Life + Culture

More Than Just Academics

Women Walking West Celebrates 10th Anniversary Supporting Women’s Educational Goals + Dreams Article by Jonathan Stout | Photography by Provided Women Walking West (W3), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, strives to help foreign-born students lead successful lives in the United States. Their extensive mentorship program assists women struggling with linguistic, social, cultural and academic differences in American society. But it’s more than just academics. Mentees who complete the W3 program...

Life + Culture

Believe in Three

YWCA Hamilton CEO Wendy Waters-Connell Empowers Lives + Inspires Change Article by A.J. Lape | Photography by Cara Jonas Photography “Believe in Three.” That personal mantra has become a guiding force in the life and leadership of YWCA CEO Wendy Waters-Connell—illuminating a path first lit by someone who believed in her when she needed it most. “I grew up in challenging circumstances at home,” she shares. “My life changed because of amazing teachers, [especially] Mrs. Stephanie Darbyshire...

Local Services

In Her Own Words

Meet New West Chester Township Administrator Lisa Brown Article by Tera Michelson | Photography by Cara Jonas Photography Attention, West Chester residents—there’s a new Township Administrator at the helm. Get to know Lisa Brown, who was promoted to the new role in February after serving as Assistant Township Administrator since 2018. Her knowledge of our community, dedication to the Township organization and passion for our success shines through her leadership. Brown shares in her own words...

Food + Beverage

Welcome to Dominique’s House

Gullah-Inspired Recipes to Celebrate the Women in Your Life Article by Dominique Camille | Photography by Dominique Camille + Lanmen Photography There is something spiritual about gathering around the dining room table. I’ve witnessed first-hand how, in the presence of a table spread, family, friends and even perfect strangers let their guard down, open up and share. Guests may enter my home as strangers, but they leave as friends. I recently embarked on a culinary road trip to South...

Finance + Legal Services

Financial Planning 101

Expert Insights from a Certified Financial Planner Article by Michelle Moody | Photography by Len Kaltman When it comes to money matters, having a solid plan is everything. That’s where Gage Hemmelgarn comes in. As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®), he’s been guiding clients toward financial confidence since joining Edward Jones in 2012. Whether you're planning for retirement, navigating investments, preparing to sell a business or just starting...

Education

Education Update

Lakota Local Schools is Invested in the Community’s Future Through Innovation in Education Article by Lakota Local Schools + Tera Michelson | Photography by Provided by Lakota Local Schools Innovation is key to the success of Lakota Local Schools. Priding itself on being personalized, future ready, fiscally responsible and in partnership with students, staff, parents and community members, the district is thriving. The school year is in full swing, pushing to a strong finish this summer with a...

Life + Culture

25 Years of Character

Character Council Celebrates 25 Years + 25 Heroes Article by A.J. Lape | Photography by Provided For 25 years, the Character Council has championed integrity, kindness and resilience, shaping lives across Greater Cincinnati. Each month, the organization focuses on a specific character trait, providing resources, training and community events to promote and encourage these values across the Tri-State.Their mission—to foster character development in children and adults—has remained steadfast...

Finance + Legal Services

Share, Save + Spend

Invest in Financial Literacy with These Books from MidPointe Library System Article by Tera Michelson | Photography by Len Kaltman Grow your knowledge of finances with these educational book selections for all ages from the MidPointe Library System. Learn to share, save and spend from the many community resources available at their local branches, from books to programming, all under the help of their professional team of librarians. Financial Literacy for All: Disrupting Struggle, Advancing...

Life + Culture

A Place to Call Home

Habitat for Humanity Transforms Lives in Greater Cincinnati Article by A.J. Lape | Photography by Provided In the heart of Greater Cincinnati, Habitat for Humanity is transforming lives, neighborhoods and futures through its steadfast commitment to affordable housing and community empowerment. Guided by a simple yet profound belief—that everyone deserves a decent, affordable place to call home—Habitat’s mission comes to life through its dedicated team and the communities they serve. Since...

Home + Design

Waste to Treasure

How Scrap2Home Builds Hope, Furniture + Community Article by Lisa Fletcher | Photography by Provided In a world where piles of scrap wood often end up in landfills, Nick Francis saw an opportunity to create something extraordinary. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of Scrap2Home, a Madeira-based nonprofit, Francis and his team, including his wife Amy and numerous volunteers, are turning discarded wood into hope, one piece of furniture at a time.  From Pandemic Hobby to Purposeful Mission ...