A Celebration of the Most Influential and Impactful Black Women in Florida & Beyond Friday, March 8, 2024 THE ALFOND INN Winter Park, Florida 12:00 P.M.
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Congratulations to the honorees. Orlando Health is proud to sponsor the ONYX Magazine’s 2023 Women on the Move. OrlandoHealth.com/Diversity
From the Publisher
Dear Family, As ONYX Magazine marks 27 years of Celebrating Black Achievement throughout Florida in 2024, we can, without a doubt, reflect on Women on the Move as one of our most outstanding accomplishments. Paying tribute to Florida’s most substantial influencers has helped us gain momentum as the premier organization to highlight Black women who make our communities thrive. In the ninth year of WOTM, we recognize 22 incredible leaders who we present tonight: ONYX Magazine's Women on the Move, “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion."
CONTACT 855-986-6699 www.onyxmagazine.com P.O. Box 555672 Orlando, FL 32855
Thank you to Founding Partner Orlando Health, WOTM Kickoff Reception Sponsor Bahamasair, and all our sponsors for your continued support. None of our efforts would be complete without your sincere investment in what we do. We also are grateful to our community leaders and supporters who are the reason we sell out this event every year! Each year, we select distinguished women who are esteemed in the highest regards. This year, we salute Juliet Daniel, Ph.D., as our Woman of the Year. Daniel, a biology professor at McMaster University in Ontario, discovered and named the Kaiso gene which transcriptionally regulates cell growth and interaction with other cells. She and her team study its cancer implications in Black and Hispanic women. We also acknowledge Tanya Pratt as our International Woman on the Move. A proliferate communicator, Pratt is the first woman to lead Bahamasair Holdings, Ltd., as its board chair. I am in awe of the entire Women on the Move committee, and the ONYX Magazine Advisory Committee. With their guidance, we produce one of Florida’s most sought-after events to esteem Black women. As always, ONYX Magazine remains committed to bringing you important news and events that entertain, inspire and inform. Congratulations to our honorees. With sincere appreciation and warm regards, we remain, Sincerely,
Rich
RICH BLACK PUBLISHER & CEO
Dee Parker
Nancy Port Schwalb
Dear Friends, Welcome to our afternoon of recognizing excellence, ONYX Magazine’s Women on the Move, “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. It is our pleasure to present to you 22 women who represent the epitome of leadership and success and are the ultimate “movers and shakers” across Florida and beyond. We are proud to share their dynamic and unprecedented stories as they demonstrate unwavering transformational leadership across our communities. We are most grateful for the support of those community influencers who stand with us year-after-year. Thank you, Founding Partner Orlando Health, WOTM Kickoff Reception Sponsor Bahamasair, and all our sponsors. We appreciate that you would step up to the occasion make this a successful and rewarding event. Also, to our community leaders and supporters who have joined us tonight, we appreciate your loyalty. Finally, we would like to thank our outstanding Women on the Move and ONYX Magazine Advisory Committees. Because of you, we thrive as the premier event to celebrate incredible Black women. We strive to always provide you with enriching information, exciting events and news which you can share with your friends and families. Enjoy this afternoon and we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events. Sincerely,
Dee &Nancy
Dee Parker, Chair Nancy Port Schwalb, Co-Chair
March 8, 2024 Dear Dr. Juliet M. Daniel, It is with great pleasure to extend my warmest congratulations to you on being honored as the Woman of the Year at the Women on the Move event, hosted by ONYX Magazine and Founding Partner Orlando Health. Your cutting-edge contributions to the field of cancer research will help patients live longer, better-quality lives. Your dedication to your work at McMaster University exemplifies the highest academic achievement and excellence standards. As the honoree of this award, you join the ranks of 21 other changemakers, each making incredible strides in their fields. Your accomplishments not only reflect your commitment to our communities but also serve as an inspiration to others, emphasizing that individuals like you have the power to change the world. I am honored to represent such an extraordinary part of Central Florida that values and celebrates diversity, innovation, and the pursuit of knowledge. Thank you to Onyx Magazine for their work celebrating Black achievements and uplifting the stories of trailblazers and unsung heroes in our community. Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved honor.
Sincerely,
Maxwell Alejandro Frost Member of Congress
March 8, 2024 Greetings! It gives me great pleasure to extend warm and heartfelt greetings to all attendees and honorees for the highly anticipated event, ONYX Magazine’s Women on the Move! For nine consecutive years, ONYX Magazine, alongside its esteemed sponsors, has had the privilege of honoring Florida's most influential Black women across various fields including business, education, government, media, and nonprofits. Their dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment serve as beacons of hope and inspiration to us all. As we gather to celebrate these exceptional individuals, we also recognize the collective impact of their contributions. Their tireless efforts have not only transformed industries but have also uplifted and empowered countless lives. It is indeed an honor to stand alongside such phenomenal women, whose achievements serve as a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to each honoree for their invaluable contributions and congratulate them on their well-deserved recognition. May this event serve as a testament to the limitless possibilities that exist when passion meets purpose. Best wishes for an evening filled with inspiration, empowerment, and the shared pursuit of excellence. Sincerely,
Frederica S. Wilson Member of Congress
ONYX MAGAZINE’S
WOMEN ON THE MOVE THE ALFOND INN, WINTER PARK, FL FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
EMCEE
CAROLYN FENNELL
2021 ONYX MAGAZINE’S WOMAN OF THE YEAR
INVOCATION
LADY DEBORAH WIGGINS CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER THE HOPE CHURCH, ORLANDO
WELCOME
DEIDRE PARKER
PRESIDENT, PARKER REALTY GROUP VICE PRESIDENT, ONYX MAGAZINE CHAIR, ONYX MAGAZINE’S WOMEN ON THE MOVE
GREETINGS
QUIBULAH GRAHAM
CORPORATE DIRECTOR DIVERSITY AND MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FOUNDING PARTNER ORLANDO HEALTH 2022 ONYX MAGAZINE’S WOMEN ON THE MOVE COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD RECIPIENT
THE HONORABLE MAYRA URIBE COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 3 ORANGE COUNTY GOVERNMENT
THE HONORABLE REGINA I. HILL
COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 5 CITY OF ORLANDO 2018 ONYX MAGAZINE’S WOMEN ON THE MOVE HONOREE
THE HONORABLE RUBY ANN DARLINGS DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR GENERAL OF THE BAHAMAS 2017 ONYX MAGAZINE’S WOMEN ON THE MOVE LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT
LARRY MILLS, TH.D.
PRESIDENT, OUC GOVERNING BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ONYX FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION JULIE GARGOTTA
NEWS ANCHOR, SPECTRUM NEWS 13
RECOGNITION OF SPONSORS GAIL THOMAS DEWITT
PRESIDENT, GAIL & WYNN’S MORTUARY 2023 ONYX MAGAZINE’S WOMEN ON THE MOVE HONOREE
DICK BATCHELOR
PRESIDENT, DICK BATCHELOR MANAGEMENT GROUP ONYX MAGAZINE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER
RICH BLACK
PUBLISHER, ONYX MAGAZINE
LUNCH IS SERVED ENTERTAINMENT ORLANDO BALLET “BEAUTY OF BIRTH” DANCER, CYAN LOVE
PRESENTATION ONYX MAGAZINE’S WOMEN ON THE MOVE 2024 HONOREES PRESENTERS DARALENE JONES
NEWS ANCHOR, WFTV – CHANNEL 9
RICH BLACK
DEE PARKER NANCY PORT SCHWALB
PRESIDENT, SCWHALB PUBLIC RELATIONS CO-CHAIR, ONYX MAGAZINE'S WOMEN ON THE MOVE
INTRODUCTION OF INTERNATIONAL WOMAN ON THE MOVE PRESENTER
AMBASSADOR HARRIET L. ELAM-THOMAS (RET.) FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE DIPLOMACY PROGRAM UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
2024 ONYX MAGAZINE’S INTERNATIONAL WOMAN ON THE MOVE TANYA PRATT
CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD BAHAMASAIR HOLDINGS LIMITED THE FLAG CARRIER OF THE BAHAMAS
INTRODUCTION OF WOMAN OF THE YEAR
PRESENTER
QUIBULAH GRAHAM ORLANDO HEALTH
ONYX MAGAZINE’S WOMAN OF THE YEAR JULIET DANIEL, PH.D.
BIOLOGY PROFESSOR AND ASSOCIATE DEAN RESEARCH & EXTERNAL RELATIONS MCMASTER UNIVERSITY, ONTARIO
CLOSING REMARKS CAROLYN FENNELL
Woman of the Year Juliet Daniel, Ph.D. Juliet Daniel, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Biology and the associate dean Research & External Relations in the Faculty of Science, at McMaster University. She is also an associate member of the Department of Oncology and Francombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute at McMaster. Daniel’s research expertise is cell-cell adhesion and signaling through transcription factors, and how their malfunction contributes to cancer. Her research led to her discovery and naming of a new gene “Kaiso”, coined from the popular Caribbean music “calypso”. Kaiso regulates the expression of genes that control cell proliferation and adhesion; consequently Kaiso’s malfunction in various human tumors (e.g. breast, colon, prostate) contributes to tumor progression and spread. Daniel’s team is currently focused on colon cancer; and the aggressive and difficult to treat triple negative breast cancers (TNBC), which are most prevalent in young women of African ancestry and Hispanic women – groups that paradoxically have a lower incidence and lifetime risk of breast cancer. "My journey has given me a unique perspective on the challenges faced by cancer patients. Being a survivor has made me a stronger advocate for cancer patients and a more empathetic researcher."
International Woman on the Move Tanya Antoinette Pratt Tanya Antoinette Pratt builds relationships. A veteran business leader, she has a no- nonsense reputation in navigating complex projects and guiding them successfully to completion. As one of the partners in Delaire Marketing and Consulting, she continues to raise the bar. Her keen business approaches led her team to manage a $250 million venture —the Calypso Cove Development project in Gordon’s Long Island on behalf of Azul Destinations. In July 2022, Bahamian Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper appointed Pratt to chairwoman of Bahamasair Holdings Limited. The first woman to lead in this role, Pratt endeavors to revamp and restructure the airline from a regional carrier to one that can compete on the global stage and exceed industry best practices. Tanya is a dedicated member of the Church of God of Prophecy, Carmichael Road “God’s Lighthouse,” and she is a dedicated member of many ministries. Pratt is married Ezra Pratt and has three beautiful children: Bahamian Ambassador to Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain, His Excellency Taran Mackey; Travis Mackey and Britney Pratt.
“We understand that The Bahamas is more than a destination, it is a feeling–an experience that begins with Bahamasair and continues throughout your stay...(and provide) you with a (delightful and memorable) experience...”
WOMAN OF THE YEAR
INTERNATIONAL WOMAN ON THE MOVE
PROFESSOR AND ASSOCIATE DEAN Research & External Relations
CHAIRPERSON Bahamasair Holdings, Inc.
JULIET M. DANIEL, PH.D.
TANYA ANTOINETTE PRATT
TALIA BLAKE MORNING EDITION HOST/ REPORTER 90.7 WMFE
IDA WILLIAMS CAMPBELL NATIONAL PRESIDENT Women's Council of NAREB
JENNIFER E. FELDER-SMITH HEAD OF STRATEGY, FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Crunchi
LAQUITTA GHENT VICE PRESIDENT - OPERATIONS Duke Energy
AMANDA GUNTER, ESQ. PARTNER Akerman LLP
GWEN THOMPSON HEWITT AREA DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR UNCF CENTRAL/ NORTH FLORIDA United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Orlando
CHARMAINE JOY HUNTER DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT Orlando Ballet Company and School
SHANNAN IGHODARO, MBA HON. COUNCILWOMAN City of Miami Gardens
ESTHER E. MARSHALL SVP, COMMUNITY IMPACT TERRITORY MANAGER Fifth Third Bank
MELVA MCKAY-BASS SVP/CHIEF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Suncoast Credit Union
TOLU ADEBANJO MCKENZIE, MD, MPH ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, PHYSICIAN OPTIMIZATION Orlando Health/Orlando Health Medical Group
CHERISA L. MURPHY VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNITY AFFAIRS Aetna, a CVS Health Company
ADAOBI CHIBUZO OKOBI, M.D. PEDIATRICIAN Orlando Health, Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital
WANDA "WANDA P" PATTERSON ON-AIR PERSONALITY/MUSIC DIRECTOR Cox Media Group, Jacksonville
SUZANNE M. PICKETT PRESIDENT/CEO Historic Eastside Community Development Corporation
TRACI THOMPSON MD, MBA CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER Humana Healthy Horizons
TAMIKA GUNN WHITE, MS, SHRM-SCP DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TALENT MANAGEMENT Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority
NADINE MENTOR WILLIAMS FOUNDER The Greatest Investment Girls Empowerment Program
NATASHA WILLIAMS, ESQ. CHIEF ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY City of Orlando
NEKESHIA WOODS MANAGING DIRECTOR Parkway Venture Capital
Mishelle Albury
SENIOR, UNIVERSITY OF THE BAHAMAS, NASSAU ACCOUNTING MAJOR Mishelle Mykel Emma Lillian Albury, born in Nassau, The Bahamas, embodies a commitment to service, education, and community engagement. Currently a senior at the University of The Bahamas, Albury is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Accounting with a minor in History of Empire and Colonialism, which reflects her diverse interests and dedication to both numbers and narratives. Beyond her academic pursuits, Albury is deeply involved in various organizations that reflect her passion for making a difference. She an active member of The Bahamas Alzheimer’s Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the media ministry at Christ Church Cathedral, and the Bahamas Down Syndrome Association. Her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion extends to her professional life as well, as she currently holds a co-op position at Deloitte and Touché Bahamas, where she gains invaluable experience in the field of accounting. In 2022, she was an exchange student at Brock University in Canada and became a member of the Brock rowing team. In fall 2024, she anticipates a cultural exchange opportunity in Finland to enhance her perspective on the world by exposure to different cultures and ways of life.
Cyan Love
SENIOR, FLORIDA VIRTUAL SCHOOL, ORLANDO Since Cyan Love was a toddler, dance has played a pivotal role in who she is today, and she could not be happier to have the opportunity to share her love for this beautiful art form with the world. For the past 15 years, with the instruction and guidance from some of the world's best classical teachers including Olivier Pardina, Patrick Armand, Jean Hughes-Feray, Charmaine Hunter, Philip Broomhead, and many others, Cyan has had the opportunity to grow and develop her skill and passion in classical ballet, contemporary, modern, jazz, hip hop, flamenco, and African dance. An aspiring professional classical dancer, Cyan has participated in multiple performances and summer intensives which include American Ballet Theater, Joffrey Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Ballet West, Miami City Ballet, And soon, Dance Theatre of Harlem and Ballet Hispanico. Cyan’s goal is to receive a trainee or apprenticeship offer and ultimately a company contract. With that goal set, Cyan is excited to take her journey in pursuit of a professional dance career to its next level.
Laura Narcisse
SENIOR, JONES HIGH SCHOOL, ORLANDO
Laura Narcisse is a fearless, determined 17-year-old young woman born to two Haitian Immigrant parents who sacrificed everything to get her here today. Despite growing up the sole child in the household, she is one of five children. She has faced mental and emotional adversities that have fueled her to overcome obstacles and empower others. Her academic journey shines brightly through her achievements, such as her induction into the National Honor Society, maintaining an impressive 4.1 GPA, and ranking in the top 20% of her senior class. Laura’s resilience and academic success serve as beacons of hope, inspiring her to give back to the next generation of young girls. Drawing from her life experiences, she aspires to forge a path by double majoring in Business and Psychology. Motivated by her own personal journey, she plans on crossing over into these fields as a powerful way to make a positive impact. With a piercing interest in understanding human behavior as well as a drive for success in the business world, Laura aims to blend my academic drive with her passion for helping others, shaping a future where she can contribute meaningfully to my community.
Hellena Kyama
SENIOR, EVANS HIGH SCHOOL, ORLANDO Hellena Kyama is a senior at Evans High School and Valencia college dual enrollment student born of Zambian-Congoleses parents. Throughout her high school career, she has consistently demonstrated outstanding academic performance. Hellena has maintained a 4.0 GPA and have been recognized for her exceptional performance in various subjects, consistently earning placement on the honor roll. She has also earned the Presi- dents List and Dean's List two times at Valencia College. She challenges herself with a rigorous course load, excelling in advanced placement courses. She is a member of the Student Government Association, Future Leaders United, National Honor Society, Student Superintendent Advisory Council, UNICEF, Trojan Leaders, and Senior Class Council. She also is the captain for the Evans girls soccer team and a player for the girls Lacrosse team. Furthermore, she has dedicated countless hours to community service through volunteering at my school events such as holiday food giveaway and Trojan service day. She is determined to make meaningful contributions to the field of medicine with the ultimate goal of positively impacting society through my work and hopefully one day to give back to my community.
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ONYX MAGAZINE 2024 WOMEN ON THE MOVE HONOREE
FROM YOUR COX MEDIA GROUP FAMILY
Juliet Daniel (center)
Women are creating a brighter world McMaster congratulates Professor Juliet Daniel on being selected as the Woman of the Year 2024 and we would also like to congratulate all Women On the Move award recipients.
The Orlando Museum of Art congratulates ONYX Magazine's 2024 Women on the Move honorees.
BECOME A MEMBER TODAY! OMART.ORG Image Credit: Installation view of 100 Years of Art, 2024, Photo courtesy of MacBeth Studios.
Proud Supporter
ONYX MAGAZINE’S
WOMEN ON THE MOVE
COUNCILWOMAN SHANNAN ‘LADY IGHODARO
Congratulations ON THE ONYX MAGAZINE’S RECOGNITION OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS AN INFLUENTIAL BLACK WOMAN IN BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP
The Orlando (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated extends congratulations to Gwen Hewitt and Nadine Mentor Williams as being honored as Women On The Move by ONYX Magazine! Our Chapter applauds the contributions you give in the community we serve. Continue being the difference maker in all that you do! RoSusan D. Bartee, Ph. D. 2023-2025 Chapter President
Thank you for your support. We look forward to seeing you at our 10th Annual ONYX Magazine’s Women on the Move in March 2025.
www.onyxmagazine.com www.onyxwotm.com www.onyxbmhonors.com