From Our Editor-In-Chief and Associate Publisher

Kay Wilson

ground-breaking product; in other cases, the legacy is fighting for a stage that will bring culture to the people, by the people. Each of the women featured showed their resilience and authenticity in hopes of giving others the courage to be themselves.

impression behind for those who follow. Navigating with courage in the same beat, like Sheri Neale and others who follow on Mahogany’s pages.

When we think of influence, it’s easy to think of how many social media followers a person may have. But when it comes to real influence, it’s not always about the blue checks or the thumbs up; it’s about purpose and passion. This issue of Mahogany Magazine has been an inspiring initiative. Of course, the goal was not to be an all-encompassing presentation off all of the phenomenal Women of Color who are making an impact and hold influence in Columbus. But within our framework and our budget, Mahogany Columbus is highlighting Women of Color who are influencers, who are truly bossing up and creating ripple effects with national impact.

Influence takes many different shapes. Sometimes a person has turned their pain into a pointed argument for justice, or created a

Working with the Mahogany team on this issue and reading the submissions has left a big impression on me. Commissioner Erica Crawley continues to raise the voices of women and veterans, Elizabeth Martinez leads youth from a place of empathy because she has been on both sides of the table. State Representative Munira Abdullahi didn’t let biases restrict her potential, Lark Mallory works to advance her mission by pushing for equity, and Trudy Bartley is an example of how being guided by your values advances how you show up for your community. Each of the women featured works hard to create brave spaces. And with that same sense of passion, they’re working hard at being helpful to others. To see the efforts they are making is inspiring and humbling, and as I sit here writing this piece, I can only pray to have the capacity to make it happen- to tend to community, business, and to understand how the work we do today will leave an

In fact, in this issue of Mahogany Columbus you’ll read more about some of ‘warrior women’ who are doing amazing things in Central Ohio. These women of influence are a force to be reckoned with.

We also pay tribute to the diligence of Congresswoman Joyce Beatty as she reflects on her 10 years of service in doing the hard work of setting policy designed to deliver collective services to the community in the House of Representatives.

Mahogany Magazine is also highlighting some of Columbus’ Influential Executives in Diversity & Inclusion, recognizing professionals who have driven positive change within their organizations and the corporate world. These leaders have implemented innovative diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies to recruit, retain, elevate, and embrace diverse talent. Showcasing many whose deep footprints have provided a map for future inclusion, diversity, equity and access professionals.

MEET A FEW OF OUR TEAM MEMBERS

Donna A. Binda, Senior Associate, Banker

J.P. Morgan Private Bank

Donna Binda is a Banker in the Columbus office of J.P. Morgan Private Bank. Donna works closely with accomplished individuals, business owners and families, acting as their champion toward the financial future they desire.

Donna believes in the uniqueness of the individual—to her, no two clients are alike. She prides herself on understanding each person’s life journey, family dynamics, priorities and pain points before providing thoughtful wealth management recommendations geared toward future goals.

Donna combines her ten-plus years of financial services experience with J.P. Morgan’s best-in-class capabilities—investments, estate planning, lending, philanthropy and banking— delivering these in a personalized and bespoke manner. Clients value her genuine demeanor, problem-solving diligence and sense of ownership for all matters, large and small.

Donna earned an M.B.A. from Kennesaw State University in Georgia. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of West Georgia. Donna has an ingrained passion for helping young children in need, which originated from the fourteen years she spent growing up in Cameroon, West Africa. In 2018, her family founded BesongSmile, a charitable organization dedicated to providing hope, wellness support and education to underserved families, especially orphans from impoverished communities in the area.

Marshell Arnold, Managing Director Branch Review - CCB Controls

J.P. Morgan Chase

Marshell Arnold is the Managing Director of Branch Review in Consumer & Community Banking (CCB) Controls where she is responsible for the overall functioning and management of branch review and testing. She manages in-branch testing nationally, assessing risk, executing testing, identifying issues, and documenting work for assigned branches.

Marshell’s overall passion is leadership. She is known for her dedication, ability to build and motivate people at all levels, and drive results. She contributes highly to the culture of the Columbus Market by being active in several initiatives outside of her Branch Review role. Marshell is the co-lead’s Central Ohio’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council. She actively assists in recruiting talent to the Corporate Analyst Development Program (CADP) and is a member of several Business Resource Groups. Marshell also holds the title of Columbus Impact Leader for the Racial Equity Commitment, which is the $30 billion commitment that JPMorgan Chase has implemented to help close the racial wealth gap and help Black, Hispanic, and Latino people build wealth.

Marshell has a Business Degree from DeVry University with a concentration in accounting as well as a Master of Arts specializing in Organizational Leadership from the Ashford University Forbes Business school. She lives in Pickerington, OH, with her husband and has three boys.

During her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family— preferably outdoors—and is a fan of audiobooks.