Meet the Honorees
At Aspired Solutions, we believe that the heart of a strong community lies in the people who dedicate their lives to service, leadership, and uplifting others. The Night of Excellence Gala celebrates individuals whose work, resilience, and impact inspire meaningful change across our region.
Join us as we proudly honor these extraordinary leaders and change makers.
Humanitarian Excellence Award
Vernon Jackson is an internationally recognized motivational speaker, author, entrepreneur, and founder of The Gifted Event, an initiative dedicated to creating sensory-friendly and transformative experiences for children with special needs. Through powerful storytelling that has reached more than 30 million people worldwide, Vernon has become a trusted voice on empathy-driven leadership, inclusion, and community impact.
An award-winning barber and entrepreneur, Vernon blends authenticity with purpose, inspiring audiences from Fortune 500 companies to grassroots community events. Major brands, universities, and organizations have sought his voice for guidance on leadership, personal growth, and building inclusive environments. Through his work, Vernon challenges others to lead with compassion, maximize their influence, and create spaces where everyone belongs.
Service Above Self Award
Judge Nicole L. Sanders is a lifelong resident of Cincinnati, a devoted mother and grandmother, and a distinguished legal professional committed to justice and public service. She currently presides over the only full-time statutorily created drug court in the State of Ohio, a court dedicated to recovery, accountability, and giving individuals a path toward rehabilitation and transformation.
A graduate of the University of Cincinnati and the University of Cincinnati College of Law, Judge Sanders began her legal career in the City of Cincinnati Prosecutor’s Office, where she served as Assistant City Prosecutor and Assistant City Solicitor handling criminal, civil, and appellate matters. She later became a Common Pleas Magistrate in the Hamilton County Juvenile Court before being elected as Hamilton County Drug Treatment and Recovery Judge in 2020.
Under her leadership, the court has secured $2.7 million in federal grants, served more than 2,000 participants, and celebrated over 365 successful graduates who have rebuilt their lives through recovery. Beyond the courtroom, Judge Sanders is deeply engaged in community service, mentoring young lawyers, supporting scholarships, and advocating for youth and recovery initiatives throughout Cincinnati.
Service Above Self Award
LaTasha Harris, BSN, RN, CNOR
is a dedicated nurse leader, community advocate, and President of the Delta Eta Eta Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated. With a distinguished nursing career spanning transplant and vascular nursing, acute care, and long-term rehabilitation, LaTasha has committed her life to advancing health equity, patient advocacy, and community wellness.
A certified Basic Life Support (BLS) instructor, LaTasha is passionate about equipping others with lifesaving knowledge and empowering individuals to act confidently during medical emergencies. Her advocacy extends into professional leadership as she has served as a delegate representative for the Ohio Nurses Association and works with the Registered Nurses Association union to advocate for stronger protections and improved conditions for nurses.
Through health fairs, community screenings, and outreach initiatives, LaTasha continues to champion preventive care and education, working to ensure families and communities have the knowledge and resources they need to live healthier lives.
Influence With Purpose Award
Crystal Allen serves as President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dayton, where she is dedicated to empowering young people to reach their full potential. Through her leadership, the organization continues to provide mentorship, educational support, and life-enriching opportunities for youth throughout the Dayton community.
Crystal’s commitment to youth development ensures that children and teens have access to safe spaces, positive role models, and programs that inspire leadership, confidence, and lifelong success.
Beacon of Hope Award
Renika J. Smiley is a visionary entrepreneur, nonprofit executive, and housing innovator whose leadership is helping reshape economic mobility and housing stability in Greater Cincinnati. As Founder and CEO of Generation NOW, she leads initiatives focused on workforce development, leadership training, and creating pathways to sustainable careers.
Through her work as a Systems Change Partner with the United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Renika contributes to citywide strategies that address workforce equity, economic resilience, and long-term opportunity for underserved communities. Her impact extends beyond programming she is helping build the infrastructure for systemic change that strengthens communities for generations to come.
Renika’s work stands as a powerful reminder that transformative leadership can create opportunity where barriers once existed.
Rising Impact Leader Award
Shaquanna Sardin is a proud Mississippi native who relocated to Cincinnati in 2018 with a mission to build meaningful community connections and create a sense of belonging. As the only member of her family in the city, she transformed that challenge into purpose—building relationships and opportunities that uplift the community around her.
Professionally, Shaquanna serves as a Treasury Management Client Specialist II and Community Engagement Champion at First Commonwealth Bank, where she bridges the gap between financial institutions and the community. Through financial literacy initiatives, volunteer engagement, and collaborative outreach, she helps empower individuals and families to build stronger financial futures.
Her leadership extends throughout the region as Vice Chair of the Young Professionals Boards for the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati and Cincinnati Works, as well as a board member for Guiding Light Mentoring and Cornerstone Renter Equity. Shaquanna embodies the belief that family is not only who you are born to, but who you build through service, connection, and shared purpose.
Excellence in Partnership Award
Quinn Washington is the Director of Used Car Sales at U Pull & Pay in Cincinnati, where she has built a reputation for leadership, innovation, and results-driven success. With more than five years of experience in automotive sales and customer relations, Quinn has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to transform opportunity into measurable impact, including selling up to 20 vehicles in a single month.
Known for her sharp eye for potential and strong negotiation skills, Quinn prioritizes trust, transparency, and customer satisfaction in every interaction. Her philosophy is simple yet powerful—sales are not just about closing deals but about building lasting relationships and helping people secure reliable transportation that improves their quality of life.
Through her entrepreneurial mindset and dedication to service, Quinn continues to set a standard for excellence in partnership and customer-centered leadership.
Legacy of Leadership & Excellence Award
Jamar Mosley is the head girls’ basketball coach and co-athletic director at Purcell Marian High School in Cincinnati. A respected leader and mentor, he has led the Cavaliers to multiple state championships and historic program success while maintaining a strong commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the court. Mosley is widely recognized for his leadership, dedication to youth development, and impact on the Cincinnati sports community.
Leadership in Education & Empowerment Award
Rev. Dr. Chenelle B. Price, Ph.D. is a respected faith leader, scholar, and community advocate known for her commitment to service, education, and empowerment. Through ministry, leadership, and outreach initiatives, she works to uplift communities, promote equity, and inspire individuals to live with purpose, faith, and compassion.
Courage in Spirit Award
Jahleeah Williams is a courageous young survivor whose story has inspired many across the Cincinnati community. After being critically injured in a tragic shooting at age 11, she has demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience throughout her recovery, becoming a symbol of hope, perseverance, and the power of community support.
Champion for Youth Education Award
Jane Bailey is a dedicated Cincinnati educator who has spent her career inspiring and guiding students through education, mentorship, and community engagement. Known for her commitment to academic excellence and student development, she has made a lasting impact on countless young people and families throughout the Cincinnati community. Her passion for education and service reflects a lifelong dedication to empowering the next generation.
Pillar of the Community Award
Collective Empowerment Group is a community-based organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families through advocacy, education, and outreach. The organization works to address community challenges, uplift underserved populations, and foster collaboration that drives positive change throughout Cincinnati.