Learning Through Art, Inc.

Community Organization of the Year

Since 2007, Ladies of Leadership (LOL) has remained steadfast in its mission to transform lives by empowering young ladies through mentorship, education, and purpose-driven leadership development. With a signature model rooted in sisterhood, trust, and community uplift, LOL has impacted over 10,500 girls and their families across the Greater Cincinnati area and beyond.

Today, LOL proudly serves over 1,000 girls and families annually through a hybrid of virtual and in-person mentorship sessions in various communities and school districts. Participants represent 32 schools, reflecting the organization’s broad reach and deep commitment to equity across diverse neighborhoods.

In a major milestone, Ladies of Leadership officially opened its second headquarters in the West End in April 2025, a strategic expansion that brings programming closer to even more families and strengthens LOL’s ability to serve across city lines. This new space will anchor future growth, deepen community partnerships, and provide a consistent hub for leadership, mentorship, and empowerment.

The heart of LOL’s programming is its holistic curriculum, which blends academic support, leadership coaching, goal setting, decision-making, and critical life skills. From career readiness workshops and financial literacy to substance abuse prevention and emotional wellness, every session is designed to nurture the whole child.

This year, LOL expanded its reach through the Catch-Up Co-Ed Summer Enrichment Program, a 10 week initiative serving both girls and boys through literacy development, workforce preparation, social-emotional learning, and engaging hands-on enrichment. By addressing summer learning loss and empowering all youth with tools for success, LOL continues to show what’s possible when purpose meets passion.

“We’re not just changing lives; we’re changing trajectories,” says program founder and executive director, Kimberly Huckleby. “With every girl and boy we reach, we are building the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers.”