Meet the Award Recipients
Aixa Aviles
CEO of Equinox Solutions Corp
Aixa Avilés is the founder and CEO of Equinox Solutions Corp., where she leads with over two decades of expertise in accounting, tax strategy, and business consulting. Based in Orlando, Florida, she is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs, small businesses, and growing companies achieve financial clarity, compliance, and long-term success.
ALEXIA DOUMBOUYA
CEO of Cocolife
Alexia Doumbouya is the Founder and President of Cocolife.black, an award-winning international speaker, certified Doula, and Childbirth Educator. She holds a Master’s in Organizational Leadership, with over 20 years of experience in Healthcare Administration and Public Health
Alicia Davis
CEO of Davis Financial
CEO of The Davis Financial & Associates Group LLC, a consulting and tax services firm that provides strategic financial solutions to individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations.Alicia Davis is a native of Barnwell, South Carolina, and an accomplished accounting professional, educator, and community leader.
ANA GAZZARA
CEO of Gazzara Global Group
Ana Gazzara is a globally respected business leader and a powerhouse in the real estate industry. A graduate of Harvard Business Schools esteemed Clobal Business program and a distinguished member of the Honor Society, she brings an unparalleled depth of expertise and strategic insight to her roles
In 2021.
Annie Reyes
CEO of Hivedeco
Annie Reyes is a Latina artist and entrepreneur of Cuban-Venezuelan heritage, and the founder and CEO of Hivedeco, a Miami-based business that blends art and wellness. After a successful marketing career in Venezuela, she launched Hivedeco to promote mindfulness and healing through creativity.
Ashley Haskins
CEO of Core Vitals
Ashley Haskins is the Owner, Founder, and Primary Instructor of CoreVitals CPR Training, bringing essential life-saving education to the Richmond and Tri-Cities areas and surrounding counties.
Britnee Kinard
CEO of Britnee Kinard LLC
Britnee Kinard is a dedicated advocate and speaker known for her impactful work in raising awareness about mental health, personal empowerment, and social justice issues. Drawing from her own experiences, Britnee has become a powerful voice for those who feel unheard or marginalized.
Carnetta Frazier
CEO of Rich Queen
Where Luxury Meets Confidence Launched in March 2023, Rich Queen was born from a dream to create a signature fragrance line that celebrates boldness, beauty, and self-worth. Founded in November 2022, this elegant collection features perfumes, body washes, and lotions designed to leave a lasting impression.
Casendra Valdes
Florida House of Representatives in 2018
Representative Susan Lopez-Valdés was born the first-generation child of Cuban immigrants in New York City, NY and lived in the Bronx until moving to Hialeah, Florida at the age of 8. She would permanently resettle in Tampa a short time later.
Cherika Johnson
Broker/Owner of Johnson Realty
Annie Reyes is a Latina artist and entrepreneur of Cuban-Venezuelan heritage, and the founder and CEO of Hivedeco, a Miami-based business that blends art and wellness. After a successful marketing career in Venezuela, she launched Hivedeco to promote mindfulness and healing through creativity.
Christal Smith
Owner of Luxury Elite Wellness
Celebrity Esthetician, Business Spa Coach, and Mentor passionate about helping women in beauty, health and wellness create sustainable success.
Consuela Chapman
Owner of Choices In Wellness PLLC
award-winning psychotherapist, group practice owner, and wellness leader in Raleigh, NC. She’s dedicated to destigmatizing mental health through culturally responsive care and expressive arts for the last 15 years.
Deepika Gupta
VD IMPORTERS
with a background in commerce, educated in Delhi, India. In 2008, I co-founded a B2B export-import business in Miami, USA, with my life partner. Our work is dedicated to creating and distributing healing and meditation products including incense, candles, and spiritual accessories
Deja Craft
Creator of ByteScales
visionary leader at the intersection of technology, design, and innovation. A former EMT turned award-winning UX engineer and creative entrepreneur, she has been nationally recognized for her groundbreaking contributions to tech, design and the arts.
Donjaleque Jackson
Owner of Bayou Hair Care
Bayou Hair Care is more than just edge control and growth oil it’s a movement. Every product is a reflection of my mother’s legacy and a reminder that even in loss, something beautiful can grow. Our products are made to celebrate textured hair in all its forms — from defined coils to soft baby hairs
Donna Williams
CEO of DWC Enterprise
Donna Williams is the CEO of DWC Enterprise, a Georgia-based business consulting firm specializing in professional development, project management, change management, and organizational consulting for small to mid-sized businesses and organizations. Under her leadership, DWC Enterprise was recognized at the City of Savannah Mayor’s Small Business Conference as the Spotlight Small Business of the Year in 2025.
Dr. Ericka L McKnight-Brown
CEO of ELM School of Real Estate & ELM Realty Firm
nationally acclaimed CEO, Real Estate Extraordinaire, Wealth Professor, Multi+award-winning Best-selling Author, Global United Countries Ambassador & Entrepreneur Hall of Famer. (She has 22 books and courses written & co-authored books with well-known celebrities)
Dr. McKnight-Brown is a woman of noble character, tenacity, perseverance and fearlessness!
Dr. Nakita Cloud
High Society Management
a publicist, strategist, and passionate advocate for impactful storytelling. I lead with heart, and I partner with brands that do the same. As the founder of a full-service communications agency, I specialize in community-focused public relations, working exclusively with mission-driven organizations that are committed to creating real, lasting change in the communities they serve.
Dr. Sandra GoldBerg
CEO of Silver Lining Foundation
When ASLF Co-founder and CEO Dr. Sandy Goldberg, then NBC Chicago’s on-air Health and Nutrition Contributor, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 she approached it the way she approaches everything – with tenacity, hope and a lot of heart.
Dr. Verna Caddie
Leaders Esteem Christian University
She is the Founder of Casting Your Cares, Devine Creations, Devine Prom Project, and many other empowering programs for young ladies, mothers and sons. She is a life coach for girls as well as a motivational speaker, an evangelist, mentor, and the author of several best-selling etiquette books for teens and adults. She is also very proud of her two outstanding handsome sons and one stunningly beautiful and ambitious daughter.
Erica Randle
CEO of Legacy Realty
Erica Randle is a dynamic force in Alabama real estate, serving as REALTOR®, Qualifying Broker, CEO & Co-Owner of Legacy Realty & Property Management Co. With over 15 years of experience in multi-family and single-family property management, Erica has built a reputation for excellence, integrity, and heart-centered service.
Ericalynn Cotton
CEO of Beauty Over Ashes
EricaLynn “EL” Cotton is the Founder of Beauty Over Ashes, a Certified Grief Counselor, Registered Nurse, and Childbirth Educator with over a decade of experience specializing in women’s health. She has dedicated her life to empowering women and children, drawing from both her professional expertise and her personal journey of widowhood to guide others through life’s most challenging transitions.
Glenda Rutledge
Founder of The Pen of a Writer, LLC
Glenda Moton Rutledge is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. She studied at Tennessee State University earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education as well as earning a master’s degree from Grand Canyon University in Curriculum & Instruction in Reading. Glenda has been an educator for 25 years with Miami Dade County Public Schools.
Dr. Gloria Weatherspoon
The Space Coast Small Business Coalition
Dr. Gloria Weatherspoon is a Social Architect and Organizational Wellness Consultant devoted to helping leaders, businesses, and communities flourish. A retired United States Air Force Chief Master Sergeant with more than 25 years of distinguished service, she now channels her expertise into building resilient workplace cultures and inspiring sustainable growth.
Isabelle Alisma
Mothers At Work Corp
Isabelle Alisma, known as Ms. Bella, is a Certified Women’s Entrepreneurship Coach | Business Analyst | Financial Planner | Foster Parents’ Advocate. With over fifteen years of professional experience, Ms. Bella is specialized in business analytical acumen with a strategic mindset to foster financial growth for both business and personal, delivering comprehensive solutions, tailoring plans that propel and enhance client capabilities in the global market.
Jackie Barboza
CEO of HCI Hair Solutions
Jackie Barboza is a distinguished entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader with over 27 years of dedication to helping individuals restore their confidence and dignity. As President of HCI Hair Solutions, JSB Professional Suite, and HCI Enterprise, Jackie has devoted her career to serving women, men, and children experiencing hair loss—especially cancer patients and children with cranial deformities—by creating natural, prosthetic hair systems that transform lives.
JACQUELYN BROWN HADNOT
Founder of Mallie Boushaye Essentials and Fragrances
Legacy Architect. Unrelenting Visionary. Fearless Kingdom Builder.True leadership is not just measured by accomplishments, it’s defined by the impact left on people, purpose, and generations. In a world starved of authenticity and saturated with noise, one voice rises as both a compass and a catalyst, the incomparable Dr. Jacquelyn Hadnot.
Janice Wight
Mortgage Advisor/Sales Manager, CMG Home Loans
Janice Wight is a dedicated entrepreneur and mortgage expert, recognized for her commitment to providing the best mortgage options for families. She understands the importance of building families and
communities through homeownership. Janice also emphasizes collaboration with real estate agents, focusing on equipping them with valuable information and resources that help them thrive in their
careers.
Jasmin Contee
MAxximizing Potential
powerhouse self-discovery coach, motivational speaker, and author of Becoming Her, available at all major bookstores. Crowned Ms. Full‑Figured U.S.A. Pennsylvania 2025, she beautifully marries the realms of inner healing and external confidence.Through her hard-won journey of resilience and reinvention, Jasmin now inspires women to heal, rise, and unapologetically step into their purpose with grace and boldness.
Jasmine Boney-Henderson
CEO of Jasmine Legacy Brandhouse
Dr. Jasmine Boney-Henderson is a multi-passionate entrepreneur, business strategist, and award-winning tax industry leader with over 17 years of experience in the financial sector. As the CEO of multiple thriving brands — including Jasmine is a Brand, JBH Financial Services, and Moneybag Tax Solutions — she empowers entrepreneurs and tax professionals to build sustainable, profitable businesses.
Dr. Jennifer Rios
Pinnacle Software Consulting Inc, DBA PSCI-LIA
CEO with 15+ years of experience in technology, logistics, program management, grounds maintenance, and professional consulting for both civilian and service-disabled veterans. Dr. Rios served for 13 years in the United States Army, obtaining the Staff Sergeant (Airborne) rank. Dr. Rios supported Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, assisting the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force in Afghanistan, Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
Jessica Holder
Health and Life Insurance Broker
licensed Health and Life Insurance Broker who proudly serves clients across the United States. Offering a wide variety of insurance options, Jessica believes that there is never a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to coverage. Her mission is to match clients with plans that not only meet their budgets but also align with their unique health and financial needs
Jessica Marion
Owner of Marion Childcare University, LLC
the visionary behind Marion Childcare University, brings more than two decades of expertise to the childcare industry as its Multi-Childcare Site Owner. In December 2020, she marked a significant milestone by founding the inaugural Marion Childcare University at Lake Arlington, followed by the establishment of Marion Childcare University in Fort Worth in August 2022.
Joanne angel BarryColon
Owner/Founder of Wholistic Fitness
Rev. Joanne Angel BarryColon is the Founder of Wholistic Fitness NY LLC. She has over 40 years of experience in health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness, and has blended many healing modalities into her practice over the last 15 years.Rev. Joanne is a wholistic integrative teacher, certified wholistic personal trainer, reiki master, medical astrologer, and master of numerology, and she has a B.S. in Health, Fitness, and Nutrition from Empire State University.
Johary Peralta
CEO of Divines NYC
Johary Peralta, widely known as Diiva Divine, is a powerhouse entrepreneur, creative event director, and community leader based in New York City. With over seven years of experience in sales and marketing for global luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel, Johary has built a reputation for blending culture, creativity, and business innovation.
Joy Washington
Professional Photographer and Community Advocate
Joy Washington is a dynamic traveling photographer, content creator, and community advocate dedicated to bringing brands and events to life while raising awareness about their narratives.
Her portfolio showcases a proven ability to produce striking images, graphics, and videos that significantly boost brand visibility and enhance media presence.
Judith Mella
Founder of Wellness Pedicures
founder of Wellness Pedicures, a practice built on over two decades of experience as a licensed nail technician. What began as a passion for nails grew into a deeper mission: providing safe, waterless, medical-grade pedicures for people with unique foot care needs.
Kallee m Jackson
FASHION DESIGNER
Port St. Lucie, FL: Kallee Jackson, a self-taught fashion designer, wife, and mother of three, is making waves in the fashion industry from the Treasure Coast, FL. Originally from Mandeville, Jamaica, Kallee moved to the United States in 2003. Despite having no formal training in fashion design or sewing, she discovered her passion seven years ago when her husband gifted her a sewing machine for Mother’s Day.
Kamala K Brown
Cardinal Point Homeland Security Group, Inc.
Author and entrepreneur Kamala continues to expand her impact through scholarship initiatives. She now serves at Prosegur in Newton and was the first Black woman to serve as Director of Security at Springfield Mall. Currently, she is running for Congress in Pennsylvania, aiming to become the first Black woman elected in her district.
Karey Casto-Chrin
Founder of Hop At The Karey
visionary founder of award-winning beauty brand HOPATHEKAREY, revolutionizes clean cosmetics with innovative formulations. Pioneering the use of hops as a CBD alternative in topical solutions, she’s brought groundbreaking natural relief to the market. Recent recipient of the Global Recognition Award for her trailblazing work. TV personality alum of “Pitch Your Way to the Top” and Season 18 of “The Beta BLOX.” Devoted mother of three, hailing from Michigan
Katrina Aborisade
CEO of ‘Aggi Spa & Wellness
owner and CEO of ‘Aggi Spa & Wellness’, a nationally-recognized holistic wellness and self-care brand she named after her daughter, Alia, in December 2018. She is also the owner of ‘Aggi Spa & Candle Co.’, an extension of the Aggi wellness brand created in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, which earned Katrina recognition as the first black owned candle shop and private-labeling company in Pinellas County, Florida.
Kelly Desroches
Director Membership Tower Club
I am currently the Executive Director at the prestigious and award-winning Tower Club located in Fort Lauderdale. I am dedicated to fostering an environment that values diversity, women empowerment, and community engagement. My experience spans various sectors, allowing me to bring a unique perspective and innovative strategies to the club and its exclusive community.
Kisonah Smith
Owner of K.I.S.S Graphics & Design and KISS My SWAG
In addition to interior design, Kisonah’s newly opened business, KISS MY SWAG (Self-Worth After Glow, 2024) aims to teach and guide those struggling with self-care down a path to loving and taking care of themselves. Following the pandemic, Kisonah noticed how much of an impact isolation had on the minds and hearts of many, and quickly sprang into action to help young people improve their self-images.
Krystal Vernee
CEO at Simply SHE
international award-winning Business Coach, Strategist, and CEO of Simply SHE, a consulting firm that transforms entrepreneurs into empire-builders. She has coached and trained thousands of entrepreneurs to turn chaotic sales into streamlined systems that generate consistent, long-term income with ease. Her areas of expertise include: Lead Generation Systems, Business Systems & Automation, Organic & Paid Marketing, Leadership, and Multiple Income Streams.
Laranise T. Barnett
CEO of Bossladiis LLC
known as the HeadBossLadii, is the founder and CEO of Bossladiis LLC and the creator of Bossladiis Bosses, a growing online network empowering Black entrepreneurs with resources in credit, business, and funding. A proud Miami native and Florida A&M University graduate, she turned the adversity of the 2008 recession into a launchpad for purpose—restoring her own credit, purchasing her first property in 2019, and building a thriving short-term rental business
LaShonti Woods
Founder of the MzRuby Foundation
currently serve as a General Manager II of Housing in San Francisco’s Tenderloin District, where I see firsthand the devastating impact of drugs and do my part daily to create change. I am the founder of the MzRuby Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to community support and empowerment, which is set to relaunch in January 2026. Alongside this, I am preparing to relaunch my beauty line, continuing my mission of building platforms for confidence and resilience.
Linda K Edwards
CEO of Every Day Needs Inc
A Licensed Practical Nurse, Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, and media-featured changemaker (NBC, CBS, CEO Weekly, Women’s Journal, The Sun, and more), Linda is also the host of the inspiring podcast New Me New You, where she amplifies real stories of resilience. She is a co-author of Power Moves: The Entrepreneurial Anthology, and the forthcoming author of I’m a Little Bit Crazy .
Linsley Hannah
Owner of Workplace Dynamics LLC
Dedicated psychology professional and doctoral candidate specializing in Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology, with a strong foundation built on an Associate of Arts degree in Communications, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and a Master of Science in Psychology.
Lucie M Mordecai
CEO at Abbas international healing center Inc
I was born in congo, but grew up in iowa city iowa. After graduating with mental health degree from university of iowa, and working with individuals with mental illnesses, I started abbas international healing center Inc, the organization is based on mental health care, we are currently working with four different countries so far. Here in iowa city i work closely with new immigrants families in our community.
Lucy Adame-Clark
Bexar County Clerk, Hon. Lucy Adame-Clark
The first Latina and first woman elected in history, since the creation of the Republic of Texas as Bexar County Clerk. She was born and raised in San Antonio. Mrs. Adame-Clark is a mother of two beautiful children and the wife of a sheriff’s deputy. Mrs. Adame-Clark attended Southern Careers Institute where she studied Paralegal studies.
Mariesen Sartori
Owner of Sartori Realty,
Distinguished real estate professional and the dynamic Broker-Owner of Sartori Realty, based in Weston, Florida. Specializing in residential, commercial, and investment properties, Mariesen brings a wealth of expertise and a multicultural perspective to her practice, reflecting her commitment to diversity and excellence in the real estate industry.
Mary Blake
Professor of Biology and Founder of Panda Health Solutions
Accomplished healthcare professional, public health advocate, and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience spanning clinical research, laboratory science, health policy, and healthcare marketing. Currently pursuing her Doctorate in Public Health Policy at Purdue University, Mary also holds a Master of Science in Public Health from Tufts University and a Bachelor’s in Microbiology from the University of Texas at Arlington
Monika Willis
CEO of Moments with Mo
Award-winning celebrity hairstylist, hair wellness specialist, motivational speaker, and visionary entrepreneur with over 23 years of experience transforming the beauty industry. As the founder and CEO of Moments with Mo, she has built a brand that seamlessly blends luxury, empowerment, and innovation—helping women not only look their best, but also align with their highest purpose.
Mrs. Hillary Boyce
CEO at BAFO Services LLC
She comes with over 20 years of experience in the procurement, execution, and management of government contracts. Her experience includes ownership and acquisition of her own small government contracting business, where many government services related contracts were awarded. She also got certified as a Master in Business Development through MBDi. Mrs. Boyce is a U.S. Army veteran, serving as an Engineer in the National Guard before entering the active Army and serving in the 3rd Infantry Division.
Nicole Bryant
Founder, CEO, and Lead Instructor – We Responders Inc.
Visionary community leader, educator, and emergency preparedness advocate, serving as the Founder and CEO of We Responders Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to saving lives and building resilience in high-need Baltimore communities. With certifications as an AHA, AVERT, HSI, and Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Nicole has personally trained thousands of youth and adults in CPR, Stop the Bleed, Narcan administration, and emergency action planning.