Starting Point, at their annual Community Forum on Sept. 12, honored PEP’s recently departed CEO, Habeebah Rasheed Grimes, with the Billie Osborne-Fears Founders Leadership Award, in recognition of her legacy at PEP and her leadership on behalf of children. PEP, whose mission is supporting young people to overcome and thrive, is extremely proud to see its former leader recognized with this prestigious award. PEP’s new CEO, Eric Gordon, presented the award to Habeebah and gave the following remarks, which were written in collaboration with Starting Point’s executive vice president, Kara Porter.
“Today, it is my honor to recognize the extraordinary leadership of Habeebah Rasheed Grimes, whose vision and commitment have left an indelible mark on PEP and the young people we serve. Habeebah’s leadership has not only strengthened PEP, but it has also advanced a vision for healing, justice, and equity that resonates far beyond these walls. In many ways, her work carries forward the legacy of Billie Osborne-Fears, whose vision and tenacity built a foundation for children and families across Northeast Ohio. Both Billie and Habeebah have shown us that change begins with courage, that equity must be named to be achieved, and that the wellbeing of children is inseparable from the wellbeing of our community.
Under her guidance, PEP partnered with Dr. Bruce Perry and the Neurosequential Network, becoming the only NMT Phase II certified organization in our region. This achievement is more than a certification; it reflects a deep shift in how we understand trauma and help children heal.
Habeebah also challenged us to name the forces of racism, classism, and ableism that contribute to trauma. She showed us that real healing requires addressing these root causes and reshaping the narrative. Her leadership extended beyond PEP’s doors, as she chaired CACE and brought these conversations to the wider community.
During her tenure, our Early Childhood Plus team grew significantly, expanding support for our youngest learners. At the state level, she became a leading advocate for OhioRISE, often serving as its voice and champion for children with complex needs.
Nationally, Habeebah is recognized as a heart-centered leader whose work blends trauma-informed practice with a deep commitment to equity. She reminds us that healing is relational, and that the wellbeing of Black women and children is essential to the wellbeing of all.
Habeebah, your legacy at PEP is one of courage, innovation, and love. On behalf of our staff, partners, and the countless families you’ve touched, thank you. We will carry forward the work you began with the same passion and purpose you modeled every day.
It is fitting, then, that today we honor Habeebah as the recipient of the Billie Osborne-Fears Founder’s Leadership Award. Just as Billie created a path where none existed, Habeebah has widened that path, ensuring more children and families find healing, more providers find support, and more systems are called to accountability. This award recognizes not only what she has accomplished, but also the enduring legacy she leaves for all of us who will continue this vital work.”
Following these remarks, Habeebah expressed gratitude to Starting Point and to Billie Osborne-Fears, who she said she had always deeply admired and had hoped to learn from as she initially stepped into her leadership role. She lamented Billie’s passing as a great loss to the community but expressed gratitude for her legacy. Habeebah also thanked PEP staff and consultants whose faith in her helped shape her into the leader she is today. Her most heart-felt thanks yous were directed to her family; particularly, her mother for planting the seeds in her that allowed her to believe that she could be the type of leader to receive an award of such distinction and her husband for his continued belief in her and his enthusiastic support that enables her to take on the responsibilities of leadership.
The event, held at Music Box Supper Club, featured a fireside chat on the topic of public-private partnerships with Lillian Kuri, president and CEO, Cleveland Foundation and Kara Wente, Director, Ohio Department of Children and Youth.
Learn more about Positive Education Program and its early childhood services on our website.
PEP Staff attend Starting Point's Annual Community Forum
Lillian Kuri and Kara Wente discuss public-private partnerships
Starting Point Executive Director, Nancy Mendez (L) and PEP CEO Eric Gordon (R) Congratulate Habeebah (Middle)