Annually since 2019, the Cincinnati Regional Chamber has recognized and celebrated outstanding Black leaders making a difference. This year’s honorees are business in-fluencers, educators, nonprofiteers, and culinary professionals who lead with passion and bring depth and innovation to their industries and communities. Meet this year’s We Are Making Black History honorees, who were celebrated at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner on February 26.
JEFFREY HARRIS
CHEF/OWNER OF NOLIA KITCHEN
A New Orleans native, Harris relocated to Cincinnati following Hurricane Katrina. His James Beard Award-nominated Nolia Kitchen in Over-the-Rhine delivers elevated Southern cuisine inspired by his grandmother and was named one of the 50 Best New Restaurants in 2023 by Esquire. “I wanted to change the perception of what Black restaurants look like. I want to bring something new to the city.”
MAX LANGENKAMP
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES AT CINTAS CORPORATION
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Langenkamp was deeply impacted by a brief period of childhood homelessness. After serving as senior counsel at Cintas, he transitioned into human resources with a desire to help others reach their career goals. “Service isn’t something I schedule; it’s something I strive to live out every day.”
STEPHEN LANGENKAMP
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AT MSA DESIGN
A graduate of Moeller High School, Langenkamp has forged a legacy of community service, from helping increase Black and Brown student enrollment at Moeller to serving as a CASA volunteer through ProKids. “I want to be seen as a fountain of hope for every person that I encounter on my journey in life.”
MONICA POSEY
PRESIDENT OF CINCINNATI STATE TECHNICAL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Posey taught statistics for many years at the University of Cincinnati before joining Cincinnati State, a path that would later lead to her presidency. She also serves on the boards of GRAD Cincinnati, Cincinnati Works, and the United Way of Greater Cincinnati. “I want to be remembered as someone who used her gifts to open doors for others.”
MEGGAN THOMPSON
PRESIDENT AND CEO OF DRESS FOR SUCCESS CINCINNATI
A Cincinnati resident for 27 years and a 2023 Cincinnati Business Courier 40 Under Forty honoree, Thompson helms Dress for Success Cincinnati with a passion for service and excellence. “My goal is for every client and team member who passes through our doors to be sought after across industries because they’ve been shaped by an environment rooted in high standards and genuine care.”
SHAUNA MURPHY
SUPERINTENDENT OF CINCINNATI PUBLIC SCHOOLS
A passionate educator for nearly four decades, Murphy is superintendent of Cincinnati Public Schools. She also volunteers for her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and serves as superintendent of Christian Education at Southern Baptist Church. “I consider myself a servant in this work, and I don’t forget about that servant mindset.”
JOEL STONE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT FARMER FAMILY FOUNDATION
Stone worked in private banking at Fifth Third Bank for two decades before taking the reins at the Farmer Family Foundation in 2025. He has served on the boards of the Cincinnati Ballet, Summit Country Day School, and the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. “I feel a deep responsibility to help make Greater Cincinnati a tier one community that we are all proud to call home.”