MICKEY AHUJA, MBA
U.S. Bank
A vice president at U.S. Bank, Mickey is a private banking specialist who helps individuals and companies achieve their financial goals. Previously he worked as a senior consultant for The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation in Chicago and as a commercial banker for PNC Bank. Always with a smile on his face, Mickey enjoys correlating his work experiences with real life issues. He gives of his time to the Adopt-a-School Program, Catholic Inner City Schools Education Fund, Indian Society of Greater Cincinnati, and Risk Management Association.

GABRIELLE (GABBY) ALBERT
Procter & Gamble
Gabby is a believer in hard work, dedication and giving back. She interned twice at Procter & Gamble during her five-year MBA program at FAMU before returning in 2004 as a senior purchases manager for the company. She has served on the Black Purchases Success Network as a prime mover,, P&G's Corporate Purchases AA affinity group; is an avid recruiter for P&G; and has served as a mentor and coach for interns. Included among Gabby's outside activities are the Freedom Center Young Professionals Board, Class XIII of the Urban League's AALDP African American Leadership Development Program, and serves as an assistant coach and mentor for several girls basketball teams, and coordinating her church's vacation bible school. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

AMBER C. ALEXANDER
Kroger Personal Finance
Amber is a veteran financial service professional with more than 15 years of experience. She is currently pursuing a Charter Life Underwriting Designation through the American College while managing and directing the Kroger Finance Money Shop pilot project. Amber began volunteering with the YMCA Teen Achievers through the Toastmaster Youth Leadership program at the Powel Crosley, Jr. YMCA. Since then she expanded her commitment to helping with other aspects of the Achievers Program. She gives of herself, she had said, because she realizes the value in teaching communication and leadership skills to young people. She is a member of the Glendale Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

BRIDGETTE BLACKMON
Humana Inc.
Bridgette learned important life lessons earlier than most. A mother at 18 to a daughter diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, Bridgette was faced with challenges that taught her how to be a better person, a role model and a caretaker. Bridgette helps raise awareness of autism through Autism Speaks, and also volunteers for organizations such as People Working Cooperatively and Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. She also served as her church's youth group president. Professionally she worked her way up from a lifeguard to an administrative assistant to her current position as the production lead/certified pharmacy technician for the Doctor Call Back Department at Humana Inc.

ALEJANDRO BONILLA
Procter & Gamble
Born in Puerto Rico, Alejandro moved to Cincinnati in 2006 when he joined Procter & Gamble. His education and work ethic have guided his career path and led him to inspire others in the same way. In his current role as a key products research leader for the Bounty brand, he has led the design of consumer winning products. He is also on his company's steering team for the Hispanic Mentorship and Summer Intern Programs. Alejandro's commitment to helping others find success is extended to young people as a mentor and tutor in the Academy of Multilingual Immersion Studies. By bridging the language gap for students without an English background, he's helping them build a future. Additionally Alejandro has served as an ambassador in numerous programs benefiting the local Hispanic community.

ANGELA BURNS, ESQ.
Cincinnati Financial Corporation
Angela is a chief underwriting specialist at Cincinnati Financial Corporation and thoroughly enjoys her responsibility of mentoring new underwriters because she knows she is helping others succeed. It is with that same attitude that she contributes broadly to the community. Angela's involvement is diverse and extensive. Some of her activities include having served as a boardwalk trainer for the United Way, on a pro bono tax group at NKU's Chase College of Law, as a tutor for Reading is Fundamental, and as a night coordinator for a homeless shelter. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2005 Angela received the Gerald Sims Memorial Award for her commitment to academics, community and family from the Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati. In 2009 she was honored in Who's Who in Black Cincinnati.

LEO CALDERON
Northern Kentucky University
Leo is an advocate, a leader, a collaborator, and a volunteer using his skills to bridge culture gaps and strengthen communities. In his more than 24 years of experience at NKU, he has consulted with major corporations, schools and other non-profit organizations on building relationships with the growing Latino population. That dedication has parlayed into important roles within the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati as a metropolitan board member and co-chair for the Salute Gala. Leo has been a valuable asset to the YMCA Black & Hispanic Achievers Program as it expands this year to serve more Hispanic youth.

ALFREDO (FREDDY) CASTILLO
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America
An engineering specialist in Toyota's production engineering division, Freddy doesn't take any of his circumstances for granted-- especially being among the first generation in his family to attend and graduate college. Now as an adult he actively seeks opportunities to inspire other Latinos on paths of success. While in El Paso, Texas he was a leader of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and mentored disadvantaged teens. In 2008 he founded the Toyota Organization for the Development of Latinos. Freddy has also volunteered with Su Casa, the Hispanic Scholarship Fun and Cincy Cinco events.

RODERICK DAVIS (DON JUAN FA'SHO)
WIZF
One of Cincinnati's most popular on-air talents, Don Juan's career at Radio One's WIZF spans the last seven years; and includes two nominations for the Ohio Hip Hop Awards Best Radio Personality of the Year. However people in the community are equally familiar with his generosity. An advocate for many causes, he participates in walks and campaigns aimed at improving neighborhoods and lives. Don Juan especially has a soft spot for children. He has taken children in need Christmas shopping, speaks at schools with empowering messages of success, and regularly gives of his time through the Cincinnati Boys and Girls Club. For all that he has accomplished, Don Juan said, he credits his trust in God and his commitment to church.

SYLVESTER DuPREE III
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America
A project leader and specialist in the purchasing division for Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Sylvester also has local, regional and national positions within the National Society of Black Engineers in his portfolio. His strong sense of community has led him to many volunteer activities including serving as the Emerging Ethinic Engineers (E3) Committee chair in the African American Collaborative. In that role, he developed a mentorship program that exposes engineering students to the automotive industry. Additionally, Sylvester has been a mentor to teens at his church in social and educational situations.

RONDA ELIOPULOS
Great American Financial Resources, Inc.
Ronda joined her Great American Financial Resources, Inc. 24 years ago just after relocating from Los Angeles. She is manager of its Treasury Team which handles all of the company's single premium accounts. When not working, Ronda stays active through community involvement and uses the experience to teach her children the importance of helping others. Ronda's varied activities include participating in charitable walks, volunteering in her daughters' Girl Scout troop and school, serving as a team leader in Give Back Cincinnati's Paint the Town event, and more. Knowing she is making a positive difference is Ronda's greatest reward.

JEQUETTA FAIRBANKS
Great American Financial Resources, Inc.
Jequetta has gained a broad knowledge of the financial industry. Her nine years at Great American Financial Resources, Inc. have been a professional progression to her current position as a client services specialist in the Annuity Services Department. Jequetta's interest in commercial real estate has also led her into the apartment rental market. A woman of faith, she remains very active in the Word of Life Ministry Christian Center where she teaches Sunday school, ushers, helps with carnivals and nurtures neighborhood children. Being a positive role model to young people is important to her because she knows with goals and hard work, success follows.

SANSERRAE FRAZIER
PNC Financial Services Inc.
As a client services recruiter for PNC Financial Services, Inc., Sanserrae has a real knack for identifying and inspiring talent. In many ways she considers herself a 'relationship manager,' a role she takes very seriously both in her professional and personal life. Whether she is serving as a liaison between a jobseeker and hiring manager, a referee during a youth athletic competition, or an advocate for her family, she always exhibits character, and integrity. Sanserrae credits her mother's influence and her husband's support for her strong sense of family and giving back. Her community involvement includes assisting coaches and serving on the parent-teacher-student organization at Withrow University High School.

LISA GOINES
Macy's Credit and Customer Services
Throughout Lisa's 19 year career with Macy's Credit and Customer Services she has demonstrated a passion for learning, leading and customer service and shares that passion today through the Macy's mentor circle program. Her strong work ethic has moved her from call center associate to her current position as vice president of credit customer service. None of these accomplishments have gone unnoticed. In 1998 Lisa was a recipient of Macy's Credit and Customer Services Presidents Award. In 2004 she was nominated by her president as an up and coming executive for the YWCA Rising Star Award; and in 2008 her department was recognized for having the highest associate satisfaction rating. Lisa gives back through a variety of volunteer efforts that her company sponsors.

LONNIE C. GRAYSON
Environmental and Safety Solutions, Inc.
Lonnie appreciates firsthand the results of being committed to a dream. After gaining diverse experience as an engineer, he pursued his lifelong ambition by founding Environmental and Safety Solutions (ESS), Inc. With his own success, he gets great satisfaction by giving back. The past 20 years have seen him volunteering in numerous capacities including coaching sports; serving in leadership roles at his church; co-founding the Kingdom Heritage Ministries; and serving as assistant treasurer for the Wyoming Youth Services Bureau. He is also chairman of the board for the Powel Crosley, Jr. YMCA and a board member for the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati.

MICHAEL GRIFFIN, MSW
Northern Kentucky University
Michael's insatiable passion for social justice has motivated him to create numerous impactful and sustainable initiatives through his current position as program coordinator for Northern Kentucky University's Office of African American Student Affairs and Ethnic Services and previous jobs. At Albion College his role was to educate leadership on social issues and develop diversity policy recommendations. He was also the chief administrator for a mentoring program of underrepresented students, an activity close to his heart. In addition to building welcoming and inclusive forums at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, he created its UBS Freedom Scholars Mentoring Program which gave 100 students college preparedness skills. Michael also co-founded one of the largest single day youth conferences in the U.S.

ROBERT HARRIS
U.S. Bank
In college, Robert excelled academically and athletically as a star defensive back in football. As an adult he continues to pursue goals with a similar vigor and gives of his time to encourage others to do the same. An assistant manager for U.S. Bank's Delhi Biggs branch, he sits on his company's Development Network Board which encourages employee personal and professional growth, co-chairs U.S. Bank's Junior Achievement Program, and chairs its Accounting for Kids Program. Outside of work Robert is a board member of the Melrose YMCA. He also is the lead commander mentoring eight youth through the Knights of Peter Claver at St. Joseph Church and is chair his Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity chapter's Got to High School, Go to College initiative.

MELVIN MARSHALL
PNC Financial Services, Inc.
Melvin is vice president for the Northside and Camp Washington offices for National City Bank, part of PNC Financial Services, Inc. He is recognized as a team leader who consistently delivers results for development of his employees and the communities he serves. Melvin is a member of the Camp Washington Small Business Council and sat on the boards of Marianist Urban Students Program and Service for Mothers and Adolescents. His performance has earned him numerous awards including the company President's, Vice-Chairman's, and Chairman's Awards for sales, service and civic involvement.

GEORGE MARTINEZ, JR.
Luxottica Retail
George began his career in Arizona with a vision company eventually purchased by Luxottica. Moving to Ohio in 2001, his positive attitude and leadership skills have parlayed into growth opportunities including management of large system projects and the acquisition of Cole Managed Vision. Currently George works with the EyeMed Implementation Team and is responsible for developing new large group clients. He enjoys giving back as a volunteer through Luxottica's foundation, OneSight. Through its Cycle of Sight George assists with vision screenings in Cincinnati Public Schools and also participates in its eyeglass recycling efforts.

CLAUDETTE McBETH, ESQ.
Lerner, Sampson & Rothfuss, LPA
A native of Dayton, Ohio, Claudette is a licensed attorney working as department supervisor for her Lerner, Sampson & Rothfuss, LPA. However her most prized connection is her personal relationship with God. Building in the Kingdom of God is her true passion. In fulfilling it, she organized the Christ Uncompromised Through Everything, a bible study ministry which focuses on mentoring young ladies and helping young people achieve their destiny. Claudette is a member of Solid Rock Church and is currently being mentored through the International Institute of Mentoring.

IDRIS McKELVEY, ESQ.
Procter & Gamble
Idris is a member of Procter & Gamble's Intellectual Property Legal Division and a graduate of the Cincinnati Urban League's African American Leadership Development Program, Class XVI. As a professional of color, he realizes the importance of being a positive role model and serves as a mentor through the Cincinnati Chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Idris also serves on the Young Leaders Forum for the Salvation Army and regularly participates in Over-the-Rhine and West End community council meetings. His involvement with other organizations includes having served on the board for Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses.

JANELLE MERRITT
Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
Janelle is a professional who has achieved many goals. From an early age she knew she wanted to combine her desire for innovation and interest in helping people, so after earning a master's degree she joined Ethicon-Endo Surgery, Inc. In four years she has helped launch multiple products and was instrumental in bringing an innovation that saved her company millions. Aside from her work as an engineer, Janelle has been active in diversity recruitment at Ethicon, participating and managing activities in which she can give back and mentor students.

DWAYNE MILES
Humana Inc.
Dwayne realized he had the potential for making a positive difference during college while volunteering as a Children's Home of Cincinnati counselor. He impacted the lives of many vulnerable kids and their families. Those human service skills have transferred into his position as a leader of Humana's web production team and through other company community service activities. Included among them are having participated in a JDRF walk and in Operation Ike where he helped raise money and provide water for Hurricane Ike victims. He also helped his company choose the non-profit recipient of a $100,000 grant to carry out a worthwhile mission.

PAMELA MITCHELL
Freelance Art Director
Born into a family of talented artists, it was natural for Pam to develop her own creativity. After beginning her career in New York City, she returned to Cincinnati where her abilities have been used by well respected publications and companies. Pam earned numerous local and state design awards from the Society of Professional Journalists for her work as the design editor at The Cincinnati Herald. She has also served as assistant art director for Black Enterprise Magazine and as associate art director for Scholastic, Inc., where she designed award winning layouts aimed at teaching children math problems. Pam also designed several table top books such as Butterfly Gardening and Norman Rockwell's Growing Up in America.

JENNIFER A. MOORE
WCPO
Jennifer's career as a WCPO news producer and reporter began in 2007 just after graduating cum laude, but her TV experience dates back to high school when she participated in WCPO's Careers in Media Program. During college she interned most summers at the station, and earned a freelance position as a web producer. However, Jennifer's work only tells part of her story. In her spare time she mentors high school students and volunteers a lot of her time with the National Association of Black Journalists, Hughes High School and her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. Jennifer also applies her passions for writing, mentoring young people, reading and dance in numerous capacities at her church.

J. PHENISE POOLE, ESQ.
Fifth Third Bank
An attorney for Fifth Third Bank, Phenise's area of responsibility includes employment law and general human resource issues. She also manages employment and commercial litigation matters. Phenise is a member of the Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Bar Association, and the American Bar Association (ABA), Young Lawyers Division. In 2006 she was named one of the Ohio Super Lawyers Rising Stars in labor and employment law. Phenise received numerous accolades for her volunteer work in the ABA including her service as the Young Lawyers Division's public service co-chair. Under her leadership, the committee implemented an award-winning program called Choose Law which focused on encouraging minority students to become interested in the practice of law.

CRYSTAL C. POWELL
Western & Southern Financial Group
As someone whose job it is to recognize talent, Crystal is keenly aware that goals and education are vital to achieving success. Recruited in 2000 as an E-Term representative, her career at Western & Southern Financial Group moved to human resources after earning her bachelor's degree. Three years ago Crystal's promotion took her to field employment manager where she develops and manages outreach programs to recruit skilled people for sales and management positions. She serves on the Staffing and Retention Committee of the Greater Cincinnati Human Resources Association. Crystal shares her outlook with young people as a parent and a volunteer tutor at Withrow High School.

ALEXANDRA PULIDO-GONZALEZ
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America
Outside of Alexandra's professional responsibilities as a specialist in Toyota's purchasing division, one of her greatest joys is giving back. She helped establish the Toyota Organization for the Development of Latinos (TODOS) and currently serves as co-chair, leading numerous initiatives such as TODOS' animal shelter drive and Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. When she's not at work she spends time contributing through hands-on projects with Give Back Cincinnati and Habitat for Humanity. She also participates in the St. Vincent DePaul Hometown Harvest, Keep Cincinnati Beautiful and the American Heart Association's mini-marathon.

MAUREEN ROBERTSON
U.S. Bank
In her 28 years of banking experience Maureen has successfully taken on many new challenges. Her career has been a progression through new management roles including her current position as manager for U.S. Bank's Court Street office. Her job involves coaching and developing talent, building relationships with customers, and ultimately growing a small business. Maureen enjoys all of it. Indeed she applies those same skills through volunteer work. Maureen serves on the Over-the-Rhine Foundation Board and participates in Cincinnati Public Schools' Supplier Diversity Reach and Teach. She is also active in her church and helps care for the homeless through its Camboni Missionary Center.

JOE SEARS
WDBZ, WIZF, WMOJ
A senior broadcast sales account executive at Radio One, Joe's experience spans many areas including television producer, radio announcer, and community theatre actor. Arts and the media are his passion, seeing them as a tool for reaching the hearts and minds of people. He knows it is important to use such powerful resources to affect positive societal change. Another of Joe's passions is being a role model to others. He has mentored young professionals, has been an outspoken advocate against gun violence, and continues to serve in a prominent leadership role as associate pastor for his church's men's ministry.

PAULA SHERMAN
YMCA of Greater Cincinnati
Laughter and kindness are skills Paula knows well. They're what make her such an asset to the YMCA where providing growth opportunities to children are a priority. After receiving her master's degree in education administration, Paula joined the staff of the Powel Closely, Jr. YMCA as resource coordinator for the Pleasant Hill Academy School. She leads a team of staff and volunteers who help students achieve success. Paula is also a board member of Writers of Outstanding Words and a member of the Cincinnati Black Theatre Company, Muzika and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. She has received numerous awards for her innovative arts in education practices and commitment to providing life changing opportunities for underserved youth.

PERRY SIMMONS
100.3 MOJO
As an on-air personality for the past five years, Perry has been committed to Radio One's involvement in enhancing the community by participating in various radio station activities such as empowerment seminars and food drives. Since college, his fifteen year career has been focused on youth development. From helping young men transition from jail to society, to helping young fathers become better dads, Perry has committed his life to the improvement of young adults of diverse backgrounds. In addition to MOJO, he works for Sycamore High School with students who have disabilities. Perry truly believes that as a DJ, and as an instructor, it is his God given duty to lead by example and to maintain integrity.

SHANELL SNYDER, P.H.R.
Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America, Inc.

One of Shanell's greatest gifts to others is her radiant optimism and her passion for empowering those around her. A New Orleans native, Shanell recently relocated from Los Angeles, to continue her role in Toyota's Human Resources Department. In her tenure with Toyota, she has supervised, coached and mentored other employees. Additionally, she serves as community chair of Toyota's African American Collaborative Business Partnering Group where she leads community outreach initiatives. Outside work, Shanell attends Grace of God Ministries in Florence, Kentucky and recently designed and delivered etiquette training for the belles of scholarship recipients. Her greatest love is God and her family. Her greatest motivator is her mother.

DAWN SPARKS
Luxottica Retail
Throughout Dawn's four-year tenure at Luxottica Retail, her strong work ethic, positive attitude and team-mindedness have earned her numerous promotions toward her current job as senior project coordinator for Pearle Vision. She is always searching for ways to improve herself and encourage others to do the same. Dawn volunteers for numerous causes such as One Sight (Luxottica's charitable program), Cycle of Sight, Habitat for Humanity, United Way, and National Eye Exam Week. She has also held positions on the African-American Culture Team including leading a back-to-school drive for Withrow High School. Dawn is a 2009 recipient of Luxottica's Shining Star Award given to employees who demonstrate leadership and dedication to the company's vision, mission and values.

GAIL SYMONS
Hewlett Packard
An employee of Hewlett Packard since 2004, Gail has found opportunities through work to fulfill her desire to be a positive influence in the lives of children. As a member of HP's 'Team Cincinnati'- a group that organizes social events and community service projects - she has participated in numerous activities. Some of those have included taking photos of children with Santa at Cincinnati Museum Center, city cleanup through People Working Cooperatively, and making home renovations for a co-worker injured in an accident. Last year she was also involved in a leadership training program at Taft Elementary School and this year is assisting Riverside East Academy to develop a student counsel. Helping young people to find personal success is something she said she hopes to do for the rest of her life.

KRISTINA L. THOMAS
Macy's, Inc.
As the Associate Manager for Diversity Strategies at Macy's, Kristina is very focused on finding and supporting each person's unique strengths. It's a way of thinking that not only permeates her work, but her broader way of life as well. She uses that same energy to engage employees and customers carries through into many civic opportunities. Kristina's community work stretches in many directions, service as a board member of the Carl H. Lindner YMCA and as a Salvation Army Young Leaders board member, as an intern training facilitator and mentor for INROADS, as vice president and service chair for her Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority chapter, and as a volunteer in Macy's Partners in Time employee volunteer program. Her dedication hasn't gone unnoticed, being the recipient of the 2006 YWCA Rising Star and the 2007 Leader for the Future Awards.

VENITA TURNER
United Parcel Service
For Venita, a missionary, living her life by the motto 'with God all things are possible' means giving whenever and however she is called upon. During her 16 years at UPS where she is currently the worker's comp administrator, she has supported the community in numerous ways. Most recently she has been involved with the American Cancer Society/Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. Through the Bible Way Church of God In Christ, she serves meals at the Ronald McDonald House and participates in prayer walks. She has also been president of her church's youth and young adult choir, taught religious studies, and continues to work with its youth department.

JUSTIN WADE
Macy's Credit and Customer Services
Justin very much appreciates his blessings and he enjoys giving of himself in return. He joined Macy's Credit and Customer Services in 2006 with the responsibility of up to 50 agents. Three years later his communication skills led him to assume responsibility for command desk operations in two departments. Outside of work he applies those skills to volunteer roles including participating in Prepare Affair which winterizes homes of older adults, the Multiple Sclerosis Walk, and the Bag Hunger Campaign , raising food for the FreeStore/FoodBank. He is also a supporter of the United Way and Campus Crusade for Christ. Justin is a member of the Delta Gamma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, serving as the co-advisor to the Sigma Gamma Chapter at Xavier University.

WALTER WHITE
Sesh Communications
Walter is skilled at building relationships working as a productive team. As Senior Vice President, he leads his company's innovation, advertising and marketing sales strategies for the Cincinnati Herald, the Northern Kentucky Herald and the Dayton Defender. In his role he consults and partners with Fortune 500 clients, educational organizations and political parties. The team of Walter and other Sesh professionals has led the company to national recognition for journalism and growth. He attributes hard work and dedication to his accomplishments, the same principles he instills in others through community board participation and coaching high school basketball.

TIRA M. WILLIAMS, R.N., B.S.N.
The Drake Center
It takes a special kind of person to care for victims of accident or violence who travel from disbelief to loss of hope, helping them heal from the inside out. Tira is that someone. She is the clinical manager for The Drake Center's Long Term Acute Care Units. Nursing, she said, has always been rewarding to her as she witnesses the strength of her patients' adjusting to catastrophic life changes. Most difficult for her has been the high incidence of young African American men who have lost their functional lives due to violence. She loves being an inspiration to others through her YMCA volunteerism. Her children have grown at the Y through swimming and basketball program participation. Tira is also involved in the Instructional Leadership Team for Hughes Stem High School, and is a member of the Inspirational Baptist Church.

DEIRDRE WILLINGHAM
Western & Southern Financial Group
Deirdre knows that with diligence comes reward. Since beginning her career with Western & Southern Financial Group as a business processor, hard work has earned her three promotions and her current position as a technical service analyst. Working in a team environment, she is responsible for system testing, and support and development of life insurance system. In addition to her full time job, Deirdre is pursuing her bachelor's degree in computer information systems. Deirdre has always enjoyed reaching out and helping others, and especially is looking forward to being a positive influence in the lives of young people.