CINCINNATI, OH (June 25, 2025) — The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center honored an extraordinary group of individuals and organizations at its annual Upstander Awards Gala this weekend at Cincinnati’s historic Union Terminal. The event recognized those whose courage, leadership, and compassion are transforming lives and inspiring action across the region.
“The Upstander Awards are a reminder that every person—no matter their background, profession, or age—has the capacity to impact their community,” said Jackie Congedo, CEO of the Holocaust & Humanity Center. “This year’s honorees reflect the powerful ripple effect that empathy and courage can create. Their work challenges us to show up, speak out, and stand with others.”
2025 Upstander Leadership Award Recipients
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Dan Meyer, CEO and Co-Founder of Nehemiah Manufacturing, received the Business Upstander of the Year Award for his commitment to second-chance hiring, equity in the workplace, and community investment.
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Paula Boggs Muething, former Cincinnati City Manager, received the Duke Energy Illuminator Award, recognizing her integrity, public service, and unwavering commitment to justice.
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Robert “Chip” Harrod received the Lifetime Achievement Award for decades of leadership promoting interfaith unity, racial equity, and civic dialogue across Cincinnati.
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Kristin Shrimplin, CEO of Women Helping Women, received the Nonprofit Upstander of the Year Award for her fierce advocacy on behalf of survivors and her leadership in transforming systems for equity and justice.
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The Upstander Legacy Award was presented posthumously to Brigid Kelly, former Ohio State Representative and labor leader, whose legacy lives on through her public service and lifelong commitment to fairness and dignity.
2025 Upstander Community Award Recipients
Each community award is named in honor of a Holocaust survivor or historical Upstander and reflects a core character strength exemplified by both the honoree and the awardee:
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Verjine Adanalian received the Judge Walter Wertheim Award for Fairness.
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Yvonne and Eric Boltz received the Dr. Anna Ornstein Award for Perseverance.
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Parker Friedman received the Zahava Rendler Award for Love of Learning.
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Mitch Morris received the Margaret and Mark Merin Award for Hope.
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John and Michell Otten received the Anneliese and Matt Yosafat Award for Love.
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Abigail Smith received the Fannie Warren Award for Bravery.
This year’s gala also honored more than a dozen additional finalists, each selected from hundreds of nominations submitted across the region. Finalists were chosen by the Holocaust & Humanity Center’s Upstander Advisory Committee for their extraordinary embodiment of “character strength in action.”
A Community in Motion
The celebration continues this weekend with the Upstander 5K & Family Day at Union Terminal, featuring keynote speaker Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon. The day includes interactive family programming, live performances, and free museum admission for race participants.
