women who soar - asme community

E D U C A T I O N + E M P L O Y M E N T = E M P O W E R M E N T | A k r o n U r b a n L e a g u e

WOMEN WHO

SOAR

Akron Urban League 92nd Annual Gala + Inaugural Women in STEAM Leadership Academy Induction

STEAMING AHEADAugust 18, 2017

Quaker Station, The University of Akron5:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Key.com is a federally registered service mark of KeyCorp. ©2017 KeyCorp. KeyBank is Member FDIC. 170714-260348 key.com

Thanks to you, communities thrive.

Congratulations to the inaugural class of the Akron Urban League’s Academy of Leaders. These women have demonstrated exceptional leadership and have had a positive effect

on the lives of the people in our community. We recognize the contributions they have made in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) as they inspire others to

keep “Steaming Ahead.”

KeyBank is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of the Akron Urban League’s 92nd Annual Gala and to be a part of their vital mission to improve the quality of life in Summit County.

E D U C A T I O N + E M P L O Y M E N T = E M P O W E R M E N T | A k r o n U r b a n L e a g u eE D U C A T I O N + E M P L O Y M E N T = E M P O W E R M E N T | A k r o n U r b a n L e a g u e 3

WELCOME to the Akron Urban League’s 92nd Annual Gala!

The Akron Urban League is a cornerstone of our community and is a beloved partner of the County of Summit. Tonight, it is my honor to serve as the Chair for this wonderful event. This year’s Gala is filled with fresh, new energy and vision as Dr. Sadie Winlock, the League’s new CEO, takes the reins. Certainly, the “STEAMing Ahead” theme of this year’s Gala is appropriate as the Urban League enters a new chapter of engagement and empowerment in our community.

Tonight, we induct our inaugural class of the Academy of Leaders —local women leaders in science, technology, engineering, arts or architecture, and math (STEAM). These influential women are trailblazers; they are mentors leading our community to achieve great things, and, like the Urban League, they have been vital to our community STEAMing ahead.

As the first woman to serve as Summit County Executive, I am proud to join Dr. Winlock and the Akron Urban League in celebrating tonight’s incredibly impressive inductees to the Academy of Leaders: Diane Miller-Dawson (Director of Finance: City of Akron), Dr. Julie Zhao (Assistant Dean: International Initiatives and Director of Diversity and Retention: The University of Akron), Cara Adams (Chief Engineer of Race Tire Development: Bridgestone Americas Motorsports), and Dr. Yoleetah Ilodi (Physician Leader, Office of Minority Affairs for Medical Education: Summa Health System).

Your support tonight for the 92nd Annual Gala is vital to raising funds for the Akron Urban League and supporting this incredible institution in enhancing their programs and services. The Akron Urban League’s work to improve opportunity, access and quality of life for youth, young adults, and our African-American neighbors is vital to our community’s success and vitality. Through education, awareness, and business opportunities, strides continue to be made in improving the lives of so many in our community.

The County of Summit is a committed partner with the Akron Urban League in providing employment opportunities for our local youth, as well as providing workforce training, education and placement for adults who are seeking gainful employment. As the county also expands its focus to provide more assistance to local small and medium-sized businesses, we are placing an emphasis on helping minority and women-owned business success in the county. In an expanded effort to more fully reflect the uniqueness of the men, women and children across our community, the county has placed additional focus on diversity and inclusion in our hiring and contracting efforts. I look forward to continuing our work with the Urban League on these initiatives, and your support tonight will strengthen these collaborative and collective efforts.

Lastly, I would like to extend a heartfelt welcome to Motown Record’s “The Temptations Review,” featuring Dennis Edwards, who will be entertaining us this evening. If you have not yet had a chance to see the Temptations in person, prepare yourself for a treat!

Thank you all for being here tonight to support Akron Urban League’s sensational new programs and introduction of the inaugural class of the Academy of Leaders. This is going to be a fun and exciting night for all. Enjoy!

Sincerely,

Ilene Shapiro Summit County Executive

Akron Urban League 92nd Annual Gala

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STEAM ProgramPreparing the workforce of the future

WHY FOCUS ON STEAM?Former President Obama announced the “Educate to Innovate” initiative, which aims to increase the number and quality of students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM; The White House, 2010). In order for the United States to compete with international markets in research and innovation, mathematics and science must become a priority in all grades. This mandate includes attending to opportunities to learn mathematics and science in preschool (Early Education Development, 2014 May; 25(4): 445–468).

The Akron Urban League took this mandate as a responsibility to participate in the “Educate to Innovate” Program. We believe by engaging children at an early age, with a focus on STEAM, we can impact their interest levels.

While children are not natural scientists, they do have a natural instinct of curiosity. According to Karen Worth from the Center for Science Education in Newton, Massachusetts, children approach science in much the same way as experts. Children notice, wonder and explore. This causes them to take actions, ask questions and begin to make solid observations. Generating more curiosity with the introduction of data that continues to create more questions, children begin to develop and explore beyond what is expected. The Akron Urban League utilizes this approach in our STEAM program, depending on the curiosity of our children to wonder, ask questions and explore to formulate ideas and produce innovation.

To add value to our program, we also wanted to introduce the component of role models to heighten the awareness, possibilities and the reality for our children that they can reach beyond their current demographics. Introducing people who look like them who have achieved what they may only dream about activates, we hope, the children’s belief they too can become a member of leaders in STEAM.

by Dr. Sadie Winlock

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Welcome to the 1st Edition of SOAR

STEAMING AHEAD!

Welcome to the Akron Urban League’s 92nd Annual Gala and our inaugural celebration of Women in STEAM. Thank you for your presence and participation in recognizing a 92-year-old history, but also in honoring women who mirror our legacy, succeeding and SOARING in male-dominated careers.

We are proud to honor these women because they represent the possibilities when individuals are supported and assisted on their career journey. This has been our past performance and is also what we do every day: working with children to increase their knowledge and interest in science and math, supporting youth in receiving scholarships and jobs, adults and ex-offenders becoming job ready and employable. Now you can add something new to our tradition—identifying, with your help, the hidden figures in the Greater Akron area and noting their contributions to the community.

As President and CEO, I want to thank the employees of the Akron Urban League who give every day to help the people we serve to find the best in them, encourage them not to give up, and to utilize their tools to succeed. I thank our funders who have started to have faith in our ability to be a major contributor, and the many corporations and individual donors who believe in us and trust and support us as a future builder of the Greater Akron community. I want to thank everyone in this community who has joined us as a member, participated in our programs or served as a volunteer. I want to thank my board for their confidence and commitment to serve. I especially want to thank County Executive Ilene Shapiro, our honorary chair for the evening, for her unwavering confidence and support of the Akron Urban League and me.

I invite you to celebrate our Women in STEAM, the camaraderie of the Akron community gathering to recognize others, learning more about the Akron Urban League, and dancing the night away with Motown Records, “The Temptations.”

Thank you for your continued faith and support!

It is such a privilege to lead the Board of the Akron Urban League. Each of our members is dedicated to the mission of the organization: support the Akron Urban League to help people live a quality life. This evening’s event, “Women in STEAM,” is representative of a collaborative effort of the Board, the League and the community coming together to not only celebrate 92 years of service, but also to honor women who we know work diligently behind the scenes to make a difference.

While this is an annual Gala for the Akron Urban League, this year is different than any other. This is the beginning of a new era in programming and services. It is the shift to major collaborations with people and partners to provide exceptional deliverables to the Akron community. The organization is aligned with the needs of the community. We care about people having food to eat, homes to live in and jobs to support themselves. We care about young professionals excelling. We care about those who are incarcerated having a second chance.

Your attendance at this Gala is so important because you are investing in the future of an organization that is positioned to help close the third-grade reading gap in partnership with the Summit Education Initiative and NASA, ensure every family has food to eat in partnership with the Food Pantry and the Good Samaritan Hunger Center, improve the jobless in obtaining and retaining employment in partnership with TwinCitiesRise! and many more. Thank you for your investment in the Akron Urban League and enjoy your evening.

Sincerely,

Akron Urban League 92nd Annual Gala

S. Theresa Carter Akron Urban League Board Chair

Dr. Sadie WinlockAkron Urban League President and CEO

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Program Agenda5:00

6:00

6:15

7:15

7:30

8:30

10:30

BALLROOM OPEN

OPEN BAR

Theresa Carter: Welcome & Introduction of County Executive, Ilene Shapiro • ILENE SHAPIRO, County Executive and Honorary Chair, 92nd Annual Gala • STEPHANIE W TURNER, Senior Vice President of Corporate Responsibility, KeyBank

Dr. Sadie Winlock, President & CEO, Akron Urban League

Dinner

STEAM Leadership Academy, Dr. Winlock

STEAM Leadership Induction Ceremony

• CARA ADAMS, Bridgestone Americas

• DIANE MILLER-DAWSON, City of Akron

• DR. YOLEETAH ILODI, Summa Health System

• DR. JULIE ZHAO, The University of Akron

Motown Records, “The Temptations”

Closing Remarks

Akron Urban League 92nd Annual Gala +

Inaugural Women in STEAM Leadership Academy Induction

STEAMING AHEADAugust 18, 2017

Quaker Station, The University of Akron5:00 p.m – 10:30 p.m.

Akron Urban League Programs + Services

THE EMPOWERMENT INSTITUTE

Education: Youth Academy

• Summer Camp • Summer Youth Employment Program • School’s In • CCMEP • STEAM • Scholarship Program • GED

General Education:• Lunch & Learns Professional Development • Urban Speaks

Employment:• Workforce Development • Transitions • Career Pathways

Entrepreneurship: Minority Business Assistance Center

• School of Entrepreneurship

Upcoming Programs:• Summit DD Provider • Emotional Intelligence Training

Community Activities:• Food Pantry • Monthly Community Dinner • Basketball League

Affiliates:• Young Professionals • The Guild

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Akron Urban League

A Long and Local History

The Akron Urban League has grown to serve the community over 92 years

In 1918, Akron was faced with the responsibility of meeting the social needs of its increasing black population. A group of black citizens headed by Attorney Thomas E. Green, Reverend R.A. Jones, Reverend E.J. Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. Williams Hardy, and Mrs. Elbertha Turner asked the local Y.M.C.A. for assistance. In April 1919, the Y.M.C.A. responded by employing George W. Thompson to coordinate black activities. Little was accomplished for the next few years.

In 1924, Assistant Treasurer of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company Homer C. Campbell met with T.M. Fletcher, who was advocating for black youth. Campbell brought the problems of this population to the attention of Harvey S. Firestone, Sr. In 1925, The Firestone Tire and Rubber Company pledged $10,000 to be used for work with the black citizens of the community. These funds were administered by the Better Akron Federation and governed by a Board of Trustees that was charged with the responsibility of allocating public funds intelligently. Having no background through which they could interpret the social needs of the blacks in the community, it appointed a five-member committee to study this particular phase of community organization and make recommendations. On this committee were University of Akron president Dr. Park Noble, Vice President of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company C.W. Seiberling, President of Babcox Publishing Company E.S. Babcox, President of Depositors Savings and Trust Company Charles Herberick, Attorney J.B. Huber, and Homer C. Campbell.

In March 1925, a meeting was called at Firestone’s home to reveal the work of the committee. Invited to this meeting was George W. Thompson, the black secretary at the Y.M.C.A. On that night in Firestone’s home, the Association for Colored Community Work (the Association) was born.

In the beginning, the Association functioned under two separate boards. The Board of Trustees, a white governing body, was responsible for the finances of the agency and controlled the titles to the property. The Board of Directors, a group of black men, was responsible for creating and conducting programs that would meet the needs of the black citizens of the community to the greatest extent possible with the agency’s limited facilities and budget.

During these years, the Association accepted the responsibility of functioning as a clearing house for all types of problems in which black people were involved. For example, it aided in the adjustment

of difficulties in industry and in all places of employment where race was a factor, assisted in the development of projects, such as Elizabeth Park, and advocated for blacks in workplaces like public schools and rubber factories.

Prior to the formation of Akron’s Association, a policy-driven organization was founded in New York in 1910 called the National Urban League. The guiding principle of the Urban League was: “Let us not work as colored people nor as white people for the narrow benefit of any group alone, but together as American citizens for the common good of our common city, our common country.” Akron became the newest National Urban League affiliate in March 1925.

Thompson continued to see more in the future for black people in Akron. In 1944, he hired Raymond R. Brown, a student at The University of Akron, to help run the Association. Under the leadership of Thompson and Brown, the name of the agency was changed from the Association for Colored Community Work to the Akron Community Service Center.

With its location on Perkins Street, the Center was significantly hampered in its ability to provide services. In May of 1950, a new Akron Community Service Center and Urban League was constructed at 250 E. Market St. This new facility included all the amenities that were lacking for the black community. Fully equipped, the community center included a gymnasium, swimming pool, meeting rooms, classrooms, library, lounges and a kitchen. In the 1960s, an auditorium was added. It became the safe haven for the black community and offered recreational programs for children and adults when no other facilities in Akron would allow them through the doors. That facility has served the community well for over 50 years.

The Akron Urban League moved to its new facility and remains a solid foundation in Akron. Throughout its history, it has continued to serve thousands of people by providing programs and services that emphasize education, job training, economic development, antiviolence, health and wellness, and mentoring. It remains one of 88 affiliates of the National Urban League and continues to be a driving force behind the employment of minority workers in the community.


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CARA ADAMSChief Engineer of Race Tire Development | Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations/Firestone Racing

Cara Adams was appointed as Firestone Racing’s Chief Engineer and Manager of Race Tire Development in September of 2016 after more than a decade of racing experience with the Race Tire Development team at Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO).

Adams’s tenure with BATO began in May 2003 as an engineer in the Tire/Vehicle Dynamics department, supporting Original Equipment (OE) development by establishing sensitivities to handling, vibration and noise for many new OE vehicles. She also developed mathematical modeling for simulation of Force and Moment data.

In addition to her work at BATO, Adams serves on the boards of several community organizations: American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Akron Council of Engineering and Scientific Services, and Akron Public School’s Project Lead the Way—a pre-Engineering program for high school students. Adams is a science fair judge at Akron district and regional fairs and speaks frequently at local schools and universities, encouraging students to pursue careers in math and science.

Adams has been recognized for her work in the community with the Akron Women of Professional Excellence Award, the United Way ‘Volunteers Who Inspire by Example’ Award, and the Greater Akron Chamber’s ‘30 for the Future’ Award—given to select young professionals who impact their company and community. Most recently, she was selected to be in Akron Urban League’s Inaugural Academy of Leaders.

Akron Urban League Women in STEAM Leadership Academy Inductee

“I decided that engineering was cool when I was young,” says Cara Adams, who grew up as the daughter of two school teachers and the granddaughter of a NASA engineer.

Her mom, who taught science, would have neighborhood camps when Adams was little to do engineering and science-based projects. “Basically, it was really neat for me to see someone who was passionate about science and made it really cool and fun,” she says. They also learned about the applications of science on the real world. “We learned that physics was actually like toys, and we learned how toys work.”

While she was studying engineering at The University of Akron, Adams became intrigued by the Formula SAE project, where students design and engineer open-wheeled race cars. “I started to work with this team and learned how to use machine tools, a mill, a lathe—all kinds of interesting things. And then I got into the seat of a race car. From that point forward, I was kind of bit by the race bug. “

Adams wanted to work for an Akron-based company, and Bridgestone’s strong racing program seemed the perfect fit. “My goal was to be the most qualified person for that interview. I managed to pester my way into a position, and the rest is history.”

Adams says three factors have contributed to her success: education, opportunity and mentorship. In addition to her parents, a key role model for her was engineer, NASA astronaut and Akron native, Judith Resnick.

Science has to be nurtured early in youth, according to Adams. “Because if you don’t start to talk to kids about science until they’re in high school, you may already have lost their interest to another area. In

some of our schools, you’ll have kids who will have gone through and not had a great science class. They decide that they’re not good at science just because of a class or two that they might have had.” She salutes the Akron Public School teachers who are excelling in teaching the sciences. And she says corporate, educational and non-profit partnerships such as those that align the school system, Bridgestone, The University of Akron and the Akron Urban League in supporting student programs are key to generating and maintaining a child’s interest in these fields.

“When I was younger, I had a family member tell me that I was not mechanically inclined, that I didn’t know how to work on cars, and [that person] was very surprised when I chose mechanical engineering as a profession,” Adams says. “Had I listened to her, I maybe would not have gone into the field. It’s really important to follow your own passions and desires and not to let people define you. The best advice I heard at an early age was not to let someone tell you what you can and cannot do and not to take no for an answer.”

Looking forward, mentorship is in Adam’s sights. “I have a lot that I want to give back to young ladies who are interested in science and engineering,” she says. “I have a few young ladies that I mentor, and I always tell them, understand what your passions are, know what you want to do, whether it’s engineering race cars or engineering replacement hips or becoming a doctor, and create a name for yourself.”



DIANE L. MILLER-DAWSONDirector of Finance | The City of Akron


A life-long Akron resident, Diane Miller-Dawson is an alumnus of Buchtel High School. Upon graduation, she attended The University of Akron where she earned a bachelor of science degree in management. She later returned to The University of Akron to pursue a master’s degree in business administration, which she completed in 1994.

During college, Miller-Dawson began her career with the City of Akron, working in the Recreation Division. She has held various other positions in the city, including Operations Research Analyst and Operations Research Manager. In 1996, she moved to upstate New York, where her husband, Lenwood Dawson, was transferred. Upon returning to Akron in January 1997, she was named to the position of Deputy Finance Director. In 2004, she became the Director of Finance, her current position. The Finance Department includes the divisions of Audit and Budget, Purchasing, Accounting and Payroll, Taxation, Treasury, and Utilities Business Office.

Miller-Dawson is a very active volunteer in the Akron community as a board member of Akron General Medical Center, Summit Akron Solid Waste Authority, and the Joint Board of Review—to which the mayor appointed her to represent the city. This committee has oversight responsibility on the $800-million project that will rebuild or renovate every Akron Public School and replace them with Community Learning Centers. She is also a member of the Leadership Akron Class ’16, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and other organizations. Miller-Dawson and her husband reside in West Akron.

“I’ve always enjoyed math because I look at it as a puzzle, and I enjoy putting puzzles together,” says Diane Miller-Dawson. In her role as Director of Finance, Miller-Dawson says she uses math every single day as a tool to solve basic problems and advance the City of Akron. “The one good thing about math is that there is always an answer or a solution.”

Miller-Dawson is passionate about her commitment to her city. “I guess one of the best factors to my success is I enjoy living and working in this community.”

She points to successful alliances that have resulted in economic development and jobs for residents. “One of the particular programs we’ve worked with the Urban League on was CSO training,” she says. “It was providing individuals with CDL training so that they could drive commercial vehicles. We wound up hiring quite a few of those individuals to work on our sewer program.”

When it comes to women in the workplace, she has another clear goal. “One of the things that I envision for women in my field is equal pay and equal opportunity. It is a hope and a goal that women everywhere can be paid equally for the work that we do.” Expect Miller-Dawson to have more to say about that. She says advice from her father has stuck with her. “Just put your mind to it and you can achieve it,” she recalls him saying. “You can do and be anything.”

“The way that I balance work, family and community service is I try to remember what the priorities are. For me, family is first. Family is always there to help you no matter what kind of day you are having. Second for me is work. Work becomes

your second family. They see you a lot on your good and on your bad days. The third thing would be the community because if you have the first two things in balance, you’re better able to serve the community that you love.”

Miller-Dawson is the epitome of a successful woman who dedicated herself to an organization, and worked her way up through advanced roles and responsibilities. She gives credit to a female supervisor who saw her potential. “I think about people who supported me and mentored me. I had a boss early in my career who encouraged me to further my education. She told me that if I went back to the university and received my master’s degree that I could do anything in the City of Akron. I took her advice and she was correct.” Miller-Dawson is in her 13th year as Director of Finance for the city, which has a net budget for operations and capital improvements of nearly $500 million for 2017.

“The advice I would give a young woman or a girl would be to make sure you follow your heart, follow your dreams, and know that the sky is the limit. I would also remind her to get all of the education that she can while she’s young and has the energy to do it.”



YOLEETAH ILODI, MDAttending Physician in Geriatric Medicine + Medical Student and Resident Program Director for Geriatric Medical Education +

High Intensity Clinic Director + Director of Minority Affairs in Medical Education | Summa Health System


Ak-ron

Ur- ban League Women in STEAM Leadership Academy Inductee

Dr. Ilodi started her clinical practice at Summa Health System in 2012 as an attending physician in Geriatric Medicine. She works with frail older adults to improve their quality of life and decrease caregiver stress. She was appointed Medical Student and Resident Program Director for Geriatric Medical Education in 2013. Her responsibilities include teaching, precepting, lecturing and developing curriculum for geriatric education. In addition, Dr. Ilodi is the Director of the High Intensity Clinic (HIC), a clinic that invests time in medically complex patients and gives holistic care through an interdisciplinary team.

In 2015, she became the first director of Minority Affairs in Medical Education. Her mission is to improve the recruitment, retention and satisfaction of minority physicians at Summa Health System. Through this program, she provides encouragement and support to resident physicians and medical students in the Akron area, and works with Greater Akron youth to expose them to the field of medicine.

Dr. Ilodi earned her bachelor’s of science in pharmaceutical sciences from The Ohio University and her medical degree from the University of Cincinnati. She continued her pursuits into internal medicine and geriatrics after completing a residency and fellowship. She resides in Copley with her husband, Dr. George Ilodi, three children—Alexis, Dominic, John—and dog, Mayhem.

“It was kind of like being a detective.” That’s how Yoleetah Ilodi describes her early interest in healthcare and medicine. “I worked in a nursing home at the age of 15, so I got to experience several disease states and loved every moment of it,” she says. “The doctors there allowed me to follow them, as well as the nurses. And as I grew older, in high school, I loved learning. Anything that I had to learn I just grasped on to as hard as I could. I decided that going into college, medicine was something that I wanted to do because of the learning experience, as well as service to others.”

For Dr. Ilodi, work and family just seem to have a natural balance. “I’m very blessed in that I am also married to a physician who understands the demands of my field. My kids have been coming to the hospital and nursing homes with me since they were born. I make work and family come together. I make everything streamline. I make one a part of the other. I don’t separate them.”

She and her husband also work together in the community. “We do physical examinations for the youth in the summertime, and as we’re doing those physical examinations, we also discuss what their dreams are,” she says. “We let them know we have some interest in what they’re doing and where they’re going. We just talk to them and let them know that they are relevant to this community.”

In one of her physician leadership roles as director of the High Intensity Clinic (HIC) at Summa Health System, Dr. Ilodi leads a team that includes a pharmacist, social worker, registered nurse, dietician and physical therapist and addresses seriously ill patients. Empathy guides her as she

leads the team and cares for her patients. She also holds on to advice given to her by her mom. “She said: ‘love people through their journey and continue to understand them and continue to heal them.’”

Dr. Ilodi says Summa collaborates with several organizations such as the Akron Urban League on community initiatives and for that, she is grateful. “Summa gives me 100 percent support in my mission to increase the number of underrepresented minority physicians in the community. We know that this increases patient satisfaction and quality of care, as well.”

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the number of women who enrolled in medical school rose by 6.2 percent from 2015 to 2016. That is the greatest increase since 2006. Dr. Ilodi says with such growth, she envisions a stronger network of support amongst females, as more women seek careers as practicing physicians.

When she mentors and advises young girls, she passes on her mother’s advice and adds some of her own: “Work hard, and don’t be short-sighted. Almost have an animal-like instinct to keep going. Don’t worry about instant gratification. I attribute my success to my mindset. I was always taught not to have any expectations but to care for people, love people, have a positive attitude and work as hard as possible.”



“Without mentoring, I don’t feel I could be here. Mentoring was the most important factor for me to choose engineering.” Julie Zhao, Ph.D. says the first support and encouragement came from the earliest mentors in her life—her parents and teachers. “Now, looking back at my childhood, there were a lot of factors. They may not have had titles as mentors, but they always encouraged me to be good at math and science. And I was good at math,” she says. “They always praised me saying: ‘Well you did a good job, Julie.’ So when I became a teenager, there was an opportunity for me to shadow [professionals]. Without mentoring, I don’t feel I could be here.”

If you press her, Zhao will smile and admit it’s quite possible she has mentored hundreds of students. “Could be, could be. Every day we work with students. So this is a job I really enjoy and love.”

Zhao works through The University of Akron, professional and civic organizations and with the school systems to generate interest in engineering and to recruit students to study and seek careers in this area. She tells young women who want to be engineers: “Some of my mentors were not female, so don’t be shy to ask a man to be your mentor. Even your supervisors [can] be a mentor. It’s work based.” She also advises people to take initiative. Zhao says that’s what she does when she goes to conferences or has a chance to network with young professionals—she goes over to them and starts the conversation.

Future engineers might also want to remember some advice Zhao received from her father. “Always be prepared for any potential opportunity.”

Zhao says she can devote so much of her time to students because of her supportive colleagues and family. She says she and her husband, who holds a Ph.D. in polymer science, and her mother form a strong network of support for her young son. “At home, my husband and I are like working partners; we take the same responsibilities to take care of family responsibilities. I never have to worry.” And, there’s another factor. “I was always told by my colleagues and family members, I am super organized. So sometimes they may tease me, but being organized, I feel I have less stress.”

Each day, at the university or in the community, Zhao experiences the value of mentoring.

“We have a lot of outreach with the schools in Akron, for instance, the hands-on workshops with our local organizations, as well as recruiting students to engineering and offering academic support. We work with Akron Urban League, and we have some afterschool programs.” College mentors can play an important role in the future of those who will follow them. “We send our students out to be mentors and tutors to our younger students. We want our students’ excellence to be seen by the current younger students so they can follow their path and choose STEAM as majors in the future.”

JULIE ZHAO, Ph.D.Assistant Dean of International Initiatives + Director of Diversity and Retention, College of Engineering | The University of Akron


Julie Zhao, Ph.D., is assistant dean for international initiatives and director of diversity and retention at the College of Engineering at The University of Akron.

Zhao has been serving as the director of Increasing Diversity in Engineering Academics Program for more than 10 years. In this role, she leads initiatives and programs to enhance academic, professional, and personal development of underrepresented engineering students at the university.

Prior to joining The University of Akron in 2006, Zhao worked at Miami University and gained six years of practical experience as a system engineer and department manager at Changchun Telecommunication Corporation. Both her master of science and her Ph.D. are in electrical engineering.

Zhao’s work has garnered a number of honors over the past several years, including the Women Trailblazer Award, the Campus Partnership Award from National TRiO Day, the Diversity Award from The University of Akron and the Outstanding Minority Engineering Program Administrator Award presented by the National Association of Multicultural Engineering Program Advocates (NAMEPA).

Outside the College of Engineering, Zhao is an active member on campus, serving on the diversity council and student success team. She served as an executive board member of the American Council of Education -Women’s Network Ohio and is a graduate of Leadership Akron Class 30.

Zhao and her husband, Dr. Alex Jing, are proud parents of their very accomplished 10-year-old son, Ethan.



It’s not every day when a 15-year-old seeks a job placement that is challenging and offers growth and mobilization. Ky’Asia, an 11th grade scholar who attends Buchtel Community Learning Center, is one of our outstanding youth who has exemplified leadership in the Summer Youth Employment Program. She works at the front desk where she greets the staff and guests of the Akron Urban League with a warm smile that makes a lasting impression.

The Akron Urban League not only serves as a provider agency for the Summer Youth Employment Program, funded through Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro’s Department of Job and Family Services, but also serves as a worksite for the youth. Youth have the opportunity to work in different roles, which Ky’Asia has used as a catalyst to network. She describes her experience as “fulfilling” and “a great learning experience.”

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world” is her favorite quote from Gandhi and the quote that motivates her to promote social change, specifically in the U.S. judicial system. She aspires to be an attorney and eventually a judge or a representative in the White House.

The communication and interpersonal skills that she is gaining through the program will help her break down stereotypes and societal constructions by reassuring youth of color that “it’s ok to be black and to be proper. Just be yourself. Don’t listen to what others have to say.”

She plans on expanding her civic engagement and community involvement beyond state borders and will apply to Spelman College in Atlanta, Ga.

Ky’Asia W.

by Dionna Stokes

Akron Urban League MISSION + VISION

Akron Urban League Mission The mission of the Akron Urban League is to improve the quality of life of the citizens of Summit County, particularly African Americans, by advocating and facilitating programs that are economically and educationally transformational, impacting their lives and the lives of future generations.

Akron Urban League Vision We will become the hub of collaborative services that transform and reposition citizens of Summit County, particularly African Americans, out of generational poverty into self-sufficient and economically independent individuals and families.

Values: Guiding Principles• Consumer-Driven: We will treat all stakeholders with dignity and respect, showing compassion and support for their needs, being flexible in our approaches to meet them where they are, ensuring their health and safety first and foremost

• Professional: We will establish an expectation of excellence with integrity and honesty in how we respond to funders, partners, consumers and fellow employees in our communication (face-to-face, verbal and written).

• Transparent: We will be transparent in our processes, demonstrating to our stakeholders they can trust and believe in our services and programs, knowing that their financial and human resources will be appropriately allocated and that results will be measured.

• Accountable: We will hold ourselves to a high standard of accountability that is beyond the requirements of contracts, grants or donations to deliver exceptional customer service, exceeding program expectations.

• Competent: We will ensure that our requests for funding align with our mission, capacity, skills, programs and services. We will also engage in continuous education to ensure we remain abreast of any changes in certifications, licensing or other documentation/legislation to address current and future needs of our consumers.

• Diverse: We will be inclusive and diverse in our hiring practices, consumer services and program deliverables.

• Collaborative: We will expand our bandwidth by engaging organizations, corporations, communities and individuals in collaborations that are aligned with our goals of improving the quality of life for the citizens of Akron, especially African Americans.

Success Story



The Akron Urban League is joining others in the Greater Akron community to help young children of color increase their curiosity and knowledge in science and math. During our 2017 Summer Enrichment Day Camp program, we piloted the STEAM Program with 10 children, most of whom are students at Helen Arnold Community Learning Center. Among these students is 10-year-old Jourdon Turner. He’s a fifth-grader who stands out not only for his bright personality and brilliant smile, but for his unwavering excitement and interest in science and math.

President and CEO of Akron Urban League Dr. Sadie Winlock chatted with Turner to learn what motivated his interest to excel in these topics. Together, they hope to generate similar enthusiasm among other students in a year-long after-school and summer program that will support and drive their interest to become future scientists and engineers.

What are your favorite subjects in school? TURNER: Science and math.

You mentioned that you wanted to become a scientist. Do you

have any idea what type of scientist? TURNER: I really want to invent things; I want to be an inventor.

What kinds of things would you like to invent or make better? TURNER: The iPhone. I want to add new adjustments to it.

Like what? TURNER: If you lose your phone, you need to be able to find it right away. I would work on making it make sounds so you could find it quickly.

I hear you are also a pretty good student in math. What do

you like about math? TURNER: I like finding products and creating formulas using both numbers and letters.

Do you help your classmates with their math assignments? TURNER: Yep! I teach them how to use addition to figure out math problems, like taking the number that they are multiplying and just adding it up. They get it. They see how multiplication is just a faster way to add.

What got you interested in science? TURNER: I really like to study volcanoes and eruptions.

Do you remember how old you were when you first became

interested in science and math? TURNER: I was 6. Every time I would go to a new grade, my mom would teach me about math and science, and I started to really like it. We would do experiments and make things bubble up and explode!

So, you’ve been interested in science and math for four years?

I know you said you help the kids in class, but do you help

your younger sister in science and math? TURNER: Yes. I help her count and add. She’s getting really good at it.

I know you are only 10, but have you thought about where you want to go to college? TURNER: Yes. I want to go to Howard University.

Did you know that Howard University is a historically black college? TURNER: Yes.

Why do you want to go to Howard University? TURNER: My uncle asked me one day where I wanted to go to college, and he said I should go to Howard. So I am going to Howard.

What do you like about the STEAM program here at the

Urban League? TURNER: I like that they teach us stuff to keep our brains refreshed so that when we go back to school I know more and get it. I also like that I am learning new stuff, too.

Do you like the other students in the class with you? TURNER: Yes. Some are my friends from Helen Arnold, but I am making new friends too!

You also attend our summer camp. What do you like best

about it? TURNER: I like math, gym and life skills class.

What do you like about the life skills class? TURNER: We are learning how to treat people and about red flags.

What are red flags? TURNER: Things to notice to keep from making mistakes. Yesterday, we learned a new word: empathy. It means you understand how someone else feels.

by Dr. Sadie Winlock

Jourdon’s StoryFuture Inventor



GENERAL EDUCATION: Lunch & Learns Professional Development The Akron Urban League will host industry experts to provide training to front-line and middle managers in the areas of financial acumen, strategic planning, communication, generational differences, cultural competency and personal branding. These topics are the missing components of development for many minority employees to have upward mobility in the organizations where they are employed.

Urban Speaks The Akron Urban League’s Urban Speaks Lecture Series is a quarterly event designed to foster dialogue and critical thinking on topics related to legal, civil rights and criminal justice issues.

EDUCATION: Youth AcademySummer Enrichment Day Camp The Summer Enrichment Day Camp program provides an opportunity for low to moderate income children ages 5–12 to attend a structured 10-week educational and recreational camp from June to August.

Summer Youth Employment Program A summer work experience program for youth between the ages of 14–24 designed to develop work skills and build resumes. AUL serves as one of four provider agencies throughout Summit County and is responsible for recruiting youth employees and determining their eligibility and monitoring youth performance throughout the program. In 2017, over 500 youth were employed at 110 worksites throughout Summit County. Numbers represent Akron Urban League monitored youth only.

School’s In The School’s In Program is a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program designed to assist youth ages 16 to 24 along the path to self-sufficiency. Youth enrolled in the program participate in job readiness training, job placement assistance, GED preparation, life skills training and receive case management services to remove any barriers to employment.

CCMEP This Employment Program is designed to assist adults eighteen and over with or without a criminal background to obtain Livable Wage employment in Summit County. This is achieved through Case Management, Job Readiness Training (JRT), Emotional Intelligence, Secondary Education, and one-on-one Job Development (JD) with an assigned Employment Specialist. Case Managers work with the participant on a one-on-one basis to assist and guide the participant with securing basic life needs, such as housing, transportation, food referrals, mental health, and child care.

STEAM Partnering with the Helen Arnold Community Learning Center, The Urban STEAM Project will: improve the math and science scores of students enrolled in the after school program by at least one grade level, engage parents by addressing barriers that prevent them from participating in their children’s education, and increase the students’ desire for continued learning in STEAM subjects.

Scholarship Program Each year the Akron Urban League partners with area businesses and educational institutions to award scholarships to Summit County high school seniors. All recipients complete a volunteer program with the Akron Urban League.

EMPLOYMENT:Workforce Development Offers career counseling, employment training, resume writing skills, employment leads and referrals to the general public.

Transitions Assists ex-offenders with re-entry into the community following incarceration. Offers employment referrals, job skills training and case management services.

Career Pathways In order to eliminate the path from school to prison, the Akron Urban League is developing a collaborative strategy to prevent juveniles from entering into the prison system and holistically support those who have served and are re-entering society. Working with elected officials, the police and other agencies, the Akron Urban League’s actions and advocacy will be focused on crime prevention among juveniles and reduction of recidivism in Summit County. To achieve these goals, we will use structured mentoring, education and physical activities for first-time juvenile offenders and the collective services of other agencies combined with our living-wage employment and emotional intelligence training for our re-entry clients.


ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Minority Business Assistance CenterSchool of Entrepreneurship The Minority Business Assistance Center at the Akron Urban League empowers small, minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses in Summit, Stark, Richland, Tuscarawas, Ashland, Wayne, Carrol and Harrison Counties through technical assistance, professional consulting, access to capital and assistance obtaining contract opportunities.

See page 20 for more information on the Minority Business Assistance Center


THE EMPOWERMENT INSTITUTE

UPCOMING PROGRAMS:Summit DD Provider The Akron Urban League, in 2018, will become an employment service provider for The Summit County Board of Developmental Disabilities. We will assist clients in finding, obtaining and maintaining employment and provide one-on-one job coaching to those eligible for Summit DD Services.

Emotional Intelligence Training Partnering with Twin Cities Rise!, The Akron Urban League will begin to offer Emotional Intelligence Training to our clients and eventually to corporate workforces. Emotional Intelligence training brings Personal Empowerment to corporate settings, schools, universities and other non-profit organizations to help them create an empowered culture, have more productive employees, and provide their clients or students with the skills they need to make transformative changes.

AFFILIATES:Young Professionals The Akron Urban League Young Professionals is an Akron Urban League volunteer auxiliary that targets young professionals ages 21–40 to empower their communities and change lives through the Urban League Movement. The mission of the Akron Urban League Young Professionals is to impact the Greater Akron community through engagement and advocacy while continuing to grow and develop members, personally and professionally

The Guild The Guild’s mission is to support the Akron Urban League through social service projects that: improve the quality of life for citizens of Summit County, increase the League’s visibility within the community and assist in fundraising. The Guild promotes volunteer service in the areas of community service and community awareness and leadership. The Guild hosts the annual “My Sister, My Friend” signature event to raise money for the Akron Urban League. To become a member of the Akron Urban League Guild you must be 40 years old or over and you will be required to become a member of the Akron Urban League.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES:Food Pantry + Monthly Community Dinner Partnering with the Good Samaritan Hunger Center and the Akron Canton Regional Foodbank, The Akron Urban League will offer weekly emergency food supplies and monthly community meals free of charge.

Basketball League Young men between the ages of 12–14, 15–17, and 18-24, have the chance to participate on an organized basketball team. Our teams will compete in various tournaments and recreational leagues. Our goal is to develop character, teamwork, and commitment through the game of basketball.

Akron Urban League Programs + Services

Founder and owner of Rosa’s Playhouse, Latoia Philpott, has successfully managed her business for the past seven years. Over this time, she has developed immensely as a small business owner since she first started receiving assistance from the Akron MBAC in 2006. New to the world of entrepreneurship, Philpott received numerous MBAC services, including hands-on assistance with her marketing plan, personal budgeting and financial projections. She was provided a micro loan from the Urban League and secured the current location for her daycare center.

Philpott has recently worked with the Akron MBAC to obtain her MBE/EDGE certification so that she was eligible to obtain a state loan and purchase a building

to move and grow her daycare services. She is now certified and working with Allen McConnell to obtain a state loan in the amount of $100,000. Our office is working closely with her to navigate the process and successfully launch her new location. As an added value, our office was able to fast-track her certification, which cuts down the applicant’s review period. Philpott is currently working with our office and communicating with the Ohio Minority Business Development Division to finalize her loan application.

Allen McConnell has visited the new site and is working with Philpott and our office to assist with the loan application process. Contact McConnell at 614-752-4833 or [email protected].

Latoia R. PhilpottSuccess Story

20

Akron Urban League

Minority Business Assistance CenterExpanding economic development through small businesses

The Ohio Development Services Agency (ODSA) Minority Business Development Division (MBDD) supports the growth and sustainability of small, minority-owned, and disadvantaged businesses in Ohio. Supporting these businesses means providing them with resources that include technical and professional assistance, access to capital, surety bonding, and connection to business opportunities through the assistance of the Minority Business Assistance Centers (MBAC). The Division leverages these resources to support the achievement of the state’s 15 percent Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) set-aside goal, which is overseen by the Department of Administrative Services. The Minority Business Assistance Center—Akron Region, housed at the Akron Urban League, serves over 600 business owners annually in the Counties of Summit, Stark, Richland, Tuscarawas, Ashland, Wayne, Carrol and Harrison.

Brook Winn, owner of RideAssist, Inc.—a non-medical, non-emergency transportation company located in Canton—has been an active MBAC client since April of 2016. She has worked closely with her MBAC counselors and has attended various workshops that assisted her with the startup of her business. Due to the continued support she receives from the Akron MBAC office, her transportation company is continuously growing. The services she received from the MBAC office have helped her complete her business plan, design her logo, win contracts with the Ohio

Department of Disabilities, receive her transportation approval codes, and obtain a $25,000 startup loan from ECDI. She is currently unable to employ additional staff members but plans to in the near future. Winn is also interested in obtaining MBD/EDGE certifications and will work closely with the MBAC office throughout the approval process.

Christopher Faircloth worked with Winn in applying for and obtaining her loan through ECDI for $25,000. Contact Faircloth at 330-888-3119 or [email protected].

Brook WinnSuccess Story

A k r o n U r b a n L e a g u e | E D U C A T I O N + E M P L O Y M E N T = E M P O W E R M E N T


Kevin Edwards, Sr. has been involved with the Akron Urban League for over 20 years. At the prior Urban League on East Market St., Kevin got his start in the construction field—he was a participant in our Construction Training Program where he strengthened his math and reading comprehension skills to aid in passing the Operating Engineer Union’s apprenticeship test.

After successfully passing his apprenticeship test, Edwards moved around the country working in various sectors of the construction trade. In New Jersey, Edwards found a large number of successful African-American entrepreneurs in the construction industry and

had a vision to create his own company—to be his own boss.

Edwards moved back to Akron and enrolled in the Urban League’s Minority Business Assistance Center where he secured his MBE/Edge Certification, which made his newly formed company, KLE Construction, eligible to submit for projects that were part of the Akron Waterways Renewed! sewer overhaul project. With the help of Urban League business counselors, Edwards was able to bid for and receive over $7 million in projects through Akron Waterways Renewed! Because of that, KLE Construction grew from 6 employees when he began to 40 current employees.

Kevin EdwardsSuccess Story



THANK YOU 2017 Gala Sponsors

inclusion sponsor

State & Federal Communications

equal rights sponsors

Cleveland Clinic Akron General

Stark State University

Maynard Family Foundation

table sponsors

Akron Metro RTA

Bridgestone Americas

Dominion

FirstEnergy

Focal Point Social Media

GAR Foundation

Goodyear

Huntington National Bank

Kent State University

PNC Bank

Taste of Fine Dining

The House of the Lord

UMADOP

special thanks 216 Studios

Akron Art Museum

Baker Media Group

Eleanor Hayes

Noir Creative

Rodney L. Brown Photography

presenting & human rights sponsor

freedom of speech sponsors

equity in education sponsor

Foundation


OPPORTUNITY

POWER We’re proud to support the Akron Urban League and

its efforts to empower communities and change lives.

OPPORTUNITY

POWER We’re proud to support the Akron Urban League and

its efforts to empower communities and change lives.

Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro is proud to support Akron Urban League’s STEAM program

. . . launching students on the path to success!


Board + Staff + Affiliates

Akron Urban League

Linda Atubra finance coordinator

Davonte Beard employment specialist

Abby Billups case manager

Natashia Bishop admin. assistant

Minette Boyd exec. asst to pres/ceo, director, special events

Chris Brown sr. director, operations

Andreas Ellis director of advancement

Eunice Hampton program secretary

Lamon Harris employment trainer/specialist

Edwin Hubbard, Jr. sr. director, funder relations

Kim Irvin-Lee director, mbac akron

Michael Jefferson business consultant

Larry Johnson maintenance/pm

Toni Johnson program supervisor

Vernia Johnson sr. director, programs

Carla Matthews eeo/compliance officer

Victoria Meneese case manager

Cindy Price ged instructor

Misty Rogers eeo/compliance assistant

Johnny Ross maintenance

Alice Samuels supportive services

Jason Samuels it consultant

Nola Shropshire sye eligibility coordinator

Dionna Stokes sye employment coordinator

Tracy Williams business counselor

Sadie Winlock president/ceo

STAFFBOARD OF TRUSTEES

board officers

board chair S. Theresa Carter President, Omnova Solutions Foundation

board vice chair Emmanuel T. Glover Senior Vice President, Corporate Director of Community Development, Huntington National Bank

board treasurer Elizabeth Z. Bartz President & CEO, State & Federal Communications

board secretary Robert E. Chess Chief Human Resources Officer, ACRT Inc.

board members

Leonard M. Foster Director, Human Resources, County of Summit Ohio

Bennett L. Gaines Sr. Vice President, Corporate Services & Chief Information Officer, FirstEnergy Corp.

Dr. Para M. Jones President, Stark State College

Billy O’Quinn Director, Global Diversity & Inclusion, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Dr. Lakeesha K. Ransom Vice Provost and Dean, Honors College, The University of Akron

H. Alan Rothenbuecher Partner, Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff Attorneys at Law

Nicole L. Squire Director of Tire Test and Tire Vehicle Dynamics, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations

Michael P. Trainer Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer, Akron Children’s Hospital

Rob Whitehouse SVP, Marketing & Communications Relations, Summa Health

AFFILIATES

young professional officers

president Jasmine Chandler

senior vice president Hanne-Lore Gambrell

vp of communications Courtney Johnson-Benson

vp of programs Kristin Hafford

vp of membership operations Tyisha Riley

secretary Jennifer Lattaker

treasurer Aiesha Motley

young professional members

Garrick Black II Chris Brown Andre Campbell Willie Cook Thomas Craig Jr. Denzel Gambrell John Hafford Lamon Harris Sharetta Howze Edwin Hubbard Jr. Michael Jefferson Leah Jones Victoria Meneese Daniel Nicholas Kierra Nolen Amanda Parker Danica Rice Orlando Romine Davante Roper Nola Shropshire Dionna Stokes Ebony Yeboah

guild officers

president Vondie Boykin

vice president Deborah Gisentaner

treasurer Sheila Holmes

secretary Tanya Lundy

guild members

Montoya Boykin Michelle Ellis Llona Forney Eunice Hampton Gabriella Haslam Teresa Jackson Denise Moss Diane Parker Mary Preer Diane Reed Cynthia Robinson Dianna Robinson Misty Rogers Mary Sobah Monica Womack

women who soar - asme community

Documents