Molina Healthcare of Ohio recognized the good deeds of eight local residents at its 10th annual Community Champions awards ceremony. The event was held at Ariel International Center in Cleveland and included dinner, an award presentation and entertainment from the Son Gitano Band.

The Community Champions program celebrates the idea of communities working together to provide support and services to those who need it most. The program spotlights individuals who go above and beyond helping others in their local community. As part of the award, each winner receives a $1,000 grant to “pay-it-forward” to a deserving nonprofit organization of his or her choice.

“We are truly honored to recognize these individuals as our 2018 Community Champions award winners for their dedication to bettering the community,” said Ami Cole, president of Molina Healthcare of Ohio. “This group exemplifies extraordinary individuals who have made serving others a lifestyle and are committed to enriching the lives of those most in need. We are pleased to be able to support their causes.”

This year’s Community Champions winners included:

• Cintli Sanchez (Cleveland) is a passionate medical assistant at Neighborhood Family Practice (NFP) where she goes the extra mile for her patients.
• Jacqueline Bell (Cleveland) is a revered principal at Glenville High School.
• Dr. Ernest Smoot (Cleveland) serves as a pediatrician and dedicated volunteer at NEON.
• Megan Fischer (Cincinnati) is founder of Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank, an organization that provides diapers to low-income families.
• Vicki Bowen Hewes (Columbus) is founder and CEO of Dress for Success Columbus.
• Judge Michael John Ryan (Cleveland) made history becoming the youngest African American male to be elected judge in the history of the Cleveland Municipal Court at age 34.
• Dr. Stacy Scott’s (Toledo) dedication to reducing infant mortality led to her spearheading many of the safe sleep initiatives around the state while providing various community organizations with $500 mini grants to conduct the ABC’S of Safe Sleep training.
• Motivated by the violent death of her daughter Gloria, Dr. Yvonne Pointer (Cleveland) has been helping to improve the lives of others locally, nationally and internationally through her work as a humanitarian, philanthropist, author, evangelist and speaker.