During Workforce Development Month, the Workforce Council of Southwest Ohio came together with partners, employers, educators, workforce professionals, and community leaders to celebrate the people and organizations helping job seekers, businesses, and communities thrive.
The 2026 Workforce Champion Awards recognized outstanding leadership, collaboration, innovation, and service across the regional workforce system. This year’s honorees are strengthening career pathways, removing barriers, supporting employers, and helping individuals build brighter futures. We are also grateful to U.S. Senator Jon Husted and his Deputy Director of Southwest Ohio, Randy Chenaulte, for delivering recognition to the winners. We thank Blue Rose Supply for sponsoring the event!
Advocate of the Year: Don Hicks, Vensure Employer Solutions
Don Hicks was recognized for making workforce development visible, actionable, and grounded in outcomes through employer guidance, mentoring, and community advocacy. His work helps employers and workforce partners better understand the value of strong workforce practices and their role in building opportunity across the region.
Collaboration: Sarah Gray, Adam Calez, Anna Wolf and Kat Kemner
Sarah Gray of Hamilton County Job & Family Services Office of Youth, Adam Calez and Anna Wolf of Harbor, and Kat Kemner of Empaithy LLC were honored for combining public-sector reach, nonprofit insight and private-sector expertise to create accessible, AI-enhanced career-readiness training for local youth. Their repeatable model helped young people strengthen communication skills, professional judgment, confidence, and responsible technology fluency.
Employer of the Year: Building Value
Building Value, an Easterseals Redwood social enterprise, was recognized for building a sustained pathway from training to construction careers. Through hands-on skill development, employer partnerships, and support to help remove barriers, Building Value helps individuals gain real-world experience and move toward meaningful careers in construction.
Innovation: Cincinnati Youth Collaborative’s Jobs for Cincinnati Graduates Program
Cincinnati Youth Collaborative’s Jobs for Cincinnati Graduates program was honored for integrating mentoring, employer-designed experiences, career pathways, and technology into a comprehensive youth workforce ecosystem. The program served 331 graduates across 10 partner schools in 2026 and achieved a 98.8% graduation rate, a 76.4% employment rate, and an 85.2% positive outcome rate for participants who were employed, enrolled, or enlisted.
Leadership: Darla Menz, IKRON
Darla Menz was recognized for expanding workforce services, strengthening regional partnerships, and leading with compassion while continuing to serve individuals directly. As IKRON’s chief program officer and employment services leader, she has helped grow youth workforce services from 12 participants and a handful of school partnerships to more than 100 young people and nearly 50 school collaborations.
Lifetime Achievement: Kathleen Busemeyer, Retired, Ohio Department of Job & Family Services
Kathleen Busemeyer was honored for a career devoted to helping employers and job seekers navigate change, access workforce resources, and create lasting employment opportunities. Her service at the county and state levels has supported workers affected by layoffs and business closures, helped individuals pursue education and new career paths, and connected employers with programs that strengthen their workforce.
Her initiative and compassion are also reflected in her community response. After learning that older residents in Forest Park needed support reentering the workforce, she partnered with the local library to organize a successful job fair designed specifically for them. Over the past four quarters alone, she connected with more than 188 Hamilton County employers.
Success Story of the Year: De’yrah Weathers
De’yrah Weathers was recognized for meeting setbacks with determination, using workforce supports to keep moving forward and earning her State Tested Nursing Assistant credential. As a Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program participant, she stayed focused on her goal of building a career in health care while navigating transportation barriers, parenting responsibilities, and unexpected challenges.
In June 2026, De’yrah completed the Mercy Neighborhood Ministries CNA Program and earned her STNA certification. Her journey reflects resilience, perseverance, and a commitment to creating a better future for herself and her son.
Workforce Employee of the Year: Sara Betts, UC Aspire
Sara Betts was recognized for strengthening adult education through partnerships, customized employer training, innovative access solutions, and unwavering support for learners. As director of UC Aspire, she leads GED preparation, English language instruction, and integrated education and training while developing new ways to expand access for adults across the region.
Across every category, this year’s Workforce Champion Award winners show what is possible when people and organizations work together to strengthen talent pipelines, support businesses, and create opportunities for individuals at every stage of their career journey. Congratulations to all of the 2026 winners and nominees, and thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating workforce champions across Cincinnati and Hamilton County.
