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Appreciation Dinner Recognizes Nine Honorees
By Tricia Hall
Sojourner’s Truth Reporter
The Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union’s (TUFCU) annual
appreciation banquet was held on Saturday, November 23, 2019
at The Seagate Center.
Demetria Simpson, Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority
president, served as the mistress of ceremonies. The program
began with a prayer delivered by Bishop Duane Tisdale of
Friendship Baptist Church, a welcome presented by Timothy
Pettaway, pastor of Walk the Word Ministries, a testimony
reported by credit union member Norman Corggens and, after
acknowledgements, entertainment by musical guest Howard
Hewett.
“We have doubled our size. Our current business hours make
us a six-day operation. I want to thank our board of
directors and staff for working to help complete this dream.
I could not have done this without your support and
commitment,” explained Suzette Cowell, CEO of Toledo Urban
Federal Credit Union.
There were more than 250 attendees present to witness nine
honorees receive recognition for services provided to the
credit union and community. The 2019 honorees were: Monica
Armstrong, William Ellis Jr., Theresa Gabriel, Jerel
Harris-Tisdale, Douglas Keetion, Andrew Kinsey, Alexis
Means, Lucas County Treasurer Lindsay Webb and Jeffrey
White.
Monica Armstrong is a distribution operations manager at
Toledo Processing Distribution Center. Armstrong was
credited by Suzette Cowell as having been instrumental in
the creation of the credit union at Friendship Baptist
Church. “I just allowed the Lord to use me, and I know if in
doubt, I can reach out to my pastor,” explained Armstrong.
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William Ellis Jr. attended Scott High School, Wright State
University and the University of Toledo; and is currently
launching his first solo endeavor called Full Bloom Media
Group. Ellis has transitioned from Toledo resident to
seeking roles in the entertainment industry, but never
ignores an opportunity to share his appreciation of his
hometown. “I always find a way to give back to this
community. The credit union actually serves as my muse
because you can get love and advice under one roof, it’s
just like visiting a relative’s home,” said Ellis.
Theresa Gabriel has served Toledo as Deputy Director of
Lucas County Board of Elections, Toledo City Council member
at large member and various City of Toledo department
leadership roles. Gabriel has also served as a supporter of
the credit union in her various roles and serves as Cowell’s
mentor. “I want to give praise to those who support me,”
shared Gabriel.
Jerel Harris-Tisdale, a native Toledoan and son of Bishop
and Thelma Tisdale, graduated from Rogers High School and
Penta Automotive Technology Class. He was able to assist the
credit union during the rescheduling of the parade this past
summer even though he was dealing a personal tragedy. “I
first want to thank each of you who are also members of the
credit union. I am thankful to the staff and of course
Suzette,” explained Harris-Tisdale
Douglas Keetion is an Army veteran, and co-owner of Studio
32 Nine Salon Suites and Spa. Keetion actively volunteers
his time and talents to the parade and festival each year.
“I want to thank my studio family for allowing me to be me,
my parents and family who support me, my kids who give me
purpose and of course my beautiful wife who stretches and
completes me, said Keetion.
Andrew Kinsey is from Atlanta, a graduate of Clark Atlanta
University and Central Michigan University, and an
Emmy-Award winning journalist at WTOL 11. Kinsey was
recognized for his focus on neighborhood issues that impact
the community. “I want to thank God for this opportunity,
and I thank God for the work that the credit union does too.
You can either be a part of the problem or the solution,”
said Kinsey.
Alexis Means is from Pittsburgh, graduated from Hampton
University and has received career-related awards including
the Edward R. Murrow Award from the Associated Press and
several Emmy nominations. Means was recognized for her focus
on neighborhood issues that impact the community. “My
journey started with my grandmother and on this journey, I
have accomplished many things. She was my mentor and every
child need a mentor. I encourage each of you to reach back
and pull someone else forward,” explained Means.
Lindsay Webb was elected to the Lucas County Treasurer’s
office in 2018 after serving as Toledo City Council
representative for District 6 from 2008-2018. Webb earned a
law degree from University of Toledo. Webb was acknowledged
by Cowell for supporting the credit union in her role on
council and as treasurer. “I wanted to thank Suzette for
helping me with my credit report, when there was concerns
about my score while I was running for office,” said Webb.
Jeffrey White, an Army veteran and president of Local 2092
American Federation of Government Employees. White has
dedicated his time to assist and uplift the community even
after he had dealt with a personal tragedy. “I moved to
Toledo and lost my daughter. When I walked into the credit
union, Suzette knew I was broken financially and mentally.
She made sure that I was okay before I left. I’m fixed now
and Suzette has always treated me like a son,” shared White.
TUFCU opened for business on July 21, 1996, currently
operates locations at 1415 Jefferson Avenue and 1441 Dorr
Street. The TUFCU African American Festival celebrated the
15th year in 2019. Board of Directors: Pastor
Jerry Boose, Suzette Cowell, Lawrence Friedman, Adele Jasion,
Edwin Mabrey, Pastor Timothy Pettaway Sr., Frances Smith,
Virginia Welsh, Raymond Woods and Fletcher Word. TUFCU
Founders: Bishop Duane Tisdale, Bishop Terry Cook, Pastor
Robert Culp, Minister Rick Hunter, Suzette Cowell, Alto King
Jr., Edwin Mabrey, Ken Anderson, James Cobham, and Roosevelt
Gant. Toledo Urban Foundation Inc. Board of Directors:
Richard LaValley, Jr., Pamela Buganski, Frances Smith,
Deborah Beyer, Michael Killian, James Weber, and Laurie
Cantrell.
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