Age: 52

Hometown: St. Louis.

Residence: East End.

Years in Cincinnati: Two.

In current position since: 2002

Cincinnati's leadership is, in a word: Business-centered.

Leadership style: A consensus builder with a recognition that decisions have to be made and I have to accept the responsibility of these decisions once they are made.

What can African-American leaders learn from white leaders? The impact of markets and the limits of government.

What can white leaders learn from African-American leaders? Understanding, walking in someone else's shoes. If a person doesn't have the experience, the exposure, the cultural opportunities, the pure wealth, it doesn't make them bad or good. It simply makes them human.

What did you learn from your mother, a Defense Department worker, about being a leader? My mother taught me I could do anything I wanted.

What did you learn from your father, an engineering firm employee, about being a leader? His encouragement was for me to demonstrate to him that women could and should be included across the boards and not be limited to the role of caregiver.