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
JAMES MYERS James Myers is a retired UPS Manager with 34 years of distinguished service. He most recently served as Division Manager of the Middleburg Heights Hub, the largest UPS operation in Northeast Ohio. His career with UPS began in 1985 and included four relocations before ultimately settling in Strongsville,Continue Reading
When Americans think of a police officer, they often think of a person who can look beyond the color, character, class, and weight of someone before they determine how to treat them. Even in cases where the person might be doing something they should not be doing, they are treatedContinue Reading
JAMES D. COWAN, JR. James D. Cowan, Jr. AIA, NOMA, NCARB, is a registered architect based in Cleveland, Ohio, with over 15 years of experience. Beyond practicing architecture, James’s vision to provide architectural, educational, and mentorship opportunities for historically marginalized communities aligns with his current role as a project architectContinue Reading
Dr. Randal D. Pinkett Co-founder, Chairman, and CEO, BCT Partners Dr. Randal Pinkett has established himself as an entrepreneur, innovator, speaker, author, media personality, and DEI expert who is leading the way in business, technology,y and equity for all. He is the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of BCT Partners, aContinue Reading
BARRY BATES Barry Bates was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a Walnut Hills High School alumni who graduated in the top 10 percentile of his class. A proud University of Dayton alumni, as an intercollegiate athlete, he walked onto the Dayton Flyers football team and was a memberContinue Reading
GLENN E. THORNTON Born in Birmingham, Alabama, and a current resident of Shaker Heights, Ohio, Glenn E. Thornton is a 48-year member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. After graduating from Shaker Heights High School, Glenn was initiated into the fraternity as a college student in 1977, through its EpsilonContinue Reading
