Ophelia Averitt is a lifelong member of the NAACP, active since childhood in Alabama and now in Akron, Ohio. She holds degrees from the Patterson School of Nursing and the Vogue Academy of Hair Design, and is a certified Herbal Nutritionist. As the owner of Simon’s Salon and Health Boutique, she has led free monthly health seminars, promoting better wellness in her community.

With a passion for the NAACP, Averitt has become the organization’s premier solicitor of memberships, particularly Life Memberships, raising tens of thousands of dollars annually for over 20 years. She serves on the NAACP National Board of Directors as the National Life Membership Chairperson.

Averitt previously served as the President of the Akron NAACP for 14 years and the 1st Vice Chair of the Ohio State Conference for 10 years. She is currently the 3rd Vice President of the NAACP State Conference and Vice President of the Barberton NAACP. Averitt was instrumental in establishing five new NAACP college chapters and securing 70 scholarships through the Carrie Simon NAACP Scholarship Fund. She is also an active member of Wesley Temple AME Zion Church and has been recognized by the Cleveland Foundation as one of Northeast Ohio’s most influential women.