Twice As Good Panel
March 11 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
First Financial
$5 for members, $10 for nonmembers
Attend the Twice As Good Panel at First Financial on March 11.
Join Urban League Young Professionals of Greater Southwestern OH for a powerful panel discussion where leaders share how they rose above challenges in their industries, navigated complex workplace dynamics, and built success on their own terms.
Panelists include Rickell Howard Smith, Esq, CEO & President of YWCA of Greater Cincinnati, Dr. Whitney Gaskins, Associate Dean at The University of Cincinnati, and Dr. Russell Whitney, Director of People Operations & Entrepreneurship Programs of ULGSO. The moderator is Deanna Hillard, Senior Program Manager for Interact for Health.
Twice As Good Panel Agenda
5:30 p.m. – 6:20 p.m. – Networking
6:20 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Welcome
6:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Panel Discussion
7 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. – Q&A
7:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.- Closing Remarks
7:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Post Networking
Admission to the Twice As Good Panel
Admission to the Twice As Good Panel is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers.
Panelists
About Rickell Howard Smith, Esq, CEO & President of YWCA of Greater Cincinnati
Rickell Howard Smith is a civil rights attorney and nonprofit leader dedicated to advancing racial justice and the rights of women and children. As President & CEO of YWCA Greater Cincinnati, she spearheads initiatives to advance racial justice, women’s rights, and uplift historically excluded communities. During her legal career, Rickell fearlessly fought housing discrimination and represented incarcerated adults and children in groundbreaking civil rights cases.
Rickell went on to lead racial equity efforts in philanthropy at Greater Cincinnati Foundation and served as the inaugural executive director of the Urban League’s Holloman Center for Social Justice. Her community leadership includes serving on the boards of the Hamilton County Human Services Chamber, Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio, Lighthouse Community School, and the Women’s Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation. A proud native of Cincinnati, Rickell holds a B.B.A from Howard University and a J.D. from Temple University School of Law.
About Dr. Whitney Gaskins, Associate Dean at The University of Cincinnati
Dr. Whitney Gaskins is a visionary educator, engineer, and community builder committed to expanding access, equity, and opportunity through STEM education. She serves as Associate Dean of Professional Development and Community Impact and Associate Professor of Engineering Education at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Engineering and Applied Science. Dr. Gaskins is the founder of The Gaskins Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to removing systemic barriers through culturally relevant STEM programs that engage students, families, and communities.
Her work bridges education, leadership, and empowerment, and she has served as Principal Investigator on multiple federally funded initiatives, including a prestigious NSF ADVANCE award focused on equity and mentoring in engineering. Beyond academia, Dr. Gaskins leads Gaskins & Associates and Gaskins Media, and currently serves as President of the National Association of Multicultural Program Advocates (NAMEPA). A nationally recognized speaker and advocate, her work is driven by a belief in representation, storytelling, and the power of families learning and thriving together.
About Dr. Russell Whitney, Director of People Operations & Entrepreneurship Programs of ULGSO
Dr. Russell E. Whitney II is a seasoned human resources executive, entrepreneur, and business coach dedicated to developing leaders who drive impact with integrity and innovation. He currently serves as Director of People Operations and Director of Entrepreneurship Programs at the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio, where he leads strategic HR initiatives and advances economic empowerment for minority- and women-owned businesses.
With over twenty years of experience across business, government, and faith-based sectors, Dr. Whitney is recognized for leading organizational change and cultivating high-performing teams. He is the incoming Board Chair of Forever Kings Inc., the founding President of Avondale’s community Toastmasters club, and a participant in the Urban League’s African American Leadership Program, Class 32. Dr. Whitney holds a Doctorate in Business Administration with a focus on Global Business and Leadership and is an accomplished author focused on emotional intelligence and career advancement. A devoted father and lifelong learner, his work is guided by a commitment to legacy, leadership, and creating pathways for the next generation. together.
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