Leanne Berke embodies the qualities of a dedicated advocate through her inspiring leadership, deep compassion, and steadfast support for children and families facing challenges. As Program Director of Operation Give Back, she has become a vital force in ensuring that students and families facing hardship are met with dignity, support, and opportunity. Her work is not defined by programs alone, but by the lives she changes every day.
Leanne partners closely with schools and educators to ensure that decisions are rooted in equity, empathy, and what is best for every child, especially those facing the greatest challenges. Through her leadership, Operation Give Back provides essential resources including academic support, food access, and community-centered initiatives that uplift families and remove barriers to success. Her approach is both strategic and deeply human, grounded in the belief that every child deserves to be seen, supported, and valued.
What distinguishes Leanne is not only what she leads, but how she leads. She consistently steps forward in moments that require courage, choosing action over comfort and people over process. This commitment is most powerfully reflected in her personal life. When a child in need had nowhere to go, Leanne and her husband did not hesitate. They opened their home, providing safety, stability, and unconditional love through foster care, forever changing the trajectory of that child’s life.
Leanne’s impact is both profound and far-reaching. She stands in the gap for others, often in quiet and unseen ways, demonstrating that true leadership is measured not by recognition, but by the willingness to act when it matters most. Through her example, she inspires others to lead with compassion, to serve with purpose, and to stand up for those who need it most.
Leanne Berke represents the very best of humanity. Her life and work remind us that being an upstander is not a single act, but a daily commitment to courage, care, and justice.
Join us in celebrating Leanne at our Cohen Family Upstander Gala on June 14th, reserve your spot today!
Cohen Family Upstander Month is generously supported by Duke Energy, Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati Museum Center, and the Mayerson Family Foundation.
