Women of Achievement

Executive Director, Lincoln Theatre
President & Artistic Director of Thiossane West African Dance Institute
Practitioner of Dance, Music and Culture at The Ohio State University Department of Dance
Suzan Bradford Kounta serves as the face of the renowned Lincoln Theatre. Its first African American female executive director, Suzan has been responsible for the overall operations while uplifting its vision and maintaining its mission since 2009.

As the president of Thiossane Institute, which is celebrating its 25th year, and artistic director of its West African Dance performing company, Suzan is loyal to the mission of presenting and preserving traditional dance, music, and culture and perpetuating its significance to future generations, while promoting physical and mental wellness. 

Suzan has been an adjunct faculty member of The Ohio State University Department of dance for nearly ten years and is often requested to speak and share her intellect, experience and journey at conferences, universities, and other community engagements. 

Executive Director, Ohio Women’s Alliance & Ohio Women’s Action Fund
Rhiannon Carnes is the founder and executive director of Ohio Women’s Alliance (OWA) & Ohio Women’s Action Fund, a statewide reproductive justice organization building power across Ohio.

Ohio Women’s Alliance was the only Black-led founding organization of Ohioans United for Reproductive Rights—the coalition that led the campaign to pass Ohio’s Reproductive Freedom Amendment in November 2023. As a member of the Executive Committee, Rhiannon advocated to ensure that Black communities were prioritized in the amendment language and in the campaign’s voter education and GOTV strategies. 

Prior to building OWA & OWA Action Fund, Rhiannon co-founded and led Ohio’s Women’s March. Her accomplishments have been celebrated in Elle, The Nation, Harper’s BAZAAR, and Cosmopolitan. She was also named a Reproductive Justice Hero and a 2022 Jane Bagley Lehman Award winner by the Tides’ Foundation.

President, Columbus College of Art & Design
At Columbus College of Art and Design, Dr. Melanie Corn focuses on the importance of the creative economy and the key role the college plays in the success of its graduates – and the region as a whole.

A trusted leader with 20+ years of experience, Dr. Corn has a strong record of building equity and inclusion into institutional culture and a passion for fostering partnerships that focus on education, workforce, and creativity.

Dr. Corn serves on multiple regional and national boards and has received a number of accolades for her leadership. She holds degrees from Stanford University, UC Santa Barbara, and University of Pennsylvania.

President, EMH&T
Sandy Doyle-Ahern, MEn, is president of civil engineering and survey firm EMH&T. With a deep passion for addressing social disparities, Sandy actively works to combat homelessness and racial inequality, and promotes housing, transportation and workforce access for all.

Sandy’s tireless advocacy includes past board service with the Affordable Housing Trust, Rise Together Innovation Institute, and YWCA Columbus; and current service with Downtown Columbus, Inc., Columbus Metropolitan Library, Columbus State Community College, OhioHealth, the Columbus Partnership and Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation.

CEO, I Know I Can
Katina Fullen, CEO of I Know I Can, has dedicated her career to ensuring equitable access to postsecondary education and training for all youth. She led the $5 million College Advising Expansion with Columbus City Schools, placing advisors in every high school. Since 2018, Katina has expanded services and programming to South-Western, Whitehall, and Reynoldsburg City Schools. Annually, because of Katina’s dedication and foresight, over 20,000 youth are supported in achieving milestones to graduate high school prepared for college and career success.

In the community, Katina and I Know I Can serve as a key partner for The Columbus Promise, providing over 2,000 youth with access to tuition-free education. Katina is also active in national efforts to promote postsecondary education through her engagement with the National College Attainment Network.

CEO, Jewish Family Services
Karen Mozenter joined Jewish Family Services after a varied career in law, education, and philanthropy. As CEO, she has led efforts to drive innovation, diversify funding streams, and promote collaboration. Karen takes immense pride in working alongside Jewish Family Service’s diverse staff and board to advance its 116-year legacy of welcoming the stranger, championing justice, and repairing the world.

Karen serves on the boards of the Human Service Chamber of Franklin County and the Jefferson Avenue Center and the steering committee of the Franklin County Digital Equity Coalition. She is a longtime member and past officer of Temple Israel and sings and volunteers with the Harmony Project.

Senior Director of Communications & Engagement,
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission

Ralonda Hampton leads the MORPC Communications & Engagement Department while serving as a member of the Executive Leadership Team. Ralonda significantly contributes to MORPC’s community outreach strategies to ensure compliance with branding, and public involvement.

Prior to joining MORPC, Ralonda served as a Legislative Aide at Columbus City Council.  She is a passionate servant leader and is committed to giving back to her community. Ralonda serves in a number of organizations, including Board Member of both the Central Ohio Diversity Consortium and the Africentric Personal Development Shop.

Founder & CEO, ThriveIN

Chevonne is the founder & CEO of ThriveIN, a social enterprise dedicated to equipping Black Gen Z and millennial women with the tools, networks, and transformational access needed to "ThriveIN" the workplace and beyond. ThriveIN also partners with organizations to build authentically inclusive workplaces where Black women and women of color are seen, supported, and valued.

Chevonne also serves as the associate vice president of strategy at Ologie, a leading marketing and brand agency specializing in higher education. A people-first senior leader, she is dedicated to fostering collaboration and empowering teams to deliver strategies that create lasting impact.

Co-Founder, Immigro Consulting

Anisa Liban is a dedicated advocate for women and families with a focus on empowering Ohio’s immigrant and refugee populations. A Columbus native, Anisa has spent her career championing social equity, serving in impactful roles at Columbus City Council, the Ohio State Legislature, and a leading civil rights organization.

She is most proud of her role in spearheading inaugural events that recognized the cultural contributions of Ohio’s diverse communities, such as Africa Day, Somali Independence Day, and Hispanic Heritage Month. In 2024, Anisa made history when she became the first Somali woman appointed to the Westerville City Schools Board of Education, where she works to advance educational opportunities and policies that support families.

Co-Founder, Black Women in Nature

Angela Mitchell is a visionary leader, advocate, and co-founder of Black Women in Nature, where she champions healing, empowerment, and environmental justice by helping Black women reclaim their space in the outdoors.

Committed to fostering change, she continually works to uplift marginalized voices. As a senior diversity and inclusion consultant at State Farm Insurance, she drives inclusivity and belonging in corporate spaces. Passionate about community transformation, Angela serves on the boards of Plant the Power and MORPC’s Central Ohio Greenways and is a Cycle 24 participant of the African American Leadership Academy.

Director, Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging

Katie White serves as Director of the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging where she leads the execution of federal, state, and local programs for older adults and people with disabilities across eight counties. She has worked in nonprofit, government, and university roles while also serving on numerous boards. Katie earned her undergraduate degree in Gerontology and graduate degree in Social Work at The Ohio State University. She is forever grateful to her family, friends, colleagues, and mentors who make it possible for her to work passionately in a career that she loves.