Brian is a seasoned educator, mentor, and husband who has taught history and designed diversity strategies for several schools and organizations in Greater Cleveland. Brian understands the importance of representation for Black students in all spaces. He has studied it, taught it, and, most importantly, he has lived it.

Hear their story.

Installation: See Me

Dion is a licensed school counselor, social entrepreneur, husband, and father. To promote healthy Black parenting, with a focus on fatherhood, he created the brand Mad Black Dad. Dion's early educational journey was unique, having attended four elementary schools in three different states: Alaska, Ohio, and Louisiana. He uses his personal experiences as motivation to become the competent Black male educator he wished he had when he was younger.

Hear their story.

Installation: See Me

Latonia is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She is also the principal of the historic Glenville High School. Even before the term became popular, she was already implementing social-emotional educational practices in her classroom. Despite facing personal challenges in her life, Latonia uses these experiences to passionately advocate for the safety and success of her students. She graduated from the city's public schools and has been an experienced educator for many years. As such, her opinions on the current state of public education are well-informed and deeply rooted.

Hear their story.

Installation: See Me

Dameyonna is the founder of Queen I Am, an empowerment program that teaches girls the importance of self-love, self-respect, and self-understanding. Dameyonna's story sheds light on the complex struggles that children face today, including low self-esteem and peer pressure, particularly in the age of social media.

Hear their story.

Installation: See Me

Deborah shares her experience with motherhood which includes much loss, including her biological mother who died when she was an infant, and her 40-year-old daughter who died unexpectedly.

Hear her story.

Installation: Mothered

Jessica, the owner of Jess Juiced, runs a company that specializes in raw fruit and vegetable juices. Her journey from teenage motherhood to adulthood has been marked by resilience.

Hear her story.

Installation: Mothered

Julian is an activist, serial entrepreneur, and network builder who was born and raised in Cleveland’s Buckeye neighborhood. Learn how Julian honors his mother and her advocacy as he continues to build power in his community.

Hear his story.

Installation: Mothered

Randell (Randy) is arguably one of the most influential Black civic leaders in the Greater Cleveland region. As the Vice President of Public Affairs and Chief Talent Officer for RPM International Inc., co-founder of PolicyBridge, and the Rid-All Green Partnership – Randy’s resume is long, impactful, and unique.

In this thoughtful conversation, we discuss his wins, the wisdom he’s gained through his journey as a civic leader, and the lessons he wants a younger crop of leaders to hear.

Hear his story.

Installation: In conversation with Randy McShepard

Adenike is the owner and founder of Gourmet Girl Custom Cakes. Her unique approach to cake designing involves creating custom cakes that tell a story and reflect the personality, style, and uniqueness of her clients.

Hear their story.

Installation: Big Business, Big Impact

James Barnes is the founder and CEO of Immaculate Cleaning. His clients include notable organizations, including the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Cleveland Monsters, and Cleveland Clinic.

Hear their story.

Installation: Big Business, Big Impact

Chanell is the owner and founder of CURE Nail Gallery. Her gel-exclusive nail art haven offers exceptional natural nail care services and out-of-this-world art for nail care enthusiasts and creative spirits.

Hear their story.

Installation: Big Business, Big Impact

Enlightened Solution's 2024 Project Noir survey and upcoming report focus on Black women's experiences in healthcare, workplaces, and educational systems in Cleveland.

To provide context for the current state of Black women in Greater Cleveland, we had an in-depth one-on-one conversation with Habeebah Grimes, the CEO of Positive Education Program and the creator of the No Crystal Stair Podcast.

Hear their story.

Installation: Exhale

This installation was hosted in partnership with Enlightened Solutions.