Leadership Akron Welcomes Diversity on Board Class 11

Written By IMMIX Marketing

Twenty Greater Akron leaders begin a program designed to prepare and connect diverse talent for board service.

Leadership Akron is pleased to announce the members of Diversity on Board Class 11, a group of 20 leaders who will deepen their understanding of nonprofit board service while building relationships that strengthen Greater Akron.

Diversity on Board prepares leaders from diverse backgrounds for nonprofit board service through governance education, personalized coaching, board shadowing, community service, and networking with local leaders and organizations. Through the experience, participants gain practical knowledge, meaningful connections, and a broader community perspective as they prepare to serve organizations throughout the region.

“Greater Akron is stronger when more leaders are prepared, connected, and invited to serve,” said Justin Hilton, President & CEO of Leadership Akron. “Diversity on Board helps open that pathway. This class brings lived experience, professional perspective, and a clear commitment to community. As they grow in board leadership, they will also build the relationships and deeper understanding needed to serve organizations across our region with purpose and impact.”

Please join us in welcoming Diversity on Board Class 11:

  • Chris Boswell, The Well Community Development Corporation

  • Josef Burgan II, Akron Municipal Court

  • Shavis Cain, Middlebury Academy

  • Mari Chapman, Cleveland Clinic

  • Brooks Collins-Gaines, Coleman Health Services

  • Antoinnette “Toni” Dudley, UWSM, Akron Financial Empowerment Center

  • Brandy Grandberry, JPMorgan Chase

  • Iva Jewell, The Huntington National Bank

  • J’Waun Miller, JRM Mobile Notary Service

  • Marshall Preston, MetroRTA

  • Meka Purdie-Moore, Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center

  • Denikka Ray, Akron Community Foundation

  • Ayanna Ray, City of Akron

  • Chanté Roberts, United Way Summit Medina

  • Talisa Sims, Lady T’s Soulfood, LLC

  • Twaunita Solomon-Thompson, Cleveland Clinic Akron General

  • Ciera Stanford, Optum

  • Jamil Talley, Akron Police Department

  • Ciera Walker, Akron Municipal Court

  • Kaela Wilson, Cole Haan

The program begins this September and continues through spring 2027. Throughout the experience, participants will engage with community leaders, explore the responsibilities of nonprofit board service, and gain a deeper understanding of how thoughtful governance supports organizations working across Greater Akron.

Diversity on Board Class 11 will be formally introduced at Leadership Akron’s 2026 Annual Meeting & Read Family Difference Maker Award Reception on Thursday, August 20, from 4:30–7:30 PM at Our Lady of the Cedars in Fairlawn. Event details and sponsorship opportunities are available at: https://www.leadershipakron.org/2026annualmeeting

About Diversity on Board
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 more than 40 years, Leadership Akron has inspired, strengthened, and empowered leaders to create a greater Akron. Through immersive experiences and community connections, Leadership Akron serves as the only community platform experientially connecting leaders across sectors, backgrounds, and generations. With a network of more than 2,000 alumni, Leadership Akron continues to expand the experience of leadership, fostering relationships, building knowledge, and catalyzing impact for the future of Greater Akron.

In addition to the Signature Program, Leadership Akron offers Diversity on Board, Junior Leadership Akron, NEXT, Insight Akron, Community Leadership Institutes, and other opportunities designed to build a relational ecosystem of leaders committed to strengthening Greater Akron.

For more information, visit www.leadershipakron.org.

IMMIX Marketing
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