OUTSTANDING CORPORATION
Barbara Turner knows how it feels to work hard but still struggle to pay the bills. She also knows what it takes to work hard and build generational wealth. That’s why she’s devoted much of her personal and professional life to helping people build. Her latest endeavor, BT RISE, continues this mission by helping others achieve financial independence, especially women and underserved communities.
Turner, a Cincinnati native, is well known in the region’s corporate and philanthropic circles, with more than 40 years of corporate leadership experience in the financial services industry. She spent much of that time at Ohio National Financial Services, where she rose through the ranks to become the company’s first female and first Black president and CEO.
Turner founded BT RISE shortly after resigning from Ohio National. BT RISE and the Turner Family Foundation advance economic empowerment and education providing mentorship and financial coaching, by funding educational and leadership development scholarships and by providing financial grants to individuals looking to start or scale businesses. BT RISE has also extended direct financial support, in-kind donations and volunteer hours to targeted organizations doing great work in our region to end poverty and lift others up.
“We don’t just write checks,” Turner said. “We are investing in building strong communities and strong families. Whether it’s helping a single mom get job training or supporting someone in starting a business, we want to help people reach their goals.”
The journey to CEO
As she climbed the corporate ladder in a very competitive field, Turner said, her upbringing and the career lessons learned along the way to becoming a CEO grounded her. Her hardworking parents often struggled to make ends meet for their nine children, and Turner never forgot what that looked like.
“Growing up, we didn’t have much. My parents worked incredibly hard. Despite their efforts, we struggled and were on food stamps,” she recalled. “My first exposure to financial services was in the trust department, where I learned about the stock market and true philanthropy.”
This was a turning point for Turner, a University of Cincinnati alumna, who began to see how access to financial knowledge could transform lives.
“Financial literacy became a passion for me because I came from a background where I didn’t have access to that knowledge,” she said. Turner’s experiences as a divorced single mother further deepened her commitment. “There was a time when I was a single mom with three kids, and it was tough. The cost of day care was overwhelming and there were things my peers could do that I just couldn’t afford.”
Part of what helped her succeed early in her career came from tapping resources from the organizations she helps today by serving on their boards or leading mission-critical initiatives: United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio and YWCA of Greater Cincinnati.
Founding BT RISE: A new mission
The “RISE” in BT RISE stands for Resilience, Integrity, Strength and Equity – values central to Turner’s journey. “I wanted to create an organization that lifts others up, just as I’ve been lifted throughout my career,” she said.
Since its founding, BT RISE has awarded scholarships to students at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, with a focus on supporting women and individuals from underserved communities.
One of BT RISE’s core principles is providing opportunities, not handouts. “Our goal is to help people achieve financial independence through education and mentorship,” Turner explained.
“I’ve always had a giving spirit,” she said, recalling how she used to braid hair for free in her community. “I believe everyone has something of value to offer, whether it’s time, talent or treasure.”
A legacy of philanthropy
Turner’s philanthropic efforts are driven by a desire to create long-term, sustainable change. “I look at philanthropy as a way to lift entire communities,” Turner said. “It’s not about fostering dependency, but about providing the tools and resources people need to achieve their own success.”
Her work with BT RISE and other organizations reflects a broader mission to address the systemic inequities that affect marginalized communities. “One of the things that stands out is the importance of education in achieving financial independence,” she noted.
Looking to the future
Her vision for BT RISE extends far beyond her lifetime. Turner has already begun involving her children in the organization, ensuring that her legacy of giving back will endure.
Reflecting on her life and career, Turner said her success has always been about more than personal achievement.
“I want people to know that it’s possible to rise above your circumstances,” she said. “It’s not easy, but with resilience, integrity and support, you can achieve financial independence and make a difference in your community.”
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