YWCA names 2026 Career Women of Achievement class

Ten women from the Greater Cincinnati area are being recognized for using their professional success to lift others.

YWCA Greater Cincinnati uses its annual Career Women of Achievement program to recognize exceptional local leaders every year for their vision and community impact. This year’s class spans healthcare, education, government, finance, law, construction, technology, philanthropy and the arts.

The honorees are Nabila Ahmad, IBM Americas sales leader; Dr. Evaline “Evie” Alessandrini, chief operating officer at Cincinnati Children’s; Debbie Brant, president and CEO of Cincinnati Ballet; Julie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of meetNKY; Sheryl M. M. Long, Cincinnati city manager; Michele O’Rourke, CEO of O’Rourke Wrecking Company; J. Phenise Poole, deputy general counsel and senior vice president at Fifth Third Bank; Cady Short-Thompson, president of Northern Kentucky University; Susan Street Whaley, chief legal officer and secretary at Procter & Gamble; and Kiana R. Trabue, president of the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio and the Public Health Fund of Ohio.

Details about the 2026 class are below.

“These honorees reflect what leadership looks like today – accomplished, values-driven and deeply invested in community,” said Rickell Howard Smith, president and CEO of YWCA Greater Cincinnati. 

“Each woman uses her influence to expand opportunity, strengthen systems, and create space for others to thrive,” she continued. “That kind of leadership moves our region forward and deserves to be celebrated.”

YWCA will recognize this year’s Career Women of Achievement at the organization’s 47th annual luncheon on April 30 at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati. The luncheon, historically the region’s largest business event, also serves as the YWCA’s primary fundraiser, supporting programs in safety, racial justice, economic empowerment, inclusion and mental health.

The luncheon chairs are Michelle Hopkins, lifestyle TV host at WCPO and community engagement director at The Women’s Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, and Susan B. Zaunbrecher, partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP.

Tickets and sponsorship information for the luncheon are available online.

Meet the honorees

• Nabila Ahmad, IBM Americas sales leader, has advanced in a male-dominated technology field while mentoring emerging professionals and promoting diversity in business. She lives in Mason with her three sons.
• Dr. Evaline “Evie” Alessandrini, chief operating officer at Cincinnati Children’s, has spent decades improving child health, advancing equity and developing leaders in healthcare. She lives in Madeira with her husband and three adult children.
• Debbie Brant, president and CEO of Cincinnati Ballet, has led fundraising, governance, and program initiatives across arts and nonprofit organizations. She lives in Amberley Village with her husband and two adult daughters.
• Julie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of meetNKY, oversees Northern Kentucky’s tourism and visitor economy strategy and fosters regional collaboration. She lives in Northern Kentucky with her two children.
• Sheryl M. M. Long, Cincinnati city manager, directs city operations and policy, becoming the second African American to hold the post. She lives in Clifton with her family.
• Michele O’Rourke, CEO of O’Rourke Wrecking Company, has led major redevelopment projects and advocates for mentorship and leadership development in construction. She lives in Hyde Park with her husband.
• J. Phenise Poole, deputy general counsel and senior vice president at Fifth Third Bank, has broken barriers in corporate law and invests in mentoring and supporting future leaders. She lives in Mt. Washington with her fiancé and three dogs.
• Cady Short-Thompson, president of Northern Kentucky University, is the institution’s first woman president and works to expand access and opportunity for students. She lives in Covington with her husband and three children.
• Susan Street Whaley, chief legal officer and secretary at Procter & Gamble, oversees global legal strategy and governance while serving on multiple nonprofit boards. She lives in Indian Hill with her four daughters.
• Kiana R. Trabue, president of the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio and the Public Health Fund of Ohio, focuses on advancing health equity and expanding leadership opportunities. She lives in Woodlawn with her two children.

More details are available on the YWCA Greater Cincinnati website.