Celebrating Leadership. Championing Change.

On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, join us at Hotel Cleveland for the 71st Annual Humanitarian Award Celebration. The evening begins with a 5:30 p.m. cocktail reception, followed by a 6:30 p.m. dinner and program. Business attire.



This year, we honor two inspiring leaders whose vision and impact are shaping a more inclusive Northeast Ohio.

Kirsten M. Ellenbogen

President & CEO
Great Lakes Science Center

Vanessa L. Whiting

President 
A.E.S. Management Corp.

Together, we'll celebrate their extraordinary contributions and the legacy of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and service that defines our community.

By attending, you’ll have the chance to:

• Be inspired by our honorees as they share how their leadership is creating lasting change in Northeast Ohio.

• Hear meaningful stories from students, educators, LeadDIVERSITY alumni, and business leaders about the life-changing impact of our programs.

You’ll also play a meaningful role in helping us:

• Reach thousands of children, teens, and young adults, encouraging them to celebrate what makes them unique and special.

Our honorees have made a lasting impact by championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Now, you can join them in that legacy.

For sponsorship opportunities or to honor our Humanitarian Award Honorees in our digital Commemorative Tribute Book, click here or contact Cierra Hilson, Chief Fundraising and Marketing Officer, at chilson@diversitycenterneo.org or 216-752-3000 ext. 222.

Why Your Support Matters

This Celebration is more than a dinner; it's an investment in the next generation. Proceeds from the Humanitarian Award Celebration support our School and Youth Programs, which reach hundreds of students across Northeast Ohio.

Through classroom workshops, youth leadership programs, and community initiatives, we empower young people to embrace equity, build inclusive communities, and lead with courage and compassion. By joining us on November 12, you're helping create brighter futures for the students we serve every day.

Let's come together to celebrate 71 years of progress, purpose, and possibility.

Please mark your calendar and reserve your seat at the 71st Annual Humanitarian Award Celebration. Your presence truly matters.

We can't wait to celebrate with you! 

Leadership Champion

Yo

Inclusion Champion

Community Builder

Equality Advocates

Unity Partners

Joanie and Tom Adler

Carol Barnak

Cynthia Bassett

Benesch Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP

Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University College of Law

Azadeh and James Hardiman

John Carroll University

Stuart and Terri Kline

Olympic Steel

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

Friends

Nicolas Barendt and Dr. Robin Jump

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority

Hollinger Financial LLC

The Hopkins Family Fund
The NRP Group

Beth Pollack

Port of Cleveland

Robert P. Madison International, Inc.

Step Forward

Bill and Pam Summers

www.diversitycenterneo.org | PH: 216-752-3000