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio is on a mission to end generational poverty through advocacy and by empowering individuals to establish careers, become entrepreneurs, build wealth, and develop as leaders.

OUR VALUES INTEGRITY

MISSION DRIVEN

We lead with honesty, transparency, and unwavering ethics, ensuring trust within the communities we serve.

We are committed to ending generational poverty by advocating for equity and empowering individuals and communities.

PRIDE

ACCOUNTABILITY

We honor our rich legacy and take pride in uplifting our people, culture, and collective progress.

We stand by our commitments to our community, ensuring that our actions align with our words and create meaningful change.

COMPASSION

TEAMWORK

We serve with empathy and a deep sense of responsibility, meeting people where they are and empowering them to thrive.

We believe in the power of unity, forging strong partnerships and collective action to drive lasting impact.

A MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP Christie Kuhns President and CEO

Empowering Communities.

Changing Lives.

Barbara Turner ULGSO Board Chair

2024 was a transformative year at the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio as we continued our mission to end generational poverty through advocacy and by empowering individuals to establish careers, become entrepreneurs, build wealth, and develop as leaders.

In 2024, we stayed focused on what matters most—delivering impact and expanding opportunities for the people we serve. We grew the programs our community depends on and launched new initiatives to help individuals secure livable wage careers, build strong financial futures, and access new funding pathways as entrepreneurs. We also deepened partnerships with community leaders to address the issues shaping our city’s future.

We’re grateful for the corporate, government, philanthropic, civic, and community partners, and the many individual donors, who continue to invest in this work. Your generosity and belief in our mission drive everything we do.

And to our incredible Urban League team, you are the heart of this organization. Sixty-five dedicated, passionate people who show up every day ready to serve and make a difference. The impact you’ll read about in this report is because of you.

Christie Kuhns, Esq.

President & CEO Urban League Greater Southwestern Ohio

Barbara Turner

Board Chair Urban League Greater Southwestern Ohio

board of directors Board Chair Barbara Turner, BT Rise

Officers Vice-Chair Robert Jones, GE Aviation (Retired) Treasurer Brian Fitzgerald, Procter & Gamble Secretary Monica Foxx, FX Facility Group

board members Marion Byndon, Duke Energy Liz Carter, Scripps Howard Foundation (Retired) Branden Frantz, WLWT Deanna Hillard, Interact For Health (Urban League Young Professionals President) Danielle Ivory, Ivory Towers, LLC Max V. Langenkamp, Cintas Corporation Sterling Leaven, GE Aviation Casey Marsh, UBS Private Wealth Management John Merchant, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP Phenise Poole, Fifth Third Bank Ann Reed, Kroger Lisa Roberts-Rosser, PNC Bank Marya Rutherford Long, Fifth Third Bank (MVUL Advisory Board Chair) Chris Schildmeyer, TriVersity Construction Shawn Serba, PwC Faith Tubman, U.S. Bank Al Tyree, Urban League Guild President Jeremy Vaughn, Ernst & Young LLP Daniel von Allmen, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Robert J. Wiehe, UC Health J. Phillip Holloman, Immediate Past Chair

OUR PROGRAMS Workforce Development

Building Futures Women in Tech SOAR (Solid Opportunities for Advancement & Retention) Community Partnering Center Comprehensive Case Management & Employment Program

Financial Empowerment Center

700 Credit Club Comprehensive Financial Coaching Homeowner Seminars

Business Development and Entrepreneurship

Women of Color Bootcamp African American Business Development Program (AABDP) Economic Empowerment Center Small Business Development Center

Leadership Development

African American Leadership Development Program (AALDP) Urban Champions

Volunteers

The Urban League Guild The Urban League Young Professionals

Our programs are designed to meet people at all stages of their career journey, whether they are unemployed, underemployed, or seeking a new career path. Our goal is to place individuals in positions that offer living wages, opportunities for career advancement, and sustainable retirement options—ultimately breaking the cycle of economic instability and lifting families out of poverty, setting them on a path to a successful future.

OUR IMPACT BUILDING FUTURES

SOAR

53

95

PARTICIPANTS

(Solid Opportunities for Advancement & Retention)

WOMEN IN TECH

PARTICIPANTS

PARTICIPANTS

150

WORKFORCE

COMMUNITY PARTNERING CENTER

HOCC PARTICIPANTS

48

The Community Partnering Center addresses the root causes of violence by connecting residents with resources and opportunities that promote growth, stability, and wellbeing. The team provides problem solving strategies for youth and adults and works to build trust and mutual respect between law enforcement and the community, fostering vibrant, safe neighborhoods.

COMPREHENSIVE CASE MANAGEMENT & EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

INDIVIDUALS SERVED

243

The CCMEP at the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio works in partnership with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to help lowincome young adults create career plans, complete job training, and secure wellpaying jobs. This program aims to break the cycle of poverty by offering a variety of services tailored to each person's unique needs.

HIGHLIGHT URBAN LEAGUE

WOMEN IN TECH

The Urban League Women in Tech Program is a collaboration with Google aimed at propelling women into the tech sector. Whether a novice or ready to enhance their skills, Google’s industry recognized credentials help pave the way to success. The program offers certification in the fields of cybersecurity, data analytics, digital marketing and ecommerce, IT support, project management, and UX design.

OBELLE P. CERTIFIED 3/6/24

“This is the best class I've ever taken. There is so much knowledge and so much content that was simply put for us to retain. Very well organized material.”

With a laser focus on ending generational poverty, we aim to provide a comprehensive range of services, support, and programs that empower individuals and families to achieve financial stability, economic self-reliance, and wealth building.

OUR IMPACT COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL COACHING

FINANCIAL EDUCATION

151

PARTICIPANTS

PARTICIPANTS

519

Entrepreneurship empowers communities so we strive to empower entrepreneurs. The ULGSO Entrepreneurship Center offers free, confidential one-on-one counseling for businesses with fewer than 500 employees. We help established entrepreneurs seize new opportunities and secure financing for growth, while also supporting aspiring entrepreneurs. Additionally, we provide educational programs, training cohorts, and grant opportunities to support business development and expansion.

Programs: AABDP Hamilton County Small Business Development Center Women of Color Bootcamp

OUR IMPACT CLIENTS SERVED

MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES SERVED

1,608 1,317

CAPITAL INFUSION

$9,023,805

HIGHLIGHT

AABDP is a 4-month business development program designed for business owners who want to build sustainable and scalable companies. At the core of this Program is a community of peers who support and encourage one another to pursue business growth.

Businesses are challenged to explore new leadership concepts and opportunities that will create sustainable companies that benefit the community through economic growth and job creation.

WAUGHNEY YARRELL ACTION SIGNS

“I must say that signing up for AABDP was the best decision in my business career. After graduating from the program, my sales increased by 300%, I went from no employees to 4 employees and from a 1200 sq ft. shop to a 3000 sq ft. facility.”

LEADERSHIP PARTICIPANTS

AALDP

22

Now in its 31st year, AALDP is the Urban League’s premier leadership development program for professionals in Greater Cincinnati. Through interactive sessions led by expert facilitators, participants increase their awareness of their professional and personal strengths, enhance their knowledge of critical community issues and improve their leadership skills.

YOUTH SUMMIT ATTENDEES

URBAN CHAMPIONS

300

The Urban Champions program offers youth ages 14-19 dynamic and impactful programming focused on post-secondary education, workforce development, mental health, advocacy and entrepreneurship.

During the summer, participants are provided with employment opportunities, leading up to the Annual Youth Summit—a full-day, youthled event where young people engage in meaningful discussions about civic engagement and leadership development.

71 Youth completed paid internships

Established in 2020, the Holloman Center for Social Justice is a pioneering initiative dedicated to advocating for police reform and advancing equity in Southwestern Ohio. Under the mantra, “From Protest to Policy Change,” the center engages in policy advocacy, data collection and reporting, community education, and creates opportunities for collaboration between police jurisdictions, local communities and policymakers to drive systemic reform.

URBAN EXPUNGEMENT

PARTICIPANTS

159

The Urban Expungement Project aims to provide record relief throughout Hamilton County to help individuals empower themselves by clearing their records and opening the door to new opportunities.

The Project leverages record relief statutes across the state to identify records that are eligible for clearance with the purpose of lifting barriers for individuals seeking employment, housing, education, and other opportunities to promote selfreliance and a higher quality of life.

RECLAIM YOUR VOTE

REGISTERED TO VOTE

216

Reclaim Your Vote is a voter education initiative designed to provide voter education and increase citizen engagement in the election process. The Urban League partnered with several organizations to provide voting information and registration as well as rides to the polls.

310 event attendees 93 Rides to the polls provided

On Juneteenth 2024 the Urban League released the "State of Black Cincinnati: The Journey to Parity" report, a comprehensive examination of the disparities faced by Black residents in Cincinnati since it was last published in 2015. It provides a detailed analysis of the socioeconomic challenges and systemic inequities that have persisted and outlines the steps necessary to achieve parity.

The report is more than words on a page. It's a call to action for the community, policymakers, and stakeholders to work collectively towards a more equitable and just Cincinnati. By addressing the systemic issues and implementing the recommended policies, Cincinnati can move closer to achieving true parity for all its residents.

SIGNATURE 30TH ANNUAL GLORIFYING THE LIONS

Until lions have their own historians, tales of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” —The Igbo People of Nigeria

In 2024 the Urban League honored the 30th class of the Legendary Lions Society, celebrating six passionate and distinguished leaders who have made a lasting impact on the Greater Cincinnati community through their selfless dedication, commitment, and service to others.

2024 Lions Honorees Karen Bankston, PhD, MSN, RN Calvin D. Buford Michael Fisher Delores Hargrove-Young J. Phillip Holloman John E. Pepper

ANNUAL JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION The Urban League’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration continues to grow into one of the largest community events in Avondale. This year over 600 residents enjoyed free food, information and giveaways from various sponsor booths, and a live radio broadcast from Lincoln Ware of the WDBZ ‘The Buzz’ Cincinnati.

ANNUAL DIAMOND GALA On September 9, the Urban League celebrated a year of Empowering Communities and Changing Lives with its Diamond Gala at the Sharonville Convention Center. The sold out event featured minority restaurateurs serving dinner and dessert by the bite.

Attendees danced the night away with headliner DJ Mannie Fresh with additional entertainment provided by the Soul Pocket Band and DJ Vader.

THE URBAN LEAGUE GUILD The Urban League Guild is a group of dedicated volunteers on a mission to develop, and promote volunteer participation and leadership consistent with the goals and objectives of the Urban League.

All proceeds from their efforts benefit the programs and social justice activities of the League.

The ULGSO Guild Annual Legacy Luncheon and Fashion Show is a highly anticipated fundraising event celebrating fashion and leadership in the community.

THE URBAN LEAGUE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (ULYP) The Urban League Young Professionals (ULYP) of Greater Southwestern Ohio is a dynamic organization dedicated to supporting, developing, and empowering young professionals in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas. Their mission is to engage young leaders through personal and professional development, networking opportunities, and community service.

The ULYP Affirmed event is a brunch and networking celebration of top-tier young professionals who are contributing to their community while making great strides in their professions.

INDIVIDUAL DONORS

CORPORATE & COMMUNITY PARTNERS

$10,000+

$500,000+

Gail and J. Phillip Holloman Frances and John E. Pepper, Jr. Joseph A. and Susan E. Pichler Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation Barbara and Daman Turner Kelly and Guy Vanasse

$5,000-$9,999 Dave Etienne Brittney Harrison Max V. Langenkamp Cathleen and Casey Marsh J. Phenise Poole Sherman Russell Emily and Daniel von Allmen

$3,000-$4,999 Anonymous Janaya T. Bratton Lisa Calvert Marcy and Brian Fitzgerald Janice Liebenberg and Andy Holzhauser Alan Margulies Alexandria Merriweather-Turner Jill Meyer Rahiel Michael Karen Williams

$1,500-$2,999 Anonymous Theresa Hanlon-Bremer Helen and Calvin D. Buford, Esq. Robert Castellini Suzette and Michael Fisher Shellie and Kala Gibson Danielle D. Ivory Cleo and Robert Jones Christie and Alexander Kuhns Stephanie and Tony Mathis David and Priya Rolfes Candace and Brian Sabers Kathleen B. Selker Shawn Serba Louise and Jeremy Vaughan Delores Hargrove-Young Shannon and Matthew Yung

$1,000-$1,499 Marcia and James A. Anderson, Jr. Benjamin Blaweiss Patty Brisben Jesiah Brock Chantel and Donald Buchanan Liz Carter Mary and Howard D. Elliott Monica L. Foxx Shelanda Frazier Charolette D. Harris Jeff Kissel Mary Lou and Dan Krohn Stephen Langenkamp Clarissa Mack Aaron Mallory Chris Schildmeyer Faith and Anthony Tupman Judith and Al Tyree Derek Wendelken Robert J. Wiehe

bi3 City of Cincinnati Hamilton County United Way of Greater Cincinnati

$100,000-$499,999 Bloomberg Philanthropies Chase Commercial Bank Federal Communications Commission Fifth Third Bank The Greater Cincinnati Foundation Huntington National Bank Interact for Health Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime Ohio Department of Transportation Union Savings Bank/Guardian Savings Bank US Bank and the US Bank Foundation

$50,000-$99,999 3CDC Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Easter Seals Tristate John A. Schroth Family Charitable Trust One Ohio Recovery Foundation P&G PNC The Greater Cincinnati Microenterprise Initiative, Inc.

$25,000-$49,999 7 Principles Foundation BT Rise Charles H.Dater Foundation, Inc. Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Ohio Valley Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee The Kroger Company The Thomas J. Emery Memorial

$10,000-$24,999 Bank of America Cintas Corporation d. e. Foxx & Associates, Inc. Dinsmore & Shohl LLP Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky & Duke Energy Foundation The E. W. Scripps Company First Financial Bank Gro Community Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati KeyBank Molson Coors (National) NFL Foundation Seasongood Foundation TriHealth, Inc. Western & Southern Financial Group Wright Patterson Credit Union YWCA of Greater Cincinnati

Under $9,999.00 ArtsWave CCS Fundraising Cincinnati Bar Foundation Cincinnati Reds Cincinnati Union Cooperative Cincinnati Works Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio Cricket Wireless EY Fort Washington Investment Advisors Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Inspection Bureau Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati

Under $9,999.00 Cont’d Katz, Teller, Brant & Hild Keating, Muething & Klekamp Kemba Credit Union Last Mile Food Rescue LifeCenter Organ Donor Network Megen Construction Company, Inc Meijer Metro Miller Valentine Group Cincinnati NAACP National Underground Railroad Freedom Center RCF Group Represent Cincy RWB Properties & Construction, LLC Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP Techsoft Systems, Inc. The Center for Closing the Health Gap TriVersity Construction Company UC Health Ulmer & Berne Foundation Fund University of Cincinnati University of Cincinnati College of Nursing Uptown Consortium V. Randolph Brown Consulting Visit Cincy WEB Ventures

Under $1,000 Best Point Caracole Cincinnati Ham. County Community Action Agency Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Cincinnati Woman's Club Elan Financial Services Fred H. Roth Memorial Fund Gateway Investment Advisors Greater Liberty Baptist Church Heritage Universalist Unitarian Church Inspirational Bling Tees Junior League of Cincinnati Kelly Youth Services Inc Liberty Mutual LKC Foundation Nationwide Insurance St. Ursula Academy Starbucks Style and Grace Consignment Succulence Group LLC Synchrony Financial United Health Group United Way of Greater Milwaukee, Inc. United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania Valley Interfaith Community Resource Center

2024 CORPORATE IMPACT LEAGUE SPONSORS RUBY SPONSOR

J. PHILLIP & GAIL HOLLOMAN

GOLD SPONSORS

BT RISE (TURNER FAMILY FOUNDATION) FIFTH THIRD BANK GREATER CINCINNATI FOUNDATION KROGER P&G

SILVER SPONSORS CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS CINCINNATI CHILDREN'S CINTAS D.E. FOXX DINSMORE & SHOHL DUKE ENERGY E.W. SCRIPPS FIRST FINANCIAL BANK KEY BANK METRO TRIHEALTH US BANK WESTERN & SOUTHERN FINANCIAL GROUP

BRONZE SPONSORS

ALTAFIBER CASEY & CATHLEEN MARSH EY HARD ROCK CASINO CINCINNATI KATZ TELLER PNC BANK UC HEALTH

The success of the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio in 2024 is a direct reflection of the dedication, passion, and hard work of our staff.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our team for their resilience, innovation, and steadfast belief in our mission.

Together, we are Empowering Communities and Changing Lives.

Kristal Allen Edna Avelino Renee Banks Neatwood Bell Jr Vincent Benjamin Gerrick Berkhalter Domonique Broomfield Dusty Bryant Andria Carter Renee Cave LaTonya Chichester Jasmine Coaston Jasmine Cochran Meg Corwin Chris Croley Tanisha Custard Darryl Davis Gino DiGiovanni Danielle Evans Amanda Green Latoya Hall Charolette Harris Angelika Hollis Myra Humphrey Deon Hunter Dorron Hunter Elijah Hyman Floyd Jones Diahanna Kinley Christie Kuhns Tamara Lang Janice Liebenberg Raquel Loveberry Clarissa Mack

Cherry Mansell Joy Marshall Ebony Mason Timothy McKinney Nikol Miller Ifetayo Mims Kulaya Pickett Mary Pickett Chrishawn Redd Jennifer Ridenour Kelly Robinson Michelle Robinson Derrick Rogers Amanda Saurber Utsey Shelton Erica Simmons Jasmine Snellen Nia Thomas Andrea Tolbert Renata Vasileuskaya Brooklyn Wade Mileah Walker Wanda Walker-Smith Russell Whitney Antonio Williams Eric Williams Vernon Williams Nicole Williamson Terri Willis Tiara Wright Jerome Wright Ebony Young Beth Zelaya

The Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio expands economic opportunity by equipping individuals and entrepreneurs with the tools to succeed.

OUR FOCUS Workforce training, career placement, and financial literacy Removing employment barriers and promoting fair hiring Supporting business owners with mentorship and capital access Strengthening communities through economic opportunity

YOUR PARTNERSHIP Creates career pathways Helps entrepreneurs thrive Strengthens economic mobility Enhances corporate engagement

JOIN THE CORPORATE IMPACT LEAGUE TODAY Contact Danielle Evans at devans@ulgso.org to explore partnership opportunities.