The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio's 71st Annual Humanitarian Award Celebration
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e Diversity Center of northeast ohio
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INCLUSION variety 71st Annual Humanitarian Award Celebration November 12, 2025
Kirsten M. Ellenbogen, Ph.D. President & CEO
Great Lakes Science Center
Vanessa L. Whiting
President
A.E.S. Management Corp.
71st Annual Humanitarian Award Celebration
2025-26
DIVERSITY
CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Tracie M. Longpre Chair
Cipriano S. Beredo, III Past Chair
Orlando Alvarez, Jr. Vice Chair
Sheryl King Benford Vice Chair
Harlin Adelman
Arlene Anderson
Anthony Battle
Conor Kenney
Cindy Fisher
Allan Goldner
Jill E. Hennessey
Shannon F. Jerse
Thomas W. Adler
Cynthia Bassett
Rev. Kenneth W. Chalker
Bernard A. Finkelstein
Robert D. Gries**
David J. Hooker
Robert J. King, Jr.
Stuart F. Kline
∆ ex-o cio Member of the Board ** of blessed memory
Jeri Chaikin Vice Chair
Alyson Fieldman Vice Chair
Azadeh Hardiman Vice Chair
DIRECTORS
Bonnie L. Kristan
Gregg LaBar
Ste any Larkins
Leighton McCoy
Robyn Minter Smyers
Jessika Poldruhi
Adam Roth
Fareed Siddiq
LIFE DIRECTORS
William E. MacDonald, III
Hugh E. McKay
Neal Malicky, Ph.D.**
John G. Nestor
Stephen M. O’Bryan
Larry Pollock
Alan D. Rosskamm
Michael J. Salkind
Adam Roth Vice Chair
Greg Skoda, Jr. Vice Chair
Mark Swaim-Fox ∆ President & CEO
Naomi Sigg
Dalithia Smith
Robert E. Soroka
Kate Vlasek
Natoya Walker Minor, Ph.D.
Simon Wilkins
Sheldon Wray
James A. Scho
Terry C. Stewart
William B. Summers, Jr.
Robert M. Wol
Margaret W. Wong
DIVERSITY CENTER STAFF
Mark Swaim-Fox President & CEO
Amanda Cooper, Ph.D., CDP
Vice President/Chief Operating O cer
Jessica A. Daigler, M.A. Director, LeadDIVERSITY
Cierra Hilson
Chief Fundraiser & Marketing O cer
Miles Kalainaina
Senior DEIB Specialist
Je Modzelewski
Director of Engagement
Lorraine Pennick Nash
Senior O ce Administrator
Em Richards
Senior DEIB Specialist
e Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio
On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is my distinct honor to welcome you to The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio’s 71st Annual Humanitarian Award Celebration. Your support of our mission is deeply appreciated and vital to our continued progress.
Re ecting on a year marked by social and political polarization, I am reminded of Dante Alighieri’s timeless insight: “Mankind is at its best when most free.” When individuals are empowered to express themselves and make their own choices, they unlock their fullest potential—enriching society through diverse perspectives and creative contributions. Although the terms diversity, equity, and inclusion have been weaponized, creating signi cant challenges for our work, the value and bene ts of our programming remain clear. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of our outstanding leadership team and sta , we continue to forge meaningful partnerships and expand our reach, creating lasting impact throughout Northeast Ohio.
For nearly a century, The Diversity Center has been committed to empowering individuals and organizations to embrace Diversity in all its forms and create communities where everyone belongs. Your support enables us to inspire a new generation of students and future leaders—encouraging them to embrace their di erences and become agents of change for fairness, equal opportunity, and inclusion.
Tonight, we celebrate the extraordinary dedication of Kirsten M. Ellenbogen and Vanessa L. Whiting. Both honorees exemplify how teaching acceptance and modeling inclusive leadership can build stronger, more resilient communities.
• Kirsten M. Ellenbogen, Ph.D., President & CEO, Great Lakes Science Center, has built strong community partnerships and programming that have won national recognition while ful lling a vision of building a community where all people value STEM to inform decision making and enrich lives. She has also provided her leadership in eld-advancing initiatives including the Museum Learning Collaborative, the Center for Informal Learning and Schools, the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network, and serving as co-principal investigator of the Center for Advancement of Informal Science Education. She is Board Chair of the Cleveland Water Alliance, Secretary of the board of the North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation, co-founder of the Northeast Ohio STEM Ecosystem Collaborative, serves on the board of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and on the Committee of Visitors for the Washkewicz College of Engineering. She also has been recognized by numerous organizations including the Community Inspiration Award at STEMCON, Crain’s Women of Note Award, Crain’s Notable Women in STEM, Cleveland Magazine Women Living STEM, and Cleveland 500 Leaders, Doers, Visionaries, & Idea Generators Who Shape the City.
• Vanessa L. Whiting, President of A.E.S. Management Corporation (a Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen franchisee in Northeast Ohio), employs over 420 Cuyahoga and Summit County residents at its thirteen locations where she is a strong proponent of second and third-chance employment. Ms. Whiting currently serves as Chair of the Board of the United Way of Greater Cleveland and Vice Chair of the Cleveland State University Board of Trustees. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Cleveland Partnership and serves on the Board of Directors of Olympic Steel. Her e orts as a community and business leader, philanthropist and change maker have been recognized by a variety of organizations including Crain’s Women of Note, the NAACP President’s Award, the Cleveland YWCA Women of Achievement Award, the Maltz Museum Heritage Award, the Black Professional of the Year, and induction into the Women of Color Hall of Fame.
We also extend our gratitude to our Honorary Humanitarian Award Celebration Co-Chairs -- Peggy Zone Fisher, Brian E. Hall, Carole F. Hoover, Darrell L. McNair, Albert B. Ratner, Renee Tramble Richard, Robyn Minter Smyers, Carla Tricarichi, and Rev. Ryan Wallace – and to the Honorary Dinner Committee members whose dedication has made this event possible.
Special thanks are due to our Board Co-Chairs, Jill Hennessey and Rob Soroka, for their exceptional leadership, and to our President and CEO, Mark Swaim-Fox, and the entire sta of The Diversity Center, whose tireless e orts drive our mission forward.
As John F. Kennedy wisely observed, “If we cannot now end our di erences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.” In today’s climate, this message is more urgent than ever. It captures the essence of acceptance and the need for coexistence among individuals with di ering opinions, beliefs, and backgrounds. It emphasizes the importance of embracing diversity and nurturing an environment that allows for the expression of varying perspectives without fear or judgment. The Diversity Center’s work—through the transformative power of education—empowers individuals and communities to build healthy relationships, champion decency, and rede ne diversity as a source of strength. Now, more than ever, we must invest in education that nurtures understanding and inclusion, ensuring every voice is valued and every di erence respected.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we challenge misconceptions and embrace diversity as a true source of strength for our community.
Tracie Longpre Board Chair, The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio
71st Annual Humanitarian Award Celebration
Welcome to our 71st Annual Humanitarian Award Celebration. This evening is more than a celebration; it is a powerful reminder of the collective strength that emerges when people come together with purpose, compassion, and a shared belief in equity and belonging.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our Honorary Celebration CoChairs Peggy Zone Fisher, Brian E. Hall, Carole F. Hoover, Darrell L. McNair, Albert B. Ratner, Renee Tramble Richard, Robyn Minter Smyers, Carla Tricarichi, and Rev. Ryan Wallace; our Board Celebration Co-Chairs Jill Hennessey and Rob Soroka; and our Master of Ceremonies, Russ Mitchell, Channel 3 News Anchor, WKYC-TV 3. Their dedication and leadership are an inspiration, and their support makes this evening possible.
This year, we are proud to honor Kirsten M. Ellenbogen, President & CEO of the Great Lakes Science Center, and Vanessa L. Whiting, President of A.E.S. Management Corp. Both honorees embody the spirit of the Humanitarian Award. Their steadfast commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is not only visible in their leadership but also in the lives they touch and the communities they strengthen. Their example reminds us that advancing justice and equity is courageous work, and it is work that changes lives.
At The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio, we have embraced a renewed mission: to empower people and organizations to embrace all forms of diversity and create communities where everyone belongs. This mission is both urgent and vital. Across the U.S., diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging e orts are facing unprecedented resistance and political pushback. In today’s climate, the word “diversity” itself is often misunderstood, politicized, or even vili ed.
This reality makes our work more challenging, but also more essential than ever. We are not deterred. In fact, our resolve has only grown stronger. We remain rmly committed to standing on the side of truth, compassion, and justice. We know that democracy thrives when diverse voices come together, and we know that our communities are stronger when every person is seen, valued, and included.
That is why tonight we are proud to launch our #Rea rmDiversity campaign. This campaign is our public declaration that diversity is not a weakness, it is our greatest strength. It is a promise to our students, our partners, and our community that we will not be silenced. Running through spring 2026, #Rea rmDiversity will take shape through print ads, video, and social media, boldly a rming that inclusion and belonging are essential to our shared future.
Your support tonight makes this work possible. By contributing to our Fund A Need, you are directly fueling the #Rea rmDiversity campaign and ensuring its message resonates across Northeast Ohio and beyond. Together, we will push back against division and fear with unity, courage, and love.
Mark O. Swaim-Fox President & CEO
The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio
Thank you for standing with us, for believing in this mission, and for committing to a future where every person belongs. The road ahead is not without challenge, but together we will continue to move forward, building bridges, creating understanding, and rea rming that diversity is, and always will be, our strength.
e Diversity Center of northeast ohio
e Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio
ABOUT THE DIVERSITY CENTER
The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio was founded in 1927 as the National Conference of Christians and Jews (NCCJ). Our mission is to eliminate bias, bigotry and racism. We are the premier organization in our region o ering comprehensive diversity, equity and inclusion training. The Diversity Center is a member of the National Federation for Just Communities.
For the 2024-2025 scal year, our generous donors’ support has empowered over 3,700 students and educators to engage in 132 diversity and inclusion centered workshops, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to become leaders and change agents in their schools.
OPENING MINDS WITH SCHOOL & YOUTH PROGRAMS
The Diversity Center’s student programs promote understanding, respect and inclusion through facilitated conversations, simulations and hands-on activities. YouLEAD (6-12) and YouLEAD Junior (K-2 & 3-5) are our premiere on-site student leadership programs. Grounded in Social and Emotional Learning, these series of workshops promote the development of self and social awareness, relationship skills, self-management, responsible decision making, and action.
YouLEAD and YouLEAD Junior workshops are age-appropriate, interactive, and designed to encourage students to engage with peers, and create dialogue around various diversity and inclusion topics. We o er both onsite and virtual elementary, middle, and high school programs.
Student Facilitation Training teaches students how to be e ective facilitators, gaining skills such as: active listening and e ective communication, critical analysis, and con ict resolution.
Diversity Through the Arts integrates musical, visual, theatrical, and English language arts with lessons on inclusiveness and communication skills to promote creativity and leadership.
Athletic Pathways contains a four-part and a six-part series. The purpose of this athlete-speci c YouLEAD pathway is to bring a sense of awareness and inclusion to athletes who may want to see what justice, equity, and inclusion should look like through an athletic lens.
Workshops for Educators to foster healthy learning communities, and create classrooms where all are connected, respected, and valued. We also provide strategic planning, 1x1 and group coaching, and consultation on developing inclusive and equitable policies and procedures.
CHANGING LIVES WITH PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & SUPPORT
• LeadDIVERSITY brings together a select group of professionals to engage with regional leaders and the greater community in order to raise participants’ awareness of diversity issues, build their leadership skills and provide them with a tool kit to be advocates for diversity and inclusion.
• SHIFT Consulting is the professional services division of The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio. We work with your organization to SHIFT individual behaviors, interpersonal interactions, management practices, procedures, and policies to create inclusive and equitable opportunities that
foster feelings of belonging for everyone. These practices enable organizations to attract, recruit, engage, and retain top talent.
• Through Community Engagement, The Diversity Center partners with local organizations, nonpro ts and government agencies to provide strategic and thoughtful leadership on issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES
• The Annual Humanitarian Award Celebration Since 1949, The Diversity Center has honored stellar individuals who have delivered exemplary leadership in civic, charitable, and professional organizations. Our honorees have profoundly advanced Northeast Ohio as a diverse and inclusive community.
• The Unity Challenge brought together teams from all over Northeast Ohio to directly support our community-based leadership programming for students and professionals. These teams made a real impact on inclusion through their volunteer hours and inclusion actions and had a blast lifting our community together.
• Through Community Engagement, The Diversity Center partners with local organizations, nonpro ts and government agencies to provide strategic and thoughtful leadership on issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
71st Annual Humanitarian Award Celebration
CELEBRATION TESTIMONIALS
“Problem-solving gives people a chance to share their opinions and be heard. Understanding that everyone has a role and must play their part for the team to succeed. I love the facilitator and wish to do more activities like this!”
- YouLEAD Problem-Solving & Teamwork
“Diversity means other people have di erent thoughts, opinions, and family. Like me and my friend, we agree on some things and disagree on others.”
“The presenter was very thorough and helpful. I learned a lot in my session. This would be valuable for all sta members!”
- Educator Professional Development, Building Relationships & Creating Inclusive Educational Environments
“I love these exercises, and I wish more companies went through this kind of training. Thank you so much!”
Interpretation services – Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center
e Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio
Magni cat High School – YouLead DEIB Program
In spring 2025, Magni cat High School launched its inaugural YouLead Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Workshop Series, engaging 39 students from diverse class groups and backgrounds. Selected through nominations by school club moderators and an application process overseen by the Diversity O ce, participants took part in a four-part leadership development program designed to strengthen their understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion while cultivating their con dence as student leaders.
The workshops, Building Compassionate Schools, Upstander Training, #RethinkLabels, and Student Leadership, o ered students practical skills and meaningful dialogue around creating inclusive communities. Students reported increased awareness of DEIB issues and stronger leadership abilities upon completing the series.
Graduates of the program received certi cates, diversity leader sweatshirts, and pins to mark their accomplishment. Several were also invited to share their experiences with the school’s DEIB Advisory Committee, re ecting the program’s impact in empowering young leaders to become advocates for equity and belonging within their school and beyond.
2025 DIVERSITY EDUCATION & CITIZENSHIP LEADERSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT
Janetta M. Hammock, MS, CDP
Magni cat High School
Janetta M. Hammock is Vice President for Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) at Magni cat High School, a Catholic, all-girls college preparatory school located in Rocky River, Ohio.
In her role, Hammock works to foster a culture of belonging across the school community and develops and implements a comprehensive equity and inclusion strategic plan for the organization. Additionally, she provides cultural competency training for school constituents, moderates student a nity groups, and leads the work of the school’s Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Advisory Committee.
Prior to her work at Magni cat, Hammock held leadership positions at Clevelandarea universities, including Director of Strategic Initiatives at Case Western Reserve University and Director of the O ce of Multicultural A airs at John Carroll University. She also served as Assistant Director in the O ce of Government and Public A airs at the American Council on Education in Washington, D.C.
A Certi ed Diversity Professional (CDP), Hammock earned master’s degrees in philosophy with an emphasis in diversity management from Cleveland State University and in African American Studies from Morgan State University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University.
Hammock currently serves on the board of The Network, a national Catholic social justice organization.
71st Annual Humanitarian Award Celebration
2025 Lead DIVERSITY OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD
Dr. Je riAnne Wilder
Sociologist, writer, and leading thought leader
Dr. Je riAnne Wilder is a sociologist, writer, and leading thought leader whose career bridges academic research, executive leadership, and public engagement. As a consultant, speaker, coach, and commentator, she specializes in intersectional equity, with particular focus on anti-racism and women’s empowerment. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Center for DEI Innovation and Leadership at Oberlin College, where she leads transformative initiatives that connect students, community partners, and senior DEI leaders to drive innovation and leadership in higher education and beyond.
As a scholar and teacher for 20 years, Je riAnne has served in a variety of faculty and executive roles. From 2008 to 2018, she was a tenured Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of North Florida and the Founding Director of the Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnic Relations. From 2018 to 2023, she served as Senior Research Faculty and Director of Racial Equity & Strategy at the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), the only national nonpro t dedicated to advancing women in computing across education, industry, and entrepreneurship. Most recently, she was the curriculum designer and Senior Lecturer for Glasgow Caledonian New York College, helping to launch one of the nation’s rst global master’s programs in DEI leadership.
Dr. Wilder is also a proli c public scholar and commentator. She is regularly featured on TV, radio, podcasts, and print media for her insights on culture and society—from hip-hop and professional sports to politics, higher education, and social justice. She is deeply passionate about connecting sociology to everyday life, especially the issues that shape the experiences of women, girls, and communities of color.
Her academic journey re ects a lifelong commitment to intersectional inquiry. She earned her Ph.D. in Sociology, with a concentration in Women’s Studies and Gender Research, from the University of Florida, an M.A. in Sociology from Cleveland State University, and a B.A. from Allegheny College. She is also a proud graduate of Hathaway Brown School. Today, Dr. Wilder remains actively involved in the HB community, serving on the Alumnae Council and leading the Black Alumnae A nity Group.
Dr. Wilder is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and is deeply committed to mentorship and service. Across her career, she has chaired dozens of theses and dissertations, mentored over 200 students, and championed equity and leadership development for underrepresented communities.
Beyond her professional achievements, Je riAnne is the proud mother of two daughters, Lela and Avalyn. She is a strong advocate for working mothers, particularly moms of color, and champions family-friendly policies such as paid parental leave, a ordable childcare, and exible work arrangements. In her free time, she is a self-professed football fanatic, cheering on her beloved Cleveland Browns and University of Florida Gators.
Lead DIVERSITY OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD
LeadDIVERSITY is a program that engages a select group of Northeast Ohio professionals with community leaders and one another to raise the participants’ awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues, build their leadership skills, and enhance their networks. The class of up to 35 participants is selected through a competitive application process.
The LeadDIVERSITY program approaches diversity, equity, inclusion, and leadership issues from a no-fault, interactive foundation with the goal of a ecting positive change. Emphasis is placed on personal and professional growth through group participation as well as knowledge and
2006 Lorna Wisham
2007 Rockette Richardson Ewell
2008 Tina Myles
2009 Cedric Haggins
2010 Pat Ross Ferry
2011 Christopher Johnson
2012 Jennifer Opphile
practical skill enrichment. Each session is designed to help participants explore the concepts of diversity, equity, inclusion, and leadership and to analyze its personal, workplace, and community impact.
The Peggy Zone Fisher LeadDIVERSITY Outstanding Alumni Award Recipient is nominated annually by fellow alumni of the program. The Award recipient successfully demonstrates application of their LeadDIVERSITY learnings to be a positive change agent in both their professional and personal communities.
PAST Lead DIVERSITY ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS
2013 Thomasine Clark
2014 George Sample
2015 Ingrid Angel
2016 Paula Calmer
2017 John E. Betterson, Jr., Ph.D.
2018 Courtney Fugate
2019 Elizabeth “Liz” Anderson
2020 Marcia V. Moreno
2021 Rebecca Scina
2022 Carla L. Chapman
2023 Maggie K. Myers
2023 Tonya Woods Shelton
2024 Jen Hughes
e Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio
e Diversity Center of northeast ohio
Kirsten M. Ellenbogen, Ph.D.
PRESIDENT & CEO
GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER
The hallmark of Kirsten’s leadership at Great Lakes Science Center is strong community partnerships, such as the Cleveland Metropolitan School District collaboration for grades 6-8 that o ers programming on circuitry, energy, and blockchain. This program was honored as a 2021 Institute of Museum and Library Services National Medal nalist. Partnerships also have driven strategic initiatives that Kirsten developed with corporate leaders to change the community’s narrative around advanced manufacturing. This work was recognized by the White House O ce of Science and Technology Policy, which selected the Science Center as the launch site for the National Week of Making with Mythbusters host Adam Savage in 2016. The e ort evolved into a collaboration with MAGNET to develop engaging interactive exhibits in their new headquarters and an enticing new STEM-based playground. The enduring impacts of these community partnerships are measured in longlasting changes to how participants see themselves as people who can take on scienti c and engineering challenges at work or in daily life, or sometimes simply
by the smiles of the families using the STEM playground.
Kirsten’s energetic leadership on eld-advancing initiatives include the Museum Learning Collaborative, the Center for Informal Learning and Schools, the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network, and serving as co-principal investigator of the Center for Advancement of Informal Science Education. She was elected Secretary of the board and co-chair of the conference planning committee of the Association of Science and Technology Centers, serving more than 600 science centers in 48 countries. She was appointed to the National Academy of Sciences’ committee that produced the report Learning Science in Informal Environments and chaired the Convocation on the Status of Informal Science Education. Kirsten co-chaired the National Academies Committee on Advancing Science Communication and serves on the Board on Science Education whose recent reports include Understanding and Addressing Misinformation about Science, designed to guide the discussion on improving access to high-quality scienti c information and reduce the
likelihood of exposure to and uptake of misinformation.
She is passionate about Cleveland and has been honored to lead the Science Center in playing important roles that helped put the city in the spotlight for the 2016 Republican National Convention, the 2021 National Football League Draft, and the 2024 total solar eclipse. She served on the Mayor’s Sustainable City Committee, the Planning and Urban Design Committee of the Group Plan Commission, and is a proud alumna of the 2014 class of Leadership Cleveland. She is Board Chair of the Cleveland Water Alliance, Secretary of the board of the North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation, and co-founder of the Northeast Ohio STEM Ecosystem Collaborative. She also serves on the board of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and on the Committee of Visitors for the Washkewicz College of Engineering. She received her Ph.D. in Science Education from Vanderbilt University and her B.A. from the University of Chicago. She lives in Shaker Heights with her husband, a Cleveland Metropolitan School District teacher, and their two children.
71st Annual Humanitarian Award Celebration
e Diversity Center of northeast ohio
Vanessa L. Whiting
PRESIDENT, A.E.S. MANAGEMENT CORP.
Vanessa L. Whiting is the President of A.E.S. Management Corporation, a Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen franchisee in Northeast Ohio. A.E.S. Management Corp., which employs over 420 Cuyahoga and Summit County residents at its thirteen Popeyes locations, provides meaningful workforce experience and opportunity to individuals throughout the community. After the passing of her late husband, Anthony E. Smith, the founder of A.E.S. Management Corp., Ms. Whiting assumed leadership and serves as CEO.
Ms. Whiting is also a developer and attorney with extensive experience in economic and community development law, real estate law, tax credit law, public nance, and small business enterprise law. She has served as counsel to lenders, developers, and business owners, and as both bond and underwriter’s counsel. She has consulted on numerous low-income housing tax credit projects, conventional market-rate housing, and commercial retail developments. She has been recognized by Northeast Ohio Live as one of the top 100 attorneys in the State of Ohio. Ms. Whiting is currently active in real estate development and engaged in several ongoing projects.
Ms. Whiting began her legal career as an associate at Bryan Cave in St. Louis, Missouri, and later at Calfee Halter in Cleveland, Ohio. She founded her own rm in 1995, practiced as a sole practitioner until 2007, and became a partner at Roetzel & Andress. In 2011, she reestablished her rm, continuing to support e orts to revitalize Cleveland’s neighborhoods. She has been licensed to practice law in Missouri, Ohio, Illinois, and the
District of Columbia and currently maintains her Ohio license.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy from Duke University (with honors), a Master of Science in Urban A airs and Public Policy from Southern Illinois University (with honors), and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Illinois.
Her interests include social justice, minority business development, community development, the arts, politics, education, and healthcare. In 2012, she led the successful e ort to establish a standing Board Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, becoming the founding architect of MetroHealth’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion framework.. A committed social justice advocate, Ms. Whiting is a strong proponent of second and third-chance employment and believes deeply in developing people and prioritizing people over pro t.
Ms. Whiting currently serves as Chair of the Board of the United Way of Greater Cleveland, and Vice Chair of the Cleveland State University Board of Trustees. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Cleveland Partnership and former co-chair of the Equity and Inclusion Committee. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Olympic Steel and is Board liaison to the One Olympic Committee.
Ms. Whiting is a former Chair of the Board of Directors of Metro Health where she also chaired the Diversity & Inclusion Committee, the Legal and Government Relations Committee, the Governance Committee, and served as Board Secretary. She is a former member of the Cuyahoga Community
College Foundation Board, former Chair of the Economic Development Committee of the Cleveland Branch of the NAACP, a former Board Member of the Cleveland Branch NAACP, and a lifelong member. She has also served on the boards of the Cleveland Housing Network, Vice President, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, New Village Corporation, President, Playhouse Square, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Ms. Whiting is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Alpha Omega Chapter), The LINKS, Inc. (Cleveland Chapter), The Northeasterners, and the Cleveland Chapter of Jack and Jill Associates.
She is an elder at Fairmount Presbyterian Church in Cleveland Heights, having served on its Session and as Clerk of Session. She has chaired the Mission and Personnel Committees, taught Sunday School, and led the Faith Formation Committee. She has also served as a mentor within her faith community.
Her e orts as a community and business leader, philanthropist and change maker have been recognized by a variety of organizations with accolades such as the Soul of Philanthropy’s Legends Award, Giving Black, Crains Women of Note, Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Building Our Economic Wealth Award, the NAACP President’s Award, the Cleveland YWCA Women of Achievement Award , the Maltz Museum Heritage Award , the Black Professional of the Year, and induction into the Women of Color Hall of Fame and many more.
She is the proud mother of three adult children: Taylor, Lorin, and Anthony Smith, II.
e Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio
HUMANITARIAN AWARD PAST RECIPIENTS
1949 PAUL HOFFMAN
1951 LOUIS B. SELTZER
1956 JOHN A. GREENE
1957 A.M. LUNTZ
1958 GEORGE M. HUMPHREY
1959 RABBI ABBA HILLEL SILVER
1960 BOB HOPE
1961 DR. JOHN S. MILLIS
DR. T. KEITH GLENNAN
1962 JUDGE ANTHONY J. CELEBREZZE
1963 HON. LESTER B. PEARSON
1964 THOMAS F. PATTON
1966 MAURICE SALTZMAN
1967 RALPH M. BESSE
1968 JOHN CARDINAL KROL
1969 FRANCIS A. COY
1970 THOMAS VAIL
1971 REV. BILLY GRAHAM
1972 MR. & MRS. WILLIAM C. TREUHAFT
1973 E. MANDELL DE WINDT
1974 DR. PAUL W. BRIGGS
1975
FREDERICK C. CRAWFORD
1976 HON. FRANCES P. BOLTON
1977 CHARLES E. SPAHR
1978
HERBERT E. STRAWBRIDGE
1979 DR. RUBEN F. METTLER
1980
ARCHBISHOP JAMES A. HICKEY
1981 ARTHUR B. MODELL
1982
ALTON W. WHITEHOUSE
1983 RABBI ARMOND E. COHEN
1984 STANLEY PACE
1985 ROBERT GINN
SAM MILLER
DR. NOLEN ELLISON
1986 MAYOR GEORGE VOINOVICH
1987 ALLEN C. HOLMES
1988
GORDON E. HEFFERN
1989 JAMES H. ROSS
1990
BP AMERICA
EDWARD B. BRANDON
SISTER MARY MARTHE REINHARD
1991 DOLLY & STEVEN MINTER
1992 RICHARD W. POGUE
1993
1994
ROBERT W. GILLESPIE
MAYOR MICHAEL R. WHITE
1995 JOHN LEWIS
CONGRESSMAN LOUIS STOKES
1996 DR. NEAL MALICKY
JACQUELINE WOODS
1997 DR. RICHARD A. BOYD
1998
1999 JUDGE GEORGE W. WHITE
DAVID H. HOAG
2000 WILLIAM B. SUMMERS, JR.
JEANETTE GRASSELLI BROWN
2001 ROBERT D. GRIES
BISHOP ANTHONY M. PILLA
2002 ALEXANDER M. CUTLER
2003 HENRY L. MEYER, III
JERRY SUE THORNTON, PH.D
2004 CAROLE F. HOOVER
ALAN D. ROSSKAMM
2005 A. MALACHI MIXON, III
TERRI HAMILTON BROWN
2006 MORRY WEISS
ART J. FALCO
2007 CHRISTOPHER M. CONNOR
EUGENE T.W. SANDERS, PH.D.
2008 GOVERNOR TED STRICKLAND
ROBERT S. REITMAN
DAVID A. & DEBORAH L. DABERKO
DAVID G. HILL
FIRST LADY FRANCES STRICKLAND
DELOS M. COSGROVE, MD
CLEVELAND CLINIC
2009 PAUL CLARK & PNC
REVEREND DR. OTIS MOSS, JR.
EDWINA MOSS
2010 MILTON AND TAMAR MALTZ
BARBARA R. SNYDER
2011 MAYOR FRANK G. JACKSON
THOMAS F. ZENTY, III
2012 SR. JUDITH ANN KARAM, CSA
WILLIAM CONWAY
CHARLES D. FOWLER
2013 LARRY POLLOCK
THOMAS W. ADLER
BETH E. MOONEY
2014 JOSÉ C. FELICIANO
RICK CHIRICOSTA
2015 GERI M. PRESTI
RONALD B. RICHARD
DANIEL P. WALSH
2016 RONALD M. BERKMAN, PH.D.
MARGOT JAMES COPELAND
ERIC S. GORDON
2017 BERNIE MORENO
RANDELL MCSHEPHARD
2018 ENID ROSENBERG
MARC S. BYRNES
2019 AKRAM BOUTROS, MD, FACHE
ALEX JOHNSON, PH.D.
2020 SALLY GRIES
2021 CRAIG ARNOLD
ANDREW BERRY
2022 DARRELL L. MCNAIR
TOMISLAV MIHALJEVIC, MD
2023 CHRISTOPHER M. GORMAN
ROBYN MINTER SMYERS
2024 KEVIN CLAYTON
PEGGY ZONE FISHER
71st Annual Humanitarian Award Celebration
SHIFT Consulting is the professional services division of The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio. We work with your organization to SHIFT individual behaviors, interpersonal interactions, management practices, procedures, and policies to create inclusive and equitable opportunities that foster feelings of belonging for everyone. These practices enable organizations to attract, recruit, engage, and retain top talent.
Through our partnerships with businesses and organizations, we promote a positive work culture where all feel connected, respected, and valued .
Inclusive Solutions
• Strategic Planning for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
• JEDI Culture & Climate Surveys
• Develop and leverage Diversity Councils and Employee Resource Groups
• Policy and Procedure Analysis through JEDI lens
Customized Trainings
• Creating Inclusive Workplaces
• Mitigating Bias in Hiring
• Building Bridges Across Generations
• Equity, Justice, and Critical Assessment
• Equitable Policies and Procedures
• Sexuality & Gender Acceptance
• Psychological Safety
• 1-Hour Lunch & Learn Programs:
e Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio
e Diversity Center of northeast ohio
71ST ANNUAL HONORARY HOST COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS
Peggy Zone Fisher
Lady, Baldwin Wallace University
Past President & CEO, The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio
Brian
Renee Tramble Richard President & CEO, Corporate College Senior Advisor & Counsel to the President Cuyahoga Community College
L.
Robyn Minter Smyers Partner Thompson Hine
Carla Tricarichi
& Carnes
CELEBRATION BOARD CO-CHAIRS
Jill Hennessey Market Leader – Commercial Banking Northern Ohio The PNC Financial Services Group
Kristen Baird Adams Harlin Adelman
Orlando L. Alvarez, Jr.
Arlene Anderson
Michael A. Baston
Sheryl King Benford
Anthony Battle
Cipriano S. Beredo, III
Jeri E. Chaikin
Dr. Jacklyn A. Chisholm
Kevin Clayton
Christopher M. Connor
Rhonda Crowder
Helen Forbes Fields
Alyson and Matthew Fieldman
Cindy Fisher
Allan Goldner
Azadeh and James Hardiman
Ti any L. Hollinger
Kate Hubben
Shannon Jerse
Vickie Johnson
Sharon Sobol Jordan
Mr. Nicholas Barendt & Dr. Robin Jump
Conor Kenney
Ariane Kirkpatrick
Bonnie L. Kristan
Gregg LaBar
Rev. Ryan Wallace Senior Pastor Fairmount Presbyterian Church
Robert E. Soroka Sr. VP., Retail Executive Fifth Third Bank
71ST ANNUAL HONORARY HOST COMMITTEE
Jazmin Long
Tracie M. Longpre
Sandra Madison Randell and Gail McShepard
Natoya Walker Minor
Amy and Marc Morgenstern
Dan Moulthrop
Megan O’Bryan
Jeremy and Katie Paris
Pat Pastore
Jessika Poldruhi
Meltrice Sharp & LaRese Purnell
David and Cynthia Reynolds
Claire Rosacco
Enid and Dr. David Rosenberg
Adam Roth
Fareed Siddiq
Naomi Sigg
Elizabeth and Bradley Sherman
Greg Skoda
Dalithia Smith
Sharon Sobol Jordan
Timothy Tramble
Tony G. Weber
Simon Wilkins
Sheldon Wray
Kate Vlasek
Carole
Darrell
Albert B. Ratner
Alan and Barbara Rosskamm
CLE Consulting Firm
Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland-Cli s
Cuyahoga Community College
Fifth Third Bank
e Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio
Joanie and Tom Adler
Carol Barnak
Cynthia Bassett
Benesch, Friedlander Coplan & Arono LLP
Carol F. Hoover and Cleveland Private Trust Company
Cleveland State University
Cleveland State University College of Law
First Federal Lakewood
Fisher & Phillips LLP
African American Philanthropy Committee of the Cleveland Foundation
Nicolas Barendt and Dr. Robin Jump
Tony and Lucy Battle
BDO USA, P.C.
Vivian Delores Davis
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
EQUALITY ADVOCATES
Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP
The Jabali Group
Lincoln Electric
Margaret Wong & Associates
John and Karen Moss
North East Ohio Place Makers
UNITY PARTNERS
Frantz Ward LLP
Friends of Vanessa
Azadeh and James Hardiman
John Carroll University
Stuart and Terri Kline
Harlin Adleman
Orlando Alverez, Jr.
Warren Anderson
Sheryl King Benford
Birthing Beautiful Communities
Jeri Chaikin
City of Shaker Heights
Cleveland Museum of Art
Enterprise Community Partners
Alyson and Matthew Fieldman
Marcia L. Fudge
Goldfarb Weber Creative Media/ Tony Weber
Paul Harris
Oatey Company
Oswald Companies PNC
Audrey and Albert Ratner
Robyn Minter Smyers and Bert Smyers
Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP
PwC
Enid and Dr. David Rosenberg
RPM International Inc.
Fareed Siddiq Merrill Lynch
Dr. Paula Silverman and Rob Wol
Lee Fisher, President, Baldwin Wallace University and Peggy Zone Fisher
Olympic Steel
Parker Hanni n Corporation
Larry and Julia Pollock
FRIENDS
Hollinger Financial LLC
Thomas E. and Marsha G. Hopkins
Kirsten’s Fan Club
Bonnie L. Kristan
The NRP Group
Pinkney Perry/Hylant Port of Cleveland
PARTNERS
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
The Timken Company
United Way of Greater Cleveland
Lorna Wisham
David and Cynthia Reynolds
Robert P. Madison International Inc.
Step Forward
Bill and Pam Summers
Jerry Sue Thornton
YWCA of Greater Cleveland
Jill and Jim Hennessey
Richard Horvitz and Erica Hartman-Horvitz
Tracie Longpre & Nicole Dauria
Elizabeth Klein
Mr. and Mrs. Morton Q. Levin
Ken and Mary Ellen Liang
LJF Accounting Services
William MacDonald, III
Ginger Mlakar, The Cleveland Foundation
Beth Mooney
Amy and Marc Morgenstern
Peet Martinko Shelly and Rob
Kim and Paul Pesses
Richard W. Pogue
Steve Potash
Linda Rae
Rhonda Crowder & Associates
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Renee Romana and Sean Decatur
David W. Rowan
Meredith Seikel
St. Lukes Foundation
Bud and Donna Thomas
Michelle Tomallo
Rev. Ryan Wallace
Angela Wilcoxson
Winston Electric
As of November 4, 2025
LEADERSHIP CHAMPIONS
INCLUSION CHAMPION
COMMUNITY BUILDERS
EQUALITY ADVOCATES
EQUALITY ADVOCATES
one open door can open doors across a community.
Our most important work happens outside the four walls of our bank. KeyBank gets involved by supporting people who make a difference and working with communityfocused organizations through investments, philanthropy, and volunteering. Together we can keep our communities full of hope, compassion, and opportunity. KeyBank thanks The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio for making a difference.
Barbara and Alan Rosskamm
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Stay tuned—full details are coming soon!
We’re excited to announce that our annual Walk, Rock, Roll & Run is coming back—this time with a fresh twist! Saturday, May 9th we’ll gather for a Community Festival and Walk that brings together families, friends, and neighbors to celebrate diversity, unity, and fun. While we won’t be hosting the run this year, the day will be filled with activities, entertainment, and opportunities to connect.
