Cincy’s Next Chapter of Changemakers
On September 10, 2025, Memorial Hall will host the Cincinnati Regional Chamber Leadership Center Celebration. This annual gathering is far more than a formal awards evening. It is a recognition of extraordinary civic contributions and a powerful reminder that leadership in Cincinnati is both inherited and reimagined as new generations step forward to shape the city’s future.
The celebration spotlights two distinct honors. The Nelson Schwab, Jr. Distinguished Alumni Award acknowledges alumni of the Chamber’s leadership programs who have devoted their careers to strengthening the city. The Civic Quotient (CQ) Awards highlight emerging leaders who are already making measurable impacts across Cincinnati. Together, the awards demonstrate the Chamber’s commitment to nurturing leadership at every stage of life.
The Legacy of the Nelson Schwab, Jr. Distinguished Alumni Award
The award is named for Nelson Schwab, Jr., a business leader and civic visionary whose work with 3CDC helped transform Over-the-Rhine and downtown Cincinnati. Schwab believed leadership was not simply a matter of professional success but a responsibility to drive civic progress and community transformation.
This year’s honorees reflect that vision. Carl Satterwhite, president of RCF Group, has balanced entrepreneurial success with deep civic commitment. His company has been recognized for workplace innovation while his personal advocacy has created opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses. His efforts have elevated inclusivity and strengthened Cincinnati’s economic landscape. Rick Greiwe, co-founder of Greiwe Development, has been a driving force in shaping neighborhoods through high-quality residential and mixed-use projects. His work in Hyde Park, Oakley, and downtown has brought new residents and investment while setting a benchmark for urban renewal. Together, their careers illustrate how sustained private-sector leadership can directly influence the vitality of a city.
The Promise of the Civic Quotient Awards
While the Schwab Award emphasizes long-term legacy, the Civic Quotient Awards highlight the promise of leaders who are just beginning to leave their mark. These honorees represent the next generation of professionals committed to equity, inclusion, and civic responsibility.
Emily Cashell
Emily Cashell, an attorney with Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, has built her reputation on advancing equity in the legal field. She has worked to open doors for underrepresented groups, mentored young women entering law, and promoted access-to-justice initiatives that expand legal resources for underserved communities. Her career demonstrates that corporate law can serve as a bridge to broader societal impact.
Dr. Angelica Hardee
Dr. Angelica M. Hardee, of the American Heart Association, has made health equity her life’s mission. She has led initiatives in health education, worked to expand access to care, and tackled systemic barriers to wellness in underserved communities. Her leadership merges data-driven strategies with grassroots engagement, ensuring that Cincinnati’s public health efforts are grounded in evidence while also reflecting the voices of the communities most affected.
Together, Cashell and Hardee embody a new wave of civic leadership that blends professional excellence with a deep commitment to lifting others up.
The Leadership Center Celebration is not only about honoring individuals but also about affirming the values that sustain Cincinnati as a community. By recognizing seasoned leaders like Satterwhite and Greiwe alongside rising figures like Cashell and Hardee, the Chamber demonstrates that leadership is not static. It is a responsibility that must be renewed and redefined by each generation.
This event underscores the belief that leadership is more than a position or a title. It is a call to create opportunities, elevate voices, and inspire collective progress. The honorees represent different industries and backgrounds, yet they share a common purpose: to improve lives across Greater Cincinnati and to ensure the city’s growth is inclusive and sustainable.
As Memorial Hall welcomes civic and business leaders this September, the celebration will not only honor individual achievement but also highlight the shared vision that continues to drive the city forward.