Enlightened Solutions
40/ 40 EMERGING LEGEND!
CALL TO ACTION: ENLIGHTENED ENGAGEMENT WORKGROUP
TV20 BLACK WOMEN + GIRLS TOWNHALL
BLACK WOMEN’S RESOURCE GUIDE
Honoring the Journey
As Enlightened Solutions grows into its eighth year as a racialandgender-justicethinktank,Idosowithgratitude, optimism,andarenewedcommitmenttothemission!
Change has been a defining theme of this season, creating new opportunities to gather in Women-centered spaces, engage in meaningful conversations, partner with higher education institutions, celebrate important milestones, and embracemomentsofreflectionandgrowth
Lasting change is built through authentic relationships, personalresilience,andadeepconnectiontocommunity.
Thank you for your continued support of Enlightened SolutionsasweenterSummer2026!
Together, we are advancing a future where research, public policy, and community action center the voices and experiencesofWomen,especiallyBlackWomeninNortheast Ohio,ensuringtheyareseen,heard,valued,andempowered tothrive.
Insolidarity,
hello@enlightened-solutionscom enlightened-solutions.org/newsletter
Spotlight: 40 Under 40 Emerging Legend
Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation
June 4, 2026 at 5p
Village of Healing Fundraiser | FOUNT @ Pinecrest
SUNDAY, JUNE 7 AT 3P
“Sip , Shop + Give” for a Reason!
JoinusforSip,Shop&GiveatFOUNTPinecrestonSunday,June7,from3:00PMto 6:00PMinsupportoftheVillageofHealingCenter!
During the event, 20% of net sales will benefit the Village of Healing Center's mission to provide culturally responsive and high-quality healthcare We're especially excited to support Da'na Langford, Founder and CEO of the Village of HealingCenterandBoardChairofEnlightenedSolutions
Grab a friend, find something special, and help invest in a healthier future for Blackcommunitieswhileenjoyingafunafternoontogether!
LearnmoreaboutVillageofHealing:villageofhealingcle.com/
Call to Action:
Enlightened Engagement: Working Group
SUMMER 2026
Enlightened Engagement: Working Group, supported by the Ohio State Bar Foundation, participants will work alongside Enlightened Solutions to identify priorities for Black Women in Northeast Ohio and help guide future research, programs,and initiatives.
Seeking passionate individuals! Complete our interestform!
Do you have ideas or perspectives to share? Join our working group!
Solutions in Action:
Recent Work + Impact
MAY 2026
TV20 Town Hall with CLE Commission on Black Women and Girls Enlightened Solutions was honored to participate in the TV20 Town Hall with the Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls! Moderated by Kierra Cotton, the discussionreinforcedwhatProjectNoirresearchhasconsistentlyshown:
Black Women are experts in their own experiences and must be at the center of conversationsanddecisionsthatimpacttheirlives.
Asanexternalcommunitypartner,we’vehelpedpavethewayforraceandgendercentered research that has elevated the priorities, challenges, and aspirations of thousands of NEO Black Women, building the evidence and momentum needed to driveregionalchange.
WatchthewholetownhallonTV20YouTube!
Solutions in Action: Recent Work + Impact
MAY 2026
46th Annual National Medical Association: Region IV Conference
Honored to participate in the 46th Annual NMA Region IV Conference for a maternal health panel alongside Councilwoman Meredith Turner, Veranda Rodgers, and JazminLong
Very grateful to Dr Connie Moreland of MetroHealth for the invitation and the opportunity to connect with physicians, researchers, and healthcare leaders, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in advancing health equity forBlackandBrowncommunities.
MARCH 2026
Richmond Heights Women’s Empowerment Luncheon
The City of Richmond Heights celebrated the leadership and impact of Women across Northeast Ohio. Chinenye was Nkemere recognized as both a featured speaker and a Woman of Empowerment alongsideCongresswomanShontelBrown, Dr. Amy Acton, Dr. Christine Alexander, Danita Harris, and many accomplished leaders.
As Mayor Kim Thomas shared, “Women have always been the foundation of strong families and thriving communities.”
Solutions in Action: Recent Work + Impact
FEBRUARY 2026
Courtney Covers Cleveland Galentine's Day Activation EnlightenedSolutionshostedaspecialGalentine'sDayActivation,sponsoredbythe OhioStateBarFoundationthatcenteredthemental,emotional,andphysicalwellbeingofBlackWomenacrossgenerations.
Through guided table conversations by Enlightened Solutions Board Member, CourtneyOttrix,participantsexploredtherealitiesofcaregiving,wellness,andselfpreservation, highlighting the need for spaces where Black Women can be seen in theirfullhumanity,notsimplyfortheirresilience.
Oneattendeeshared:"Softnesstomeisfreewill.It'shavingtheabilitytochoose myselfwithoutguiltorpressure."
Arecurringthemewas"MomGuilt"highlightingtheweightmanyBlackMothersand caregivers carry as they juggle family responsibilities, limited time and resources, andtheongoingrealitiesofracismandmisogyny.
Stay tuned for future events informed by the Enlightened Engagement: Working Group!
Solutions in Action: Recent Work + Impact
FEBRUARY 2026
Hairitage: Our Stories Our Power @ Oberlin College Enlightened Solutions was honored to participateinanOberlinCollegepanel exploring Black hair as identity, resistance,andreclamation.
Drawing on insights from Project Noir and our advocacy supporting the passage of the CROWN Act in Cuyahoga County in 2025, we highlighted how Black hair is deeply connectedtodignity,wellness,cultural identity,andself-determination
NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2026
Relay Cleveland at City Hall
Relay Cleveland is now on display at Cleveland City Hall through September2026!
This free, self-guided exhibition explores CMSD’s history of desegregation and the ongoing pursuit of educational equity for our childrenandfamilies.
EnlightenedSolutionsisproudtohave contributed research that centers the history and lived experiences of Black WomenandGirlsinCleveland,helping ensure their voices are preserved withinthecity’seducationallegacy
