Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation

10/12/2026

Excellence is achieved. Legacy is built. Leadership leaves a lasting impact. ✨

As we count down to the 2026 BPACF Scholarship & Awards Gala, we proudly prepare to honor Wesley Gillespie, President of ERIEBANK, as our 2026 Black Professional of the Year (BPOY).

For decades, BPACF's Black Professional of the Year distinction has celebrated individuals whose leadership, professional achievements and commitment to excellence inspire others and strengthen our community.

On November 7, we continue this proud tradition as we salute Wesley Gillespie and celebrate the power of Black professional excellence. 💙💛

Join us for an unforgettable evening of recognition, inspiration and impact!

🔗 Visit BPACF.org to learn more about the 2026 Scholarship & Awards Gala. Tickets, patron donations & ads are available.

10/12/2026

Leadership. Legacy. Duty. The responsibility to lead goes beyond the title. ✨

On October 21, BPACF will bring together distinguished executives and industry leaders for the C-Suite VIP Reception: The Intersection of Legacy and Duty.

A highlight of this exclusive, invitation-only experience will be a fireside chat featuring Dr. Michele Scott Taylor and Wesley Gillespie, BPACF's 2026 Black Professional of the Year (BPOY). Together, they will explore the intersection of leadership, legacy and the responsibility to create opportunities for future generations.

This special evening will foster meaningful dialogue, valuable connections and a shared commitment to purposeful leadership.

Because true leadership isn't just about the success we achieve—it's about the doors we open for those who come next.

We look forward to an inspiring evening of insight, connection and lasting impact. 💙💛

10/08/2026

The 40/40 Takeover was all about connection—and the energy was undeniable. ✨

A week ago, BPACF’s ENGAGE Committee and the Class of 2026 40 Under 40 Emerging Legends came together at The Sixty6 for an evening of meaningful conversations, new connections and community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the evening one to remember. 💙💛 And the connection doesn’t stop here.

📅 Join us October 27 for The Power of Purpose: Wealth, Success & Philanthropy at The Sixty6 from 5:30–9:00 PM.
Let’s keep connecting, growing and building together.

10/08/2026

Behind the celebration is a purpose—and behind that purpose is a commitment to what comes next. 🎓✨

The BPACF Scholarship & Awards Gala is more than one of our biggest nights of the year. It represents what becomes possible when a community comes together to celebrate excellence and invest in the future.

Through scholarships, professional development, mentorship, internships and meaningful connections, BPACF helps emerging professionals gain the education, access and experiences they need to move confidently toward their next chapter.

That’s why the Gala matters. Every celebration of achievement also helps strengthen a larger mission: opening doors, creating opportunities and developing the next generation of Black professionals and leaders.

On November 7, we celebrate together—and invest in what comes next. 💙💛

Learn more about BPACF’s mission at BPACF.org.

10/06/2026

Meet the voice guiding one of BPACF’s biggest nights of the year. 🎙️✨

BPACF is proud to welcome Dr. Michael A. Baston, J.D., Ed.D., President of Cuyahoga Community College, as Emcee of the 2026 Scholarship & Awards Gala!

Dr. Baston will lead us through an unforgettable evening celebrating scholarship, leadership, achievement and Black professional excellence as we recognize our scholars, community leaders and 2026 Black Professional of the Year, Wesley Gillespie.

📅 Saturday, November 7, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland

Join us in welcoming Dr. Baston to the Gala stage as we come together to celebrate excellence and invest in what comes next. Remember that sponsorships, tickets, patron ads & donations are available.

10/05/2026

10/01/2026

TONIGHT, Cleveland gets connected! 🔥

The 40/40 Takeover is happening tonight at The Sixty6! Join BPACF’s ENGAGE Committee and the Class of 2026 40 Under 40 Emerging Legends for an evening built around meaningful connections, professional networking and community.

Come meet some of Northeast Ohio’s emerging leaders, expand your network and enjoy a night of great energy and conversation. Whether you’re reconnecting with familiar faces or making a new connection, this is the room to be in tonight.

📍 The Sixty6 Music Lounge & Studio
⏰ 5:30–9:00 PM

Bring your energy. Bring your business cards. Bring someone you should be networking with.

Come network. Come connect. Come vibe. Will we see you tonight? 👀

10/01/2026

In Memory of Nancella Wilson Harris | 1935–2026 🕊️

The Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation honors the life and extraordinary legacy of Nancella Wilson Harris, Co-Founder and Trustee Emeritus, whose vision, leadership and service helped build the foundation we know today.

A charter member of the Black Professionals Association, Nancella helped establish BPACF in 1985 and remained actively engaged with the organization for decades. Her commitment to service and Black professional excellence created an impact that will continue through generations.

“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” — Proverbs 31:31 (NIV)

We extend our deepest condolences to the Wilson and Harris families and all whose lives were touched by Nancella.
We are beneficiaries of her vision. We are stewards of her legacy.

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In accordance with Nancella’s wishes, memorial contributions can be made to BPACF.

Gifts made in her memory will support the mission she helped establish and continue the work to which she dedicated so much of her life.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/in-memory-of-nancella-wilson-harris

09/30/2026

It’s almost time for the 40 under 40 TAKEOVER! 🥂✨

The countdown is winding down to an evening of good energy, great connections and Black professional excellence at The Sixty6

Join our 2026 40 Under 40 Emerging Legends, past years' honorees, BPACF scholars, mentors, and professionals for an after-work mix & mingle designed to unwind, connect, and build relationships across generations of rising and established leaders.

🗓️ Thursday, October 1 | 5:30–9 PM
📍 The Sixty6 Music Lounge & Studio

The vibes will be right. The network will be strong. This is your LAST CALL to register— the break's over!

09/30/2026

Two major moments. One mission. One powerful week for BPACF. ✨

TODAY is the final day to secure sponsorship for the 2026 BPACF Scholarship & Awards Gala. This is your organization’s opportunity to stand alongside BPACF in advancing scholarships, developing future leaders and celebrating Black professional excellence throughout our community.

And the momentum continues tomorrow, October 1, with the 40/40 Takeover! Join BPACF’s ENGAGE Committee and the 40 Under 40 Emerging Legends community at The Sixty6 Music Lounge & Studio for an evening of connection, networking and celebration.

From investing in the next generation to bringing today’s emerging leaders together, it all moves the same mission forward: advancing, celebrating and investing in Black professional excellence.

⏳ Gala sponsors: Secure your sponsorship TODAY at BPACF.org.
🔥 40/40 Takeover: Get ready to connect with us tomorrow!