Press Releases

July 9, 2024

Leadership Akron Unveils Ninth Class of Diversity on Board Program

Leadership Akron is thrilled to announce the members of the ninth class of the Diversity on Board program. This year's class brings together a dynamic group of professionals poised to enhance their leadership capabilities and significantly contribute to nonprofit boards across Greater Akron.

The Diversity on Board program aims to develop diverse talent for nonprofit board service through leadership development, education, and coaching. Participants gain valuable knowledge on board governance, receive personalized coaching, and engage in community service and networking opportunities with leading organizations across Greater Akron.

“Welcoming our ninth class is a testament to our commitment to fostering diverse leadership in Akron,” said Justin Hilton, President and CEO of Leadership Akron. “Each Diversity on Board participant brings a unique perspective and skills that will enrich our community. We look forward to supporting their development and seeing the positive changes they will champion in their respective roles.”

Please join us in welcoming the Diversity on Board Class 9:

  • Nyema Bedell - Cultivate Counseling & Consulting

  • Vonsheay Brown - City of Akron Law Department

  • Leesa Bruback - United Way of Summit & Medina

  • Daquita Cummings - FirstEnergy Corp.

  • Dietra Goggins - Metro RTA Transit Police Department and Akron Metro Regional Transit Authority

  • Natalie Grier - Tarry House, Inc

  • ShaQeria Hunter - United Way of Summit & Medina

  • Deetrah Jordan - Akron Children's Hospital

  • Lloyd Mahachi - Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co

  • Twa'Nysha Mitchell - Insuchaway Mentoring Program  &  Summit County Common Pleas Court/ Adult Probation Department

  • Michael Murphy - Akron Police Department

  • Erick Parker - Global Business Consultants, LLC

  • Reyna Perez - Bellefaire Jewish Children's Bureau

  • Talia Powell - Advocacy & Protective Services Inc

  • Jason Wallace - FirstEnergy Corp.

  • Marteece Waters - ACCEL Schools

  • Deniela T. Williams - Summit County Court of Common Pleas - Leadership Akron Board of Trustee Honorary Representative

We anticipate remarkable contributions from these individuals as they embark on their journey toward board service and community leadership in Greater Akron.

Diversity on Board Class 9 will be introduced and celebrated at Leadership Akron’s 2024 Annual Meeting and Read Family Difference Maker Award Event on Thursday, August 22nd, from 5:30 to 8:00 pm at the Akron Civic Theater. Event page: https://www.leadershipakron.org/2024annualmeeting

About Diversity on Board Program

Leadership Akron’s Diversity on Board program is designed to develop diverse talent for service on nonprofit boards through a comprehensive program of leadership development, education, and coaching. Participants gain valuable knowledge on all aspects of board governance and leadership, receive personalized coaching from established leaders, and engage in board shadowing, community service, and networking opportunities with leading organizations throughout Summit County. The program’s long-term goal is to create a critical mass of minority leaders prepared, motivated, and connected to serve on boards, while the short-term goal is for graduates to serve on a board or committee within one year.

About Leadership Akron
For over 40 years, Leadership Akron has inspired, strengthened, and empowered leaders to create a greater Akron. Through unique experiences and partnerships with local leaders, Leadership Akron provides a platform for emerging and established leaders to contribute to the community's vibrancy. For more information about Leadership Akron, visit www.leadershipakron.org

Henry Johnson, Jr.
Senior Program Manager