Member Bios

Crystal Allen is an unconventional leader, committed to enhancing the lives of young people in underserved communities. For more than 25 years, she has worked as a youth advocate, with a concentration in education, program development, enrichment, and talent acquisition. A native of Cincinnati, Crystal grew up in the West End, where she developed a desire to serve others.

Dr. Gaskins is the Assistant Dean of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement in the University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science, the only African-American female currently teaching in the faculty of the College of Engineering. Whitney earned her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, her Masters of Business, Administration in Quantitative Analysis, and her Doctorate of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering/Engineering Education. In her role as assistant dean, Dr. Gaskins revamped the summer bridge program to increase student support and retention as well as developed and strengthened partnerships with local area school districts to aid in the high school to college pathway. She serves as the principal investigator for both the Choose Ohio First Program (COF) and Ohio LSAMP grants. Through these grant programs, the students receive competitive scholarship funding and professional development workshops which help prepare them to enter into the STEMM workforce.

Greg Hammond is the President and CEO of Hixson Architecture, Engineering, Interiors. In this role, Greg leads and oversees all activities of the privately held firm, which provides design and engineering services for food and beverage processes (GMP), R&D companies and laboratories, workplace design, and retail store design.

Annie was born and raised in Colorado and headed out West where her Baccalaureate Studies focused on Biology, Chemistry and Peace and Justice. She is currently working to complete her Masters in Non-Profit Administration. Annie has been working in public education for over 12 years. She started her career as a middle school teacher and has served as a principal and network director for schools dedicated to closing the opportunity gaps within her communities. Since then, she has expanded her work by becoming an educational consultant serving urban districts, local charter schools and educational organizations. She recently joined Citizens of the World Cincinnati as a Founding Board member and is excited to help build a school focused on being rigorous, joyful, student-centered and intentionally diverse. Annie deeply believes in the power and duty of our school systems and hold teachers in the highest regard. She is passionate about ensuring equity across classrooms, schools, and communities. Annie and her partner welcomed their second child in August and are enjoying life as a family of four (or six in you include the dog and cat)!

Aiesha White is Manager of Executive Services at StriveTogether. Previously, Aiesha was middle school English teacher who began her career as a Teach for America Corps member in Cincinnati, Ohio. AS an educator at Westwood Schools, Aiesha held several leadership potions including Teacher-in-Charge and team leader. As a team leader, Aiesha helped launch a trailblazer enterprise program that introduced elementary and middle school students to the principles of entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Aiesha also served as the Communications and Community Engagement Consultant for Mayerson Academy’s Strong Cincinnati Initiative, a community-led program highlighting neighborhood projects. Aiesha completed several Leadership for Education Equity fellowships, helping to improve systems and policies for Cincinnati Public Schools and the KIPP Network.

Adam Peach, CFA is a Vice President and Regional Investment Consultant with T. Rowe Price. Adam works with a diverse group of financial professionals. His focus in on helping financial advisors add value to their clients’ investment strategies, as well as staying informed about trends in the financial marketplace. Adam has spent the last 11 years in the financial industry. Prior to his current role, Adam served as a teacher for the nonprofit organization Teach for America where he taught 1st grade students in Charlotte, NC. Adam has a B.A. in International Economic and Japanese Language from the University of Kentucky. He also earned the Charter Financial Analyst designation. Adam residents in Anderson Township with his wife, Megan, and two daughters, Collins and Micah. Adam enjoys golfing, fishing, traveling, University of Kentucky basketball, teaching about the financial markets, and spending time with his family.

Denisha Porter, MPH, REHS/RS, HHS, Executive Director, All-In Cincinnati Director – Greater Cincinnati Foundation. Denisha Porter currently serves as the Executive Director of the All-In Cincinnati Equity Coalition at Greater Cincinnati Foundation where she leads a racial equity coalition working to dismantle racial inequities in health, housing, education, economic mobility, and justice with the goal to uplift black women in Hamilton County. All-In Cincinnati seeks to co-create and implement an equity action plan to transform our tri-state community, and Porter is the driving force leading the coalition’s work to shape that vision. Denisha is responsible for directing policy and advocacy actions promoting the All-In Cincinnati mission; building strong relationships with local nonprofits, city officials, government agencies and community partners; and facilitating meetings, communications and recruitment with the All-In Cincinnati core team and coalition members, in addition to supporting the All-In core team.