Meet three Cincinnatians making the city more creative, connected and unmistakably itself, and then help choose the Culture Maker of the Week winner.
Cincinnati culture doesn’t just happen. It’s built every day by artists, musicians, chefs, organizers, performers, business owners, neighborhood champions and wonderfully weird people who give this city its personality.
That’s why CityBeat is launching Culture Maker of the Week, a new contest celebrating the people who make Greater Cincinnati more vibrant, joyful, thoughtful and alive, whether they’re working center stage or quietly making things happen behind the scenes.
Nominees are submitted by you (submit nominations here), and our editors pick the three up for voting. Read about this week’s contenders below, then cast your vote for the person you think deserves the title.
You can vote as often as you’d like until noon on Nov. 6. The winner will be announced Friday afternoon.
Liz Miller
Nominated by: Madeline Miller
Why Madeline nominated Liz:
Liz Miller has worked with 1001 Colors (formerly Artworks) for 9 years. Starting as a project manager for mural projects, she is now serving as the Senior Director of Programs.
She is responsible for countless murals in Cincinnati and making projects come to life. She has completed major projects at CVG airport, the convention center, BLINK, and youth murals all around Cincinnati. Liz is an important part of this community’s art scene, and a big part in why Cincinnati was just named one of the top cities in the United States for street art!
Ambrea Starr
Nominated by: Yasmine Bray
Why Bray nominated Starr: Ambrea Starr is a community leader, creative entrepreneur, and cultural advocate dedicated to creating opportunities for people throughout Cincinnati. Through event production, media, fashion, and community engagement, she uses her platform to bring people together, celebrate local talent, and invest in the city’s future.
As the founder of Cincinnati Fashion Week, Ambrea has created a space where emerging designers, models, photographers, stylists, artists, and small businesses can showcase their work and build meaningful connections. Her work goes beyond fashion—she creates experiences that strengthen community pride, increase visibility for local creatives, and contribute to Cincinnati’s cultural landscape.
Examples of her impact include:
- Producing Cincinnati Fashion Week, a multi-day celebration of creativity, entrepreneurship, and culture.
- Organizing community-centered events and public activations that bring together residents, businesses, nonprofits, and artists.
- Providing opportunities for emerging talent to gain exposure, professional experience, and networking opportunities.
- Using media and storytelling to amplify local voices and highlight positive stories happening throughout the city.
- Creating inclusive spaces where people from different backgrounds can connect, collaborate, and feel represented.
Ambrea Starr embodies the spirit of Cincinnati by turning ideas into action, uplifting others, and continuously investing her time, energy, and resources into making the city a more vibrant, connected, and creative place. Her commitment to community building and economic empowerment is why she deserves recognition as someone who truly makes Cincinnati, Cincinnati.
Pastor Mike Scruggs
Nominated by: David Johnson
Why Johnson nominated Scruggs: Pastor Mike has been putting on for his city for as long as I’ve been following this church. They regularly give gas and food away in the community, as well as serve at the shelters monthly. He just recently gave away a car to a member who was catching the bus!
He’s been a relevant staple in the faith community for young adults, especially because he doesn’t just talk it; he lives it. It probably doesn’t hurt that he preaches in Jordan’s. And I don’t believe there’s another church that has merch and collaborations with BlaCkOWned. I believe he graduated from Walnut Hills. I’m not from here, but I heard that’s a thing.
Cast Your Vote
Vote once. Vote twice. Vote every time you reopen the tab. Then send this story to the group chat, neighborhood Facebook page, Discord server or overly competitive family member of your choice.
You can vote as often as you’d like until noon Nov. 13. The winner will receive a featured CityBeat story, recognition across CityBeat’s social channels and eternal neighborhood bragging rights.*
*Not legally binding, but spiritually true.
Know Cincinnati’s Next Culture Maker?
Nominations are always open. Tell us about an artist, DJ, chef, bartender, muralist, musician, organizer, educator, performer, community builder or other local human making Cincinnati a more interesting place. Nominate a Culture Maker here.
