ICGC Receives the 2026 Frances Perkins Public Servant Award
International Center of Greater Cincinnati · May 2026
The International Center of Greater Cincinnati was honored at the 2026 May Day Brunch Celebration, hosted by the Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center. Annually, the May Day Brunch celebrates local labor, faith community, civil rights, and advocacy leaders who represent the diversity of the Greater Cincinnati area.
ICGC received the 2026 Frances Perkins Public Servant Award, and Interfaith Workers Center Executive Director Brennan Grayson offered the following remarks about why ICGC was nominated:
“Frances Perkins was Secretary of Labor and leader of the New Deal reforms supporting immigrants and transforming our government. Ordinarily, the CIWC presents the Public Servant Award to public employees who do the work of the people. This year, considering the attacks by the government against immigrants and working people, we are honoring a non-profit committed to public service: International Center of Greater Cincinnati. For over 15 years they’ve quietly provided food, English classes, and other relief to new arrivals and refugees. Their genuine public service comes at a time when the people need honest, faithful servants like never before.”
— BRENNAN GRAYSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CINCINNATI INTERFAITH WORKERS CENTER
Past winners of the Perkins Award include Donald Harrison of the Department of Labor’s Wage Hour Division, Edgar De Veyra of Cincinnati’s Department of Economic Inclusion, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ebunoluwa Taiwo.
ICGC programs focus on civic engagement, community development, providing an international perspective in Cincinnati, and humanitarianism, including:
- Assisting people experiencing resource gaps
- Helping address the need for culturally appropriate assistance (food, language, housing, childcare, resource referrals)
- Providing referrals to services and advocating for services to be accessible to all
- Supporting individuals and families with navigating complex U.S. systems essential to daily life, including work, education, and healthcare
To learn more about our Food & Clothing Pantry, ESL classes, community navigation, or events, reach out to us through our contact form, call 513-510-0211, or email info@icgcincy.org.
About Interfaith Workers Center
The Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center (CIWC) equips Tri-State workers with the necessary tools and support to transform their workplaces and communities. CIWC services are complimentary and accessible to everyone. Established in 2005, CIWC’s mission is to mobilize, educate, and organize low-wage and immigrant workers to effect positive systemic change.
About International Center of Greater Cincinnati
The International Center of Greater Cincinnati is a volunteer-powered nonprofit serving immigrants, refugees, asylees, international students, and global newcomers throughout Greater Cincinnati.
Since 2003, we have helped individuals and families connect with community resources, social services, education, employment support, language assistance, and cultural exchange opportunities. Our mission is to build a welcoming, inclusive community where people from every background can thrive, connect, and contribute. Our approach is built on the idea that everyone, no matter who you are, has something to share. Each and every one of us contributes to our community, and we all need connection, support, and opportunities for growth to not only survive but thrive. Through community connection, ICGC has served Cincinnatians from around the world for more than 20 years.