Search Results

By RoShawn Winburn I grew up watching Mrs. Susie Roberts walk into St. Benedict the Moor with a straightness in her back that said everything you needed to know about who she was. She never stepped outside without lipstick and earrings. She carried herself with dignity, and in turn, we learned to do the same. When you saw her, you stood a little taller yourself. For Black History Month, we tend to spotlight the bold names of the marchers, the legislators, and the headline makers, as we should. Yet, if you look really closely, the backbone of Black history could simply be your cherished memory of a woman standing in a kitchen, a classroom, or a church pew. She's neither quoted, nor photographed, but everything around her exists because she held it together. Susie W. Roberts was one of those women. Born in 1923 in Montgomery, Alabama, her life stretched across 102 years. Jim Crow. World War II. The Civil Rights Movement. Desegregation. Urban change. The Great Migration's reverberations. She didn't just witness history; she stabilized her family through it, and  that's the part we don't talk about enough . The Matriarch as Anchor Susie's granddaughter, Nikol Miller, tells the family's Dayton origin story. "When my grandparents moved to Dayton, they stayed in DeSoto Bass. At that time, it was wartime housing. There, they met Mr. and Mrs. Washington who helped them convert to Catholicism in 1946. After DeSoto Bass, they rented a house on Weaver Street, and eventually moved into the family home on Wisconsin Boulevard in 1958." The purchase was a land contract. Even though Harold had served in World War II, he couldn't use the GI Bill to purchase a house because he was Black. His brother Richard gave them $5,000 for the down payment—a significant sum in the late 1950s. But the Roberts home on Wisconsin Boulevard became more than property. It represented something in Dayton. It was a launchpad. And it had an open door, especially when someone was in need. If you were sick, she nursed you back to health. If you were hungry, she fed you. If you needed a place to stay, she housed you. If you needed a few dollars, she was the bank. And if you shared a secret, she kept it. That's what a caretaker does. Ten children grew up under that roof - Ten.  That's not accidental. That's management. That's discipline. That's structure. That's a woman who understood that order inside the home creates freedom outside of it. The Family of Harold and Susie W. Roberts Her children learned responsibility early: paper routes, shared chores, accountability. There were rules. There was faith. There was expectation, and there was love. The kind of love that shows up as a warm meal and a firm hand in equal measure. 'She was loving but firm,' one family member recalls. 'She allowed each child to develop their own personality. When we got out of line, she disciplined us. But she always made sure we knew we were loved.' And yes, there was the house shoe. If you know, you know. Stephen Martin Roberts, one of her sons, would go on to serve in the U.S. Air Force, earn multiple degrees, advocate for workers' rights, and dedicate his career to public service in Dayton and Columbus. His obituary reads like a civic résumé. But If you knew him, and if you read between the lines, you see something else. You see a boy shaped by a mother who taught consistency. You see a man formed by a woman who modeled service. When Stability Is Revolutionary We often frame Black history around protest, and rightly so. Protest demands recognition. But what Mrs. Roberts did was its own kind of revolution. While policies shifted and neighborhoods changed, she kept a prayer list. And not just in theory. If you asked her to pray for you, she would write your name down and call you by name in her prayers. Faith was active, personal, and intentional. She watched Mass and Mother Angelica every day on television. She said her morning and evening prayers faithfully. She was involved in the Leisure Club, the Altar Rosary Society, the Ladies Auxiliary, and the Bereavement Committee at St. Benedict the Moor. After Harold passed, her travel companions—the 'Awesome Foursome'—were Sister Virginia, Mrs. Peasant, and Mrs. Poole. Mrs. Roberts along with her travel companions. She taught school. She raised children. She served faithfully. She made dinner rolls for Thanksgiving that people still talk about. She enforced discipline with what family lore describes as remarkable aim and a well-timed house slipper. And she lived by one rule she repeated often: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. A stable Black household in mid-20th century America was  resistance. An educated Black mother who insisted on order was resistance. Ten children who grew into professionals, advocates, teachers, and community leaders—that's legacy, and legacy compounds. Here's what often gets missed when we talk about the struggles of the Black family: we spend so much time cataloging what broke that we forget to study what held. What held wasn't always loud. It was often a grandmother's voice at the dinner table. A mother's insistence on Sunday clothes. A woman who made you feel seen even when the world was trying to make you invisible. Roots in Montgomery Susie's upbringing in Montgomery was both sheltered and significant. She attended school on Alabama State's campus for sixteen years. Her father was an alumnus who became the Buildings Supervisor after graduating. He was a carpenter by trade. Their cousins owned a funeral home, and she worked for a Black jeweler. Because they lived so close to campus, homecoming was a family-centered event. Even within the segregated South, their community was somewhat insulated, supported by Black institutions and businesses they patronized. It was a world of entrepreneurship, education, and self-sufficiency born of necessity and determination. However, the violence of Jim Crow was never far away. She shared only a few stories about segregation, but they were telling. When she was a child, her father was beaten by police, and his teeth were knocked out. Her mother's family had connections to a prominent white family in Montgomery, the Reese family, who were attorneys. They filed a lawsuit, and her father received $500. Another incident involved her brother when he was fifteen. She did not recall the details, but whatever occurred was serious enough that her parents sent him to live with an aunt in Detroit afterward. What strikes me is how, in the late 1920s or early 1930s, a Black man was able to receive $500 following an altercation with the police. It suggests complexity in that era that we do not often discuss—networks, advocacy, and the power of strategic relationships even within oppressive systems. She carried those lessons north. Deep ties to Montgomery, the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, connections to Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, and a family tradition of public service shaped the era in which her children came of age. Growing up in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s meant witnessing movements within the Catholic Church for Black Catholics, the formation of Black student organizations, and broader civil rights advocacy and legislation. She was active, and they were, too. She was proud of each of them. The Ripple Effect You Can See I've watched the Roberts family for decades now. Not from a distance, but up close at church services, community meetings, school events, neighborhood gatherings. Wisconsin Boulevard was filled with families who had five or more children around the same age as one of the ten. The Roberts, Davis, and Childs families all lived on the street. From St. John's to St. James, the children went to church and school together. Even some non-Catholic neighborhood children attended high school at Julienne or Chaminade. Mrs. Roberts never had a driver's license. Her husband drove her everywhere. After he passed, she had plenty of drivers. As she aged, she often expressed gratitude that her children still visited her regularly. On any given day, at least five of the ten would stop by her house. On special occasions, all ten, along with their children and in-laws, would gather. Because she rarely had to leave home, she would say, 'I took care of them, and now they take care of me.' A matriarch doesn't just raise children. She sets tone. She sets temperature. She establishes what 'normal' looks like. In Susie's home, normal meant faith was practiced, not just discussed. Education was not optional. it was expected. Her home was a place of learning, with encyclopedias for research reports and books for every age level. As a teacher, she corrected speech regularly. Work was honorable. She was proud that all of her children had jobs, whether they held degrees or not. Family was central, and community involvement was a duty, not an option. There was one rule in Susie’s house that was absolutely non-negotiable: 'If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all.' That kind of household produces citizens in the truest sense. Mrs. Roberts raised people who understand that their individual success is tied to collective well-being. The Quiet Blueprint There's a temptation in modern conversation to talk about the Black family only through crisis statistics. We hear about broken homes, economic gaps, social strain. And those realities exist and matter. Yet, what about the households that held? What about the women who enforced structure without applause? What about the grandmothers who became spiritual headquarters? This is where the narrative often diminishes women's work, particularly Black women's work. We call it 'soft' or 'private' or 'traditional,' as if those words mean 'less important.' But creating the conditions for ten children to thrive, to believe in themselves, to serve their neighbors is community building. Black History Month isn't just about those who changed laws. It's about those who changed trajectories. Susie W. Roberts was not famous in the national sense, but in Dayton, and in the lives of hundreds of former students and dozens of descendants, she was foundational. Why This Still Matters Strong matriarchs have long functioned as stabilizing forces in Black communities, especially during eras when external systems were unreliable or openly hostile. They were culture keepers. Discipline setters. Spiritual anchors. Economic managers. Conflict mediators. Memory holders. They turned houses into institutions. Susie's life reminds us that the Black family's resilience has often rested on the shoulders of women who understood that their consistency mattered, even when no one outside the home noticed. Even when the broader culture treated their labor as invisible. Even when the professional world undervalued their intelligence and capability. The traditions she brought north with her continue to permeate the generations. She loved when the family gathered, not just her direct lineage, but her siblings' families as well. Family gatherings often include spirited debates, but she always encouraged the family to remain respectful and loving. “Since her passing, there has been a noticeable void when visiting her home. She was always there, so you expect her to still be there. As a family, we are adjusting to life without her physical presence. She was such an optimistic person that her words, prayers, encouragement, and even her gentle chastisement, kept us grounded,” shared Nikol. If we want strong communities, we must recognize and support the women who quietly build them. Not with platitudes, but with resources. Not with empty praise, but with systems that honor their work as essential infrastructure. This Black History Month, as we celebrate activists, entrepreneurs, and trailblazers, let's also honor the matriarchs. The teachers who shaped minds in classrooms and kitchens. The women who held families together when everything outside threatened to pull them apart. The grandmothers whose prayers covered generations. Because sometimes the most powerful leadership doesn't happen at a podium. It happens at a kitchen table. *** I think of Mrs. Roberts often. Not just during Black History Month, but whenever I see young people from Dayton stepping into leadership. Whenever I watch a Roberts family member show up for community work—and they always do—I see her influence. The straightness in the back. The insistence on excellence. The understanding that service is not optional. Because she was both beloved and respected, she modeled a way of being that held our family together. That's what a matriarch builds. Not just a family tree, but a forest.

Daniel Joseph Sessions, Sessions Lending Group Written by Daniel Joseph Sessions For more than two decades working in mortgage lending and community development, one truth has remained constant: our neighborhoods can only rise when the people who live in them have real access to opportunity. In today’s market—burdened by rising rates, shrinking inventories, and widening affordability gaps—we must think differently about how to expand that access. Across the country, policymakers and lenders are debating bold ideas like 40- and 50-year mortgages to stretch housing payments over longer timelines. These conversations matter. They push us to rethink traditional structures and explore tools that might increase affordability. But long-term solutions require more than extended loan terms. They require creativity, collaboration, and a willingness to challenge what we think is possible. This article launches a new ongoing series called “Community Conversations,”  focused on advancing solutions that rebuild our neighborhoods from the inside out. The Affordability Challenge: A Barrier & an Opportunity Families across Dayton and similar cities face the same issues: Monthly payments outpacing incomes Construction costs continue rising Investor guidelines tighten cycles of exclusion Many residents don’t fit traditional lending models, even though they are hardworking and financially responsible As a Foundational Black American business owner and mortgage professional, I’ve seen how these factors disproportionately affect Black communities and underserved neighborhoods. Yet I also see opportunity—because the people in our communities have strength, resilience, and the desire to build generational wealth when given the chance. A New Approach: Strength Through Collaboration One of the solutions I’ve been developing is simple but powerful: Combine qualified borrowers to increase purchasing power and approval odds. This strategy—sometimes called shared equity, cooperative buying, or community partnership lending—allows: Multiple buyers to combine income Shared ownership structures that meet investor guidelines Greater affordability without sacrificing sustainability Families, trusted partners, or community members to acquire properties together Neighborhoods to anchor reinvestment from within rather than through outside speculation This is not a workaround. It is a strategic alignment of lending guidelines, borrower eligibility, and community goals that already exist within the rules. It simply requires a lender willing to structure the loan properly and borrowers willing to think collaboratively. In a world where affordability challenges grow faster than wages, collaborative buying may be one of the most overlooked levers for economic mobility. Financing as a Tool for Neighborhood Revival Revitalizing a neighborhood is not a one-year plan. It is a 10-, 20-, even 40-year commitment . The same way we view extended mortgage products, we must view community renewal as long-term, strategic, sustainable, and community-driven. Responsible lending can support neighborhood improvement through: Construction financing for new builds and infill development Renovation loans that modernize aging properties Energy-efficient upgrades that reduce long-term costs Smart technology integration that improves safety and maintenance My work with the Possum Creek Retreat development  reflects a similar philosophy—creating self-sustaining, energy-efficient, community-oriented living environments that uplift people while preserving affordability. The lesson is simple: if we build with intention, affordability can co-exist with quality, sustainability, and dignity. Why 50-Year Mortgages Matter in This Conversation Longer-term mortgage products will not solve every problem, but they may play a meaningful role when paired with: Smart construction strategies Innovative borrower eligibility pathways Modern underwriting aligned with real-life economics Community investment incentives Shared-purchase models A 50-year mortgage by itself is only a tool. But combined with thoughtful, community-centered lending, it can help hardworking families get into homes they might otherwise be priced out of—and stay in them. The Path Forward: Uplifting Our Communities One Block at a Time Revitalizing neighborhoods is not charity—it is economic development, public safety, and wealth creation all in one . But the people who live in these communities must be the ones who benefit first. Our mission at SLG | Sessions Lending Group  is to: Provide accessible financing Educate borrowers Build partnerships rooted in trust Create sustainable opportunities for generational wealth Support community-led redevelopment This is slow work. Intentional work. Faith-driven work. It is not about flipping houses; it is about flipping outcomes for families who deserve stability, dignity, and a future. With each article in this series, we will explore additional strategies, address real barriers, and share practical solutions. Because the truth is this: Communities do not change overnight. But they do change when we commit to rebuilding them together.

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., founder of Rainbow PUSH Coalition Dayton NAACP President Derrick Foward recently reflected on the national and local impact of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders of the modern era. Rev. Jackson, founder of Rainbow PUSH Coalition and two-time presidential candidate, has long been recognized for expanding the civil rights movement into economic justice, voting rights, and corporate accountability. His leadership helped normalize the idea of Black presidential candidacies long before they became politically viable. Foward emphasized that Jackson’s work laid the foundation for broader political representation, opening doors that many leaders walk through today. He noted that Jackson’s presidential campaigns were not symbolic gestures but strategic efforts to demand inclusion at the highest levels of American politics. “Rev. Jackson changed what was possible,” Foward shared. “He challenged systems, built coalitions, and forced conversations around equity that continue today.” Beyond national politics, Foward highlighted Jackson’s ability to mobilize communities at the grassroots level. From economic boycotts to voter registration drives, Jackson’s organizing strategy focused on empowering everyday people. Foward encouraged the Dayton community to study leaders like Jackson—not just to honor them—but to understand the strategy, discipline, and courage required to sustain long-term change. As civil rights conversations evolve in 2026, Foward noted that the lessons from Jackson’s leadership remain relevant: persistence, coalition-building, economic leverage, and civic engagement. “History isn’t something we just celebrate,” Foward added. “It’s something we build on.”

Richard L. Hairston - President, African-American Community Fund The African American Community Fund (AACF), a component fund of The Dayton Foundation, continues expanding its impact across the Miami Valley through strategic grantmaking and community partnerships. In its latest update, AACF highlighted ongoing investments in education, entrepreneurship, youth development, and community-based programming designed to strengthen the Black community in Montgomery County and surrounding areas. The fund’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to addressing disparities while building long-term sustainability through philanthropic collaboration. AACF works by pooling resources from donors and directing funds toward nonprofits and initiatives that align with its mission. Recent grants have supported initiatives focused on: Youth mentorship and academic enrichment Economic empowerment and workforce development Cultural programming and historical preservation Health equity initiatives AACF leaders emphasized the importance of community participation—both through financial contributions and volunteer engagement. By strengthening its endowment and expanding partnerships, the fund aims to increase its annual grant capacity in the coming years. Community members interested in supporting or applying for funding are encouraged to connect through The Dayton Foundation’s website for eligibility requirements and upcoming grant cycles. AACF continues to position itself as a vehicle for collective impact—ensuring that philanthropy directly benefits the Black community in measurable and sustainable ways. For more information on the African-American Community Fund: https://www.daytonfoundation.org/african-american-community-funds

Academy Award Nominee, Hannah Beachler Centerville High School and Wright State University graduate Hannah Beachler has received her second Academy Award nomination for Best Production Design for her work on the film Sinners . The nomination marks her second career Oscar recognition. Beachler previously won an Academy Award in 2018 for her work on Black Panther  and has been credited on several major productions, including Fruitvale Station , Creed , and Moonlight . Downtown Dayton’s NEON Theater will offer a return, week-long screening of Sinners  beginning January 30. The 98th annual Academy Awards will be hosted by Conan O’Brien on March 15.

On Monday, January 19, 2026, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Beta Eta Omega Chapter held their Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service – Honoring Our Community of Champions Without Applause!  The event was held at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 5301 Free Pike, Trotwood, Ohio 45426. The purpose of the program was to recognize select community leaders who serve daily and often without recognition. A warm welcome was provided by Cynthia Booker-Neilson, President of Beta Eta Omega Chapter. The purpose was shared by Carla Scott, Vice President. An inspirational message was delivered by Ashley Miller of the Beta Eta Omega Chapter. She shared that true service is the act of using our time, talent, and resources to help others. She emphasized that service shapes who we are, not what we receive, noting that service is about impact, not attention, and that service welcomes everyone. Her encouraging words inspired attendees to remember that service to others empowers growth, builds trust, and fosters excellence—not weakness. The honorees consistently and selflessly help improve the well-being of others through unpaid work, acts of kindness, and sharing skills driven by empathy and a desire to make a positive impact rather than personal gain. The honorees’ service reflects altruism, empathy, connection, and action. Their work includes volunteering, mentoring, offering direct help, resource sharing, and community building. Awards were presented by Myra Bozeman and Veronica Dudley, Co-Chairmen of Sisterly Relations, to the following honorees: Sharon Babb, James Crutcher, Sh’ron Henderson, Roberta Lynn Holt, Kim Jarvis, Shawnkekia Pope, Lauri Ridley, Nicole Weaver, Eddie Dudley, and LaShea Smith Lofton. Closing remarks and heartfelt thanks were provided by Cynthia Booker-Neilson. Following the program, attendees enjoyed fellowship and refreshments. The ladies of Beta Eta Omega Chapter continue to embrace the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Everyone can be great because everyone can serve,”  remaining steadfast in their commitment to Service to All Mankind.

The Dayton Foundation has launched its 2026–2027 scholarship application process and announced that 25 new scholarship opportunities have been added to its online ScholarshipCONNECT system. Scholarships range from one-time $1,000 awards to $10,000 renewable scholarships and include both need-base d and merit-based opportunities. Students can access ScholarshipCONNECT by visiting www.daytonfoundation.org/scholarships . ScholarshipCONNECT offers more than 300 scholarship opportunities through The Dayton Foundation and its family of educational funds. The system uses a detailed questionnaire to match students to scholarships based on educational interests and background. Students and parents can also access FAFSA resources, application tips, and additional scholarship guidance. The Dayton Foundation encourages students and families to follow its scholarship-focused Instagram channel at instagram.com/daytonfoundation_scholarships for application reminders, volunteer opportunities, resume guidance, and award updates. In fiscal year 2024–2025, The Dayton Foundation and the Dayton-Montgomery County Scholarship Program awarded $3.6 million in scholarships to help 1,497 students advance their educational goals. The deadline to submit a completed ScholarshipCONNECT application for the 2026–2027 school year is Friday, March 6, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

The Dayton Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will host a town hall titled “American Griots: Telling Our Stories in Politically Divisive Times.”  The event will take place on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 6:45 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, located at 1001 Harvard Blvd., Dayton. The distinguished panelists include Charles Fox, Ge neral Manager of 88.9 WCSU; KaJeza Hawkins, journalist; Chataun Denis, proposal writer and business coach; and Te’Jal Jarrae, journalist. The moderator will be Mycah Pollard, Chair of the Dayton Branch NAACP Communications, Press, Publicity & Technology Committee. Founded in 1915, the Dayton Branch NAACP is the city’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Serving the Dayton region and Montgomery County, its members are leading advocates for civil rights within their communities. The Dayton Branch NAACP is committed to informing, educating, and empowering the citizenry in the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality for all Americans. For more information, please call (937) 222-2172 or visit www.naacpdayton.org .

By Dayton Realtist Staff Dayton, Ohio  — The Greater Dayton Realtist Association (GDRA) is set to kick off 2026 with a dynamic  Real Estate Educational & Networking Meeting  during  Financial Literacy Month , bringing together real estate professionals, public officials, lenders, and title experts for an afternoon centered on education, advocacy, and community solutions. The event will take place on  Wednesday, January 21, 2026 , from  12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.  at the  Dayton Realtors® Center , reinforcing GDRA’s mission to empower professionals and protect generational wealth through informed real estate practices. Education Meets Real-World Solutions At the heart of the meeting is a Power Panel Discussion titled “What To Do With Big Momma’s House,” a critical and timely conversation addressing common challenges families face with inherited property. Panelists will discuss: How to avoid probate pitfalls Strategies to protect family property Ways to prevent deed fraud and title issues Understanding what steps to take first when a property owner passes away This conversation is designed to provide practical guidance for Realtors®, homeowners, investors, and community members alike. Special Guest Speaker: Lori Kennedy The meeting will feature a special presentation by Lori Kennedy, Montgomery County Recorder, who will offer insights into the importance of proper deed recording, title accuracy, and how public records play a vital role in property protection and fraud prevention. Power Panel Leadership & Expertise The Power Panel brings together a strong lineup of professionals with firsthand experience across real estate, housing counseling, title services, and deed strategy: Traci Martin , GDRA President (2026) Anita Schmaltz , The Homeownership Center Lisa Scales , Committee Strategies & Solutions, Chair of Deeds Marian Montgomery , PC Title Pros Josh Nalls , Companion Title Each panelist will contribute expertise to help attendees better navigate property transfer challenges and protect family assets. Member Speaker Spotlight: Wright-Patt Credit Union (WPCU) The meeting will also feature a Member Speaker presentation by Wright-Patt Credit Union (WPCU), highlighting financial tools, resources, and lending solutions that support homeownership, financial literacy, and long-term stability for individuals and families. Added Member Value By popular demand, fresh professional headshots will again be offered free to GDRA members, supporting professional branding and marketing needs. Lunch will be served, allowing additional time for networking and collaboration. Why Attend This meeting is more than a networking opportunity — it is a space to: Learn from trusted experts Build relationships across the industry Strengthen business practices and community impact Engage in real conversations that protect families and neighborhoods Attendees are encouraged to bring a guest, bring a notebook, and come ready to grow. Event Details Date:  Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Time:  12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Location:  Dayton Realtors® Center Address:  1515 S. Main Street, Dayton, OH 45409 Real Talk. Real Solutions. Real Community. For more inform ation, visit  www.greaterdaytonrealtist.com  or email  info@greaterdaytonrealtist.com .

Dr. Lamata Mitchell, President Kettering College Kettering College marked a historic milestone on January 16 with the inauguration of Dr. Lamata Mitchell as its new president. Mitchell becomes the first woman and the first person of color to lead Kettering College, reflecting the institution’s continued commitment to excellence, inclusion, and forward-thinking leadership. Mitchell emphasized the college’s role in addressing the region’s healthcare workforce shortage through its close partnership with Kettering Health, ensuring graduates have a direct pipeline into employment. Kettering College offers degrees in a range of healthcare fields, including nursing and occupational therapy, and remains focused on advancing the overall wellness of the community. Original Article 07/28/2025 Kettering College Selects New President Following an extensive search and much prayerful consideration, the board is delighted to announce the appointment of as the next President of Kettering College. Dr. Mitchell brings a wealth of experience in healthcare education, academic leadership, and strategic collaboration. Most recently, she served as Chief Learning Officer for AdventHealth, where she led system-wide initiatives to enhance workforce development and education. Prior to her time at AdventHealth, she served as Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Student Learning at Pima Community College, where she championed student success, academic innovation, and equity in higher education. Her experience also includes serving as a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission, contributing to the advancement of quality standards across institutions of higher learning. Adam Maycock, President of Kettering Health Main Campus, and chair of the Kettering College Board of Directors, shared, “Dr. Mitchell brings exceptional leadership, a deep commitment to student success, and experience from academia and healthcare, that will serve her well. The Kettering College Board is confident that under Lamata’s leadership, the college will continue to thrive and grow in service to our students, faculty, and community.” Dr. Mitchell has been deeply involved in initiatives that align with our mission and the broader goals of Adventist healthcare. She worked alongside the president of AdventHealth University to develop an ASN program designed to address the growing nursing shortage within the AdventHealth system. In addition, she collaborated with AHU to identify healthcare certificate programs that helped reskill 1,089 entry-level employees, strengthening the pipeline of healthcare professionals and supporting career growth within the organization. Dr. Mitchell’s leadership style is grounded in service, innovation, and a deep commitment to faith-based education. We are confident that her vision and experience will guide Kettering College into a strong and purposeful future. We look forward to the meaningful impact her leadership will bring to our campus and community. Dr. Mitchell will officially begin her presidency on August 11, 2025, and we are thrilled to have her leading us into this new academic year. About Kettering College Kettering College is a fully accredited, coeducational college that specializes in health science education. A division of Kettering Health, the College is located on the Kettering Health Main Campus in a suburb of Dayton, Ohio, and is chartered by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Kettering College offers an Occupational Therapy Doctoral program, a Master of Physician Assistant, Bachelor and Associate of Science degrees, and certificate programs.

By Brenda Cochran, Contributing Writer Often when some have written a list of all the things he/she would like to change when a New Year is approaching, many are placing a list to begin with changing some aspect of their personality or just an aspect that does not seem to be working very well. It seems that today’s world is in the midst of a large historical change. We have seen this in not just our natural environment but also the attitude in reference to our culture, destructive values, but also religious and spiritual changes. There are many questions about how an individual can really make the change, but many have found that there are varying ways in which a person can be able to develop a new you they want. Often some may feel that they do not have enough energy to develop the type of individual they want. Sometimes the circumstances in which he/she is living is preventing the transformation. Often it can just be stress, financial difficulties, a job loss, divorce, or the aging process that is standing in the way of making the change we want. If these things occur, then we realize that we are not able to fix or change all the external changes. When this happens, we find that we need to work on the internal changes. This is when self-transformation can begin. Sometimes it seems that we should take a look at the past and realize just how far we have come and how much we have learned. We may actually discover that we really don’t need a change, but instead remain the same as we are right now. “The New You” now may be perfectly fine. The common understanding about transformation is ‘change in being’ or the ‘act of becoming something else.’ Should we change ourselves or just accept ourselves as we are now? Although self-change acceptance appears to be in opposition, they are two essential sides of the same coin of self-transformation. Often, we have this desperate desire to change into “A New You,” it’s because we feel unhappy at the way things are right now. “The New You” may be perfectly fine. The common understanding about transformation is ‘change in being’ or the act of becoming something else. The question is – should we change ourselves or accept ourselves as we are? How often have you heard a person say – “I’m just being myself” or “This is just the way I am – so don’t try to change me.” What we’re often saying is we want to stay stuck in our rigid places and we are not interested in showing others what is going on inside of us. Think about it – being ourselves means that we are authentic. I think that the key to transforming both ourselves and perhaps our relationships is to learn what it means to accept and embrace ourselves just as we are. If we begin to understand what we are and how we are without trying to change ourselves, then we don’t need to go into a transformation. We can instead, think of our personal growth practice and make sure we are extending ourselves more toward people. The fruits of personal and spiritual transformation show up in ordinary experiences. We can look with kind expressions to the grocery clerk and speak gently to the phone solicitor who is struggling to make a living. Our lives can be transformed when we live in the reality of the present. The past is no more than a thought and the future is an illusion. If we can get rid of the past and future thoughts and just think in the “now” moment, we will no longer be living in a world of thought and illusion, but in the reality of the present moment and our lives will be exactly unrecognizable. We have already made ourselves “New.”

Netta and Fred Martin , Owners of Fast & Neat Services LLC., focusing on residential, commercial, and post-construction cleaning with a foundation of faith. HUBER HEIGHTS, OH  – The City of Huber Heights is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Economic Development Grant Program, awarding a total of $125,000 to local businesses and nonprofit organizations that contribute to economic growth, entrepreneurship, and community representation. The Economic Development Grant Program is funded through the City’s Transformational Economic Development (TED) Fund, which is supported by revenue generated from the sale of city-owned property and lease agreements. No income tax revenue was used to support this program. “The Economic Development Grant Program allows the City to reinvest in the businesses and organizations that help make Huber Heights a strong, diverse, and thriving community,” said City leadership. “These investments support job creation, business expansion, and meaningful community impact.” 2025 Grant Recipients: Matching Grant – Local Match for County & State Grants: HighTec Industrial Services – $15,000 HighTec Industrial Services specializes in water blasting and environmental services. Grant funds will support the relocation and establishment of its new corporate headquarters in Huber Heights. Small Business Grant: TJ Chumps – $12,500 Funds will support front-entrance and property improvements, including landscape restoration and erosion control. Nonprofit Grant: Caterpillars to Butterflies – $12,500 Funding will support a Summer Autism Respite and Job Creation Initiative benefiting individuals and families affected by autism. Women- and Minority-Owned Business Grants (2 awarded): • Huber Heights Floral – $12,500 Grant funds will support business expansion, online sales growth, and employee retention. • Fast & Neat Services – $12,500 Funds will be used to upgrade cleaning equipment and hire part-time staff. Veteran-Owned Business Grants (2 awarded): • Lady J Beauty – $15,000 Funding will support space improvements, signage, and inventory. • Diamond Daiquiris – $10,000 Funds will support the purchase, buildout, and launch of a second food truck specializing in Southern flavors. For more information about the Economic Development Grant Program, visit www.hhoh.org .