71st Annual Humanitarian Award Celebration
Thank you for an Unforgettable Evening.Â
The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio extends our deepest gratitude to everyone who supported our 71st Annual Humanitarian Award Celebration. This year, we proudly honored Kirsten M. Ellenbogen and Vanessa L. Whiting, two extraordinary leaders whose work reflects the very heart of our mission: empowering people and organizations to embrace all forms of diversity and create communities where everyone belongs.Â
We are profoundly grateful to our generous sponsors whose commitment makes our work possible. Your partnership strengthens our School & Youth programming, workplace inclusion trainings, and community initiatives across Northeast Ohio.Â
Explore the full list of sponsors and messages of support in our Digital Tribute Book.
During the celebration, we premiered our new #Reaffirmdiversity video, a powerful reminder that diversity is a strength, not a slogan, and that our commitment to inclusion is more important than ever.Â
Because of your generosity, this year’s Fund-A-Need will directly support our School & Youth programming. These vital programs empower young people to lead with empathy, courage, and respect, shaping a future where all voices are valued.Â
Donate here to our Fund-A-Need:Â
To our sponsors, partners, honorees, honorary co-chairs, host committee, board members, staff, students, and volunteers, the many guests who champion our mission: thank you. Your support ensures that The Diversity Center can continue to build a more inclusive, equitable, and connected Northeast Ohio.Â
Together, we are creating a future where everyone belongs.Â
Event Details
When: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Where: Hotel Cleveland, 24 Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio 44113
Time: 5:30pm Cocktail Reception, 6:30pm Dinner and Program
Celebration Photo Gallery
2025 Humanitarian Award Celebration Honorees
Kirsten M. Ellenbogen
President & CEO
Great Lakes Science Center
Vanessa L. Whiting
President
A.E.S. Management Corp.
2025 Humanitarian Award Celebration Co-Chairs
Peggy Zone Fisher
First Lady, Baldwin Wallace University
Past President & CEO, The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio
Brian E. Hall
CEO
Specialized Construction, Inc.
Carole F. Hoover
President & CEO
HooverMilstein
Darrell L. McNair
Chief Executive Officer
MVP Plastics Corporation
Albert B. Ratner
Partner
RMS
Renee Tramble Richard
President & CEO, Corporate College
Senior Advisor & Counsel to the President, Cuyahoga Community College
Robyn Minter Smyers
Partner
Thompson Hine
Carla Tricarichi
Tricarichi & Carnes
Rev. Ryan Wallace
Senior Pastor
Fairmount Presbyterian Church
Leadership Champion
A.E.S. Management Corp.
Inclusion Champion
Barbara and Alan Rosskamm
Community Builder
Milton and Tamar Maltz
Equality Advocates
John and Karen Moss
North East Ohio Place Makers
Audrey and Albert Ratner
Robyn Minter Smyers and Bert Smyers
Unity Partners
Joanie and Tom Adler
Carol Barnak
Cynthia Bassett
Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP
Carole F. Hoover and Cleveland Private Trust Company
Cleveland State University
Cleveland State University College of Law
First Federal Lakewood
Fisher & Phillips LLP
Frantz Ward LLP
Friends of Vanessa
Azadeh and James Hardiman
John Carroll University
Stuart and Terri Kline
Lee Fisher, President Baldwin Wallace University and Peggy Zone Fisher
Darrell L. and Ronna J. McNair
John and Karen Nestor
Olympic Steel
Parker Hannifin Corporation
Julia and Larry Pollock
PwC
Enid and Dr. David Rosenberg
RPM International Inc.
Fareed Siddiq Merrill Lynch
Dr. Paula Silverman and Rob Wolff
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
The Timken Company
United Way of Greater Cleveland
Lorna Wisham
Past Humanitarian Award Celebrations
70th Annual Humanitarian Award Celebration
Honoring Peggy Zone Fisher and Kevin Clayton





































































































































An NFJC Member
The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio is a member of the National Federation for Just Communities (NFJC), a network of like-minded organizations working across America to bring the values of diversity, inclusion, and social justice to our schools, workplaces, and communities.
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