Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of Ohio for 2022. This year’s leaders are guiding organizations, both large and small, in areas including healthcare, consumer products, banking, education and more. In a state with an ever-growing economy, these women are key contributors to its success. They are role models in their fields and leaders amongst the community, leaving an impact that will resonate for generations.
Among this year’s awardees is Liz Geraghty, International Chief Marketing Officer for Wendy’s, who facilitated the launch of many iconic menu items, including the Apple Pecan Chicken Salad and Asiago Ranch Chicken Club, and was the thought-leader behind the company’s revamped breakfast menu. Awardee Marina MacDonald, Chief Marketing Officer of Red Roof Inn, spearheads their company-wide initiative to support women in hospitality through Red Roof's Forum on Leadership for Women Entrepreneurs. Also awarded is Jill Marcotte, Chief Supply Chain Officer of Dealer Tire, who leads a team of over 500 associates and six business units, creating the overall corporate strategic and tactical foundation for the highly successful wholesale distribution company.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Ohio for 2022.
1. Liz Geraghty
International Chief Marketing Officer, The Wendy's Company
Liz Geraghty has served as the International Chief Marketing Officer since February 2020. She leads Wendy’s marketing, supply chain, operations support and innovation in 30 countries outside of the US. Geraghty originally joined Wendy’s as VP of new product offerings in 2008. She was later promoted to VP of brand marketing, and eventually VP of international brand marketing and operations, before stepping into her current role. She has helped Wendy’s launch many iconic menu items, including the Apple Pecan Chicken Salad, Asiago Ranch Chicken Club, Spicy Nuggets, and Natural Cut Sea Salt Fries. She spearheaded the introduction of delivery with Wendy’s first US provider in 2017, and was the thought-leader behind the company’s revamped breakfast menu that launched in 2020. She also led menu, marketing, and supply chain efforts for Wendy’s launch in the United Kingdom in 2021.
Geraghty earned an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and a master’s degree in food science and an undergraduate degree in microbiology from University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.
2. Katy Moeggenberg
VP of NA Beauty, Procter & Gamble
As Vice President, Information Technology and Digital Commerce for Procter & Gamble, Katy Moeggenberg leads digital strategy for the company’s North America Hair Care portfolio. In this role, she leads eCommerce sales and media buying, digital innovation, data and analytics, all helping more consumers meaningfully connect with and purchase from brands like Pantene, Head & Shoulders, Aussie and Old Spice Hair Care. Moeggenberg regularly consults on future facing digital and data capabilities across P&G Beauty plus guides P&G’s brand and sales teams on staffing and skill integration that helps them remain at the forefront of digital innovation.
In her previous role as a senior global marketing technologist, Moeggenberg led an organization of 100+ Digital Commerce experts embedded across P&G’s brand teams, with a focus on digital innovation and results, skill development and career planning. Her passion for developing the capability of those on her team enabled P&G’s 2018 recognition by an accredited industry organization OMCP for marketing technologist training excellence. Moeggenberg joined P&G in 2004 as a digital marketing manager for baby care, working since then across several of P&G’s global businesses to grow their digital commerce businesses. Her results-driven efforts and innovative approaches have resulted in her co-authoring 3 US patent approvals. Valedictorian of the University of Cincinnati’s College of Engineering Computer Science program, Moeggenberg lives in Cincinnati with her husband, where they share a mutual passion for fitness and wellbeing.
6. Marina MacDonald
Chief Marketing Officer, Red Roof Inn
Marina MacDonald serves as Chief Marketing Officer for Red Roof®, helping Red Roof achieve its goals by leading its Sales, Marketing, Communications, ESG and Distribution programs. She spearheads a company-wide initiative to support women in hospitality through Red Roof's Forum on Leadership for Women Entrepreneurs, for which AHLA awarded her the Paving the Way award. She is Past America’s Board Chair for HSMAI, has been named among the Top 30 Most Influential Women by Hotel Management, is an AdWeek CMO Award Winner, and was named by International Hospitality Institute amongst their 25 Most Influential Women. Marina is a member of CHIEF, a network focused on connecting and supporting women executive leaders.
Previously, MacDonald was a SVP of sales & marketing at Remington Hotels and before that a SVP of sales & marketing at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. MacDonald earned an MBA in business innovation from The Aji Network in California and an undergraduate degree in business administration from Bradford School.
7. Michelle Greene
EVP & Chief Information Officer, Cardinal Health
Michelle Greene is an Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Global Business Services Leader at Cardinal Health, leading teams to harness technology strategy and innovation to better serve customers and evolve healthcare delivery. Technology, innovation, and business services work hand in hand to propel Cardinal Health forward. In her role, Greene manages the teams charged with those symbiotic functions including Information Technology, Fuse and Global Business Services.
Before joining Cardinal Health, Greene served as the VP of IT for Masco Corporation where she was responsible for aligning the IT strategies and initiatives supporting Masco’s corporate functions and overall business objectives. She also spent time serving as a VP and IT business partner for global functions at Johnson Controls where she provided technology vision and leadership in the development and implementation of their Enterprise Council technology programs. Previously, she was the director of business infrastructure for Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications. Greene earned an undergraduate degree from Valdosta State University and a master’s degree from Florida State University with a focus on information sciences.
10. Lisa Griffin
VP of Consumer Experience & Clinical Patient Access, University Hospitals
Lisa Griffin is a seasoned healthcare executive internationally known for her expertise in healthcare service delivery. She currently serves as Vice President of the Consumer Experience and Clinical Patient Access at University Hospital in her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, formerly serving as SVP of enterprise patient access at Jefferson Health. Her prior roles also include VP of patient access services at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, systems director of patient access at Houston Methodist, and director of access optimization at Cleveland Clinic.
Griffin has strategically worked to aid organizational design and implement operational throughput strategies, call centers, telephony platforms and physician practice efficiencies. The implementations were inclusive of Epic and many other electronic medical records builds maintenance and innovative strategies. All of which advanced better healthcare delivery. She possesses a successful record of accomplishments and holds a reputation for formulating strategies to achieve improvement in service delivery, patient access and revenue. Lisa is a certified executive through Cornell University and a certified call center manager. She is well known for her tireless energetic work ethic towards achieving optimized operational efficiencies, while elevating employee engagement.
14. Tiffany Sieve
SVP of Marketing & Communications, Paycor
Tiffany Sieve is a passionate leader who balances her time raising her 3 children, giving back to the Cincinnati community, and leading a powerful Marketing team. She is the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Paycor. In this role, Sieve leads a talented team of 40+ marketing professionals to build brand awareness strategies, drive demand generation with prospects and partners, and foster advocates throughout Paycor’s customer journey. With 15+ years of marketing and sales experience, she is highly results driven and passionate about both the analytical and creative sides of marketing to drive exceptional revenue growth. Sieve is an authentic leader who focuses on developing high performing teams that are empowered to make strategic decisions.
When it comes to serving the community, Sieve gives her time and energy to 3 key passions: mentoring youth, promoting gender equality, and driving awareness for heart health. She started her mentorship at DECA, mentoring high school students and leading youth camp retreats. During her professional career, she continued to mentor students and expanded her support by joining the board for Adopt a Class in 2022 to help inspire students to overcome obstacles and set them up for long-term success. Sieve is also an advocate for gender equality and advancing women in leadership positions as she co-founded the Women’s Inspirational Network at Paycor and is an active board member for the Center for Women in Business and Leadership for Xavier University. Additionally, to honor her late father and provide hope to others, she serves on the American Heart Association’s Go Red Executive Leadership Board where she raises funds to support lifesaving research and education. In summer of 2022, she was named a Cincinnati 40 Under 40 award winner for her work supporting the community. Sieve has an undergraduate degree in business from Purdue University and an MBA in marketing from Wright State University.
17. Jill Marcotte
Chief Supply Chain Officer, Dealer Tire LLC
Jill Marcotte is partner and part owner of the Dealer Tire enterprise of companies totaling nearly $3B. She is Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO) at Dealer Tire LLC, Cleveland, OH, leading a team of over 500 associates and six business units. Jill helped create the overall corporate strategic and tactical foundation for the highly successful wholesale distribution company that Dealer Tire has become. As part of her executive role, she serves as the board chair of the enterprise’s strategic investment, Simple Tire. In addition, she also serves on two private family-owned boards with experience as an advisory member and an active member in the Governance, Audit, Board Member Search, and Technology/Cyber Security Committees. She was previously named “Director to Watch”, “Inspirational Women in Supply Chain” and “Woman to Watch in the Tire Industry”. With over 35 years of work experience, Jill has served in a variety of sectors having held leadership roles at Brach’s Confections, Andes Candies, Nestlé Foods and General Motors. Jill is a graduate of Kettering University, with an undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering, and has a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Michigan.
As a strong executive and philanthropist, Jill enjoys sharing her supply chain, leadership, and board expertise to benefit the community. She is a sought-after conference speaker, panelist and moderator of topics on leadership, business growth, company culture and boardroom skills. Throughout her career, Jill has served on several nonprofit boards, including most recently for the Cleveland Sight Center. She is an advocate for creating and encouraging a thriving company culture focused on associate engagement, clarity of purpose and commitment to excellence. Jill encourages women to support each other to pursue their ambitions and achieve success in their professional endeavors.
View the complete list of awardees.
19. Clementine Bihiga
President & Founder, Global Impact Academy
Clementine Bihiga, President and Founder of Global Impact Academy, is a Certified John Maxwell Keynote Motivational Speaker, Trainer, Coach, Entrepreneur and Published Author of her award-winning book Happily Broken: Discovering Happiness Through Pain and Suffering. She was only 8 years old when her family escaped from war-torn Rwanda. As her mother and youngest siblings piled into a car, she and her brothers had to walk beside the packed vehicle while bombs exploded beside them and bullets shot past their heads. She spent the next 5 years in refugee camps and settlements. She had to grow up quickly and become an adult-like 8-year-old. It is no surprise that at the age of 36, she has accomplished more than many.
Clementine has won many awards including 2020 Joe Belle Memorial Youth Alumni Award, Voice of the Year Award in 2016 from Sheknows media, Women in Action Award, Special Mayoral Recognition in Worcester, MA and has been recognized by the Massachusetts State Senate for her work with Refugees around the world.
Clementine has appeared in numerous local and national publications and has shared the stage with influential people like Kim Kardashian, Cheryl Crow, Aisha Tyler and more. She has also appeared in business magazines with leaders like Mark Cuban and Jeff Bezos. She is a light in the darkness. Her powerful positive energy on stage along with her sparkling laughter in the face of tragedy and challenges is unparalleled. She has presented to audiences of all ages across the nation with rave reviews. Her story of perseverance and grit motivates those going through challenging times. Her grace and poise on stage lights up the room and inspires audiences. She has transformed her life into a story to use as motivation for audiences across the world. When in Clementine’s presence, you have NO choice but to GROW. Among other topics, Clementine shares secrets on How to Never Lose and what it means to be a Transformational Leader with her audiences.
22. Katie Bradigan
Head of Global Engagement, Defined Learning
Katie Bradigan proudly serves as the Head of Global Engagement for Defined Learning, which is the country’s leading authority for career-connected project-based learning. In her role as Head of Global Engagement, Katie is responsible for designing and overseeing domestic and international strategy around educational stakeholder engagement. She frequently collaborates with state departments of education, federal and statewide elected officials, school district leadership and industry and community partners. Having traveled to over 60 countries, visited schools on nearly every continent, and lived all around the world, Katie has dedicated her life to the field of education, leveraging her talents to ensure that EVERY student has equitable access to the opportunity for a meaningful future. Katie tirelessly embraces the core belief that talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not.
Through her 15 years of executive leadership spearheading prominent educational change movements, Katie humbly serves a strategic advisor to senior leaders in some of the world’s most well-known organizations and is on the Board of Directors for one of the largest teacher communities in the United States. Prior to joining Defined Learning, Katie had the privilege of serving in distinguished leadership positions at both McGraw-Hill Education and Discovery Education. Katie’s career proudly began her professional career in politics where she worked in a variety of legislative, communications and campaign related positions. She is an active alumnus of The Ohio State University where she graduated in three years with a Summa Cum Laude degree in both communications and business.
26. Susan Mahaffee
Chief People Officer, Majestic Steel USA
Susan Mahaffee has more than 20 years of progressive and diversified experience managing all human resource functions for both public and private multinational companies. She currently serves as the Chief People Officer at Majestic Steel USA based in Cleveland, Ohio. She was appointed to this role in April 2022 and works remotely when not traveling to their headquarters or traveling throughout the county to one of its nine service center locations.
Previously, Mahaffee was the global director of people and organization for the corporate headquarters of Mars Inc. based in McLean, Virginia. She has also held a variety of positions within multiple public and private companies and industries such as Waste Management, Office Depot's Supply Chain division and AECOM at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Starting off in hospitality human resources, she added in manufacturing, retail, human service, and technology environments over time. Mahaffee holds several certifications including SHRM-SCP, SPHR, DDI, Prosci Certified Change Practitioner, National Diversity Council Certified Diversity Professional and Strategic Decision Making from Wharton’s Executive Leadership Program. She is in her fourth year as a board member with Arundel Society for Human Resources Management based in Annapolis, Maryland and was recently accepted to the SHRM Executive Network where she joins an elite community of HR leaders at the intersection of people and business. She earned her MBA in Global Business and Organizational Leadership, BS in management and an AS in advertising communications from Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island.
27. Nwaka Onwusa
VP & Chief Curator, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Nwaka Onwusa is the Vice President and Chief Curator for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. She first joined the organization in 2019 as the director of curatorial affairs. Onwusa has played a role in developing various Rock Hall exhibits, including “Induction All Access: Photography by Kevin Mazur" and “The 2020 Hall of Fame Inductee Exhibit.” She was also the lead curator for an exhibit highlighting how legendary artists responded to social injustice, titled “It’s Been Said All Along: Voices of Rage, Hope and Empowerment.”
Onwusa’s past experience included a decade of work at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. She has specialized in putting together exhibits that emphasize diversity in music. Her promotion made her one of the most prominent African-American leaders in Cleveland’s arts and culture community. Onwusa graduated from the University of Southern California with a master's degree in organizational leadership and from the University of California, Riverside with an undergraduate degree in sociology.
31. Dawn Anderson-Butcher
Professor of Social Work & Affiliate Faculty in Kinesiology, The Ohio State University
Dawn Anderson-Butcher is a sports scientist by training, and a licensed clinical social work worker. She has dedicated her career to promoting healthy outcomes for young people, especially those from socially vulnerable circumstances. Her current role is Professor of Social Work and Affiliate Faculty in Kinesiology at The Ohio State University. At Ohio State, she serves as the Co-Executive Director of Ohio State’s LiFEsports Initiative, overseeing the research, curriculum development, and training components of this nationally recognized sport program. Dawn also serves as the Executive Director of the Community and Youth Collaborative Institute, a center focused on building the capacity of the multiple social settings that serve youth (such as schools, afterschool programs, sports, etc.). Dawn is an internationally renowned scholar and has amassed over 120 publications over the course of her career. She served over 10 years as the chair for the Mental Health Education Integration Consortium, a national think-tank focused on school mental health practice, policy, and research. Additionally, her collaborative work has touched the lives of over 10,000 youth over the years in Central Ohio.
Her work has been honored by many. Dawn was the first person at Ohio State to be inducted as a Fellow in the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare. She also is a Research Fellow in both the Society of Health and Physical Educators and the Society of Social Work Researchers, as well as received the School Social Work Association of America’s Gary A. Shaffer Award for Academic Contributions to the Field of School Social Work. Dawn earned a PhD in exercise and sport psychology and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Utah. She has a master's degree in exercise science and undergraduate degrees in psychology and exercise science from Miami University of Ohio.
33. Tiffany Mattingly
VP of Clinical Strategies, The Health Collaborative
Tiffany Mattingly is responsible for leading high quality, equitable, clinical initiatives through a diverse lens of clinical, programmatic, quality, and operational experiences, providing strategic guidance across communities, programs, and stakeholders. Tiffany serves as the Clinical Advisor across The Health Collaborative’s organizational matrix, supporting all service lines and professional service structures. For over 15 years, Tiffany has been a noteworthy leader in the clinical initiatives space, engaging in multiple initiatives either influenced by or influencing health equity, health policy, healthcare workforce, health data information, and value-based payment.
Tiffany served as Project Director of Comprehensive Primary Care Plus, the largest payment demonstration project launched by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. She led the technical assistance strategy and data assistance for 550 primary care practices across the state of Ohio/Northern Kentucky for the duration of the five-year program. Recognized as a leader and trusted health expert, Tiffany is responsible for the coordinated COVID-19 pandemic response for 16 counties in Southwest Ohio, Southeast Indiana, and Northern Kentucky. Through this coordinated, multi-agency effort across local health systems, hospitals and public health, officials have the data and resources needed to make actionable decisions. Recognized nationally, Mattingly and other local leaders met with Health and Human Services Secretary, Alex Azar, as he sought best practices from across the county. Throughout the pandemic, Tiffany serves as a liaison to state leaders to ensure barriers to equitable and high-quality health care related to COVID-19 are addressed. Through Hamilton County CARES funding, Tiffany developed and ran a no-cost testing and vaccination program available to all residents and employees of Hamilton County.
Tiffany holds an associate degree in nursing from the Good Samaritan College of
Nursing and Health Sciences, and an undergraduate and master’s degree in nursing from the University of Cincinnati. She serves on multiple local boards including the Mental Health and Recovery Board serving Warren and Clinton Counties, PreventionFirst! and HealthSource of Ohio. In addition, Tiffany commits both personal and professional contributions to the Hamilton
County Addiction Response Coalition, the Oral Health Coalition, and the Cradle Cincinnati Advisory Board. Tiffany is a volunteer with the Ohio Medical Reserve Corps, is a member of the Ohio Organization of Nurse Leaders, the American Nurses Association, the Ohio Nurses Association and is an active licensed Registered Nurse through the Ohio Board of Nursing.
35. Britney Miller
Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment
Britney Ruby Miller is the Chief Executive Officer of Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment where she leads a team of 725 employees at the company’s 7 luxury steakhouses across Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. Growing up in the family business founded by her father in 1981, she learned the intricacies of the business at a young age. She worked nearly every position over her 20 years in operations while earning a degree at University of Cincinnati and attending Midwest Culinary Institute.
In 2011, Britney joined the corporate team. In her tenure, she led the company in growth and expansion, resulting in a 150% increase in revenue. One of her proudest accomplishments is building this team, now 40 strong, 60% of which are women. Under her leadership, Ruby’s restaurants have earned national acclaim from Travel + Leisure, Food Network, USAToday, Business Insider, and many others. The impact she and her family are making in the community is perhaps most important to her. As founders of the Jeff Ruby Foundation, they are working to alleviate childhood poverty and improve the foster care system. Britney sits on the Board of the Cincinnati CVB, Ohio Restaurant Association, and is a member of the Young Presidents Organization. She earned her MBA at Xavier University and is a best-selling author with her memoir 5 Star Life.
View the complete list of awardees.
37. Jess Walpole
Chief Technology Officer, Fortress SRM
Jess Walpole serves as the Chief Technology Officer, responsible for the global cyber security program and technical services at Fortress SRM. She has over 28 years of Security, IT and Governance experience with Fortune 1000 companies. Throughout her career, she has established and executed strategies to enable digital business transformation to support revenue generation, operational efficiency and risk management.
Jess earned an undergraduate degree in finance and business administration from Malone University and is a FBI Citizens Academy Alumni holding the following professional certifications: CISM, CISA, and CGEIT. Jess is an Ohio native committed to the community and serves on the NEOCC Board and NEO InfraGard. She also actively participates in professional forums and serves as a mentor with CollegeNow.
38. Missy Lavender
Chief Executive Officer, Renalis
Missy Lavender is the Chief Executive Officer of Renalis Health. Renalis Health develops FDA-cleared prescription digital therapeutics for the treatment of pelvic conditions. Their lead product is CeCe, a mobile-enhanced digital therapeutic for first-line treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) in persons assigned female at birth. CeCe delivers cost-effective, accessible, and engaging behavioral therapy to patients with OAB symptoms via their Apple or Android smartphone. Lavender has 39 years of experience. She began her career in 1983.
Before joining Renalis, Lavender was an executive director and founder at Women's Health Foundation and before that, a partner at K.G. Redding and Associates. Earlier in her career she worked with Harris Bank as a corporate banker. Lavender graduated from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management with an MBA in international finance and real estate and from Miami University with an undergraduate degree in speech communication and rhetoric.
41. Lisa LaBanc
COO & Co-Founder, StellaVia
CEO, PSI Product Specialists
Lisa LaBanc’s passion is seeking out opportunities that bring ideas to fruition. She continues to launch and run successful businesses. She recently partnered with beauty brand marketing executive Carol Mehas to launch two exciting new brands. StellaVia recently launched at the end of September. Lisa acts as COO/Co-Founder. StellaVia creates products for woman to help them meet their hormonally based needs holistically.
In August, arbOUR Products launched. Shortly thereafter, arbOUR Products was named in Forbes Magazine 31 Things Your Home Needs This Fall. arbOUR Products creates uniquely formulated, extremely effective, household cleaning and laundry products that are safe for people, plants, and pets. Lisa also continues to run PSI Product Specialists (PSI). Her first business, PSI was started over 33 years ago and is a successful manufacturing and distribution company. PSI was just named manufacturer of the year in Chesterland, Ohio. She also founded and runs an amazing state-of-the-art fitness facility. Elements Fitness Studios, located in Chesterland, Ohio, opened in late 2018 and is a unique, one-of-a-kind fitness and wellness boutique studio that also houses a wine bar.
Lisa is a passionate entrepreneur who loves to collaborate with others. She is a proud mom of 2 amazing sons, Gary, and Ryan, who also share her entrepreneurial spirit. Her mission in life is to teach people how the universe gives back what you put out, and that it is infallible! She loves to work out, especially hot yoga, which is part of her everyday routine and sanity. Lisa says if/when she retires that she and her husband Joe plan to “travel, shop, and have cocktails” in the finest places all over the world!
44. Jessica Miller
Director of Academics, Workforce Opportunity Services
Jessica Miller began her professional career 16 years ago. Today, she is the Director of Academics of Workforce Opportunity Services, a leading nonprofit committed to developing the skills of untapped talent from underserviced and veteran communities through partnerships with organizations dedicated to diversifying their workforce. Miller directs all academic operations for WOS, including curriculum development, relationships with corporate partners and universities, and new program implementations. She is responsible for providing leadership to and support of all academic programs to ensure positive and effective educational and work experiences for all involved. Previously, she was responsible for managing the WOS program in northeast Ohio.
Prior to joining WOS, Miller mentored students and taught high school mathematics. She graduated from Teachers College of Columbia University with a MA in Anthropology and Education and from Kent State University with a BS in Integrated Mathematics Education.
45. Melissa Klosterman-Lando
Director of Employee Relations, HR, Enrollment, & Residency, Bexley City Schools
Melissa Klosterman-Lando began her professional career 23 years ago. Today, she is the Director of Employee Relations, Human Resources, Enrollment, and Residency for Bexley City Schools. One of the top districts in the state, the Bexley City School District is located in a suburban community just four miles east of downtown Columbus, Ohio. Bexley's neighborhood schools form the center of a stable, close-knit community. Students benefit from the small class sizes that permit personal attention and foster academic excellence, with access to a rich variety of courses and extracurricular programs.
Klosterman-Lando is an experienced principal with a demonstrated history of working in the education industry. She first got her start in 1999 as an intervention specialist at Hilliard City School District. From there, she went on to Dublin City Schools where she served as a student services coordinator and later an assistant principal. She joined Bexley as a principal of Montrose Elementary in 2021. Klosterman-Lando graduated from Antioch University with an MEd in educational leadership and administration and from the University of Dayton with an undergraduate degree in elementary and special education.
47. Catherine Tijerina
Co-Executive Director, The RIDGE Project
Catherine Tijerina is a catalyst for change. She is an author, nationally renowned speaker, Co-Executive Director of The RIDGE Project, a non-profit organization that she founded with her husband, Ron. Catherine is a passionate advocate for struggling families. This passion was born in the crucible of her own personal tragedy when her husband, Ron, was convicted of a crime he did not commit. In that moment she discovered that there was little to no support for vulnerable families, especially families who had a loved one in prison – a group that she terms “Forgotten Victims.”
Currently Catherine, and her husband Ron, speak in venues across the country carrying a message of hope for all families. Their work has resulted in numerous awards including the SMART Marriages Impact Award, The White House’s designation as a Champion of Change, and Director’s Award from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and corrections. Most recently, the Tijerinas have authored HIGH FIVE Love Never Fails which presents a recipe for healthy families built on 5 time-tested principles. They regularly appear in local, state and national print, radio and televised media.
49. Miranda Kogon
Elementary School Principal, Columbus Torah Academy
Dr. Miranda Kogon is a proactive change catalyst and leader in the field of education. She is skilled in both large-scale and direct programming of Mental Health, Special Education, Gifted & Talented Education, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), Federal Student Programs, and Section 504 services and supports. Dr. Kogon is a champion of equity, diversity, inclusion and restorative practices. Her international and domestic career is expansive and includes experiences working with UNICEF in York, England as an International Education Researcher, she has taught on a Native American Mohawk Reservation on the border of New York and Canada, taught and supported a special education curriculum and design team with the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education and was a Behavior Therapist at the Seoul Children's Hospital and The Mind Care Institute in Seoul, South Korea, served as a School Counselor in Rochester, New York, worked as a Behavior Specialist for Fairfax County Public Schools in Fairfax, Virginia, served as a Manager and then Director of Special Education of DC Public Schools in Washington D.C., and most recently, she was the Associate Chief of Student Equity and Opportunity with Denver Public Schools.
Kogon has also worked in higher education for many years as a full-time Professor of Humanities at Soongsil University in Seoul, South Korea, and as an Adjunct Professor of Special Education at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, where she developed and taught undergraduate and masters level courses in Human Behavior, Classroom Design & Management, and Applied Behavior Analysis for Special Education Teachers, to name a few. Dr. Kogon has mentored, trained and developed hundreds of Special Education Teachers and School Mental Health Professionals who are currently working in schools across the country supporting students. An advocate for all children, she has dedicated her career to putting systems in place by equipping both staff and parents with the knowledge, resources, and training necessary to eliminate the opportunity gap and to ensure that each and every child has the opportunity to succeed in school, regardless of circumstance. In an effort to get back to working directly with students again, Dr. Kogon is the proud Elementary School Principal of the Columbus Torah Academy; a dual-language and dual-curriculum school located in Columbus, Ohio. Her favorite thing about being an Elementary School Principal is that she gets to see and be a part of students' experiencing the joy of learning each and every day.
View the complete list of awardees.