CINCINNATI — This Women’s History Month, the spotlight is on women who inspire and educate future generations. One such trailblazer is Kathy Wade, a prominent figure in Ohio’s arts industry whose passion for music has taken her beyond her wildest dreams.

Wade, a Queen City native, is a multiple regional EMMY-winner, international jazz entertainer, producer and community advocate. As a performer and mentor, she has made a lasting impact on Cincinnati's arts scene.

“I think one of my earliest Diva qualities was really trying to establish and find my own voice in terms of being a performer,” Wade said.“I think one of my earliest Diva qualities was really trying to establish and find my own voice in terms of being a performer,” Wade said.

Her love for music was nurtured by her mother, who introduced her to legendary singers like Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday — artists who influenced Wade’s own journey.

In 1992, Wade co-founded Learning Through Art Inc. with her late husband, Dan Jenkins. The nonprofit’s programming has reached more than a million people in Greater Cincinnati and worldwide. Its mission is to use the arts as a tool for building resilient communities.

Wade’s achievements extend beyond the stage and studio. She has met former President Barack Obama on several occasions. 

This year, Wade participated as a panelist for Microsoft and the University of Cincinnati’s International Women’s Day event, further cementing her role as a leader and advocate for change.

“I’ve had the pleasure of being in many rooms, but I’ve often been the only one who looks like me,” Wade said. “In this world, that’s not acceptable.”

When it comes to the power of women, Wade said, “The world doesn’t turn without a woman making it happen. Why? Because everyone comes into this planet through a woman.”

In 2023, Wade was honored with the Governor’s Award for the Arts in Ohio for her contributions to arts administration, further solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in both the arts and advocacy spaces.