Meet The Principals

Enlightened Solutions implements a flattened hierarchy organizational structure.

We are proudly co-led by co-founders and democratize all decisions through this process.

Our Story

Enlightened Solutions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit racial and gender justice think tank rooted in Northeast Ohio with national and global reach.

We support individuals, organizations and systems in confronting inequity and driving meaningful change.

Our work includes issue-based advocacy supporting The CROWN Act in Cuyahoga County, authorship of the prospectus for the Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls as part of Mayor Justin Bibb’s 2021 Transition Team, and contributions to the 2024 Webby Award–winning podcast Living for We: Season One (NPR/Ideastream), which was informed by our 2020 Project Noir research. Most recently, Enlightened Solutions contributed to the groundbreaking RelayCleveland museum exhibit and report on desegregation in Cleveland schools.

We focus on building systems where racial and gender justice are the norm, not the exception.

BETHANY STUDENIC

Co-Founder

Managing Director

Bethany (she/her) is a Master's level Social Worker and Barred Attorney in the State of Ohio. Bethany has over a decade of experience in community change initiatives and has served as a leader in prominent social and research-based advocacy movements.

She builds bridges between legal support and marginalized communities - harnessing modern data and research techniques.

Additionally, Bethany has worked in direct practice with diverse groups, including survivors of domestic violence, community police reform movements, and families experiencing poverty.

CHINENYE NKEMERE

Co-Founder

Director of Strategy

Chinenye (ChiChi) (she/her) is a strategic thinker. She has over 15 years of experience in community engagement, asset building and advocacy. She holds a Bachelor in Political Science and African Studies and African American Studies from The Ohio State University, with a focus on race and electoral politics.

She continued advocacy work as a Teach for America educator in Houston, Texas serving Title 1 middle school students and their families and Intervention Specialist in CMSD and Euclid City Schools.

In addition, ChiChi broadened her professional experience, consulting in the sphere of public safety. She remains dedicated to progressive and radically inclusive equity in all spaces and for all peoples.

Our Board of Directors

Member

AKILAH PORTER

Akilah has more than a decade of experience in communications, specifically in marketing and journalism. She holds her Bachelor's Degree in Educational Studies from Kent State University.

Akilah is passionate about using her research, interviewing, innovative and interpersonal skills to establish and sustain an enlightened community.

Member

COURTNEY OTTRIX

Courtney Ottrix, also known as Courtney Covers Cleveland, is a full-time blogger, content creator and Renaissance Millennial woman who has loved Cleveland for as long as she can remember.

She has extensive communications experience and was previously the Communications Director of Global Cleveland. In addition, she is a Production Coordinator for Major League Soccer on AppleTV and freelances in Game Operations for ESPN and ABC.

She has had the pleasure of consistently working the NBA Playoffs and Finals, First Take on The Road, and various other entertainment and sporting events over the past 15 years.

Board President

DÁNA LANGFORD

Dána Langford is a certified nurse midwife with 13+ years' experience in hospital systems. She co-founded Village of Healing, a community development organization focused on healing and empowering the village to eliminate social determinants of health and decrease disparities.

Additionally, she serves as a founding consultant Dána M. Langford Consulting which is focused on uplifting communities and addressing systemic injustices through education, executive coaching, and advocacy.

Board Treasurer

FALLON WILLIAMS

Fallon Williams is the Senior Director of Programs and Operations at The Raymond John Wean Foundation. Peterson is actively engaged in civic endeavors, serving on the Health Policy Institute of Ohio board and advocating for the inclusion of Black Women in philanthropy through speaking engagements.

She holds the designation of Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and has been recognized as an Exponent Philanthropy 2020 Next Gen Fellow, as well as a Rockwood Virtual Art of Leadership for Philanthropic Leaders Fellow.

Williams earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Hampton University and a Master of Health Promotion with a concentration in Community and Public Health from the University of Cincinnati.

Board Secretary

KATIE BRENNAN

Katie is currently the Director of Development & Stakeholder Engagement at the Greater Cleveland Career Consortium. She has previously worked at the Cleveland Foundation and Cleveland Metropolitan School District and has taught at the high school and community college levels.

Katie holds her Bachelor’s in Sociology and Master’s in Conflict Transformation and Social Justice and is a continuing advocate for social justice. Her areas of focus are wide-ranging including policing and legal issues, education, workforce, mentoring, and community engagement. She is a founding member of Enlightened Solutions' Board.

Member

SHAYLA L. DAVIS

Shayla is the current President and CEO of The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation. With more than 24 years of experience in government and non-profits, her various roles in the civic and public sector shows her dedication to fighting for social and racial equity.

She has worked on crucial social service programs such as: affordable housing and homelessness, community-based social work, police accountability, social determinants of health, criminal justice reform and public policy.

Member

TANESHIA FAIR

Taneisha Fair is the current Racial Equity Associate at The Center for Community Solutions. Taneisha is passionate about community advocacy and empowerment. She has committed to using her skills in research, interpersonal communication, and emotional intelligence in the nonprofit field.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal Communication, with a minor in Nonprofit Management, and is currently pursuing a dual Juris Doctor/Master of Public Administration degree.

Board Vice President

TWYLA TURNER

Twyla, she/her pronouns, a Cleveland native with 15+ years of experience in driving profitable growth and impact in the region. Known for her energy, organizational skills, and attention to detail, Twyla holds degrees in Advertising, Marketing Communications, Apparel Merchandising, and an Executive MBA. Committed to advancing women and communities of color, her diverse career includes roles at Saks Fifth Avenue, YWCA, JumpStart Inc., and more.

Currently, Twyla is the Director of Program Resources at the United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland, playing a crucial role in planning, development, and operations. As the second in command, she collaborates closely with the leadership team to achieve strategic goals and enhance fundraising efforts, ensuring UBF continues its mission effectively. Beyond her professional life, Twyla is a wife, mother, line dancer, world traveler, and a life member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.