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By Tamara Lang, VP of External Relations, Urban League

The Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio (ULGSO) honored seven exceptional leaders whose contributions have left a significant impact on the Greater Cincinnati region and beyond on April 9 at the Urban League Luncheon when it recognized the 31st class of the Legendary Lions Society, at the Cintas Center. These individuals have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, commitment, and service to others. 

“This year’s honorees are truly remarkable,” said Christie Kuhns, President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio. “They embody the very best of our community, hailing from diverse industries and backgrounds. Each of them has made valuable contributions to our region, and in some cases the world, in unique and impactful ways. We are thrilled to recognize these incredible individuals.” 

The 2025 Honorees are Patricia A. Bready, Alva Jean Crawford, Dr. Alvin Crawford, Howard D. Elliott, Edna G. Keown, Jack Rouse and Steve Shifman. 

More about the 2025 Lions: 

Patricia A. Bready spent 30 years with Cincinnati Bell culminating in the role of Director of Southwest Ohio Government Relations. Upon retiring, Bready founded Quest Management Consulting, bringing her expertise to corporate, government and nonprofit organizations. Bready is widely recognized for her ability to support, coach, and inspire others. She generously donates her time and talents as a board member of several organizations, but she is best known for her current role as the facilitator of AALDP, the Urban League’s Premier Leadership Development program where she has coached and inspired hundreds of leaders to reach their full potential. 

Dr. Alvin H. Crawford is a world-renowned Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. His academic research approach to the study and treatment of complex pediatric bone conditions of the spine is considered state of the art and taught across the United States and globally. Under Dr. Crawford’s leadership Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center established its Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery where Crawford served as director for 29 years. In 2019, Crawford established Black Men in Medicine Cincinnati to mentor undergraduate medical students of color. In 2023 he released his autobiography, Bone Doctor’s Concerto: Music, Surgery, and the Pieces in Between. 

Alva Jean Crawford spent 32 years as a dedicated and impactful mathematics teacher and school counselor. Her passion for music and the arts led her to volunteer for numerous arts organizations. She was the co-chair of the Cincinnati Opera’s 80th Anniversary Gala and has served on the boards of the Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and the Music Hall Revitalization Company. In addition to the arts, Mrs. Crawford has generously volunteered with several organizations as a mentor and tutor and participated on several community boards.     

Howard D. Elliott is a well-respected corporate leader known for his expertise and passion for Supplier Diversity. Elliott enjoyed a 32-year career with Procter & Gamble. Under his leadership, Procter & Gamble spent over $4 billion with minority owned businesses. He has continued to be a champion of women and minority businesses, establishing the Elliott Management Group specializing in supplier diversity and economic inclusion consulting. This led to the creation of the South Central Ohio Healthcare Supplier Diversity Consortium which generated an increased spend of $100 million per year with minority and women owned suppliers. He currently leads WEB Ventures, a management consulting company focused on economic inclusion on large, commercial development projects. 

Edna G. Keown is known as Cincinnati’s full-time community advocate extraordinaire. At the conclusion of a successful career in human resources and consulting, Mrs. Keown dedicated herself to excellence in volunteering. She is currently spending her time and talents with the following organizations: Cincinnati Parks Foundation Board, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Board, Montgomery ��ݮ��Ƶ Church and the Woman’s City Club. She is a member of the Cincinnati Chapter of The Links, Inc., and has volunteered in various capacities with the Greater Cincinnati Foundation including as a member of the Black Giving Circle. She is a former board member of the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio. 

Jack Rouse has spent his life making sure everyone has a great time. As a professor at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music (CCM), Mr. Rouse established the nation’s first musical theatre program. Transitioning from academia, Rouse joined Taft Broadcasting Company during the early development of Kings Island which eventually led to the Kings Entertainment Company. He moved on to create Jack Rouse Associates (JRA) which became one of the most recognized global names in experiential design. A lifelong advocate for creating comprehensive audience experiences, Rouse continues to apply his professional expertise and passion to foster a more vibrant, inclusive, and relevant arts and culture community in Cincinnati. 

Steve Shifman currently serves as Executive Chair of Michelman, a large privately held global technology and manufacturing company headquartered in Cincinnati. Mr. Shifman has been an active member of many organizations including the United Way of Greater Cincinnati where he served as Chairman of the Board, Board Chair for Teach for America in Southwest Ohio, co-chair of the Cincinnati Regional Business Committee and board member of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati. Currently Shifman is a member of the Board of the Minority Business Accelerator and a Trustee of the Washington Institute. He also serves on various for-profit boards and as a coach and mentor for CEOs of purpose-driven, generational enterprises.