Enlightened Solutions_Spring/Summer 2026 Newsletter

40/ 40 EMERGING LEGEND!

Enlightened Solutions S P R I N G / S U M M E R

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CALL TO ACTION: ENLIGHTENED ENGAGEMENT WORKGROUP TV20 BLACK TOWNHALL BLACK GUIDE

WOMEN

WOMEN’S

+

GIRLS

RESOURCE

N E W S L E T T E R

In This Issue

A NOTE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL Honoring the Journey.

Recommitting to the Mission.

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CALL TO ACTION Village of Healing Fundraiser

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Enlightened Engagement Workgroup

SOLUTIONS IN ACTION TV20 Black Women + Girls Town Hall 46TH Annual National Medical Association: Region IV Conference The City of Richmond Heights: Women’s Empowerment Luncheon and more!

CONNECT WITH US

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FROM THE PRINCIPAL

SPRING/SUMMER 2026

Honoring the Journey...

As Enlightened Solutions grows into its eighth year as a racial and gender-justice think tank, I do so with gratitude, optimism, and a renewed commitment to the mission!

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 embrace moments of reflection and growth.

Lasting change is built through authentic relationships, personal resilience, and a deep connection to community.

Thank you for your continued support of Enlightened Solutions as we enter Summer 2026!

Together, we are advancing a future where research, public policy, and community action center the voices and experiences of Women, especially Black Women in Northeast Ohio, ensuring they are seen, heard, valued, and empowered to thrive.

In solidarity,

Chinenye Nkemere ENLIGHTENED SOLUTIONS

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hello@enlightened-solutions.com enlightened-solutions.org/newsletter

Spotlight: 40 Under 40 Emerging Legend Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation June 4, 2026 at 5p

Congratulations to our very own Chinenye Nkemere on being named to the BPACF 2026 40 Under 40 Emerging Legends Class!

This well-deserved honor recognizes her leadership, feminist advocacy, and unwavering commitment to advancing equity for Women through research, and continued civic engagement.

Congratulations, ChiChi! We also celebrate the outstanding leaders honored alongside her in this year's class!

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Call to Action: Village of Healing Fundraiser | FOUNT @ Pinecrest SUNDAY, JUNE 7 AT 3P

“Sip , Shop + Give” for a Reason!

Join us for Sip, Shop & Give at FOUNT Pinecrest on Sunday, June 7, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM in support of the Village of Healing Center!

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 Healing Center and Board Chair of Enlightened Solutions.

Grab a friend, find something special, and help invest in a healthier future for Black communities while enjoying a fun afternoon together!

Learn more about Village of Healing: villageofhealingcle.com/

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Call to Action: Enlightened Engagement: Working Group Do you have ideas or perspectives to share?

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 interest form!

individuals!

Join our working group!

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Complete

our

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 discussion reinforced what Project Noir research has consistently shown: Black Women are experts in their own experiences and must be at the center of conversations and decisions that impact their lives.

As an external community partner, we’ve helped pave the way for race and gendercentered research that has elevated the priorities, challenges, and aspirations of thousands of NEO Black Women, building the evidence and momentum needed to drive regional change.

Watch the whole townhall on TV20 YouTube!

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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 Jazmin Long.

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 for Black and Brown communities.

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 alongside Congresswoman Shontel Brown, 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.”

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IN COMMUNITY. ON PURPOSE.

Want a physical copy of our Black Women’s Resource Guide?

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Email hello@enlightened-solutions.com, catch us @ an event or click here!

Solutions in Action: Recent Work + Impact FEBRUARY 2026

Courtney Covers Cleveland Galentine's Day Activation Enlightened Solutions hosted a special Galentine's Day Activation, sponsored by the Ohio State Bar Foundation that centered the mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing of Black Women across generations.

Through guided table conversations by Enlightened Solutions Board Member, Courtney Ottrix, participants explored the realities of caregiving, wellness, and selfpreservation, highlighting the need for spaces where Black Women can be seen in their full humanity, not simply for their resilience.

One attendee shared: "Softness to me is free will. It's having the ability to choose myself without guilt or pressure."

A recurring theme was "Mom Guilt" highlighting the weight many Black Mothers and caregivers carry as they juggle family responsibilities, limited time and resources, and the ongoing realities of racism and misogyny.

Stay tuned for future events informed by the Enlightened Engagement: Working Group!

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Solutions in Action: Recent Work + Impact FEBRUARY 2026

Hairitage: Our Stories Our Power @ Oberlin College Enlightened Solutions was honored to participate in an Oberlin College panel exploring Black hair as identity, resistance, and reclamation.

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 connected to dignity, wellness, cultural identity, and self-determination.

NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2026

Relay Cleveland at City Hall Relay Cleveland is now on display at Cleveland City Hall through September 2026!

This free, self-guided exhibition explores CMSD’s history of desegregation and the ongoing pursuit of educational equity for our children and families.

Enlightened Solutions is proud to have contributed research that centers the history and lived experiences of Black Women and Girls in Cleveland, helping ensure their voices are preserved within the city’s educational legacy.

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CONNECT WITH US enlightened-solutions.org hello@enlightened-solutions.com