On Thursday, February 19th, ACPA will welcome 6 local Black professionals representing a variety of industries to participate in a student-centered career panel during ACPA Hour. Panelists will share their career journeys, educational pathways, and insights into navigating professional spaces. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in meaningful dialogue focused on career exploration, representation, and future goals.
Students: Be on the look out for a Google form for submitting questions in the coming weeks!
Read on to learn more about our February panelists.
Kevin Boyce, Franklin County Commisioner, Franklin County Board of Commissioners
Kevin Boyce, a lifelong Ohioan, made history in 2016 as the first African American elected to the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, where he currently serves. Under his leadership, Franklin County launched the RISE Together Innovation Institute to combat structural racism and poverty. He also played an instrumental role in declaring racism a public health crisis in Franklin County, making it one of the first major counties in the country to do so.
Boyce has had a distinguished 30-year career in public service starting on Columbus City Council. Boyce’s time on Council was marked by his determination to create tangible change, including pushing for policies that addressed structural inequities in the criminal justice system. His leadership and vision led him to become the youngest state office holder in the United States at the age of 37 when he was appointed as Ohio’s State Treasurer. As Treasurer, Boyce used his platform to improve financial literacy and create more opportunities for underserved communities.
Outside of politics, Boyce has had a successful career in investment banking. Managing over $10 billion in transactions across states such as Ohio, New York, and California. Boyce’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to play a pivotal role in the founding of Adelphi Bank, the 20th Minority Depository Institution in the United States. The bank, dedicated to addressing the wealth gap in underserved communities, provides critical banking services, homeownership opportunities, and resources for entrepreneurs.
Boyce has been recognized with numerous awards, including Ebony Magazine's “30 Leaders under 30,” Columbus Business First’s “Power 100,” and the National Association of Securities Professionals Distinguished Partner Award. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo, a master’s degree from Central Michigan University, and an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Wilberforce University. He holds degrees from the University of Toledo, Central Michigan University, and a Doctorate from Wilberforce University. He is married to Congresswoman Emilia Sykes (Akron OH-13). He has two sons, Kevin Jr. and Kristopher Boyce.
women, that there is a place for them in technology. Sondra believes tech is for creators, problem-solvers, and anyone bold enough to try. She also enjoys traveling with her family, volunteering in her community, and going to sporting events and concerts.
Mom, wife, music educator, voice teacher, and performer, Tirzah Washington is a native of Columbus, OH and started singing at a very early age. Tirzah received her Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from Oakwood University in 2014. Tirzah was able to continue training to be an opera singer and voice teacher and received her Master of Music in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from Peabody Institute in 2016.
Tirzah loves to perform and has had the opportunity to sing on several stages in the Columbus area. She has been able to perform in many musicals including The Color Purple (Celie and Sofia), Dreamgirls (Effie Understudy), Hair (Dionne), and The Rocky Horror Show (Magenta). She has had the honor of sitting in the Director's Chair for Worthington Community Theatre's production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella and Stinkiest Thing at the Columbus Black Theatre Festival of 2021. She has been a Music Director for several different theaters and schools, including: Imagine Productions, Short North Stage, Easley Street Productions, Columbus Africentric Early College, and Trinity Theatre Company.
When she isn’t teaching or performing on stage in musicals and plays, Tirzah can be found performing with her award winning girl group Harmony. They specialize in singing gospel, R&B, and soulful music! Their motto is “Saving souls, one note at a time!” They have had the honor to travel around the country bringing their soulful harmonies and voices to anyone who will listen.
Tirzah has a passion for singing and teaching others to reach their highest potential. Her goal is to help all of her students find the beauty in their unique voice and to share their talents with the world!
Tirzah is currently an Adjunct Musical Theatre Voice and Commercial Voice Professor at Otterbein University. Go Cardinals!!!
“My mother and father did a really good job of encouraging me and giving me the tools I needed to further myself,” Evan says. “I was always one of those kids who, when given the choice, would stay in the house to draw and paint. I’ve always been a more creative type.”In high school, Evan became more serious about his craft. That was due, in part, to the influence of a few memorable teachers who empowered him to pursue his passion. He went on to graduate from the Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD) and, today, he’s a visual storyteller in this city. After a hiatus from his pursuit of the arts, Evan returned to his craft. Now he is looking to take his unique take on caricatures to the level nationwide. He is always ready to challenge himself to reach the next level of his craft. Passionate, creative and dedicated to achieving his goals. He is ready for the next chapter in his career.
