LADIES OF LEGACY 2020
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LADIES of LEGACY
May 24, 2025 • Akron, Ohio
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Join us for a night to remember at Limitless Ambition’s 10th Annual Ladies of Legacy Gala, a signature event celebrating 10 years of dreams fulfilled and lives transformed.
This year’s gala is extra special as we honor a decade of empowering young women to overcome barriers and achieve greatness. Enjoy an evening of inspiration, connection, and celebration as we recognize the incredible honorees who have paved the way for our success.
Together, let’s toast to the impact we’ve made and the limitless possibilities ahead.
2025 Ladies of Legacy Honorees!
Nzinga Hart
Founding Board President (2015 – 2020)
Nzinga Hart served as Limitless Ambition’s very first Board President, helping to build the organization from the ground up. A passionate and visionary leader, Nzinga brought unwavering faith, strategic insight, and a deep belief in the power of purpose to her role.
During her tenure, she helped lay the foundation for Limitless Ambition’s mission and was instrumental in developing our first programs and community partnerships. Nzinga is also the visionary behind the Dream Kit Initiative — care packages filled with love, encouragement, and essential items for girls in foster care. What started as an idea under her leadership has since become a beloved program that has impacted hundreds of young women across Northeast Ohio.
Nzinga’s legacy is woven into the fabric of the organization. Her dedication to uplifting women and girls continues to inspire our mission today.
Nzinga is a visionary leader in higher education, workforce development, and community engagement, dedicated to bridging the gap between education and economic mobility. As the Academic Recruitment & Retention Director for Kent State University’s College of Applied and Technical Studies, she plays a pivotal role in strengthening student pathways, building industry-aligned programs, and fostering meaningful partnerships with faculty, employers, and community leaders. With a background in data analysis, program strategy, and student advocacy, Nzinga has held multiple leadership roles at Kent State, including the Chair for Kent Engaged & Emerging Professionals (KEEP). Her work has consistently focused on equity, access, and student success, ensuring that learners from all backgrounds have the resources and support they need to thrive.
Beyond her professional achievements, Nzinga is an active civic leader, serving as President of Torchbearers and Treasurer for Empowering Queens. She is deeply passionate about community-driven initiatives, educational policy, and leadership development. Nzinga’s dedication to innovation, inclusion, and impact has not only shaped institutions but also transformed lives. Her unwavering commitment to expanding opportunity, fostering collaboration, and leading with purpose makes her a truly deserving recipient of this Award.
Tiffany Roper
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Board President (2020 – 2022)
Tiffany Roper served as Limitless Ambition's Board President during one of the most challenging periods in recent history — the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. With grace, determination, and a deep love for community, Tiffany led Limitless Ambition through uncertainty while helping the organization remain focused on its mission to empower young women.
During her leadership, Tiffany served as a strong and trusted community voice, helping to maintain connection, visibility, and engagement at a time when many organizations struggled to stay afloat. Her steady leadership helped Limitless Ambition grow its presence and deepen its impact during a time of immense change.
Tiffany’s legacy is one of resilience, compassion, and community. She exemplified what it means to lead with heart, and her contributions continue to echo through the work we do every day.
Tiffany is a proud Akron native who took the road less traveled, charting her own leadership journey to success. With a deep passion for equitable access to prosperity and generational wealth for women and minorities, she forged her own path—one that defied convention and created lasting impact. A two-time graduate of Kent State University and a licensed mental health therapist, Tiffany stepped beyond traditional career paths to become a serial entrepreneur, dynamic public speaker, and a magnetic force in boardrooms. She built thriving businesses, including Eat Speak Love and Snap & Flair, while dedicating herself to advocating for women- and minority-owned businesses.
Her unwavering commitment to empowering others led her to serve as President of Empowering Queens and Past President of Limitless Ambition, two nonprofit organizations dedicated to uplifting women and girls in Northeast Ohio. Through these roles, she has mentored, inspired, and championed initiatives that create real opportunities for economic growth and self-sufficiency.
Tiffany’s leadership and impact have earned her widespread recognition, including the Greater Akron Chamber GRIT Award, 30 for the Future, and the Entrepreneurial Light Award. She is also a proud member of Leadership Akron Class 39 (the best class!), where she continues to collaborate with other changemakers. Today, Tiffany serves as the Director of Outreach & Parent Education, where she continues to drive meaningful change, advocate for equity, and create pathways to success for underserved communities, children and families.
Kelli Thomas
Board President (2022 – 2024)
Kelli Thomas led Limitless Ambition during a powerful season of growth and expansion. As Board President from 2022 to 2024, Kelli brought passion, professionalism, and a strategic vision that helped elevate every aspect of the organization’s work.
She played a key role in Fund Development and Marketing, strengthening our infrastructure and expanding our brand’s reach.
Kelli also led the launch of the Fields of Purple Giving Network — a donor engagement initiative designed to build long-term sustainability by cultivating a community of supporters dedicated to funding the dreams of young women. Kelli’s legacy is one of innovation, empowerment, and intentional growth. Her leadership helped prepare Limitless Ambition for its next decade of impact, and her belief in our mission continues to inspire our path forward.
Originally from Akron, OH, Kelli brings over 21 years of experience in thetransportation industry, currently serving as an Operations Supervisor at FedEx Custom Critical.Her career has been marked by a deep commitment to excellence in logistics and operations,making her a valuable asset to the team.Kelli is a proud graduate of The University of Akron, where she honed her skills and passion forhelping others. Recently, she completed her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, furtherexpanding her expertise and dedication to supporting healthy families and relationships. As apracticing MFT-T, Kelli’s personal goal is to contribute to the well-being of her community byproviding compassionate care to those navigating life's challenges.
Her leadership extends beyond her career in transportation and therapy. Kelli served as the BoardChair for the FedEx Custom Critical Black Professionals Network, where she advocated for theadvancement and empowerment of Black professionals. She also held the role of Board Presidentfor Limitless Ambition; a nonprofit organization that helps young women realize their potential.Kelli is married to DeWayne Nelson, and together they’ve built a life of love and support overthe last 31 years. They are proud parents to twins, Aaron and Aris, whom Kelli holds in thehighest regard.A lifelong lover of music and an amateur crime sleuth, Kelli is deeply committed to living a liferooted in her values of family, empowerment, and personal growth. Her personal brand isdefined by identifying her core values and living authentically to inspire others to do the same.Kelli’s journey is one of passion, purpose, and a constant drive to make a positive impact in bothher professional and personal life.
2025 Ladies of Legacy Sponsors
