Cynthia Brown, a Youngstown native, is the founder and CEO of Heartbeat Movement Inc, a multiracial, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit social justice organization directed solely by Ohioans.  Heartbeat Movement focuses on legislative and policy change to end systemic racism, institutionalism, injustice, and inequality.  

In 2021, Cynthia founded Accountability Now Ohio, the precursor to The Ohio Coalition To End Qualified Immunity.  Accountability Now Ohio sought to create a civil course of action for rights deprivations via ballot initiative.  Accountability Now Ohio also lobbied state legislators to introduce bills to reform policing in Ohio.

Cynthia has studied criminal justice and political science at Columbus State Community College, media and communications and African American studies at Youngstown State University, and public policy and African American studies at Mesa Community College.

Awards/Accolades

Free Press Libby Award 2023
Hero Award 2021
Trailblazer Award 2020
Humanitarian Award 2021
Dream Corps JUSTICE, Empathy Network Leadership Cohort Fellowship 2022
Ohio Senatorial Citation 2022
Ohio Transformative Studio Cohort 2022
Slanczka Achievement Certificate for Diplomacy
The Distinguished Diplomate award