Fannie L. Brown

Since 1997, Fannie L. Brown has served as executive director of "The Coming Together Project," an organization that promotes racial harmony and understanding. The Coming Together Project was formed in 1993 to improve race relations in the community. When the nonprofit organization began, it had $40,000 and 16 partner organizations with which to work. It has since grown to include 235 community organizations and a budget of nearly $400,000 -- and it's still growing. On its 10th anniversary, the CTP announced that it has created a national umbrella organization that will oversee local chapters throughout the United States. The national organization -- spearheaded and led by Brown -- would be called Coming Together USA.

A native of Macon County, Ga., Brown, 47, received a Bachelor's degree in business management from Malone College in 1990 and later a Master's in technical education and a Doctorate degree in secondary education from The University of Akron. Brown has been involved in education throughout her career. Prior to her current position, she served as program manager with Project R.I.S.E., worked as a job specialist with Tri-County Jobs for Ohio Graduates and as an academic tutor for Akron Public Schools. She also has served as an instructor at the University of Akron.

Brown is involved in a wide range of activities, including the Akron Area Association of Churches Board to the Summit Education Initiative Advisory Board the University of Akron College of Business Administration Diversity Board, Clinic for Child Study and Family Therapy Advisory Board and the K-16 Steering Committee. Her recent honors include an Akron Aeros 2001 Spirit of Akron Award and Community Service Awards from The Ohio Partner Group and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

--Zachary Jackson