Who’s Who In Black Columbus proudly announces that Janelle Coleman, President of the American Electric Power Foundation and Vice President of Community Engagement and Corporate Philanthropy for American Electric Power, will author the foreword for the landmark 20th Anniversary Edition of Who’s Who In Black Columbus. The commemorative edition will celebrate two decades of recognizing the achievements, leadership, and lasting impact of Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders throughout Central Ohio while honoring the publication's legacy of documenting Black excellence. “Janelle Coleman embodies the spirit of servant leadership and

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

By Leslie Nixon Photo by Ira Graham   Community involvement has always been at the heart of Leslie Bauknight Nixon’s journey. Raised in New Jersey, Nixon’s early years were shaped by her active participation in Girl Scouts, an experience that ignited a lifelong passion for personal achievement and service to others. That same spirit continues today through her membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where service to all mankind remains a guiding principle.  With more than two decades of experience in strategic communications, volunteer program development, and philanthropic initiatives,

BY Jacqueline Killen  PHOTO BY Ross Van Pelt   Growing up in the rust belt town of Massillon, Ohio, Melissa Blount-Garner learned early the power of resilience, faith and community. Raised by parents who instilled confidence and a commitment to excellence, Melissa has carried those values throughout her more than two-decade career in financial services—emerging as a transformative leader in community development, corporate responsibility and philanthropy.   Today, Blount-Garner serves as Senior Vice President and Head of Philanthropy at Fifth Third Bank, where she plays a pivotal role on the leadership

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Photo by Ira Graham  By Kristopher Jackson In a world where success is too often measured by profit margins and accolades, Dr. Elizabeth Joy is proving there is another way. A visionary leader, researcher and advocate, she has built a career that blends the compassion of social work with the precision of business strategy — showing that wealth and well-being are not opposites, but powerful partners.  Dr. Joy’s journey began not in a corner office but in child welfare, where she worked as a caseworker. Those early years exposed her