Abdine Lewis, affectionately known as Brother Abdine, is a native of Avondale, Cincinnati, Ohio, and an alum of Withrow University High School and the University of Cincinnati. Abdine jump-started his career in education as a high school science teacher for Cincinnati Public Schools through Teach for America Southwest Ohio. During his tenure at Withrow University High School, Abdine implemented restorative justice and culturally responsive practices, leading to a substantial reduction in suspensions among males of Color on his roster.
Brother Abdine currently serves as a program coordinator for community engagement at the University of Cincinnati's Office for Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement. Brother Abdine oversees several programs including the CPS Strong Physics Program, the Family Engineering Academy, and the UC Robotics Competition. Aside from his work at the University of Cincinnati, Brother Abdine serves as a founder and the Board Chair of the Greater Cincinnati Education Network, a local Cincinnati nonprofit focused on creating educational programs and initiatives, and the President of Generate Equity LLC, a startup education technology enterprise.
Although Brother Abdine has many accolades and accomplishments, in 2019, Brother Abdine was a recipient of the 101.1 The Wiz 30 Under 30 Award, and in 2015 he was featured in the 8th Edition of Who’s Who in Black Cincinnati as an Emerging Leader.
To learn more about how he’ll work towards building a more equitable school system, watch his Impact Presentation here.
Abby has been working in the Cincinnati Public School district for the past 9 years. She is a passionate, hard working, and fun teacher! :) Abby attended McAuley High School and then went on to go to the University of Cincinnati to earn both her Bachelor's in Middle Childhood Education and Master's of Special Education. This makes her a huge UC Bearcat fan! Abby enjoys spending time with her husband, Joe, and 2 dogs, Charlie and Shadow. During remote learning, the dogs participated daily in lessons! Her family is growing as Abby and Joe are welcoming their first child in November!
To learn more about how she’ll work towards building a more equitable school system, watch her Impact Presentation here.
Alex moved somewhat reluctantly to Cincinnati three years ago due to his spouse’s job. Since then, he’s become a great fan of the city and far too invested in the variable fortunes of the Reds for his own mental well-being. Born and raised in Maryland, Alex works as a lecturer at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan, where he teaches expository writing and courses on storytelling through public policy. In addition, he serves as editor of the Corruption in Fragile States Blog and is at work on a novel set in 1970s Detroit. He lives with his wife and two boys (ages 14 and 11) in North Avondale.
To learn more about how he’ll work towards building a more equitable school system, watch his Impact Presentation here.
Ashley was raised in Madisonville, but currently lives in Sharonville. She graduated CPS from Withrow and earned a bachelor’s in Early Childhood and master’s in Education concentrating on Literacy Instruction from the University of Cincinnati. Ashley has 6 years of teaching experience and is currently long-term with Sycamore Schools. She has a passion for teaching reading and wants to raise awareness about implementing equitable reading practices so that literacy instruction can benefit ALL students.
To learn more about how she’ll work towards building a more equitable school system, watch her Impact Presentation here.
Brian McConnell is a father, Marine Corps veteran and an Ohio resident since 2008. He currently lives in the Springdale community of Cincinnati where he has resided since 2012. He is a current federal employee with 20 years of service. His youngest children attend Springdale elementary as incoming 2nd and 4th grader. Brian has a passion for learning and enjoys serving in, and outside, his community when possible. He enjoys visual arts, music, and reading in his spare time. He is also an avid Baltimore Raven and NCAA S.E.C. Football fan which sometimes makes for entertaining conversation during football season in Ohio.
To learn more about how he’ll work towards building a more equitable school system, watch his Impact Presentation here.
Chris Lord has been working in elementary education since joining Teach For America in Southwest Ohio in 2012. As an educator, he has served as an interventionist, classroom teacher, math specialists, team leader, board member, coach, and content coordinator. As a committed DEI practitioner and life-long learner, Chris has continued his graduate education at Miami University and Columbia Teachers College. Chris and his partner currently live in Cincinnati.
To learn more about how he’ll work towards building a more equitable school system, watch his Impact Presentation here.
Crystal Smith is a Cincinnati native. She graduated from Robert A. Taft High School and studied at Northern Kentucky University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Communication and a master’s degree Executive Leadership and Organizational Change.
Crystal lives in West Price Hill and has one child, a 2018 Walnut Hills High School graduate currently studying at Northern Kentucky University.
Currently, Crystal is Manager of Mentor and Volunteer Development at Cincinnati Youth Collaborative. She is overjoyed to be an SBS member, and I’m very much looking forward to the great work her cohort will accomplish on behalf of Cincinnati students.
To learn more about how she’ll work towards building a more equitable school system, watch her Impact Presentation here.
Damian Hoskins is the Executive Director of Elementz, the premier Hip-Hop Cultural Art Center in Cincinnati. Through the preservation, protection and advancement of Hip Hop as art, culture and a global creative force, Elementz fosters talent, ignites potential and inspires possibilities for young creatives, and local artists in the urban core. Previously, Damian was Vice President of Arts Impact at ArtsWave, the leading fundraiser and promoter of the arts in Greater Cincinnati. Damian is also a visual artist with a focus in oil painting and graphic design. He has developed branding, logos and websites for The Cincinnati Preschool Promise, The Strive Partnership, Black Art Speaks and many local and national businesses and nonprofit agencies. Damian holds a bachelor’s degree in English education from Central State University and a master’s degree from the Art Academy of Cincinnati.
To learn more about how he’ll work towards building a more equitable school system, watch his Impact Presentation here.
Emanual is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio growing up in Avondale where he currently serves as an Education Coordinator for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati. Emanual is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Political Science, with a double minor in Sociology and Africana Studies. Emanual is also pursuing his Masters of Arts degree in Educational Studies with a focus in the Foundations of Education and Social Change. Emanual is committed to becoming a social agent of change in his community while using several foundational principles within education to empower and inspire all members of his community.
To learn more about how he’ll work towards building a more equitable school system, watch his Impact Presentation here.
Eunique Avery is a Dayton, Ohio native, who currently lives in Cincinnati (College Hill). Eunique is a young leader with a passion for serving her community. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati with her bachelor’s in Social Work and her master’s in Public Administration. Her previous research focused on the state of Ohio’s school report card, and its impact on the perceptions of Cincinnati Public Schools. Eunique enjoys working in spaces that focus on community engagement, youth program development and social justice. She has served as a Community Resource Coordinator for Cincinnati Public Schools and Site Coordinator for The Children’s Defense Fund, Freedom Schools Program. She is excited to continue learning how to advocate for equitable learning environments for students.
To learn more about how she’ll work towards building a more equitable school system, watch her Impact Presentation here.
Isabelle is an educator with classroom experience in private, charter, and public schools, currently teaching middle school Social Studies at Roberts Academy (CPS). As an educator, Isabelle strives to elevate the voices and perspectives of marginalized groups while creating an environment where student voice is centered through Student Council and service learning. In the non-profit sector, she has served as senior coordinator for Cincinnati Museum Center’s Youth Programs. There, she focused on youth leadership and career development, diversity and inclusion by providing youth unique experiences while also guiding them through the college admission process. Isabelle’s family has called Cincinnati home since her parents emigrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 80s. Isabelle and her husband Calvin are proud parents to their son Trey, who will be a preschooler at North Avondale Montessori this fall. Outside of teaching, Isabelle shares her passion for the sport of track and field at her alma mater Seven Hills where she has been a Varsity Sprints and Jumps coach for 14 seasons.
To learn more about how she’ll work towards building a more equitable school system, watch her Impact Presentation here.
Jackie is a single parent to a 5th grader at The New School Montessori, has served on their Board of Trustees for 5 years and is starting her inaugural year as president. She's also a first generation college grad, Director of Field Human Resources at Caleres, Inc., and in 2020 she founded Open Door Culture, LLC., an HR consulting firm focused on supporting small businesses through thoughtful people initiatives. Jackie has always been a passionate supporter and advocate of various facets of educational resources, initiatives and advances in policy that promote access, equity, and well-rounded experiences for all stakeholders.
To learn more about how she’ll work towards building a more equitable school system, watch her Impact Presentation here.
Kaitlin Dauner is Cincinnati-native serving as an Assistant Principal in Cincinnati Public Schools at Carson Elementary School in Price Hill. Previously, she has taught 5th & 6th grade in Cincinnati Public Schools and St. Louis Public Schools. She has served in other roles within a school including a Teacher Leader Coach and a Manager of School Operations. Along with being an educator in the classroom, she has also coached Junior High Women’s Basketball at Taft High School and works on other youth initiatives throughout the school year with non-profits including Saturday Hoops and Youth Hope Cincinnati, both focused on youth development outside the classroom. Kaitlin is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, University of Missouri-St. Louis and Columbia University.
To learn more about how she’ll work towards building a more equitable school system, watch her Impact Presentation here.
Karen Kuhn is a professional school counselor at Oyler School in Cincinnati Public Schools. A Greater Cincinnati native, Karen grew up in Milford. After receiving her Bachelor's degree in Linguistics from The Ohio State University, she started working in childcare and found her true passion; education. She then returned to the classroom, and Cincinnati, to earn her Master's in Education in School Counseling from the University of Cincinnati. Since graduation, she has been active with CPS on a professional and volunteer basis, and enjoys traveling, hiking, and playing in a community band. Karen is passionate about serving students of all ages, helping them identify their goals and how to achieve them, and supporting equitable access to those goals. She currently resides in Mount Lookout with her sister and her two cats.
To learn more about how she’ll work towards building a more equitable school system, watch her Impact Presentation here.
Kendra J. Mapp is a native of Cincinnati and is a Licensed Professional Counselor at A Sound Mind Counseling Service, LLC. For five years, she has worked authentically and diligently to provide mental health services to a diverse clientele, through the platforms of private practice and school-based therapy. She is passionate about helping her clients on their quest of self-discovery and healing; by educating them on the connection between mind, body, and heart. She received her Master of Arts degree in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program from Xavier University where she graduated with honors, and was inducted into the Chi Sigma Iota International Honor Society. In conjunction with her clinical foundation, she has acquired eleven years of experience as an educator in the elementary and high school setting; serving as a teacher, lead counselor, and Director of Counseling Services. Kendra is an avid learner and enjoys attending workshops and conferences to hone her skills. Equally, she has a love for service, mentorship, and advocacy. Kendra is proud to be recognized as a 2020 YWCA Greater Cincinnati Rising Star, certified as an equity/non-profit board leader.Above all, her zeal and most notable role entails being a mother to her three beautiful children; a 2-year-old, a 1st grader, and 9th grader in CPS.
To learn more about how she’ll work towards building a more equitable school system, watch her Impact Presentation here.
Marché Gendrew was born and raised in the Bond Hill neighborhood in Cincinnati Ohio. Marché has attended both public and private schools, graduating from Roger Bacon High School. Marché attended the University of Cincinnati, receiving her associates degree in Criminal Justice, followed by her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a focus in psychology. In December 2020 Marché received her Master of Arts in Social Work from Miami University. Marché currently work with the elderly population where she implements services to ensure the safety and wellbeing of her clients.
Her professional experience includes 11 years of direct practice with various populations including mental health, homelessness, substance abuse, children and families. In addition to her work with the elderly population, Marché is the Coordinator for the Cincinnati Education Justice Coalition (CEJC), Co-founder of Community Act Now (CAN), and Co-founder of Crosswalkers: Hamilton County Developmental Disability Service.
Marché is passionate about advocacy, community organizing, and empowering others to be self-sufficient. She values collaborating with others in an effort to yield positive outcomes from diverse perspectives. Her personal and professional experience paired with her education has been key to identifying gaps and eliminating barriers of services to vulnerable populations.
To learn more about how she’ll work towards building a more equitable school system, watch her Impact Presentation here.
Mary Wineberg, OLY is a 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist in track and field. A native of Brooklyn, New York but now calls Cincinnati her proud home. She resides in Mt. Airy and is known for her involvement as a motivational speaker, educator, author and active community advocate. Mary is passionate about education and the direction in which the youth of today will be able to pursue their potential. She inspires them to believe, dream and conquer. Mary has taken advantage of her opportunities in life to pursue greatness. Her favorite quote by the late Wilma Rudolph states "Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us." Mary is a 2nd grade teacher at Hyde Park Elementary, and currently running for Cincinnati School Board. She enjoys spending time with her two daughters and husband, and reading and participating in her sorority and other service organizations.
To learn more about how she’ll work towards building a more equitable school system, watch her Impact Presentation here.
Dr. Victoria (Tori) D. Vogelgesang, MPA is the Director of Assessment and Institutional Research at Chatfield College. Tori graduated from Wittenberg University with a BA in sociology. She attended Northern Kentucky University for her Master's of Public Administration with a concentration in nonprofit management and for her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership. Her dissertation is titled "A Quantitative Analysis of High Impact Practices and Civic Learning Outcomes Among Community College Students." Tori teaches part-time at Thomas More University and was most recently the Associate Executive Director at Kentucky Campus Compact, the premier civic and community engagement resource for higher education in Kentucky. Tori resides in the Mt. Washington neighborhood in Cincinnati, OH.
To learn more about how she’ll work towards building a more equitable school system, watch her Impact Presentation here.
Trish is a Cincinnati native and a graduate of Ursuline Academy. She currently serves as the Associate Principal at La Salle High School. In her current role, Trish’s responsibilities include developing systems that promote exceptional classroom instruction, academic achievement, and equity for all students. Prior to her current role, Trish taught math and social studies courses in CPS at Aiken High School and Withrow High School. As a 2015 Teach for America alumna, Trish has served in various instructional and leadership positions to promote equity within Cincinnati Public School District. As the math department chair and instructional leadership team member at Aiken, a member of the Withrow LSDMC, and a member of the CPS steering committee for math curriculum, Trish has worked to close the achievement gap and promote equity and access for all students. Trish holds a Masters of Education with a Secondary Education Concentration from Xavier University and a Masters of Education in Leadership from the University of Cincinnati. Her undergraduate degree is in Political Science & Business Institutions from Northwestern University.
Trish and her husband Howard have 4 children and live in Hyde Park.