Born in California and brought to Cleveland as an infant by her grandmother, her early life was shaped by significant challenges and instability. Yet through the support of caring adults and her own determination, she transformed adversity into purpose, leadership, and service to others.
Recognizing her leadership potential early on at the Cleveland Summer Project, she earned a team leader role the summer before her junior year of high school, where she began mentoring younger participants and helping lead youth programming. The following summer, before her senior year, she was promoted to program assistant. She quickly became more than a participant—she became a trusted youth leader, mentor, and role model for others. She has been recognized for her leadership, professionalism, and commitment to service. Additionally, she currently serves as program manager for the Cleveland Freedom Project’s summer programming, where she mentors emerging youth leaders and helps cultivate authentic youth voice and decision-making opportunities. Today, she also serves as the inaugural President of The Cleveland Freedom Project.
Passionate about sports journalism and communications, she is serving in an internship opportunity with the Cleveland Cavaliers organization.
Ms. Hunt’s nominator stated, “What makes Nezerae exceptional is not simply what she has overcome, but how she continuously uses her experiences to uplift others. She represents hope, possibility, and authentic leadership rooted in lived experience.”