Central Ohio Honors Bios

Blasian- Business of the Year

Joe Russell and Kosal Long started Blasian Grill together in the spring of 2017.

The year prior Joe was laid off from his job working in Business Class Sales.

His brother in law Kosal (who is married to Joe’s sister) was also laid off a couple months later.

The two met at a bar to discuss job opportunities and next steps for their families. While discussing Kosal came up with the idea to buy a gyro cart, as he was an active chef for some years. The decision was first to sell gyro and subs from the cart. After purchasing cart Joe and Kosal shadowing the previous owner to get the concept down, we were ready to go. We held a friends and family and prepared subs for them all. After the event was all done Joe and Kosal went back to the drawing board with feeling that this wasn’t enough. No wow factor, and many carts doing the same thing. In conversation Joe came with the idea "let’s do hibachi, we have a flat top grill on the cart" also Kosal was a hibachi chef, and this was a craft he knew on his own. From there we pivoted and started doing Hibachi from a small gyro cart. We held a grand opening on for the Gyro Cart on May 7 of 2017 and had a great turn out. And Blasian Grill was born from there We went store to store trying find a location. We wound up securing a location of the Southwest side of Columbus (Clime & Demorest) it was a huge hit. As we were the first one to prepare this style of cuisine from a gyro cart. From then we went to job sites in the lunch hours and the store location in the evenings. Our following began to grow and after a few years it was time to get a food truck as we outgrew the gyro cart. We did the same business model in the food truck and ran into the same issue. After a year of going through hoops trying to get locations approved for a brick-and-mortar location we finally found one that we can build out to our liking. The location was 801 Harrisburg Pike in Columbus, Ohio.

The location was vacant for some years and needing a lot of work to turn into a functional restaurant. After a year of running the truck and working on the restaurant build out on weekends, we finally had the location complete and held a Grand Opening June 7th of 2024. We are now in our brick and mortar and have dreams and goals to continue to grow to more locations and keep providing "The Best Hibachi In Town" Blasian Grill has always been family owned and operated. Teaching our children young working and helping on the food cart, to food truck, now a lot are grown up and working in the restaurant. This is something are Friendstomers very much enjoyed as they have watched many of them grow with Blasian Grill.

Fun Fact:

Blasian Grill was a name created from an idea of Joe’s wife who is Asian(Cambodian) being the merging of our two families.

Joe being Black and having a Blasian family and Kosal being Asian and having a Blasian Family.

Bishop Washington- Lifetime Achievement

Bishop Donald J. Washington is the Senior Pastor of the Mount Hermon Baptist Church. He is a native of Columbus, Ohio, and was educated in the Columbus public school system. Following graduation from Columbus East High School, he entered the United States Army and graduated with honors as the Trainee of the Cycle. After basic training, he entered into N.C.O.C.S. (Non-Commissioned Officers Candidate School) graduated Top Ten in his class, and was promoted to Sergeant E-5. After completing Paratrooper training and Ranger School at Ft. Benning, Ga., he received his order for a tour of duty in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a forward observer, heavy weapons and demolition specialist with the America Division and the Eleventh Infantry Brigade. He received the Bronze Star (with a V device), Air Medal, and Purple Heart, and was promoted to Staff Sergeant E-6 during his tour of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Upon his return to stateside, his orders sent him to the TULSA Drill Sergeant School at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and upon completion he was stationed at Fort Campbell Kentucky where he served as Drill Sergeant and Senior Training NCO until he was honorably discharged August 25, 1970.

Bishop Washington was called as Senior Pastor of Mt. Hermon in 1981; he entered the Ministry full-time in 1983. Bishop Washington received his higher education from the Aenon Bible College (Dp., Thg), and Trinity Theological Seminary (B.R.E.), in Newburg, Indiana. He received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Bethany Theological Seminary in Dothan, Alabama. He was promoted to Pastor Emeritus September, 2024.

Bishop Washington has served in many capacities over the years, namely; past Moderator of the Eastern Union Missionary Baptist Association, past President of the Ohio Baptist General Convention and Auxiliaries, Inc., past Chairman of the Church Planting Commission of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., past Board Member of the Ohio Council of Churches and St. Stephens Community House and past President of The Columbus Baptist Pastors’ Conference. Member of the Baptist Ministerial Alliance of Columbus and Vicinity, member of NAACP, One Church, One Child Foundation, and numerous other committees and councils. Bishop Washington chaired the Building Committee which was responsible for the erection of our current three 2.8 million dollar Worship Edifice and MBK/DJW Family Life Center which houses an additional 14 classrooms, a full-size gymnasium, multi-purpose Conference Room, and an onsite state of the art Fitness Center.

On the twenty-third day of January in the year of our Lord, 2009, Bishop Washington was consecrated to an even higher calling in his ministry and was elevated to the Episcopal office of Bishop. Bishop D. James Washington serves as the Presiding Prelate of the Church Alive Ministries International, Incorporated. This fellowship endeavors to bring church life back to the local community as it maintains its trilogy of; Reaffirming the Leader, Restoring the Logos, and Reaching the Lost for Jesus Christ.

Bishop Washington is the recipient of many community and civic organizational awards not limited to namely; “Legacy of the Black Preacher: The History of a People” (1992), A member of Oxford’s Who’s Who of the Elite Registry of Extraordinary Professionals (1992-1993), the Carter G. Woodson Award (1995), Doctor of Humane Letters, Eastern Union Bible College (2000) and Great Man of God Award of Jefferson Parish Council, State of Louisiana (2009) just to name a few.

Bishop Washington and Lady Shirlean Washington have been married for 53 years. They have two wonderful talented children, Trina Danielle, and Minister Donald Jerome, and are blessed with two beautiful granddaughters, Dominique (Shawn) Moore, and Amaya Washington, and one handsome grandson Daniel Washington.

E. Gayle Saunders, APR

Following a dynamic and award-winning career as a public relations executive and communications expert in-house for numerous reputable organizations, Gayle Saunders launched her own full-service PR firm in 2014. Today, she coninues to lead as a nationally renowned thought leader and expert in reputation management, media relations, crisis communications, community engagement, stakeholder outreach and media buying. With a porfolio of high-profile clients, Gayle delivers strategies from conception to execution that transform organizations from within and have a lasting ripple effect across communities.

Gayle’s impactful career began in news as an on-air personality, moving to television where she made a name for herself as the first Black news videographer at a network in the city of Columbus. It was not simply her demographic that garnered attention; the high-level quality of her work was honored as she was recognized by the Cleveland Press Club for the creation and production of her well-received Community Concerns program through which she highlighted social justice and other issues throughout the community.

In 1996, Gayle became the first female Deputy Director for the City of Columbus where she was instrumental in earning Columbus its Crisis Communications Certficate from the United States Department of Defense. She went on to manage public and community relations for the Central Ohio region of Ameritech/SBC before she transitioned to the role of Chief Communications Officer for Columbus Public Schools, the state’s largest public school district. In 2005, she moved back to the private sector as the Director of Communications for Nationwide Mutual Insurance; in 2012, she returned to education as the Assistant Vice President of Media and Public Relations for The Ohio State University (OSU), one of the nation’s top-tier public universities.

Gayle’s career highlights include serving as the liaison to the White House and managing 100+ media outlets during former President Barack Obama’s 2013 commencement speech at OSU; spearheading community-wide engagement to support the passage of a $372M capital improvements plan and $62M operating levy and acceptance of a 15-year, $1.3B Facilities Master Plan for Columbus Public Schools and acting as spokesperson on the ground during Hurricane Katrina for Nationwide Insurance.

As Founder & CEO of The Saunders Public Relations Group (TSPRG), Gayle now leads a dynamic team of creative thinkers who deliver comprehensive and strategic PR projects that exceed expectations and win awards for clients. TSPRG’s work reaches beyond botom line. Always willing to tackle difficult subjects head-on, TSPRG has played a pivotal role in supporting the diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives of numerous organizations, TSPRG members are especially gifted at engaging target audiences in such a way that move audiences to act and be engaged.

For her work, Gayle has received numerous recognitions and awards including:

•C-Suite Executive of the Year – Small Business – Columbus Business First, 2022

•Legacy Builder of the Year – WCEO, 2022

•Ohio History Maker – Spectrum News, 2022

•CSR & Diversity Award, Honorable Mention for Ally Award & Changemaker Award Honoree – PR News, 2021

•PRISM Award for Excellent PR Strategy – PR Society of America, Central Ohio, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

•Woman of Achievement Award – YWCA, 2020

•Communications Award – The Communicator Awards, 2019

•“My Brother’s Keeper” Award – Greater Columbus Basketball Legends Association, 2019

•Professional of the Year (First Person of Color to Receive Award) – PR Society of America, Central Ohio, 2018

•Who’s Who in Black Columbus, Top Executive – 2008-2021

•Forty Under Forty Award – Business First, 1995

Sergeant James K. Fuqua

Sergeant James Fuqua entered the Columbus Division of Police in 2004. He graduated the academy as part of the 108th recruit class and started his field training in 2005.

Currently, Sgt. Fuqua is assigned to the Office of the Chief, working as the spokesperson for the Columbus Division of Police. Prior to this role, Sgt. Fuqua has had assignments in Patrol, serving for over 10 years on the south-side of Columbus where he grew up and was a proud graduate of South High School (Class of ‘97’).

Sgt. Fuqua also was assigned to Recruiting, the Gang Unit, Community Response Team, and his most pivotal role, Field Training Officer. Sgt. Fuqua trained 16 people during field training, the most important of a young officer career, shaping, molding and ensuring each officer was fit for duty to serve the residents of Columbus.

Sgt. Fuqua is a state-certified expert instructor in several subjects, most notably in Community Diversity and Procedural Justice, where recruits are taught on the most up to date education on culture, bias, gender inclusion and awareness.

Prior to joining CPD, Sgt. Fuqua served in the United States Army and is also a graduate of Columbus State.

Sgt. Fuqua enjoys being active in the community as well as serving in Franklin County Jails doing prison ministry.

Janet Stephens

Janet Stephens (known as Lady J) is a leader, writer, encourager, wife, and mother of a blended family with six wonderful children. Together with her husband Apostle Terry Stephens II, she established Truth and Wholeness Ministries, now known as Manifestation Church in Columbus, Ohio, where they currently reside. Janet has a passion for teaching the word of God and is dedicated to helping others discover their life's purpose, define their vision, and walk in their destiny.

Lady J has contributed to various areas of ministry such as administration, teaching, preaching, and music. Her favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV): "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."

Despite facing numerous challenges, Janet believes in the supremacy of God's plans. She has a remarkable story of redemption, restoration, and resilience. Janet became a single mother at the age of 14 and again at 16. Despite these hardships, she remained focused, graduated at the top of her sids unnersiry. dh her findilyeah ibroTlege, hine gave birth to her youngest child, yet managed to graduate on time with a two-month-old baby and as a new wife.

Unfortunately, the marriage ended in divorce. Despite heartbreak and rejection, Janet found solace in her faith and relationship with God.

She believes that her connection with God was her lifeline. Her unwavering faith is evident in her demeanor and smile, showing that the joy of the Lord strengthens her, and that after a season of weeping, joy comes in the morning!

Through her resilience, Lady J has become a beacon of hope for those seeking God, a source healing for those in need, and a supportive fig for single mothers, women, teenagers, and any‹ with a desire to embrace their unique identity they were meant to be.

Dr. Kanesha Moss DNP, RN

Kanesha Moss DNP, RN has served as Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Care Services at OhioHealth, since 2018. Prior to becoming the Chief Nursing Officer, Kanesha has spent over the last 20 years serving in multiple roles at OhioHealth.

In her role as CNO, Kanesha, is responsible for the overall delivery and management of nursing practice, nursing research and education and professional development. As the executive leader of a significant component of the health-care organization she is responsible for the safety and quality of the delivery of nursing care, in addition, she is responsible for the operations of departments and service lines. As the primary spokesperson for nursing, she helps to align the nursing staff with the mission, values, and vision of OhioHealth.

Kanesha earned her undergraduate degree at Ohio University, graduate degree from Capital University and doctoral degree from Franklin University. She is a member of the American Organization of Nurse Executive (AONE) and the American Nurses Association (ANA). She has received several awards for compassion, Integrity, and Servant Leadership. Kanesha was one of the, Columbus Business First, 40 Under 40 honorees and graduate from OhioHealth’s You Belong and Excel Program (for high potential executives).

Kanesha is a true servant leader, she lives by the motto, to whom much is given much is required. Kanesha serves as a mentor to new leaders and those striving to become leaders. Kanesha is a coach to many women. She strives to be an example to all women that you can be a woman in leadership, have a successful career all while maintaining a loving family. Personally, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Clarence and their three beautiful daughters.

Kathlynne “Kathy” Bruce Duffy Espy

Kathlynne “Kathy” Bruce Duffy Espy had an extraordinary life. She was born in Toledo, Ohio on March 29, 1944 to Helen Louise and Franklyn Verlett Duffy. She attended Monroe Elementary, Robinson Junior High School and Jesup W. Scott High School.

She was taught to value education from a young age, since her mother, Helen, was an elementary school teacher. She excelled in school both academically and socially as a cheerleader. She attended The Ohio State University and received a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. Kathy was popular among her friends and one day during lunch in the Student Union, she met the love of her life, a handsome running back named Ben Espy.

Kathy and Ben were married on September 3, 1967 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Toledo, Ohio. They began their life together in Washington, D.C. shortly after Ben was accepted into the Howard University School of Law. While in D.C., Kathy worked as a Teacher of the Deaf at the Washington Hearing Society, where she facilitated the personal, social, and intellectual development of students who had hearing loss.

Upon Ben’s graduation from law school, Kathy and Ben returned to Columbus. Shortly thereafter, Kathy gave birth to their first daughter, Elizabeth. Two years late, Ben and Kathy welcomed their second daughter, Amy, into the world.

After living in New York for a short time, Kathy and Ben moved back to Columbus where she served as the Director/Teacher at Stonybrook Early Learning Center in Gahanna, Ohio. Kathy had a passion for teaching children and made an impact on many young lives.

Kathy and Ben both have a love of entrepreneurship and when Amy began to excel in gymnastics, they realized there was not a gym that catered to the East side of Columbus, especially one that was affordable for children of color. They opened Americana Gymnastics Center which was both a good business endeavor and a place Amy could thrive in the sport. Despite the fact that Kathy was extremely busy running a business, she also accepted the role as a Deputy Registrar for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for the State of Ohio.

Anyone who knew Kathy knew that above all, she valued her family. Therefore, it was not a surprise when Ben and Kathy decided to expand their family by one more. However, God had a special surprise for them and said “I’ll give them two!” Twins, Laura and Lynnette arrived and changed everyone’s world. She loved her four girls immensely and anyone she met knew just how much she adored her children.

As she raised her girls, she still found time to serve her community. She served on the UNCF celebration committee, Chair, Ruth Shuman McLean Lecture Series, Chair, JC Penney Golden Rule Award, the Ohio Underground Railway Bi-Centennial Committee, the Mayoral Transition Personnel Committee, Co-Chair of the opening of Nordstrom at Easton, Co-Chair of the City of Columbus 2012 sports Committee and many other numerous volunteer and civic involvements.

When you think of Mount Carmel Health System, to include the College of Nursing, you think of Kathy Espy. Indeed, Kathy was a supporter of Mount Carmel, long before she became a valued employee. She was a trustee on the Mount Carmel Foundation Board and the first African-American member of the Mount Carmel College of Nursing Board of Trustees. One day she was invited to a meeting at the College to develop a strategy to support minority students in the journey to become professional nurses. Ultimately, that meeting turned into an amazing 30 year career.

During her time at Mount Carmel, Kathy was an extraordinary leader with years of service as a champion of diversity and inclusion. She was a founding member of the Mount Carmel Health System’s Diversity Task Force which recognizes, promotes and celebrates diversity in the workplace, and served as Director of Community Engagement. She also created The Learning Trail, a program which paved the way for increased minority representation in the field of nursing. Her community relations efforts helped push Mount Carmel to become a healing and transforming presence throughout Central Ohio.

The YWCA was an organization where she invested her time and talent empowering women. She was a volunteer and served on the Board of Trustees as the Board Chair who helped raise money for the $15 million Griswold Building renovation and the $7 million Family Center campaign. She was a member of the YWCA Columbus Academy of Women of Achievement and one of only three women to receive the YWCA Lifetime Achievement Award for her bold vision of bringing diversity to every table she is invited to and for her lasting impact on Columbus. For many years, she took her children and grandchildren to serve Thanksgiving meals to the families served by the YWCA Family Center.

Kathy created Mount Carmel’s “A Gathering of Women” receptions to celebrate achievements of women new to the Columbus area. She was often called upon for advice on career development, navigating Columbus society, and general life situations. Kathy served on the boards of Action for Children, Heritage Day Health Centers, and the Isabelle Ridgeway Nursing Home. She was a former President of the Recreation and Parks Commission. She was also one of the first black trustees for Ballet Met where she chaired the Community Relations Committee and brought Les Ballets Africains to Columbus which paved the way for more diverse programs.

Leading a busy life, Kathy still found time to foster friendships. She was a connector, a divine architect of connecting like minded people. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., The Links, Inc., The Girl Friends Inc., The Sophisticates, Inc., The Carrousels, Inc. The National Smart Set, Inc., the Coalition of 100 Black Women and Columbus Corporate Sisters.

Kathy’s tireless efforts to support those in need were recognized by many organizations, including the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, the UNCF, the Columbus Junior League, the AEP Foundation, the Walter and Marion English Foundation, the Ohio Association of College Admission Counselors, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., St. Paul A.M.E Church, the Columbus Urban League of Greater Columbus, Helping Hands, Columbus Black Nurses, YWCA Volunteer of the Year, Medical Mutual Senior Volunteer of the Year, and Jack and Jill of America, Inc. The Espy family was also honored in the Columbus Black Heritage Bicentennial Celebration Edition in 2012.

Kathy was also a staunch supporter of women in politics. She was a member of the Matriots, a non-partisan political action committee that endorses, supports and encourages women to run and win elected office in Ohio. She served on the host committee for Women for Kamala Harris’ fundraiser of which she was thrilled to help plan. Kathy was a Founding Board Member of the Fire and Focus Foundation whose goal is to support and inspire leaders and organizations to achieve their dreams, research their passions, grow their knowledge and increase compassionate service for others. Fire and Focus has provided hundreds of leadership scholarships to women, young leaders and organizations in the areas of education, healthcare, civic and community advancement and corporate/business engagement. For ten years, Kathy was the Chair of the Fire and Focus Scholarship Award Program hosted during the Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.

She loved to travel with her family, visiting South Africa, Spain, Canada, The Bahamas, and numerous cities across America. A special proud moment was when she walked the steps of The Cape of Good Hope in Cape Town, South Africa. Kathy had a passion for genealogy and script writing, often saying she should send her ideas to Lifetime TV. She was a lifelong active member of St. Paul A.M.E Church for more than five decades.

Kevin L. Boyce

A lifelong Ohioan, Kevin Boyce made history when he was elected in November of 2016, as the first African American to serve as a Commissioner on the Franklin County Board of Commissioners. Franklin County is the largest county in Ohio with just under 1.4 million residents. Today, Boyce serves as President of the Board. During this time, Commissioner Boyce has led the creation of the RISE Together Innovation Institute. An organization created to disrupt structural racism and end poverty in order to achieve equity for all Franklin County Residents. Additionally, Boyce led the charge to declare racism a public health crisis in Franklin County, as one of the first large counties in America to do so.

He has had a distinguished, 30-year career in public service. At age 37, Boyce was the youngest state-wide office holder in the United States of America. Serving as the state treasurer of Ohio and overseeing the 7th largest treasury in the United States. Additionally, Boyce has served as a legislator in the Ohio General Assembly and a member of Columbus City Council.

Outside of his public service, Boyce has had a successful career in investment banking, having managed over $10 billion dollars in transactions in states such as Ohio, New York, Illinois, Texas, California, Michigan, Tennessee, and Georgia.

Mr. Boyce is also a serial entrepreneur, of which his most recent endeavor included the historic formation of America’s 20th Minority Depository Institution, Adelphi Bank. Prior to Adelphi, America had not seen a Black-owned bank open in 30 years. Chartered in January 2023 after a three-year organization period, Adelphi is dedicated to reducing the wealth gap by providing homeownership opportunities, entrepreneurial resources, and banking services to underserved communities. Adelphi continues to flourish in Columbus, OH where Boyce serves as the Vice Chairman. President Boyce has received many awards and honors, some of which include: Ebony Magazine’s National "30 Leaders under 30" Award, Columbus Business First’s “Power 100 of Central Ohio” Award, the National Council of Negro Women’s Community Service Award, the Society of Black Professionals’ Achievement Award, the Outstanding Role Model Award from the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, the Outstanding Public Service Award from the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and many others.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo, a master’s degree from Central Michigan University, and a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Wilberforce University.

He resides in Columbus, Ohio and is married to Congresswoman Emilia

Sykes (Akron OH-13). He has two sons, Kevin Jr. and Kristopher Boyce.

Larry Carey

Larry Carey is an award-winning educator, author, and advocate whose life’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and community. His career began humbly as a substitute teacher for Columbus City Schools, where he discovered his passion for shaping young minds. He progressed to roles as an Instructional Assistant and Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, honing his skills in early childhood education. As a PBIS Coordinator, he championed the implementation of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports, helping schools create supportive, equitable environments. Today, Larry serves as a Climate and Culture Systems Consultant, partnering with schools and districts to inspire lasting change.

Larry’s dedication to servant leadership is a constant thread in his life. His impactful work with Community Development for All People (CD4AP) continues in a volunteer capacity each summer, where he collaborates on initiatives that uplift youth and foster academic and social growth. In his community, Larry remains a guiding force, coaching basketball, soccer, and flag football for the R.E.E.L.L League and mentoring through chess programs at Royal Oak and Columbus City Schools. Through these endeavors, he instills discipline, critical thinking, and resilience in the next generation.

As an award-winning author of Alliteration Boosts Communication: The ABCs of Vocabulary and Hey Black Boy!, Larry uses the power of storytelling to connect, empower, and inspire. His literary and professional accomplishments have earned him numerous accolades, reflecting his commitment to advancing equity and excellence in education.

Larry’s impact extends nationally through his advocacy and organizing work. As a participant in the National Education Association’s Fellowship Program, he has been instrumental in recruiting and retaining talented educators, with a particular focus on supporting teachers of color. His efforts ensure that the teaching profession reflects the diversity of the students it serves.

From the classroom to the community, Larry Carey’s journey is one of relentless dedication to sparking the potential in others. His why is simple: “to spark the mind or minds of someone who will change the world.”

Pamela Gregory

Pamela Gregory is a trailblazing visionary reshaping the future of her industry and community. As the co-founder of one of Central Ohio's 50 fastest-growing companies, Mrs. Gregory has been instrumental in the success of the National Center for Urban Solutions (NCUS) and its family of businesses, including the African American Male Wellness Agency (AAMWA), Academy for Urban Scholars High Schools, NCUS TEC, and Africentric Personal Development Shop. Under her leadership, NCUS has achieved groundbreaking milestones, such as being recognized by Amazon as the first African American-owned company to serve as an AWS single-source solution provider—an extraordinary achievement.

Pamela Gregory’s commitment to social impact and economic empowerment runs deep. She has spearheaded initiatives that have directly transformed thousands of lives, helping women transition from public assistance to economic independence and contributing an impressive $250 million to the economic upliftment of Black communities. Her influence reaches far and wide, impacting over one million people nationwide.

In 2019, Mrs. Gregory launched Uplift Her, a pioneering health initiative aimed at addressing the unique healthcare needs of women of color, with a focus on cardiovascular health, cancer prevention, and maternal well-being. This initiative, alongside many others, reflects her commitment to extending transformative leadership beyond the corporate world.

Mrs. Gregory is also a passionate advocate for education. In Ohio, she established charter schools focused on dropout recovery and technical training that provide career certifications in rapidly growing industries such as healthcare, fiber optics, and advanced manufacturing. Additionally, she has championed the health and well-being of African Americans, leading one of Central Ohio’s largest minority health campaigns. These efforts have expanded across 18 cities nationwide, delivering free health screenings, referrals, and access to healthcare services to thousands.

A graduate of The Ohio State University, Pamela Gregory serves on various boards, including the Franklin Park Conservatory Women’s Board, NCUS TEC, African American Male Wellness Agency, and SisterServ.

As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she was honored as a 2024 Women WELDing the Way Honoree and received the Sarah Elizabeth Smith Community Award for Education and Health Advocacy in 2023.

Her groundbreaking work has been acknowledged by Ohio Governors Ted Strickland and John Kasich, President Barack Obama, and national publications like Forbes Women, Black Enterprise, INC Magazine, and Mahogany Magazine.

Pamela Gregory’s legacy is one of innovation, empowerment, and community transformation. As a leader in both business and social impact, she continues to pave the way for future leaders, embodying her belief that "when one woman rises, she lifts an entire community.”

Rodney Dunigan

From anchoring, reporting and producing Rodney has done it all!

As evening managing editor and anchor, he's tasked with helping our staff at WSYX ABC 6 to produce impactful stories with a distinctive focus on accountability reporting.

Rodney is a dedicated journalist. His exclusive interviews and one-of-a-kind reports have helped WSYX to become the market leader. Rodney’s efforts caught the attention of WSYX's parent company. Corporate leaders selected him to participant in the Sinclair 'Emerging Leaders Program.’The program teaches high-potential managers skills critical for newsroom leadership.

Prior to Columbus, he worked as a reporter for WFTS-TV in Tampa, Florida. At WFTS he also served as a Scripps "Leadership Champion" and ethics committee member. Rodney has a long reputation as a newsroom leader.

Before Florida, he served asthe morning anchor at WATN in Memphis, Tennessee. He's also spent time working in newsrooms in Nashville, Dayton and Jackson, Mississippi.

His work over the years has helped Rodney earn severalAssociated Press and Emmy awards. He's also been a part of several news teams that have been honored for overall news excellence.

Rodney has been featured in several publicationsincluding the Communicator and Nashville's Six Fifteen Magazine.

He graduated from Tougaloo College in Mississippi with a Bachelor ofArts Degree in English with an emphasis in journalism.

On a personal note, Rodney has a passion for serving the youth in the community. He's been involved with numerous community service programs with school districts as well as volunteering as a "Big" with Big Brothers Big Sisters. As a result of that commitment to the community, he was honored by Iota Phi Lambda

Business & Professional Sorority. The organization highlighted Rodney as one of their "Outstanding Business Leaders." A major part of hislocal community efforts includes being a ‘service coordinator for WSYX. In that position, Rodney helps to support station volunteer activities across Central Ohio. Working with a team to create service projects aimed at making a positive impact in the community.

Rodney was also chosen to be an NABJ LeadershipAcademy Mentee. The academy trains NABJ members working in broadcast, print and digital who are current news and media managers, or interested in transitioning to leadership, to ascend to the executive suite.

He's also an avid runner, participating in a number of full and half marathons; including the Rock'N'Roll Marathon in Phoenix, Arizona, the Gupton Dodge Tom King Classic Half Marathon and the Music City Marathon.

Rodney is a native of Chicago and a member of KappaAlpha Psi Fraternity. His biggest accomplishment in life is hisrole as dad to his young daughter and son.

If you have a great story idea, feel free to send Rodney an email at rvdunigan@sbgtv.com.

Todd Anthony Walker, J.D., Ph.D.

Todd Anthony Walker is an American educator and lawyer.

Currently serving as Chief Curriculum and Instruction Officer (CCIO) for Columbus City Schools, Dr. Walker has the primary authority and accountability to ensure the delivery of high-quality instructional resources, enhance classroom practice, and scale effective programming to increase student achievement and prepare all students for college, career, and life. Todd is a systems thinker and leader seeking to integrate talent, resources, and strategies to accelerate outcomes and increase effectiveness by working hard - smarter.

As an educator for over two decades, Dr. Walker has served as high school English teacher, Adjunct professor, instructional coach, principal, director, and chief officer.

Todd has also published in several academic journals. His recent work includes Healing Racism’s Wounds: On Racial Reckoning and Obama’s “A Promised Land,” published in Columbia Human Rights Law Review, Fulfilling the Promise of Brown, published in the Journal of Negro Education, and Recasting the Vision for Achieving Equity, published in the Journal of Education and Urban Society. He was a chapter contributor to the book Leading Schools in Disruptive Times: How to Survive Hyper-Change, under the topic “Resegregation: A Growing Racial and Poverty Gap.”

Dr. Walker earned his Bachelor of Arts, Master’s degree in English Education, Doctorate in Education Policy and Leadership from The Ohio State University, and his Juris Doctorate from Capital University Law School. He is licensed to practice law in Ohio.

His greatest desire is to empower people to transform systems.

Todd resides in the Columbus area, is married to Dr. Kenyona Nicole Walker, and together, they continue to provide guidance and mentorship to their young adult son and daughter, Daniel and Terilyn.