Kyaien O. Conner is the new Dean of the School of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh
The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Kyaien O. Conner has been named the dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work following a comprehensive national search. A nationally recognized scholar, educator and leader, Conner assumed her new role on July 15, 2026. Conner (A&S ’02; SOC WK ’04G, ’08G; SPH ’07G) is a four-time Pitt graduate, having earned a BS in psychology from the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, MSW from the School of Social Work, MPH with a specialization in minority
North Lawndale College Prep CEO Jemia Cunningham-Elder Named to Class of Leadership Greater Chicago Signature Fellows
Jemia Cunningham-Elder, Chief Executive Officer of North Lawndale College Prep, has been selected to join the 2027 Class of Signature Fellows with Leadership Greater Chicago (LGC). She is one of just 43 leaders chosen region-wide for the organization’s premier civic leadership development program. “I am honored to be named to the 2027 Class of Signature Fellows,” said Cunningham-Elder. “Leading North Lawndale College Prep has taught me that our scholars’ futures aren’t only shaped by what happens inside our walls. They’re shaped by housing policy, economic opportunity and decisions
Off The Street Club Names Maurice Fears, Sr. as New Executive Director
25-Year Nonprofit Veteran Brings Deep Chicago Roots and Proven Youth Development Track Record to the Organization Off The Street Club today announced the appointment of Maurice Fears, Sr. as its new Executive Director, effective August 3, 2026. Fears brings more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience – including multiple executive roles at major Chicago-area youthserving organizations – to Off The Street Club, a youthcentered nonprofit in West Garfield Park. Off The Street Club provides hope, opportunity and guidance so that disadvantaged youth in Chicago and its
Ballmer Group Launches New Philanthropy in SE Michigan, Tapping Kylee Mitchell Wells as CEO
One of Southeast Michigan’s most influential philanthropic leaders is preparing to lead a new chapter in the region’s efforts to expand opportunity for children and families. Kylee Mitchell Wells, a longtime champion for equity and community investment in Detroit, has been named the inaugural chief executive officer of MoveUp Southeast Michigan, a newly established independent philanthropy created by Connie and Steve Ballmer to continue and expand more than a decade of investments across the region. The announcement, made July 1, positions Mitchell Wells at the helm of a permanent, locally led organization dedicated
Nicole Earle makes history as first woman to serve Maryland Racing Commission as chair
Nicole Earle is making history as the first woman to serve the Maryland Racing Commission as chair since its founding in 1920. By Victoria Mejicanos AFRO Staff Writer “Nicole Earle is the right leader at the right time and I am proud to appoint her as Chair of the Maryland Racing Commission,” said Gov. Wes Moore in a press release. “This appointment is a historic milestone for Maryland and I am confident her expertise and experience will guide her while leading our horse racing industry.” Earle’s appointment comes at a critical moment
Erica Schwartz, CDC nominee for director intends to restore public trust in health organization
Erica Schwartz, the administration's nominee to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, expressed support for vaccines — including mRNA-based covid shots — in a Senate hearing on Wednesday, though she didn’t dispel concerns the agency has lost any independence from the White House. “I have been vaccinating people throughout my entire career in uniformed services. I believe in vaccines,” Schwartz said at the hearing. “I do believe that mRNA technology is safe and effective.” Her position contrasts with that of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F.
Black Executive Justin Jay Norman Leaves Spotify to Launch Verse + Hook
Justin “Jay” Norman, the Detroit-based creative strategist, music producer, and Ad Age Creator 100 honoree who most recently served as Global Director of Creative Strategy and Global Head of Music Marketing at Spotify, has formally departed the streaming platform to lead Verse + Hook (V+H), the culture-first creative strategy, branding, and marketing consultancy he co-founded. The announcement marks one of the more notable creative executive departures from the streaming industry in recent memory. Norman spent years at Spotify overseeing some of the platform’s most culturally significant global campaigns,
WNBA founding player Rushia Brown still a winner and key player
As the basketball world gathered in Chicago this week for WNBA All-Star Week, founding player Rushia Brown hosted her signature “Play Like a Girl” Basketball Skills Clinic at the South Side YMCA in Chicago. The event brought together up to100 middle and high school YMCA girl members, ages 7-16 for a day of basketball instruction, leadership development, and mentorship. Brown was joined by WNBA legends Monique Ambers, Redhead Bristol, Leslie Johnson, and Bridget Pettisto. Participants will receive hands-on instruction in shooting skills, ball handling, teamwork, and communication. Beyond
Founder of First Black Woman-Owned Skateboard company Proper Gnar launches art inspired collection
Latosha Stone-Keagy, the founder and CEO of Proper Gnar, the first Black woman-owned skateboard company, is marking a new chapter defined by intentional design, creative independence, and a renewed commitment to its original mission. Since its founding in 2011, her company has been recognized for challenging the norms of a traditionally male-dominated skate industry. Built from the ground up, initially out of a spare bedroom, the brand quickly gained national attention, earning features with major platforms and retailers while cultivating a dedicated community of women and girls in
Kenneth N. Wilson Named Introduction Writer for 20th Anniversary Edition of Who’s Who In Black Columbus
Real Times Media proudly announces that Kenneth N. Wilson, County Administrator for Franklin County, will serve as the introduction writer for the highly anticipated 20th Anniversary Edition of Who’s Who In Black Columbus. As the highest unelected official in Franklin County government, Wilson has served as County Administrator since 2015, leading 15 county agencies and more than 1,400 employees. He oversees the County’s annual $2.2 billion budgeting process for 35 agencies, helping ensure Franklin County remains among the nation’s most effective and well-governed communities. A respected public servant and