Press Releases

July 8, 2025

Leadership Akron Launches Diversity on Board Class 10
A Decade of Empowering Diverse Leaders

Now in its tenth year, Leadership Akron’s Diversity on Board program is advancing a new class of 22 changemakers ready to lead with purpose in Greater Akron.

This milestone class continues the program’s mission to develop diverse talent for board service through a dynamic blend of leadership development, coaching, education, and hands-on experience. As with every class, these individuals are stepping into a relational journey designed not just to inform, but to transform – both themselves and the communities they serve.

“When we say we’re building the future of Greater Akron, this is what we mean,” said Justin Hilton, President & CEO of Leadership Akron. “Diversity on Board connects courageous, community-minded leaders with the insight, relationships, and tools to lead with lasting influence. This tenth class represents a decade of momentum, and a future full of leaders who reflect the full breadth and brilliance of our region.”

Please join us in welcoming the Diversity on Board Class 10:

  • Dana Baylor, Emmanuel Christian Academy

  • Keisha Bedell, Cultivate Counseling and Consulting

  • Brittany Bell, Positive Vibez Cleaning & The Juice Hive

  • Jason Betts, Summit Department of Jobs and Family Services

  • Jazzmin Bowman, Summit County Children Services

  • Jazzmon Britton, Akron Public Schools

  • RaJohn Butler, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

  • Hope Evans-Oliver, Summit County Department of Jobs and Family Services

  • Tonya Gulley, FirstEnergy - Retired

  • Ashley Hamilton, The Huntington National Bank

  • Candace Hilton, Grace House Akron

  • Kimberly Humphrey, Summit County Probate Court

  • Monique Johnson, Summa Health Equity Center

  • Elaine Jones, SummaCare

  • Jeanetta Knox, The Huntington National Bank

  • Tiffany Lundy, Akron Public Schools

  • Leslie Rashid, METRO Regional Transit Authority

  • Devin Ray, Akron Police Department

  • Calvin Robinson, United Way of Summit & Medina

  • Orlando Romine, Akron Police Department

  • Ryan Stiles, The J.M. Smucker Co

  • Jessica Travis, City of Akron-Recreation and Parks Department

Launching this August and running through spring 2026, the program reflects Leadership Akron’s ongoing mission to experientially connect Greater Akron leaders in ways that produce not only transformation, but sustained community momentum.

For more than four decades, Leadership Akron has been curating significantly impacting moments that grow individuals into collaborators for life. In addition to the Diversity on Board Program, Leadership Akron offers a suite of immersive program opportunities, including Signature, Junior Leadership Akron, NEXT, and more – each designed to cultivate a network of leaders committed to Greater Akron’s continued evolution.

Diversity on Board Class 10 will be formally introduced at Leadership Akron’s 2025 Annual Meeting & Read Family Difference Maker Award Reception on Thursday, August 21, from 4:30–7:30 PM at 1840 Manor House. Event details and sponsorships available at: www.leadershipakron.org/2025annualmeeting

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, visit www.leadershipakron.org