Lifetime Achievement in STEM

This year’s honoree for the Lifetime Achievement in STEM Award in Karen Bankston, Ph.D. Dr. Bankston is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing, a Professor Emerita, leadership consultant, retired hospital executive and former Associate Dean in the College of Nursing at the University of Cincinnati.

Applied Scientist of the Year

This year’s Applied Scientist of the Year is Brianna Hargett. Brianna is an Analytical and Stability leader, who is responsible for establishing shelf life, and determining photostability for oral care and personal healthcare products. She supports youth in STEM by volunteering throughout the region.

Community Advocate of the Year

This year’s Community Advocate of the Year is Germaine Hunter. Germaine Hunter is the Chief Diversity Officer for GE Aerospace. He is responsible for establishing and leading the global enterprise-wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, strategy, and vision

Community Organization of the Year

This year’s Community Organization of the Year if Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center.

Corporation of the Year

This year’s Corporation of the Year is Jostin Construction.

Educator of the Year (K-6)

This year’s Educator of the Year (grades K-6) is Keonte Alexander. Keonte is a Cincinnati Public School educator who currently teaches at William H. Taft STEM Elementary. He is a proud CPS alum and made a switch from Sports Management to Educator to support students in his hometown of Cincinnati.

Educator of the Year (7-12)

This year’s Educator of the Year for grades 7-12 is Shanah Legree. Mrs. Legree is an experienced Computer Science educator Robert Taft Information Technology High School. Shanah is also a children’s book author who loves sports, exercising, and constantly learning new things

Engineer of the Year

This year’s Engineer of the Year is Sylvester Dupree. For over 20 years, Sylvester has been solving complex organizational problems. He currently leads the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center’s Supply Chain Management Organization as the Assistant Vice President.

Entrepreneur of the Year

This year’s Entrepreneur of the Year is Mrs. LaTosha Ward. She is a distinguished strategist and a highly sought-after speaker, renowned for her expertise in AI, Machine Learning, innovation, Agility, and Leadership Development. She is the Chief Strategy Officer of BID - Business & Individual Development,

Faculty Member of the Year

This year’s Faculty Member of the Year is Dr. C. LaShan Hendrix. Dr. Hendrix is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Cincinnati. Before joining the faculty at University of Cincinnati in 2024, she was an Associate Professor at Mississippi State University (2013 – 2023).

Graduate Student of the Year

This year’s Graduate Student of the Year is Abigail Dogbe. Abigail is an Open Source Community Builder, Programs Manager, and STEM Education advocate who is dedicated to raising awareness about the transformative power of technology through community building, advocacy, and research.

Healthcare Professional of the Year

This year’s Healthcare Professional of the Year is Dr. Angelique Gloster Waller. Dr. Gloster Waller currently practices general pediatric care at Cincinnati Children’s Primary Care facilities. She was raised in Chicago, Illinois by a young single Mother who, despite her age, was a strong advocate for education.

Rising Star of the Year

This year’s Rising Star of the Year is Taylor Scott. She is the current National Chairperson of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and is a a research and development process engineer for Procter and Gamble. Taylor is also pursuing her Master’s degree in Cosmetic Science.

Technologist of the Year

This year’s Technologist of the Year is Mr. Damon Frost. Damon is the CEO of Walker and Company Brands, the makers of Bevel and the CIO of Procter & Gamble’s Global Beauty business, Damon Frost leads the IT and Digital capabilities for a portfolio of brands including Head & Shoulders and Old Spice.

Wesleigh White Memorial Scholar