Miami Valley Urban League

Pillar Awards

The Pillar Awards, stand as a beacon of recognition for exceptional leaders and organizations within the Greater Dayton and Miami Valley region. Annually, these awards are bestowed upon distinguished "Pillars" - individuals and minority-owned businesses that have excelled in their fields and contributed significantly to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. Their relentless dedication and transformative actions in the community set them apart, making the Pillar Awards a symbol of the region's highest achievements in service and leadership.

For sponsorship opportunities and tickets to support the work of the Miami Valley Urban League, please click below.


2024 Pillar Award Honorees

Brian O. Martin

Executive Director

Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC)


Brian O. Martin has been the Executive Director of MVRPC for over 11 years, leading the organization in regional planning efforts, including clean air and water, transportation, land use, disaster recovery, equity, and livability. He formed the Region’s Institute for Livable and Equitable Communities and played a crucial role in the region's response to the Memorial Day 2019 tornadoes. His leadership has resulted in significant advancements in regional planning and disaster recovery.

TOM ROBERTS

President

Ohio NAACP


Tom Roberts has dedicated his life to civil rights and public service. As President of the Ohio NAACP, he has strongly advocated for justice, equity, and inclusion. Roberts has an extensive background in public service, having served in the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate. His leadership in the NAACP and his commitment to civil rights have significantly impacted the state of Ohio and beyond. 

Belinda Matthews Stenson

VP of Business Inclusion

Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce


Belinda Matthews Stenson leads the chamber's efforts in advocating for small business development and inclusive growth of minority-, women-, veteran-owned, and economically disadvantaged businesses. With over 20 years of experience at NCR Corporation and a background in small business management consulting, Belinda has been a driving force in promoting diversity and inclusion in the region's economic development. 

2024 Pillar IMPACT Award Honoree

CDO Technologies

Al Wofford

President


Al Wofford, founder of CDO Technologies, is recognized for his visionary leadership and commitment to delivering innovative IT solutions. His company, a minority-owned business, specializes in critical data management, cybersecurity, and systems integration, serving both federal and commercial markets. Wofford's dedication to excellence and his passion for leveraging technology to solve complex challenges have established CDO Technologies as a leader in the field. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community engagement have earned him respect and admiration within the industry.


Honor a Pillar!

The Pillars' legacy lives on because these icons are devoted to empowering their community. Honor a Pillar with a donation today and help continue the important work of the Miami Valley Urban League!

HONOR A PILLAR

Past Pillar Honorees

2016

Willie Walker

John Moore, Sr.


2017

Margaret Peters

Jenell Ross


2018

RoNita Hawes Saunders

Willis "Bing" Davis


2019

Daryl & Vanessa Ward

Dr. & Mrs. Charles S. Brown


2022

Stacy Thompson Speare-Hardy

Cathy Ponitz

Lucious Plant

LFL Insurance, Leronda Jackson, Owner


2023

Helen Jones Kelley

J. Tom Maultsby

Sharon White

KTownsend Consulting, Dr. Karen Townsend, Owner

Share by: