Allison Keim
Editor-in-Chief, The Chronicle, Mason High School (MHS), MHSChronicle.com
For MHS senior Allison Keim, her leadership journey began with curiosity. Flipping through student-run newspaper The Chronicle as a freshman, Allison was fascinated by the stories and the faces behind them.
“I really like to be in the know about what is happening around me,” she says.
That curiosity soon led her to join a newsroom with a long tradition of award-winning journalism. By sophomore year, she was writing for the publication, quickly learning the behind-the-scenes work that goes into each edition.
“Walking into The Chronicle for the first time, I felt the pressure of the reputation of the paper and being surrounded by high-achieving students,” Allison explains.
She rose to the challenge. Now Editor-in-Chief, Allison was recently named Ohio Journalist of the Year by the Ohio Scholastic Media Association, the organization’s highest individual honor for high school reporters.
She credits several mentors who inspired her, including her sisters and journalism advisor Dale Conner.
Today, she pays that mentorship forward by introducing younger students to the fundamentals of journalism and media literacy.
Allison will take the leadership skills she gained at The Chronicle with her when attending Ohio State University in the fall to study public policy.
She advises, “Be confident in your ideas and always stay open to learning as you go.”
Dr. Fatemeh Hajihosseini
Chief of Operations & Development for Women Walking West (W3), WomenWalkingWest.org
When Dr. Fatemeh Hajihosseini met Dr. George Sehi, founder of Women Walking West, in 2015, she had recently relocated to Cincinnati from Houston and was exploring teaching opportunities. Over coffee, Dr. Sehi shared his vision for a nonprofit supporting foreign-born women pursuing education.
“My answer was an enthusiastic yes,” she recalls.
Dr. Hajihosseini joined W3 as a founding board member and currently serves in the role of Chief of Operations and Development, helping shape programs and expand the organization’s reach.
To Dr. Hajihosseini, the work is deeply personal.
“W3 gives me the privilege of being a teacher, a mentor and a friend to foreign-born women in my community,” she says. “It means stepping into someone else’s world, sharing in her dreams and encouraging her to pursue them boldly.”
Mentorship plays a central role in her leadership philosophy. She often begins by connecting with new mentors to understand their motivations and strengths before pairing them with mentees.
“Mentorship requires patience, active listening and the willingness to give someone the space and time to build trust,” she explains. “Those relationships often grow into friendships that last long after the formal program ends.”
Many mentors and role models shaped Dr. Hajihosseini's leadership journey, but she credits her parents as her greatest influence.
“I believe we are a reflection of those who believed in us before we believed in ourselves,” she shares. “I am simply the sum of so many generous people who took the time to invest in me—and that is a responsibility I do not take lightly.”
Through her work, Dr. Hajihosseini has witnessed powerful transformations, including women completing advanced degrees, entering medical residencies or launching new careers through mentorship.
Yet the most meaningful impact often happens quietly.
“It is the moment a mentee realizes she is not alone,” she notes.
Looking ahead, Dr. Hajihosseini hopes to strengthen the organization’s foundation so it can serve women for generations while expanding opportunities in leadership training and professional development.
Her advice for women aspiring to leadership is simple but purposeful.
“Be patient with yourself. Leadership is not something you perfect. It’s something you practice every day.”
Jennifer Pierson
Chief Brand and Advancement Officer at Lindner Center of Hope, LindnerCenterofHope.org
In 2007, when a friend shared that a comprehensive mental health center was being built in Mason, Jennifer Pierson felt energized by the mission.
“I was immediately drawn to the idea of being part of something dedicated to offering hope and reducing stigma,” she says. “It felt like a rare opportunity to help build something meaningful from the very beginning.”
Jennifer joined the organization during its early stages and has helped it grow into a nationally recognized center for mental health care. Over time, her career evolved from communications and public relations into executive leadership. Today, she serves as Chief Brand and Advancement Officer.
She credits much of her professional growth to the network of colleagues and mentors who supported her along the way.
“I have been fortunate to be surrounded by hardworking, thoughtful people throughout my life and career,” Jennifer shares. “Each person I have worked with has taught me something valuable.”
That spirit of collaboration continues to shape her leadership style. Jennifer focuses on mentoring others, particularly women developing their careers, by encouraging initiative and modeling a strong work ethic.
“One principle I hold firmly is that I would never ask someone to do something I have not been willing to do myself,” she explains.
Her work in the community was recognized in 2024 when she received the MADE Chamber Pink Diamond Gems of Excellence Award, an honor she describes as both surprising and deeply touching.
“I have always seen my role as championing the organizations I serve and highlighting the incredible work of others,” she says.
Jennifer hopes to continue serving as an ambassador for “Hope in Action,” which takes place every day at Lindner Center of Hope as the campus expands and new wellness initiatives grow.
“It’s exciting to think about the potential impact these efforts will have in shaping the future of mental health care and increasing access to support.”
Her message for future leaders is one she thinks every woman should hear.
“Believe in yourself,” she encourages. “You are capable, you are strong and you can accomplish far more than you may realize.”
“Believe in yourself. You are capable, you are strong and you can accomplish far more than you may realize.” --Jennifer Pierson, Chief Brand and Advancement Officer at Lindner Center of Hope