Contributed by Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati

The Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati (BLAC) announces Adreanne Stuckey as its new President. With a deep commitment to service, equity, and justice, Stuckey steps into this leadership role with a vision of increasing engagement among legal professionals and uplifting the greater Cincinnati community. Stuckey has been involved with the BLAC since 2016 and brings years of legal expertise and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, professional development, and community outreach.    

Under her leadership, BLAC aims to foster stronger connections among Black attorneys, enhance resources for aspiring legal professionals, and expand initiatives that support underrepresented communities. During a time when justice and equality are being attacked on all sides, it is important to take a stand, strengthen our network, and provide opportunities for growth.    

Stuckey’s tenure will focus on collaborative partnerships, mentorship, and advocacy efforts that address key issues affecting Black professionals and marginalized communities in Cincinnati. She invites all members, allies, and supporters to join in this mission of progress and unity.

The new Executive Board includes Vice President Jada Colon; Corresponding Secretary Jordan McSayles; Recording Secretary Whitney Glover; Parliamentarian Brandon Craig; Community Service Chair Angela White; Law School Liaison Ihsan Walker; Membership Chair Jeremy D’Abreau; Banquet Chair Saria Lattimore.

The association’s Scholarship & Awards Banquet Gala is Saturday April 26 in downtown Cincinnati.        

For more information on BLAC’s upcoming initiatives and ways to get involved, email cincyblac@gmail.com.

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By Sheri Hager , Communications Director

Paul Haffner, president and chief executive officer of Lighthouse Youth & Family Services, will retire on Dec. 31, 2025. Haffner has served in his role since 2016. 

Under his leadership, Lighthouse Youth & Family Services (Lighthouse) created and implemented programs aimed at ending youth homelessness, opened the Lighthouse Clinic as part of an effort to advance health equity, and increased capacity for youth in its shelters and residential treatment programs through renovation and construction.

Plus, every Lighthouse location underwent improvements and upgrades, including trauma-informed design to create a sense of safety, community, respect and dignity. 

“Paul is a champion of building communities where every young person has the opportunity to thrive,” said Debbie White Richardson, chair of the Lighthouse board of trustees. “He is a strong leader who remains focused on doing what’s best for those Lighthouse serves, no matter the challenge — including successfully leading the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, always putting safety first and ensuring Lighthouse’s doors stayed open.” 

Also, under Haffner’s leadership, Lighthouse Youth & Family Services has become a beacon of diversity, equity and inclusion, principles embedded in its practices and services. The effort includes continual learning, courageous conversations, closing gender-and race-based wage gaps, and evaluating policies and hiring practices. 

“My time at Lighthouse has been the most rewarding of my career,” said Haffner. “It has been a privilege to lead the organization and an honor to work with a team that is passionate about our mission and delivers excellence every day.” 

The search for Haffner’s successor begins immediately. 

Haffner joined Lighthouse after a 22-year career as a corporate lawyer and business manager with prominent Cincinnati law firms and the Great American Insurance Group. A member of Leadership Cincinnati Class 39, he previously served as board chair of the Cincinnati Nature Center and on the boards of directors of Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services, Ronald McDonald House of Greater Cincinnati and the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation, Ohio Chapter. He currently serves as board secretary for the Ohio Children’s Alliance. 

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By Marita Salkowski, Marita.salkowski@redcross.org

The Greater Cincinnati Tri-State Chapter of the American Red Cross has announced that Delores Hargrove-Young has been named the recipient of the prestigious Clara Barton Award for Humanitarian Service. The award will be presented at a special breakfast event held April 3, at 8:30 a.m. at Cincinnati’s Music Hall.

The Clara Barton Award is named after the remarkable founder and first leader of the American Red Cross and is given annually by the Cincinnati chapter to an individual, group of individuals, or corporation which exemplifies Barton’s humanitarian spirit. 

Hargrove-Young has been selected as this year’s recipient because of her life-long commitment to humanitarian service in the Cincinnati community. As the vice chair of d.e. Foxx & Associates, one of Greater Cincinnati’s largest minority-owned businesses, Hargrove-Young has been a prominent member of many non-profit organization boards including the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Artswave, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the American Red Cross. In 2024, she was named as a Great Living Cincinnatian by the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce.

Hargrove-Young served as the chair of the Greater Cincinnati Tri-State board from 2016 to 2018.  She is the first African American woman to serve as chair of the local Red Cross board of directors. During her time as both a member and chair of the Cincinnati Board, she was instrumental in the establishment and growth of the Sound the Alarm Campaign, which aims to reduce deaths and injuries due to home fires through the installation of free smoke alarms.  The concept born in the Cincinnati Chapter has now become a national campaign.  

“Delores has had a lasting impact on the greater Cincinnati community,” said Stephanie Byrd, regional executive for the American Red Cross Central & Southern Ohio Region. “She is a remarkable businesswoman, a prominent community leader, and a staunch supporter of diversity and empowerment of women. I am in awe of her strength, yet kindly resolve to make all aspects of our community better.”

The Clara Baron Award for Humanitarian Service event gives the Red Cross an opportunity to recognize community leaders for their service, as well as highlight the work of the Greater Cincinnati Tri-State Chapter.

The funds generated serve as an important source of revenue in supporting the life-saving Red Cross programs in Hamilton, Butler, Warren, Brown, Clermont, Dearborn, Ohio, Boone, Kenton, Campbell, and Grant counties. Individuals, corporations or organizations seeking sponsorship opportunities for this event should contact Laura.Shepherd@redcross.org,  for more information on the event.

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By Andy Furman, Herald Contributor

COVINGTON, Ky. – Armonie Banks started working 16 years ago.

“I was taking care of my grandma when I was 11,” the new Residential Medical Coordinator for The Point/Arc said. “She had cancer and passed when I was 13.”

The passion and love of caring for others was something not soon lost on Banks – nursing school was on her radar.

“I worked as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at The Point/Arc, while I was attending nursing school for two years,” she said.

Direct Service Professionals provide necessary support and services to people of all ages with disabilities. The Point/Arc has sixteen residential homes that operate on seven-days-a-week, 365 days-a-year.

“The people who serve at The Point/Arc are all dedicated with the same goal,” Banks said, “to help and support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).”

As Residential Medical Coordinator, Armonie Banks manages all medical care – including appointments – for all those in residential homes.

“It’s quite the responsibility,” she admits, “but I work closely with the Leads of our homes, and we manage to coordinate the needs of all our clients.”

She works a five-day – 8:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m. – schedule but is available for emergency situations on weekends and in the evenings.

Adding to that schedule, Armonie Banks is a single-mom – her daughter turns two on the fourth of February. “I’ll get up at 6 a.m.,” she says, “leave my home in Independence at 7 a.m. and take my daughter to day care in Cincinnati.”

The birth of her daughter forced her to leave her DSP position while attending Beckfield College. “When I completed my LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) program (in 2024), I heard The Point/Arc was looking to hire an additional nurse. I knew they have plans of expansion down the road, and they will be needing nurses.”

She says the greatest challenge in her position is, “coordinating all residents with medical care. I communicate with the doctors, guardians, and parents of our residents,” she said.

But she admits the satisfaction of helping others certainly outweighs the stress involved.

“I just enjoy serving  others,” the Princeton High School graduate, and former volleyball player, said. “It’s just part of my DNA.”

Grandma would have been proud.

The Point/Arc established its first group home in 1995. The Point currently owns and operates 16 well-maintained homes in beautiful neighborhoods that house nearly 70 residents. The group homes are located in Campbell, Kenton, and Boone Counties.

The Point/Arc began in 1972 as a support group for parents of individuals with intellectual and developmental (I/DD) disabilities. The Point has grown to a holistic agency with a wide-range of around-the-clock programs for more than 1,400 individuals with a variety of disabilities, from autism to down syndrome to many one-of-a kind diagnosis. “It is our mission to fill in the service gaps and help individuals with I/DD live their dreams and become inclusive members of the community,” said Judi Gerding, Founder and President of The Point/Arc.

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By Joshua Smitherman, Jostin Construction

The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation  announced that Albert Smitherman, CEO of Jostin Construction, has been appointed to its Advisory Committee.

With over 40 years of leadership and a steadfast commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and economic mobility, Smitherman brings a wealth of experience to the Haile Foundation’s mission of enhancing the quality of life for residents in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. His work as a champion of community engagement, mentorship, and opportunity aligns perfectly with the foundation’s focus on Arts and Culture, Civic and Community, Education, and Human Services, said foundation officials.

“It’s an honor to join the Haile Foundation Advisory Committee,” said Smitherman. “This is an opportunity to foster inclusion, empower communities, and help build a stronger, more vibrant Greater Cincinnati.”

Smitherman joins an esteemed group of leaders, including newly appointed Advisory Committee member Wijdan Jreisat, alongside current members Jenny Powell, Vickie Buyniski Gluckman, and Jennie Carlson. Together, the committee will continue to guide the foundation as it builds on its legacy of transformational impact.

The Haile Foundation, which exceeded $200 million in grantmaking in 2024, is dedicated to addressing critical community needs through both traditional and innovative approaches.

“Albert’s proven track record of leadership and his passion for creating positive change make him an invaluable addition to our team,” said Bernie McKay, President & CEO of the Haile Foundation. “We are thrilled to welcome him as we continue to create meaningful impact in our region.”

The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation is an independent family foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. The foundation focuses its efforts on areas most important to Carol Ann and Ralph: Arts and Culture, Civic and Community, Education, and Human Services. By collaborating with regional stakeholders, the foundation strives to create pathways for.

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By Melissa Vince, Ohio MLK Awards

COLUMBUS — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission has announced the winners of the annual Ohio MLK Awards honoring the service and achievements of Ohio residents and organizations in areas consistent with the teachings and example of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Governor’s Humanitarian Award was presented to Deacon Royce Winters, director of African American Pastoral Ministries for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and the Crescent Parishes director of evangelization at the Church of the Resurrection.

The governor said, “Congratulations to these Ohioans who live by Dr. King’s principles of freedom, equality, justice, liberty, individuality and respect. “We honor them for  their contributions and service to their communities.”

The commission presented the awards on Jan. 16 during the 40th annual Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration at Trinity Episcopal Church in Columbus.

Christina Rodriguez, commission chair, said, “This year’s award winners are selfless, servant-led leaders who go the extra mile and place others before their own needs.”

According to the award information, Deacon Winters, of Cincinnati, is one of those quiet soldiers who promote the welfare of humanity and the elimination of pain and suffering through their own selfless service, often without recognition.

Deacon Royce Winters exemplifies the spirit of selfless service and personal activism. “His unwavering commitment to promoting the welfare of humanity through the elimination of pain and suffering stands as a model for all to emulate,” according to his nominator.

A Cincinnati police officer for 26 years, he became a permanent deacon eight years before he retired from the force.

He leads initiatives that facilitate the affirmation, acceptance and inclusion of people of African heritage within the Catholic Church. Under his guidance, the Office for African American Pastoral Ministries empowers individuals to grow spiritually and become active disciples of Christ, fostering a sense of belonging and community.

Winters’ deep understanding of the challenges faced by African American Catholics is reflected in his powerful words: “For so many of us being Black and Catholic means having come into the Church because education opened the door to evangelization.”

His insight captures the essence of his mission: to advocate for the rights and recognition of marginalized voices while empowering them to take charge of their spiritual and educational journeys.

His commitment extends beyond the Church; he serves on the Xavier Jesuit Academy board of trustees, a newly established institution in the Bond Hill neighborhood of Cincinnati, designed to offer a transformative, scholarship-funded education for young men.

He believes passionately that “to change their lives, and the lives of their families, we must educate them.” His vision is clear: through education, we can dismantle the barriers that perpetuate poverty and suppress dreams.

His nominator said, “In a community where many face the daily struggles of poverty, Deacon Winters is a beacon of hope. He understands that ‘poverty suppresses the ability to dream,’ and he is tirelessly working to change that narrative.

“His leadership and dedication have inspired countless individuals to rise above their circumstances, embodying the principles of service and resilience that Dr. King championed.”

Feature Image: Deacon Royce Winters. Photo provided

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By Margee Garbsch, Director of Marketing

Siobhan Taylor, President & CEO of DePaul Cristo Rey High School, has been recognized with prestigious community and business awards.

In December, President Taylor was recognized as one of 10 Women Who Mean Business honorees at The Cincinnati Business Courier’s annual awards luncheon. The program celebrates Greater Cincinnati women across a broad range of fields whose achievements over the past year are helping transform their organizations as well as the region. President Taylor was recognized for her leadership of DePaul Cristo Rey which has a unique role in the local business community through its innovative Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP).    The CWSP partners with 90 businesses and organizations where students work earning part of their own education costs. Additionally, it was recognized that the school prepares future professionals and leaders through its college-preparatory academic program that has seen every graduating senior accepted to college since the school opened in 2011.

Taylor was also honored with the Business and Community Engagement Award at the 14^th annual APNET (African Professionals Network) Symposium Gala in November. She also served as a keynote speaker at the symposium which is APNET’s premier annual event for networking and celebrating local leaders making a difference in the community. ​

DePaul Cristo Rey is a Catholic, college-preparatory high school with a mission to educate young people who have the potential but limited financial means to go to college. This is accomplished through a dynamic academic program partnered with an innovative Corporate Work Study Program, not available at any other local high school. Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, DPCR is one of 40 high schools in the nationwide Cristo Rey Network which serves 12,300 young people.

Feature Image: Siobhan Taylor. Provided.

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