Culture Columbus: Honoring Our City’s Leaders

Power 107.5, Magic 95.5, and Joy 106.3 are celebrating Culture Columbus! Honoring the leaders who are pushing our city’s culture forward!

Join us everyday for two weeks during Black History Month as we highlight community champions from elected officials, to entrepreneurs, to artists, and more!

Keep up with Culture Columbus here or follow us on social media!

Franklin County Commissioner: Erica C. Crawley, J.D., M.P.A.

Commissioner Erica C. Crawley is a mother, advocate, and veteran. As the first Black woman Commissioner, her commitment to serving every resident, every day comes from her lived experiences and deep understanding of what working families need to thrive, and not just survive. Commissioner Crawley has always stood with the most vulnerable among us – working to ensure access to high-quality childcare, affordable housing, supportive addiction, mental health treatment, better maternal health outcomes, and first-rate veteran services for those who have bravely served our nation. She currently serves on numerous boards.

Like so many of her neighbors, Commissioner Crawley has known what it’s like to fight and work hard to get ahead. Originally from Youngstown, Commissioner Crawley’s family reflected the story of successes and struggles that so many families share in our community. She is a first-generation college graduate, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, focusing on juvenile delinquency from Cleveland State University. She also holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from Walden University and a Juris Doctor from Capital University Law School.

Crawley has spent much of her life making a difference by serving others and helping them find their voice. She served in the United States Navy earning the Naval & Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Additionally, she has advocated on behalf of children and families with the Cuyahoga County Job & Family Services, YMCA Head Start/ Early Head Start Program, Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA), and the Black Child Development Institute.

In 2018, Crawley was elected to represent Ohio’s 26th House District, which included much of eastern and southeastern Franklin County. During her time in the legislature, her priorities focused on maternal health, infant mortality, birth-to-five initiatives, housing and food insecurity, and veteran issues. Crawley served on the House Finance Committee, Finance Subcommittee on Primary & Secondary Education, Primary & Secondary Committee, Armed Services & Veterans Affairs, Correctional Institution Inspection Committee (CIIC), and was appointed to the Governor’s Commission on Infant Mortality, the Commission on Minority Health and was a founding member of Ohio’s Black Maternal Health Caucus.

Commissioner Crawley is the mother of twin girls. She enjoys spending time with them and traveling with family and friends.

Founder of Blueprint Development Company & Blueprint Investments: Aaron McDaniel

Aaron McDaniel is the founder and principal of Blueprint Development Company & Blueprint Investments, a Columbus-based real estate investment firm specializing in residential, multi-family, development, and management. Together with his father, Aaron oversees a portfolio of over 100+ doors, encompassing residential and multi-family properties. They also manage Blueprint Management Company, which includes a dedicated team comprising a property manager, leasing agent, and general construction partner.

Aaron brings a wealth of experience across various aspects of real estate, including acquisitions, negotiations, sales, finance, construction, property management, and project management. In partnership with the Affordable Housing Trust, Blueprint Development achieved a significant milestone with their inaugural project-a 27-unit multifamily new construction completed in June 2023, which was stabilized within just 45 days of opening. Additionally, Blueprint has successfully acquired a twenty-unit property in Franklin Park in collaboration with AHT, serving the 60% AMI demographic. Notably, Blueprint has also partnered with the Columbus Museum of Art on the residential renovation of the historic home of renowned artist Aminah Robinson, designated with a historic marker.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Aaron is actively involved in his community, serving on the board of the Jefferson Avenue Center and as a member of the Urban Land Institute. He has been a keynote speaker for the ELEV8 real estate investment community and a panel member for events such as Bricker & Graydon’s DEl in Real Estate Development, Columbus Urban League Young Professionals. Partners Achieving Change & Transformation Keys to Black Wealth Organization, and Future Leaders at King Arts Center. Aaron was recognized as a Columbus Business First 40 under 40 honoree in 2021 and previously as a Future History Maker. He holds a business degree from Ohio University, is married with two children, and enjoys traveling and spending quality time with his family.

Sr. Designer for Abercrombie & Fitch Women’s Jackets, Coats, & Swimwear: Janae Harmon

Janae Harmon is the Sr. Designer for Abercrombie & Fitch Women’s Jackets, Coats, & Swimwear.

Janae earned her bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design Product Development from the University of Cincinnati with a minor in Marketing. Joining Abercrombie & Fitch in 2016, she started her career designing for the Hollister Women’s brand and in May of 2022. She was provided the amazing opportunity to be a lead designer on the Abercrombie & Fitch women’s team where she has driven growth amongst several categories. One of her greatest achievements in her 9-year career at Abercrombie is being the Co-founder of Vol. 28. Originally concepted in 2023 as a series of apparel collections to celebrate and uplift BIPOC designers beyond the 28 days of February. This purpose manifested into partnerships with esteemed organizations such as RaiseFASHION where they are dedicated to amplifying & supporting a broader range of BIPOC brands & voices in the most authentic and meaningful way.

Social Media: @janae_audrey (IG)

1st Assistant Chief, Columbus Police Department: LaShanna Potts

1st Assistant Chief LaShanna Potts made history along with Chief Elaine R. Bryant, when they became the first outside hired police executives in CPD history. Prior to CPD, Chief Potts served over 24 years with the Detroit Police Department (DPD).

In 2021, she became the 1st Assistant Chief of Columbus Police Department upon Chief’s Bryant appointment. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to improve police/community relations by creating multiple programs and partnering on several initiatives that engage with the community such as CPD’s Senior Citizen Valentine Dance, Cram-A-Cruiser to provide toys to children of homicide victims, CPD Car Show, Turkey Giveaway, Secret Santa, Beyond Enforcement a component of JVR (Juvenile Violence Reduction) program that is focused on saving youth before they become involved in the criminal justice system and works collaboratively with MOMCC in partnership in Operation Under Triple Digits which focuses on data to reduce non-fatal shootings and homicides in Columbus. Due to these efforts and those of many others, in 2025 Columbus homicides are under triple digits. This accomplishment had not been done since 2014. She has partnered with several organizations to improve police relations such as We Are Linden, Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children, Legacy U to name a few. She currently sits on the board of Central Ohio Boys & Girls Club and is an Executive board member of Central Ohio Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) while overseeing several bureaus such as Special Operations Subdivision, Community & Wellness Subdivision and Public Corruption Task Force. Chief Potts holds a Bachelor’s degree from Siena Heights University, and she is dedicated to serving the citizens and officers of Columbus.

She is the recipient of many awards for her dedicated work in rebuilding community relations and is widely respected throughout the law enforcement community as a consummate professional.

Education and Credentials

· 1st Assistant Chief Potts holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Siena Heights University graduating with honors (Magna Cum Laude) and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership. She is a graduate of the highly regarded Senior Management Institute for Police Leadership Training program. Graduate of

· Graduate of Michigan State University’s Staff and Command

Member of the following Organizations

· NOBLE (National Organization of Black Law Enforcement)

· IACP (International Association of Chiefs of Police)

· Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police

· Police Executive Forum (PERF)

· Major City Chiefs Association

· Board member Girls and Boys Club of Central Ohio

· Executive board member of Central Ohio Regional CGIC-Criminal Gun Intelligence Center

Entrepreneur, tech innovator: Andre Hill

Andre Hill is a visionary entrepreneur, tech innovator, and community pillar whose career is defined by the pursuit of excellence and the power of “what’s next.” As the founder and leader of Hill Org, Andre oversees a powerhouse McDonald’s franchise organization in Columbus, Ohio, operating multiple high-volume restaurants that generate multi-millions in annual revenue.

Andre’s journey to the top of the McDonald’s system is rooted in the “Detroit grit” he inherited from his mother. Raised in a single-parent household, Andre watched his mother navigate the complexities of life with grace while caring for his handicapped older brother—a foundational experience that instilled in him a deep sense of empathy, resilience, and operational discipline.

Before becoming a standard-bearer in the franchise world, Andre sharpened his business acumen at Ford Motor Company and in the tech sector, where he launched Wurrkflow, a software platform designed to automate administrative complexity. He holds a B.A. from Michigan State University and an MBA from Clark Atlanta University.

Since officially becoming an Owner/Operator in 2019, Andre has led his organization to extraordinary heights. Under his leadership, Hill Org has been ranked among the Top 10% of Operators in the U.S. for three consecutive years. In 2024, his organization’s #1 performance ranking earned the distinction of hosting the McDonald’s Global CEO and Senior Leadership Team—a testament to his commitment to operational brilliance.

Beyond the golden arches, Andre is a dedicated advocate for the next generation. Through partnerships with organizations to the likes of Community for New Direction and Justice for Black Girls, he provides essential resources, technology, and mentorship to Black and brown youth. Whether sponsoring HBCU tours or streamlining business through tech, Andre Hill remains committed to building a legacy that inspires growth, honors his family’s journey, and creates lasting community impact.

Director of Pre Law and Diversity Initiatives at AccessLex Institute: Teria Thornton

Teria Thornton is the Director of Pre Law and Diversity Initiatives at AccessLex Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access, affordability, and value in legal education. In this role, Teria leads national efforts to strengthen the legal education pipeline by supporting aspiring law students—particularly those from underrepresented and historically excluded backgrounds.

AccessLex Institute advances equity in the legal profession through research, policy analysis, financial education, and collaboration with colleges, universities, and law schools across the country. Teria’s work sits at the intersection of access, diversity, and student success, helping institutions and students make informed decisions while addressing systemic barriers within legal education. A licensed attorney, Certified Diversity Professional, and Accredited Financial Counselor®, Teria brings nearly two decades of experience in higher education and a deep commitment to ensuring that pathways to the legal profession are transparent, equitable, and attainable for all aspiring lawyers.

Dr. Nicolette Barbour

Dr. Nicolette Barbour is a native Ohioan (Go Cavs/Browns) who earned her bachelors from the University of Cincinnati followed by a Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Policy and Management from Boston University. After completing her master’s program, she worked within the field of medical research at Cincinnati Children’s with the objective of diversifying clinical research study participation, ultimately helping to improve care delivery. She later returned to her alma mater to attended University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. She completed her residency in Family Medicine at the University of Arizona -Tucson. Following residency, she completed a fellowship in surgical obstetrics at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Northern Kentucky where she gained experience in high-risk obstetrics, operative deliveries, c-sections, and additional experience in low-risk vaginal deliveries. Her clinical interest includes medical/resident education, maternal child health/women’s health, and primary care delivery to vulnerable populations. Dr. Barbour is committed to equitable high-quality health care and believes collaborative interdisciplinary teams are central to positive healthcare outcomes. With all her accomplishments, she has a passion for being an advocate for her community and the health needs of women’s prenatal care and maternal health. She is also a Captain currently serving in the Ohio National Guard. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, travelling, the arts, baking, and spending time with her family and friends.

• Former ‘American Idol’ Contestant Charged in Wife’s Killing in Ohio
• The Latest Update on Actor Quinton Aaron.
• Chicago is Preparing to Say Goodbye to a Giant.
• Sybil Wilkes Breaks Down What We Need to Know: February 20, 2026
• Trump Gushes Over Nicki Minaj’s Appearance During Black History Month
• Win a Skyline Gift Card!
• North West Signs Record Deal With Gamma, Ye’s New Label Home
• Some Democrats To Protest President Trump's State Of The Union Address
• Red Carpet Rundown: Black Excellence Was The Main Character At The 2026 American Film Festival Honors
• Smell So Good: Best Perfumes That Always Get Compliments