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Holocaust Survivor Tova Friedman and Grandson Aron Goodman Among Honorees at 2026 Upstander Awards
CINCINNATI, OH (June 14, 2026) – The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center recognized an inspiring group of individuals and organizations at its annual Upstander Awards Gala at Cincinnati’s historic Union Terminal. The evening honored those whose leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to others are strengthening our community and creating positive change in our community and beyond.
“The Upstander Awards celebrate people who choose action over indifference and compassion over complacency,” said Jackie Congedo, CEO of the Holocaust & Humanity Center. “Our honorees exemplify the values at the heart of this event — courage, integrity, and a dedication to making life better for others. Their impact serves as a powerful reminder that meaningful change begins when ordinary people take extraordinary action.”
The Center presented its first National Upstander Award for Humanity, the highest distinction of the Upstander Awards, to Holocaust survivor Tova Friedman and her grandson, Aron Goodman. Friedman was just six years old when she was liberated from Auschwitz, making her one of the youngest survivors of the camp. For decades, she has shared her firsthand testimony with students, communities, and audiences around the world, ensuring that the realities and lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten.
Today, alongside Goodman, she is reaching millions through their widely followed TikTok platform, where their videos have garnered tens of millions of views. Together, they answer questions, share personal memories, and confront misinformation in real time, creating a direct and deeply personal connection to Holocaust history for a new generation.
Through Friedman’s New York Times bestselling memoir, The Daughter of Auschwitz, and their innovative digital storytelling, the pair have transformed how survivor testimony is shared and preserved. By bridging generations and bringing history into everyday conversations, they are helping ensure that remembrance remains relevant, accessible, and actionable for audiences around the world.
2026 Upstander Leadership Award Recipients
The Upstander Legacy Award was presented in honor of Francie Pepper, a beloved Cincinnati philanthropist, advocate, and community leader whose lifelong commitment to service left an enduring mark on the region. A passionate champion for women and families, Pepper played a pivotal role in leading the YWCA’s 1995 campaign to establish a shelter for battered women and children, expanding critical resources for families in crisis. Named a Great Living Cincinnatian in 2014, Pepper’s compassion, vision, and dedication continue to inspire generations of changemakers.
The Upstander Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Kathy Brinkman, a distinguished Cincinnati attorney and public servant whose career has spanned both federal and state law. Over more than two decades as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and in senior leadership roles within the U.S. Department of Justice, Brinkman demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice, integrity, and public service. Now Of Counsel at Porter Wright, she continues to be recognized for her leadership, legal expertise, and lasting contributions to the Cincinnati community.
The Duke Energy Illuminator Award was presented to Brendon Cull, President & CEO of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, in recognition of his leadership and vision for the future of Greater Cincinnati. Since joining the Chamber in 2016, Cull has helped lead transformative civic initiatives, including BLINK, regional transportation funding efforts, the RESTART Task Force, and the Cincinnati Futures Commission. Through his commitment to economic growth, regional collaboration, and community vitality, Cull continues to play a pivotal role in shaping a stronger and more vibrant future for the region.
2026 Upstander Community Award Recipients
Each community award is named in honor of a Holocaust survivor or historic upstander and recognizes a defining character strength shared by both the award’s namesake and its recipient. Selected from a distinguished group of nominees, this year’s honorees were recognized for demonstrating the courage, compassion, integrity, and leadership that exemplify the spirit of an Upstander.
- Issac Davis, recipient of the Walter Frank Award for Honesty, was honored for transforming personal tragedy into community action. Following the loss of his 11-year-old son, Domonic, to gun violence, Davis launched the #forever11 initiative and has become a powerful advocate for safer neighborhoods, youth mentorship, and violence prevention throughout Cincinnati.
- Samuel De Falco, recipient of the Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel Award for Fairness, was recognized for his commitment to justice, inclusion, and civic engagement. Through his work with the National Youth Advocacy Corps at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, he has fostered meaningful dialogue around identity, belonging, antisemitism, and equality.
- Kimberly Huckleby, recipient of the Mary Kruszynski Award for Love, was honored for her dedication to empowering young women through mentorship and support. As founder of Ladies of Leadership, Huckleby has helped countless students and families navigate challenges while encouraging young people to build confidence, resilience, and purpose.
- Isabel Ricke and Phil Hunter, recipients of the Pola Flakowicz Award for Bravery, were honored for their heroic actions while visiting the Auschwitz Not Long Ago. Not Far Away. exhibition. When a child became unresponsive, Ricke, a nurse, and Hunter, a paramedic, immediately stepped in to provide life-saving care until emergency responders arrived, demonstrating extraordinary courage, compassion, and selflessness.
- Aaryan Verma, recipient of the Henry Fenichel Award for Curiosity, was recognized for his leadership in advancing inclusion and opportunity for neurodiverse students. As a founding member of Spectrum Empowerment’s leadership team, Verma has helped develop innovative STEAM and sports programs while supporting autism research, mentorship, and advocacy efforts.
- Kent Wellington, recipient of the Leo Willich Award for Perspective, was recognized for more than three decades of service to youth, families, and communities. Through the Karen Wellington Foundation, which he founded in memory of his late wife, Wellington has brought joy, hope, and meaningful experiences to families facing cancer, while inspiring others through his leadership in business and philanthropy.
In addition to this year’s recipients, the Holocaust & Humanity Center recognized more than a dozen outstanding finalists selected from hundreds of nominations submitted throughout the region. Chosen by the Center’s Upstander Advisory Committee, these individuals exemplify the power of everyday leadership and demonstrate how character-driven action can create lasting impact in their communities.
The Cohen Family Upstander Month will conclude with the Upstander 5K & Family Day on Sunday, June 28, at 8:30 a.m. Hundreds of participants will gather at Union Terminal for a morning of inspiration and community engagement. Welcoming back race marshal and keynote speaker Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon, the event will include family-friendly activities, pickleball competition, and free admission to Cincinnati Museum Center.
Together, these events invite community members to strengthen connections, celebrate shared values, and put the principles of upstander action into practice.
About the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center
The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center exists to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust inspire action today. Located at Cincinnati’s historic Union Terminal, HHC impacts more than 2.5 million people every year through digital and in-person events, museum tours, educational experiences, social media and virtual content. From Australia to India, individuals from more than 25 countries and 30 states engage with our mission. For more information, visit www.holocaustandhumanity.org.
Cohen Family Upstander Month is generously supported by Duke Energy, Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati Museum Center, and the Mayerson Family Foundation.
