FRANCESCA B. MESIAH Francesca B. Mesiah is a passionate advocate for issues impacting marginalized communities, directing her professional and personal efforts toward this calling. As Manager of Workforce Development, develops strategic relationships to expand access to career opportunities at Kaleida Health in Buffalo, NY. Serving as a liaison between KaleidaContinue Reading
Entrepreneurship has never been more challenging. Winning as a Black business almost seems impossible today. With funding and opportunities, few and far between, for anyone who hopes to grow their business, you will want to meet Twyla N. Turner, the Director of Program Resources for the United Black Fund (UBF).Continue Reading
ASWAN HARRIS Aswan Harris is a multifaceted entrepreneur, producer, and former Marine Corps Sergeant who thrives at the intersection of business, creativity, and community impact. As Founder and CEO of Limaj Global, he leads a growing portfolio of companies across technology, media, business consulting, and social impact—including Quintari, Swanarchy Studios,Continue Reading
AMANDA TALTON A proud Cleveland native, Amanda Talton is deeply driven by a passion for service, leadership, and community impact. With an educational background in Criminal Justice, she has built a career rooted in empowering others to reach their fullest potential. In her role as a program manager, Talton developsContinue Reading
CONSTANCE L. LUMB Constance I. Lumb is a dedicated educator with 21 years of experience, a tireless advocate for underserved students with special needs. Her career has spanned major cities, beginning with her impactful work with unprivileged, overage, and under-accredited children in Chicago, IL, and Richmond, VA. Currently, she servesContinue Reading
Characterized as the “largest Civil Rights Conference of the year,” the National Urban League conference shows up as a purpose with a party. The event brought League affiliate members from across the nation, as well as Clevelanders and Ohioans, in near record-breaking numbers. The opening night State of the UrbanContinue Reading
TONI SMITH With 20 years of expertise in HR and Operations, Toni Smith is a results-focused leader who delivers talent acquisition, retention, and motivation solutions that help companies harness the full power of one of their most valuable assets-their employees. She is dedicated to creating robust corporate cultures that promoteContinue Reading
DIARA WASHINGTON Diara Washington is a dedicated 7th-grade science teacher entering her fourth year in the classroom. Known for her passion for student success and engaging teaching style, she was honored as the Outstanding Educator of the Year during her second year—a testament to her impact and commitment to excellenceContinue Reading
LILLIAN PITTS Lillian Pitts is a mission-driven leader with over a decade of experience advancing workforce development, youth empowerment, and equitable education systems. She currently serves as Director of Youth Jobs Partnership at Scranton Road Ministries, where she designs and leads workforce readiness programs that connect students to high-demand career pathways.Continue Reading
LOVIE HOGAN Lovie Hogan is a powerhouse in Cleveland’s real estate and community development scene. As a dedicated Realtor, developer, and Ohio-certified lead risk assessor, she blends business acumen with heart-led service to create lasting impact. Through her company, As One, brokered by eXp Realty, Hogan has earned a reputationContinue Reading
