Franklin University Honors Dr. Angela Brake with 2026 Alumni Award for Social Impact

Contact:

Sherry Mercurio
Executive Director, Office of Community Relations
(614) 947-6581
Email: sherry.mercurio@franklin.edu

Instructional design leader recognized for advancing leadership development, community engagement and nonprofit impact

Franklin University, a leading educator of working adults, recognized Dr. Angela Brake with the 2026 Alumni Award for Social Impact during its 182nd Commencement Ceremony. The award honors alumni whose leadership, service and commitment to community create meaningful and lasting change.

A graduate of Franklin University's Doctor of Professional Studies in Instructional Design Leadership program, Dr. Brake has built a career dedicated to strengthening organizations, developing leaders and expanding opportunities for individuals and communities. Her work spans corporate, educational and nonprofit sectors, demonstrating how strategic leadership can drive both organizational success and social good.

Leadership Across Business, Education and Community
Throughout her career, Dr. Brake has led workforce development, training and operational initiatives for organizations including The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and Akron Public Schools. These experiences helped shape her expertise in organizational effectiveness, employee engagement and leadership development.

Her leadership philosophy was further strengthened through her work with Emmanuel Christian Academy, where she gained firsthand experience in culture-building, servant leadership and mission-driven organizational growth.

Today, as Director of Operations for Limitless Ambition, Dr. Brake helps individuals and organizations transform potential into measurable impact through leadership development, mentoring and community-building initiatives.

Advancing Leadership Opportunities for Future Generations
Dr. Brake's commitment to empowering others extends beyond her professional responsibilities. Through her involvement with Girl Scouts of North East Ohio, she has supported programs that help girls develop confidence, leadership skills and pathways for future success.

Her work reflects a deep belief that leadership development and access to opportunity are critical drivers of individual achievement and community progress.

Championing Community Impact Through Board Service
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Brake is recognized for extensive volunteer leadership and nonprofit governance service. She currently serves on and supports boards and community organizations dedicated to education, equity, safety and community revitalization, including: Zonta Club of Akron, Barberton and Cuyahoga Falls, Women's Endowment Fund, Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center, LITE, Project GRAD Akron, and Goodyear Heights Community Development Committee.

Through these roles, she contributes strategic guidance, fundraising leadership and governance expertise to organizations working to strengthen communities and expand opportunities for underserved populations.

Recognizing Alumni Who Create Lasting Change
The Franklin University Alumni Award for Social Impact recognizes graduates who leverage their education, expertise and leadership to improve the lives of others. Dr. Brake exemplifies this mission through her ongoing commitment to workforce development, community engagement, leadership advancement and service.

Her career reflects the power of education to create positive change, not only for individuals, but for entire organizations and communities.

About the Franklin University Alumni Awards
The Franklin University Alumni Awards celebrate alumni who demonstrate exceptional achievement in their professions, communities and service to others. Awards are presented in three categories: Professional Excellence, Social Impact, and Alumnus of the Year. One award is presented at each commencement ceremony on a rotating basis. Recipients are selected through a nomination process led by the Franklin University Alumni Advisory Council and approved by the University's president.

FACT BOX

Award: Franklin University Alumni Award for Social Impact
Recipient: Dr. Angela Brake
Presented By: Franklin University
Occasion: 182nd Commencement Ceremony (May 31, 2026)
Degree Earned: Doctor of Professional Studies in Instructional Design Leadership
Recognition Category: Social Impact
Award Purpose: Honors alumni whose leadership and service create meaningful positive change in their communities and professions
Professional Experience: Leadership roles in corporate, education and nonprofit sectors, including workforce development, organizational operations and leadership training
Community Leadership: Board service supporting education, equity, community development, survivor advocacy and leadership development initiatives
Current Role: Director of Operations, Limitless Ambition
Areas of Impact: Leadership development, mentoring, workforce advancement, community engagement, nonprofit governance and youth empowerment

About Franklin University

Accredited, nonprofit, and dedicated to educating adults since 1902, Franklin provides onsite course options at our Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, and is an innovator in providing personalized online education. The University offers applied in-demand undergraduate, masters, and doctorate programs that enable adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals. Through agreements with partner institutions, the University also offers international academic programs, including its top-ranked MBA.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditations for specific academic programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Franklin University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE).