2012 Nefertiti Award honorees includes CYC mentors: Alicia Tidwell, Jeri Tolliver, Brenda Madison,

Congratulations to the 2012 Cincinnati Herald 13th Annual Nefertiti Award Winners.  These extraordinary women were chosed by the community becausee they represent the wisdom and inner beauty of the ancient African Queen Nefertiti.   All honorees have made a positive impact on the Greater Cincinnati community.   Included in this year's award winners were women involved with CYC's mentoring program -  Alicia Tidwell, Jeri Tolliver and Brenda Madison.

Alicia Denise Tidwell

Alicia Denise Tidwell is a diversity and inclusion expert and community supporter, dating back 20 years, to include relationships with the Eastern Star organization, and Girl Scouts of America. She is a certified Master Mentor and has built sustainable long-term relationships across the Midwest. Alicia leads the diversity and inclusion efforts for Luxottica Retail North America, and supports more than 30,000 associates across the enterprise on their diversity journey. She has formed partnerships in the community with organizations such as One Sight, NSHMBA, NBMBAA, LULAC, the African American Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Indian Chamber of Commerce. Alicia has led Luxottica’s Tiger Mentoring Program for the past 11 years, and supports 45 students in the current one-on one development and mentoring program at the corporate headquarters in Mason. Alicia expanded the company’s mentoring program to include Withrow High School, where Luxottica donated 625 netbook computers to support 1,200 students and 70 faculty and staff members. Alicia supports several Employee Resource Groups with 500 members at the Luxottica Retail Corporate Headquarters. In exploring joint ventures with other organizations, Alicia’s mission is to educate and change the lives of our youth.

Jeri Tolliver

Jeri Tolliver is the Program Director for 1230 AM WDBZ, “The Buzz,” and host of the popular radio program, “SisterSpeak,” which airs daily from 4 – 6 p.m. With more than 20 years of broadcasting experience, Jeri has worked for some of Cincinnati’s top rated radio stations and produced shows for some of some of the most talented and nationally recognized hosts in broadcasting, such as Lincoln Ware. Jeri has interviewed some of the nation’s most celebrated personalities and icons including Tyler Perry, several of America’s Top Models, American Idols, and two First Ladies of the United States, Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton. As program director, she established several Radio One Cincinnati and 1230 The Buzz signature events, including the Annual Buzz Book Fair. Each year, Jeri inspires and energizes the community by organizing successful food drives, coat drives, and backto school events. Jeri also organized relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina, then traveled to New Orleans and delivered the donated products. Most recently, Jeri focused her efforts to benefit Haiti, the FreeStore Food Bank and the Holiday Project benefiting Glad House and numerous other community outreach projects. She is a powerhouse who uses her influence to improve the community, and help those in need around the world. 

Brenda Madison

Brenda Madison was born in Bermuda, and moved with her family to California when she was 12 years old. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Central State University, then her Master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati. She began her teaching career in the Cincinnati Public Schools in a first grade classroom, and later became a teacher of mathematics. For the next 30 years, she worked in the school system as a teacher and social worker. Over the years, Brenda has remained an avid volunteer at Carmel Presbyterian Church, working with youth, singing in the choir, and serving as an usher and member of the collection count team. She also works with youth through her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., by chairing the Beautillion for several years, and by supporting the Cincinnati All Stars Track and Field Club, founded and coached by her husband, William Madison. With fellow Nefertiti honoree, Betty Tuggle, Brenda organized the Historically Black College Tours in 1987. Brenda’s idea came from a tour she organized for her children who ended up earning undergraduate and advanced degrees from HBCUs. Sometimes, Brenda and Betty take as many as four buses on the tours. Thanks to these tours, more than 1,000 students have been exposed to opportunities in higher education. eauty of the ancient African Queen Nefertiti.  All honorees have made a positive impact on the Greater Cincinnati community.