29TH ANNUAL SALUTE

HONOREES

Nominee: Andrea Laudat Blackmon
Employer: The Cincinnati Herald
Andrea is no stranger to forging relationships, raising money and wearing many hats. She began her advertising career at the Cincinnati Enquirer where she earned Salesperson of the Year and a promotion. Today she is director of new business/market development for the Cincinnati Herald. Over the past 10 years, Andrea has developed relationships with over 150 new accounts, conceived and coordinated three annual events, and eight annual special sections. She also established many valuable community partnerships. The single parent of three girls, Andrea has represented and mentored working moms at both the local and state levels of many important advocacy groups. She is a certified community trainer and graduate of Grass Roots Leadership Academy's Community Enrichment program and Train-The-Trainer programs as well as the United Way's Project Blueprint Professional Development Class VIIII. Andrea also serves on numerous Boards including the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati. She has received national and local awards for her efforts including her 2006 Community Services Y Volunteer of the Year Award.

Nominee: Carmin R. Brown
Employer: Toyota Engineering & Motor Manufacturing North America, INC.
Being Co-op Coordinator Specialist is a job that is perfectly suited to Carmin. As the first family member to graduate college, she understands and appreciates the value of education and professional relationships. During her undergraduate studies, she was one of a few students chosen for the Global Learning Community program which had her working on projects for international companies around the world. In her junior year she was recognized with the Kings/Chevez/Parks Leadership Award for her work as president of a program that recruited prospective minority students to O.U. She joined Toyota's Georgetown manufacturing plant in 2004 after earning a master's degree in labor and employment relations. Today she leads the co-op recruitment program for all of TEMA's North American facilities. Carmin is also the lead coordinator for Toyota's recruiting team at the National Society of Black Engineers (N.S.B.E) Conference.

Nominee: Cynthia Brown
Employer: Macy's Credit & Customer Services, a subsidiary of Macy's
Cynthia is director of human resources and diversity, and has worked for the FACS Group for more than 24 years. She is a graduate of Woodward High School and Xavier University. Cynthia has served on several boards including Warren County United Way Board, Wilberforce University Business Board, Warren County Diversity Committee; and she has trained diversity in the community. Compassionate for others, her wanting everyone to have that sense of belonging has led to her work on several projects including Urban League ACE program and various mentoring programs.

Nominee: Denise Cargile
Employer: Great American Financial Resources, INC.
After her 1983 graduation from the University of Cincinnati, Denise joined the United States Navy. Her career at Great American began 14 years ago as an annuity service representative. Today she is technical training projects specialist. Outside of work, she is president of the Cheers Toastmasters Club and a volunteer for the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Denise is also assistant youth director for her church, and serves as coordinator of S.T.A.R. (Smart Teens Accepting Responsibility) which helps teach teens what it means to be responsible. While church is important, Denise doesn't forget to reach out to the streets of Avondale every Saturday to engage youth in conversation about character and show them that someone cares.

Nominee: Michelle Carter
Employer: Great American Financial Resources, INC.
Michelle has worked for Great American for eight years, and refers to it as one of the best decisions of her life. Beginning with no insurance experience or college degree, she quickly moved her way up to team lead and later was promoted to administration analyst. While Michelle put her secondary education on hold to juggle the rewarding responsibilities of being a single parent and having a full-time job, she plans on re-entering college to pursue a pre-elementary education degree with a dream of opening a Christian preschool for underprivileged children. Michelle is a youth teacher and a member of the finance committee at Trinity Baptist Church, and also volunteers at Newport High School. She has been a volunteer for Northern KY NAACP.

Nominee: Maurice Coffey
Employer: Procter & Gamble
Maurice joined P&G as an intern in 1996, shortly after receiving his master's degree in finance and marketing. His innovative ideas continued to break new ground for the consumer goods giant, establishing him as 'one of the best up-and-coming marketers at P&G'. At 40, Maurice is responsible for defining the global strategy for Febreze and Cascade and leading new cross-brand promotions in Home Care. P&G's Associate Marketing Director for Home Care Strategic Planning uses his strengths to benefit the community as well. His work with Big Brother, Big Sister has impacted the lives of many children. Last year Maurice joined the marketing council for Cincinnati's inner city Emanuel Center. Still, he finds time to coach his daughter's YMCA soccer team.

Nominee: Benjamin Cornist III
Employer: National City
A motivated professional, Benjamin has demonstrated his commitment toward his company and his community. For the past ten and a half years he has managed three different branches, earning numerous sales and leadership awards. His current position is assistant vice president, branch manager of National City's Deerfield branch. Outside of work, he has been involved with The Boy Scouts of America as a Challenge Camp mentor, the Northeast Chamber of Commerce and Youth Ministry and Usher Board Ministry at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Glendale. He also enjoys participating in many community bank sponsored events throughout year.

Nominee: Anthony Douglas
Employer: Cincinnati Financial Corporation
In his ninth year as a systems analyst for The Cincinnati Insurance Company, Anthony's leadership and dedication has positioned him to teach and lead other analysts. However, his skills extend far beyond his profession. As a mentor to at-risk youth, he participated in the Boy Scouts of America Challenge Camp and accompanied Hughes High School students to the BIG RED Leadership Program. As a mathematics enthusiast and advocate for education, he created math tutorials for several schools and churches, and continues to volunteer his time as a math tutor. Anthony is equally dedicated to caring for elderly. Whether assisting with errands and day-to-day activities or providing companionship and a good conversation, he is compassionate about improving the quality of life for seniors.

Nominee: James Essex
Employer: Western & Southern Financial Group
James is assistant vice president and director of the Corporate Purchasing Division for Western & Southern, where he has worked for the past nine years. A motivated professional, he has achieved multiple certifications in his field. James has also demonstrated initiative as a member of the class VII African American Leadership Development Program. The program attracts and retains individuals while building a strong network of effective leaders who model the characteristics needed to serve their corporations and communities.

Nominee: P. Ann Everson-Price
Company: 100.3 The New MOJO
P. Ann is an accomplished actress, entertainer, radio and television personality, motivational speaker, evangelist, vocal coach and director for the Youth Chorale of the Arts Consortium of Cincinnati. She's shared the stage with such notables as Chaka Khan, Freddie Jackson, and Ramsey Lewis; and mesmerized audiences as far away as Nagoya, Japan. The recipient of numerous entertainment awards, P. Ann is the only local talent ever booked to open The Coors Riverfront Festival. Her personality can be heard every Sunday morning on MOJO. With such a hectic schedule, she still finds time to mentor more than 50 children each week in her work with the Youth Chorale.

Nominee: Robin Frazier
Employer: UPS
Robin began her career at UPS in 2001 and currently is the operations excellence manager in its Industrial Engineering Department. Outside of work, she enjoys volunteering for a variety of causes. Robin has been a mentor at Oyler Elementary School for the past two years. She has also participated in activities such as the American Red Cross Warm and Fuzzy Project and, through the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the Bethany House Christmas Party. Additionally, Robin lends her expertise to the United Way serving as coordinator for its IE Department.

Nominee: Marvis Green
Employer: Macy's Credit & Customer Services, a subsidiary of Macy's
In everything she does, Marvis exhibits dedication and determination. Since joining the Macy's Credit & Customer Services (formerly known as the FACS Group) in 1990, this collections supervisor has earned many performance awards. Recently she's been parlaying her skills to a different calling. After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1999 and the untimely death of her brother three years later, she began motivating others through public speaking, emails and correspondence. This past year she was the keynote speaker at her company's MS fund raising drive. Marvis volunteers her time in other ways also for seniors and people with disabilities. Additionally she is the owner of a small bridal consulting company, often giving of her time to young couples who otherwise couldn't afford it.

Nominee: Dericus Harvey
Employer: Ethicon Endo-Surgery INC., Medical Device and Diagnostic Sector
As Finance Manager of Global Strategic Planning at Ethicon, Dericus has a real passion for driving business results. His is a huge responsibility, taking ownership for the medical company's worldwide alignment in a competitive environment. Dericus' knowledge, leadership skills, and experience haven't gone unnoticed by Johnson & Johnson. The company selected him to the its MBA Finance Leadership Development Program. Prior to Ethicon, Dericus' strong management skills contributed to a multi-million dollar company savings for Ford Motor Company and a 14% reduction in employee absenteeism at General Motors. His other achievements include being a Consortium of Graduate Study in Management Fellow. He is also Six Sigma Green Belt Certified.

Nominee: Karen Hipsher
Employer: Tri Health, Hospice of Cincinnati
Karen is a social worker at Hospice, where she has worked for 13 years. Her patience, nurturing character, and dedication have been appreciated by many terminally ill patients and their family members. It's not surprising that Karen chooses to spend her spare time volunteering for other organizations as well. The Cincinnati's Police Department Citizens on Patrol, Social Work Oncology Group, Woodward Alumna Association, National Association of Black Social Workers, Black Family Reunion Committee and Cincinnati Youth Collaborative have all benefited from her loyalty.

Nominee: Jackie J. Johnson
Employer: Procter & Gamble
Jackie is associate director of global business services for household care and global pet care for the consumer goods giant. In her 20 year career, she has been instrumental in making significant changes and developments that have positively impacted P&G. Beyond external affairs, she has also proven herself as a manager of people. Within the company she has served as co-leader of the Household Care Black Managers Leadership Team, and led multiple other internal professional leadership teams. With so much on her professional plate, it's a wonder she has time to give back but she does. Jackie has given of her time as a joint achievement teacher, part of the Lincoln Heights Baptist Church Choir, and a Zion Global Ministries Children's Church teacher.

Nominee: Paula Landry
Employer: Hewlett-Packard
After earning a master's degree in computer science, Paula has worked in information technology for the past 11 years. She was as an analyst for Procter & Gamble before joining HP where she provides her expertise in capacity performance management. Paula contributes financially and as a volunteer to numerous area organizations. As a core team member of the HP Ohio Black Employee Community, she has helped create programs that foster leadership among colleagues. She has also supported the HP technology scholarship for African American honor roll students at NKU and the Vineyard Church Outreach. The YMCA Black Achiever's Program is very familiar with Paula and her efforts to engage young people through her involvement with several workshops.

Nominee: Alysia Longmire
Employer: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Alysia has a pretty important job when it comes to making sure children are safe. Part of her role with Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center's Drug & Poison Information Center-Prevention Research Unit is seeking funding for vital projects. Among other parts of her job are providing health education to community members; organizing and facilitating interventions and groups for high-risk youth; and directing staff on proper instructional methods. It's a natural extension for her to also make community service a priority. Alysia is a peer educator for the University of Cincinnati's Women Center, and volunteers and participates in local HIV/AIDS prevention campaigns as well as events to promote the treatment of substance abuse. She is a member of numerous educationally focused organizations.

Nominee: Jonathan Love
Employer: 1230 am WDBZ, The Buzz
Jonathan 'Jay' Love's broadcast career spans 15 years, the last two on 1230 the Buzz. Ranked among the top 250 talk show hosts in the country, he is a passionate voice on the airwaves bringing a variety of issues facing this city, the nation, and international communities to the forefront. He has frequently used his talents to raise awareness on several social issues, such as: the need for greater political activism, HIV/AIDS awareness, greater access to educational opportunities, and health and lifestyles concerns impacting the African-American community. Jay has volunteered with several organizations and has worked with the board of directors for AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati, the Kidney Foundation of Cincinnati, and Roger Bacon High School. Currently, he is chairman of public relations for the local chapter of the NAACP.

Nominee: Kevin Macey
Employer: Toyota Engineering and Motor Manufacturing North America, INC.
Kevin earned his bachelors and masters degrees from University of Missouri, and completed further studies at East Carolina University. He joined Toyota in 1996, and is a specialist in the company's Product Control Division. Giving back and helping others on their path toward success is a passion to him, and he devotes many hours to worthwhile causes efforts. Kevin is a volunteer with the Urban League's AAC Leadership Program and is a mentor through Boys H.O.P.E. (Housing, Opportunities, Parenting and Education) Program.

Nominee: Tamara R. McIntosh, Esq.
Employer: Duke Energy
Tamara is a Persian Gulf veteran, having served in the U.S. Air Force during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. She received her bachelor's and master's degrees from University of Dayton, and received a Juris Doctor in 2002 from the University of Cincinnati's College of Law. In addition to her work as a regulatory legal liaison for Duke, she is part of the adjunct staff of several colleges. Teaching and giving back is an interest of Tamara, who also donates her time to helping others. She provides uncompensated legal assistance to indigent families in Northern Kentucky. Most significant, however, is her teaching Sunday school to children at her church, the Gray Road Church of Christ.

Nominee: Herman D. McKelvey
Employer: PNC
Herman was stationed in Germany for six years serving as a member of the United States Army Finance Department, before coming back home to begin a 16 year banking career. As Managing Vice President of PNC's Fairfield Village Green Office, Herman has been personally responsible for its two-year growth plan. It's a position that requires unique marketing and creative skills, and his are skills he enjoys sharing with causes he values. Herman is a member of the Finance Committee at the Gray Road Church of Christ and the Advisory Board for the Staben Center in Lake County Illinois.

Nominee: Jeff Moran
Employer: WLWT
The thousands of viewers who have come to learn about community programs each week through WLWT's Issues show (hosted by Jan Michele Lemon-Kearney) have Jeff to thank for its content. A 24-year veteran at the NBC affiliate, producing Issues is just one of his responsibilities as production supervisor. It's a job that he thoroughly enjoys because he knows he's helping many people to get their important message heard. When he's not behind a camera, he enjoys teaching Tai-Chi and working with students at Harmony Community School. Giving back, he said, is better than receiving and promoting a positive society change is invaluable.

Nominee: Jorge Perez
Employer: YMCA of Greater Cincinnati
Jorge has devoted his nearly 20-year career toward efforts focusing on positive youth development. His work with the YMCA began as a Board member in 1994 for the East Dallas YMCA. In 2003, he joined the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati as vice president of operations providing progressive leadership in our suburban, rural and inner-city communities. Collectively, the nine YMCA branches supervised by Jorge serve more than 34,000 members and 11,500 youth and preschoolers with programs aimed at fostering healthy lifestyles for all ages.

Nominee: Bradley L. Powell Sr.
Employer: Lanxess
Every day, Bradley lives by the quote, "knowledge is power, but understanding and sharing is the key to knowledge" as he strives to be something to everyone with whom his life's path crosses. Bradley is a firm believer that it takes a village to raise a child, and also, if you are not part of the problem, you can choose to be a part of the solution.
He is a member of Manifested Glory Ministry Church and is active in his community. For more than 16 years, he has taught little league football, Junior Achievement, and a variety of classes to students in all grade levels. Additionally, he has joined forces with THE GUNSMOKE INITIATIVE Youth Injury Prevention Program and performs in plays aimed at teaching the youth of today the lessons for tomorrow. Bradley credits his mother for inspiring his interest in helping children when she used to come to his school just to see "what's going on".

Nominee: Tiffani L. Ray
Employer: U.S. Bank
As Assistant Vice President and Manager of the Consumer Lending, Consumer Finance Mortgage Collections Department for U.S. Bank, Tiffani has a big responsibility. She is a 17-year veteran in the banking industry and is a Board member of U.S. Bank Cincinnati Development Network Chapter. Outside of work, Tiffani is highly involved in the community. Among her activities are serving as the co-chair of the Cincinnati Red Cross Youth Committee, a Girl Scout troop leader, and the fund raising coordinator for Three Square Music Foundation. She also has affiliation with a host of other local and professional organizations.

Nominee: Roberta Sims
Employer: U.S. Bank
Roberta earned her bachelor's degree in human resources management from the University of Cincinnati, and her master's degree in human resources development from Xavier University. She is actively involved in community outreach activities that center around mentoring and coaching youth, with a focus on enhancing the workforce. Volunteer activities include: student tutor for the Ohio Reads Program, student mentor for the Mentorship Program, Workshop Facilitator for the Urban League, and Junior Achievement. Roberta has worked in human resources at U.S. Bank for 30 years. She is an active member of the Board for U.S. Bank's Development Network, an organization focused on providing personal development and networking activities for all employees.

Nominee: Tajuan Stoker
Employer: Luxottica Retail
As Senior Health Promotion Specialist for Luxottica, Tajuan has designed many wellness programs for its associates and for the community. He has demonstrated leadership and teamwork through his involvement with his company's African American Cultural Team and Mentoring Program. Additionally, Tajuan was selected to participate on a mission to Bulgaria through the Give the Gift of Sight Foundation. He is a member of the Society of Public Health Educators, and a Board member of Ohio on the Move. He gives back in others ways as well, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, holiday food drives, promotion of American Heart Association and American Cancer Society programs, and the Men's Health Fair at Xavier University.

Nominee: Darren Tolliver
Employer: Fifth Third Bank
Darren is a leader and an initiator. In his four years at Fifth Third, he has earned several promotions including to his current position of financial center manager of the Queensgate Banking Center. Last year he co-founded the bank's African American Network, which focuses on the recruitment, development and retention of African American employees. He is also active in the Fifth Young Bankers Club that mentors Cincinnati's fifth graders in financial literacy. Outside of work, he is involved in many causes including the 100 Black Men of Greater Cincinnati (who mentor students at Taft Elementary), the local Democratic Party, the Cincinnati Council Nominating Committee,
and the Cincinnati Parks Foundation Board.

Nominee: Jade West
Employer: 101.1 WIZF
Jade's seven year radio career has taken her from sunny California to the Queen City, where she's found her niche as a personality and morning show producer for the Wiz. Thousands recognize her vibrant personality from listening to her shows. Others know her from her community service work. Seniors without family or friends to stop by, recognize her smile as the woman who delivers warm and healthy meals. Toys for Tots, the Gabe Robinson Memorial Basketball Tournament and Meals on Wheels are just some of the causes close to her heart.

Nominee: Teresa D. Williams
Company: Hewlett Packard
As the Global Security Officer for HP, Teresa has the important job of supporting her former employer, Procter & Gamble. She has a deep love, passion and knack for coaching and mentoring others which has parlayed into her civic work - mostly through the Zion Global Ministry Abundant Life Mentoring Program and the Women of Zion Women's Ministry where she is a member. As a member of HP's Ohio Black Employee Community, she helped develop the PIE (Performance, Image and Exposure) program that trains African Americans to become effective leaders. Teresa has also been involved in various aspects of the YMCA Black Achiever's programs including leading and supporting youth workshops. She has also been involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters raising funds "For Kids Sake".

Nominee: Victor M. Vélez
Employer: Su Casa Hispanic Center of Cincinnati
In his role as director of Su Casa and his other community work, Victor helps to serve the varied needs of the local Hispanic/Latino population. Among his many hats, he is co-founder of the Health Foundation "Abriendo Puertas" Advisory Committee, a senior consultant and trainer for Culturally Competent Communications, commissioner on the Cincinnati Human Relations Commission Board, a member of several other Boards, an author, and host of WDBZ's 'La Hora Latina.' As a Latin musician, he enjoys integrating creative art when educating the public about the Latino experience. For all that he's contributed, Victor has received numerous other accolades including Tri-County Press' '10 Who Care Award'.

Nominee: Arthur Walton
Employer: University of Cincinnati, Career Development Center
A strong advocate for students, Arthur gives of himself personally and professionally to help young people on their educational track. At U.C. he is charged with overseeing the Federal Job Location and Development Program where advised more than 1000 students last year and offered employment and internship opportunities to more than 3500. He has devoted much of his own time as the advisor for ADVANCE, a professional development organization founded by U.C. African American students. Arthur also created and implemented an academic boot camp-style community outreach initiative for at risk African American teenage boys in Cincinnati schools. His talents have also helped other academic faculty through a number of leadership positions within his professional associations.

Nominee: F. Penny Wright
Company: Western & Southern Financial Group
Penny understands what it's like to overcome adversity and achieve success. Having worked through her own personal obstacles, it is with great pride that she achieved a degree in information technology. She enjoys giving back by donating her time as a volunteer for the Red Cross. It's Penny's nature to reach out to others, whether they're families, friends or neighbors. Prior to her work at Western Southern Life, she spent 20 years with a mortgage industry for non-profit housing.