Annual Honors Celebrate Extraordinary Individuals Who Stand Up for Justice, Compassion, and Humanity
CINCINNATI, OH — The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 Upstander Awards, which honor individuals who courageously stand up for others and create meaningful change in their communities. The announcement was made during a moving ceremony at Union Terminal — the same building where Holocaust survivors began their new lives in Cincinnati — and marks the launch of Cohen Family Upstander Month, a city-wide celebration of moral courage and civic leadership.
“Each of these upstanders reflects the very best of humanity,” said Jackie Congedo, CEO of the Holocaust & Humanity Center. “They act when others are silent. They offer hope when others feel despair. And in doing so, they show us how to meet this moment with strength, compassion, and purpose.”
Upstander Leadership Award Winners
Dan Meyer – Business Upstander of the Year
CEO and co-founder of Nehemiah Manufacturing, Dan Meyer is a visionary entrepreneur who has used business as a force for good. With decades of experience in the consumer packaged goods industry — including leadership at Procter & Gamble and Quaker Oats — Meyer launched Nehemiah in 2009 with a groundbreaking mission: to provide second-chance employment to individuals facing barriers such as past incarceration, addiction, and poverty.
Today, Nehemiah is both a thriving business and a model of inclusive employment, offering support services that help employees rebuild their lives and achieve long-term success. Meyer also co-founded the Beacon of Hope Business Alliance, connecting thousands of returning citizens with employers ready to invest in people. His work proves that profitability and purpose can — and must — coexist.
Paula Boggs Muething – Duke Energy Illuminator Award
As Cincinnati’s City Manager during the COVID-19 pandemic, Paula Boggs Muething provided calm, compassionate leadership in one of the city’s most uncertain times. She ensured essential services continued, prioritized support for vulnerable populations, and maintained steady governance during crisis.
Now serving as Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel at FC Cincinnati, Paula oversees legal, facilities, marketing, and public affairs operations. She serves on boards including the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation, ArtWorks, and the Cincinnati Women’s Executive Forum, among others. A consensus-builder with deep civic vision, Paula continues to shine a light on the path forward for Cincinnati.
Robert “Chip” Harrod – Lifetime Achievement Award
Few individuals have done more to shape Cincinnati’s conscience than Chip Harrod. Across five decades, he has led pivotal efforts to advance racial equity, human rights, and interfaith cooperation. From directing BRIDGES for a Just Community, to launching the Cincinnati Festival of Faiths, to uniting clergy under A Mighty Stream, Chip has built bridges and dismantled injustice.
As founding president of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and current Executive Director of EquaSion, he remains a leading moral voice in Cincinnati — reminding us that justice is sacred work.
Brigid Kelly – Upstander Legacy Award
The late Brigid Kelly served with humility, intelligence, and fierce compassion — first on Norwood City Council, then in Hamilton County, and ultimately as a State Representative in the Ohio House. Known for reaching across the aisle and centering her constituents, Brigid championed working families, public education, and mental health.
Her legacy is one of bridge-building and people-first leadership. Accepting the award on her behalf was her mother, Martha Tepe, who continues to honor Brigid’s life of service.
Kristin Shrimplin – Nonprofit Upstander of the Year
As President & CEO of Women Helping Women, Kristin Shrimplin is a fierce advocate for survivors of gender-based violence. A survivor herself, Kristin has transformed the organization into a nationally recognized leader in prevention, crisis intervention, and advocacy — reaching over 120,000 individuals annually across southwest Ohio. Under her leadership, WHW has expanded 24/7 crisis services, embedded advocates in local police departments and hospitals, and launched prevention programs that shift culture and save lives. Kristin leads with radical empathy, bold vision, and relentless commitment to justice. She reminds us that love is what justice looks like in public.
Upstander Community Award Finalists
These remarkable individuals were selected from more than 200 nominations submitted from across the region. Their courage, creativity, and character have had a profound impact on Greater Cincinnati — and beyond:
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Verjine Adanalian – Senior Attorney at the Ohio Justice & Policy Center, Verjine advocates for second chances through expungements, clemency, and reentry legal services.
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Elizabeth Bangel-Stehlin – Founder of the Senior Advocate Action Group, she has led the installation of mini food pantries to combat senior hunger across the region.
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Yvonne & Eric Boltz – Through their accessible farm and Bonfire, Brew & Banter gatherings, they foster inclusion, joy, and support for marginalized communities.
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Marvin Butts – For 35+ years, Marvin has supported children, cancer survivors, and families through school drives, meals, and compassionate giving.
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Neil Cohen – A behind-the-scenes leader, Neil led the $11M campaign to build a new YWCA domestic violence shelter, advancing equity and safety.
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Nancy Eigel-Miller – After losing her husband to suicide, Nancy launched 1N5, working to end mental health stigma in schools and workplaces.
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Parker Friedman – A high school student who created Historical Reality, a VR-based Holocaust education program used by thousands of students and educators.
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Missy Griffin & Maggie Welt – Co-founders of Love Grows Project, providing high-quality preschool and wraparound services to families in poverty.
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Jermaine Hill – Forest Park’s new Fire Chief, Jermaine also mentors youth, DJs community events, and leads health and safety initiatives year-round.
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Kimberly Huckleby – Stroke and cancer survivor, teacher, and founder of Ladies of Leadership, mentoring young Black girls through love and leadership.
- Rabbi Ari Jun – After being excluded from a local solidarity rally, Rabbi Jun spoke out with courage and compassion, calling attention to the harmful effects of antisemitism—even in justice spaces. His public response sparked important conversations about inclusion and allyship, reminding our community that true solidarity must include Jewish voices and stand firmly against all forms of hate.
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Bruce Kintner – After 34 years in banking, Bruce launched Samaritan Car Care Clinic, repairing cars for low-income families and training youth for careers.
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Mitch Morris – Founder of Save Our Youth, Mitch works daily to prevent violence, mentor youth, and build peace across neighborhoods.
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Jim Obergefell – Lead plaintiff in the landmark Supreme Court case for marriage equality. Jim continues to champion civil rights nationwide.
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John & Michelle Otten – After losing their son Brayden, they launched the Brave Like Me Foundation, bringing joy and dignity to medically complex children.
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Juel Robinson – A 17-year-old leader, Juel created IT internships for peers of color and leads equity conversations in his school district.
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Curtis Shepard – Founder of D.A.A.M., Curtis uplifts fathers through mentorship, storytelling, and positive parenting advocacy.
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Abigail Smith – A high school student and Young Marine with hundreds of volunteer hours, Abby quietly but powerfully responds to hate with courage.
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Dr. Lauren Wang – Director of the Freeman Center, she delivers transformative, wraparound healthcare for adults with developmental disabilities.
The Gala will celebrate this year’s Upstander Leadership Award honorees and reveal six winners chosen from the 20 inspiring finalists. Academy Award-nominated actor, writer, and director Jesse Eisenberg will headline the Upstander Awards Gala on June 22, 2025, at historic Union Terminal — the premier event of the 2025 Cohen Family Upstander Month.
Eisenberg’s latest film, A Real Pain, explores grief, memory, and generational trauma through the story of two cousins traveling to Poland to honor their grandmother, who survived the Holocaust. The film premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award, and was later released by Searchlight Pictures to widespread acclaim. Eisenberg received a BAFTA Award for Best Original Screenplay and an Academy Award nomination for his work.
The Cohen Family Upstander Month is a citywide celebration honoring those who stand up for others and drive change in their communities. Supported by the Cohen Family and presented by Duke Energy, the Mayerson Family Foundation, and Procter & Gamble, the month includes engaging programs that encourage participants of all ages to discover their own upstander potential.
Events this year include:
- June 5, 6 p.m. – Museum Mindfulness Yoga: Tapping into the Science of Well-Being
- June 22, 6 p.m. – Upstander Awards Gala featuring Jesse Eisenberg
- June 29, 8:30 a.m. – Upstander 5K Run & Walk
- June 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Upstander Family Museum Day at Union Terminal, featuring Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon and a lifelong advocate for gender equity in sports
For tickets and the full event schedule, visit www.cincyupstander.org.
