NextUp Cincinnati

Earlier this month, we celebrated 25 years of impact, leadership, and community with Cincinnati 🎉

The evening was filled with powerful reflections from leaders across the community, capturing what makes so special:

“25 years of lifting women up, opening doors, building connections, and creating opportunities that change careers — and lives.”Angelica Glass

“I feel so fortunate to have found such an inspiring group of women with an amazing shared mission to advance women in business.” Michelle Florenza

"Personally and professionally, I have benefited so much from all of the amazing women and our male allies.” Pam Novak

[This event] ..."was great reminder of the impact NextUp continues to make, and the incredible people behind it.” — Fariello

“Feeling especially grateful for the women who paved the way before us… and helped make it normal for women to have a seat at the table.” — Olivia Dulle Barton

“I am thankful for this group of amazing people and the environment we have built.” — Kelly Klump Lee

Together, these voices tell the story of an organization built on mentorship, connection, and a shared commitment to advancing women in business.

Thank you to the leaders, sponsors, partners, and community members who have shaped the past 25 years—and who are building the future.

Here’s to continuing to lift one another up and to the next 25 years of impact.

🌹 History made! Breaking glass ceilings at Churchill Downs 🐎 and the Kentucky Derby!

Huge congratulations to Cherie DeVaux on becoming the first female trainer to capture the Run for the Roses. A crowning achievement for a phenomenal talent!

Congratulations from

NextUp Cincinnati with some exciting new additions to our Regional Leadership Team.

We extend our warmest welcome to:

Belinda Busemeyer (Campbells) will serve as the Volunteers Connects Co-Lead. Belinda was a member of NextUp from 2008 – to 2015 where she lead several leadership roles, including Co-Lead of Mixer sub-committee, now Connects. We are thrilled to have her back as an active RLT member.

Kelli Ficke (Advantage Solutions) will serve as the Young Professionals Co-Lead. Kelli has been an active supporter of the Young Professional events and is excited to step up in a larger role to co-lead this committee.

Jennifer Martin (ConAgra) will serve as the Events Activities Lead. Jenn started volunteering with the programming committee in early 2025 where she quickly developed a passion for supporting the organization’s mission.

April Bennet (Advantage Solutions) will serve as the Volunteer Connects Co-Lead alongside of Belinda. April has been an active member for the last 2 years and has dedicated her time to Premier Events and Membership Engagement meetings. She most recently was also recognized as the recipient of NextUp Cincinnati’s Rising Star Award.

Catie Betz (Sauer Brands) will serve as the Mentoring Co-Lead. Catie has been an active member of NextUp since 2019 previously serving as a mentoring co-lead. She is thrilled to return in this role and will be working alongside Shellie Reed.

Catherine Marek (Kroger) will serve as the Event Registration Co-Lead supporting the Premier Events. Catherine has been a member of NextUp since 2024 and is excited to deepen her involvement and contribute more actively in a leadership capacity. She enjoys spending time and creating memories with her family, especially through travel.

Rachel Detwiler (Wells Enterprise) will serve as the Student Outreach Co-Lead. Rachel joined NextUp in 2018 as part of the Membership Engagement sub-committee. Most recently, she has served as the Student Outreach lead for Xavier University. She lives in Terrace Park with her husband, Russell, and four sons.

On the Move:
Anum Hiser (JM Smucker) will be moving from Student Outreach Co-Lead to Co-Lead Connects. She has been involved with NextUp since 2021, first as a member and then as a leader for Student Outreach. Beyond event planning, she actively mentors students, helping them build confidence, expand professional networks, and gain exposure to real world career paths.

And special thank you to our outbound regional leadership team, thank you for everything you have done to champion Nextup’s vision here at NextUp Cincinnati!
Tamka Carr (Meijer) Young Professionals Co-Lead
Julia Cook Onboarding Co-Lead
Jenny Gagel (Campari) Onboarding Co-Lead
Evan Harrison (P&G) Mentoring Co-Lead
Jula Leppo (US Bank) Connects Co-Lead
Mariel Sundberg (Bigelow Tea) Premier Events Registration Co-Lead