With a mission of eliminating bias, bigotry and racism, the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio recognized the folks in our community who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in civic, charitable and professional organizations at its 70th Annual Humanitarian Award Celebration.
Master of Ceremonies Russ Mitchell, Channel 3 News anchor, welcomed the Diversity Center’s guests to a reception and dinner at the Renaissance Hotel in Cleveland.
“We believe diversity makes us stronger,” Mark Swaim-Fox, president and CEO of the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio, said at the event. “Thank you for joining us as we teach acceptance, build community and commit to creating a society where all people are connected, respected and valued.”
Swaim-Fox went on to thank Honorary Co-chairs Jennifer and Dan Gilbert, Connie Hill-Johnson and Kevin Johnson, Ronna and Darrell McNair, Deborah and Ronald Ratner and Board Celebration Co-chairs Jill E. Hennessey and Robert E. Soroka.
The event honored Peggy Zone Fisher, immediate past president and CEO of the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio, and Kevin Clayton, executive vice president, chief impact and equity officer of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Humanitarian Award Recipients for 2024 also included Jen Hughes, manager of internal training – education services at Hyland, Ron Kisner, principal of the K Factor Public Relations and the Innes Changemakers of Akron Early College High School, Akron Buchtel CLC and Akron Garfield.
Peggy Zone Fisher
Peggy Zone Fisher retired as president and CEO of the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio this past summer after 18 years of dedicated leadership. Under her leadership, the Diversity Center became an independent organization instead of being a local chapter of the National Conference of Community and Justice (NCCJ).
Zone Fisher led fundraising efforts through two signature annual events, including the Annual Humanitarian Awards and the Walk, Rock, Roll & Run. She was also instrumental in raising more than $16 million in gifts and grants since 2006.
During her tenure, the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio expanded its reach to 11 counties, serving over 7,000 students, educators and professionals every year. You might recall that Zone Fisher was also recognized by this publication and Cleveland Magazine with a Community Leader of the Year Award last November.
Kevin Clayton
Kevin Clayton is the executive vice president, chief impact and equity officer for Rock Entertainment Group (REG), the parent company encompassing the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers, the NBA G League Cleveland Charge, AHL Cleveland Monsters, the NBA 2K Cavs Legion Gaming Club, Rock Entertainment Sports Network and Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.
In this role, Clayton oversees the Community Impact and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) teams, Cavaliers Legends and the Cavaliers Community Foundation, and handles government affairs for REG. By focusing on the advancement of REG’s social impact and responsibility, Clayton has significantly impacted team member representation, workplace culture, fan engagement and community relations.
Since joining the Cavaliers in 2019, Clayton has spearheaded groundbreaking efforts that have positioned the organization as a trailblazer in the sports industry. His strategic approach to DEI has not only transformed internal team dynamics, but also significantly influenced fan engagement and community relations. Clayton also had a hand in developing the strategic framework for the first pro-sports alliance with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Browns and Guardians.
Ron Kisner
A distinguished communications professional and community advocate, Ron Kisner is a graduate of John Hay High School and Cleveland State University (CSU). He founded the Cleveland State Vindicator and earned a spot in Who’s Who Among America’s College Students. As a member of CSU’s Society for African American Unity, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Black Studies Program, initiating plans for an African American Cultural Center and campaigning for the university’s first Black homecoming queen.
Previously, Kisner served as the West Coast Bureau Chief for Jet/Ebony magazines, the flagship publications of what was once the nation’s largest Black publishing company. His impressive career in public relations includes winning an environmental award from the Ohio Department of Resources for a tree-planting and anti-litter project with the Cleveland Metropolitan Housing Authority, garnering national attention on NBC’s Today Show. He has also freelanced for notable publications such as GQ, Cleveland Magazine and The Land.
In 2019, he coordinated a six-month exhibit on the remarkable life of Rev. Dr. E.T. Caviness, Cleveland’s longest-serving pastor, displayed at the Western Reserve Historical Society. Kisner currently works part-time for the Wellington Village School District, training staff in the compassionate communications program, Communicate with H.E.A.R.T., developed by the Cleveland Clinic. He has also introduced Kindland, a school-based initiative of Cleveland’s Values-in-Action Foundation, which focuses on belonging and anti-bullying.
Jen Hughes
With a passion for working with adult learners, Jen Hughes has been a software trainer at companies including Harley-Davidson and Gateway Computers. She has been a Technical Trainer with Hyland for the past eight years, recently being named a manager in Hyland’s Education Service Department.
An active participant in several of Hyland’s Employee Resource Groups including Hyland Pride Alliance (LGBTQIA+), HylandWIN (women) and Peace of Mind (mental health), she currently serves as president of the ACCESS (Accessibility Centered Change, Education, Service and Support) ERG.
