Celebrating Regional AI Excellence: 2025 Cincy AI Leadership Award Winners

Cincy AI Week is proud to announce and celebrate the recipients of the 2025 Cincy AI Leadership Awards, recognizing individuals who are driving innovation, inclusion, and responsible AI development across the Greater Cincinnati region.

Presented by the Enterprise Technology Association (ETA), these awards honor leaders who are shaping the future of AI in business, government, education, and our communities. Award winners were independently nominated by their peers and selected through a transparent voting process. No awards were sponsored or paid for — these recognitions reflect the voice of our regional AI ecosystem.

🏆 2025 Cincy AI Leadership Award Winners

• AI Catalyst: Nate Sowder, 5/3 Bank
  For outstanding leadership in advancing AI adoption and innovation within the financial services sector.

• Guardian of Good: Dr. Kelly Cohen, University of Cincinnati
  For exemplary commitment to ensuring AI is developed and applied ethically and responsibly.

• AI Rising Star: Madhavi Naranj, Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati
  For emerging leadership and fresh contributions driving AI-enabled transformation.

• Future Builder: Kristopher Jones, University of Cincinnati
  For significant contributions to preparing the next generation of AI talent and advancing AI research.

• Inclusive AI: Shanah LeGree, Cincinnati Public Schools
  For dedicated efforts to make AI education and opportunities accessible and inclusive for all.

About the Award Categories

These categories reflect the pillars of a thriving, responsible, and innovative AI ecosystem:

• AI Catalyst honors those accelerating AI’s practical impact in industries and organizations.

• Guardian of Good recognizes leadership in AI ethics, governance, and social responsibility.

• AI Rising Star shines a spotlight on up-and-coming AI professionals making meaningful contributions early in their careers.

• Future Builder celebrates those investing in education, research, and workforce development to ensure our region’s AI readiness.

• Inclusive AI highlights leaders working to close gaps and ensure AI benefits reach all communities.

Building an AI Future Together

The Cincy AI Leadership Awards reflect the collective momentum of our region’s AI journey — from innovative businesses and startups to educators, researchers, and public sector leaders working to shape AI for good.

We thank everyone who submitted nominations and voted, and we applaud the contributions of all nominees.

What’s Next?

Cincy AI Week will continue to spotlight AI excellence through future events, collaborations, and initiatives — including work on the AI Blueprint for the Cincinnati Region, a shared framework for responsible AI innovation.

If you’re interested in getting involved or supporting these efforts, contact us today or sign the AI Blueprint letter of support.

Together, we’re building an inclusive, innovative, and responsible AI future for Cincinnati and beyond.