ONYX Magazine March_April_2025

C E L E B R AT I N G B L AC K AC H I E V E M E N T T H RO U G H O U T F L O R I DA A N D B E YON D

Volume 28, Issue 2 March/April 2025

The Best Is Yet To Come!

WOMEN OF POWER AND GRACE

HONORING OUR ANCESTORS

Women on the Move: 10 Years Highlighting Amazing Leaders

HIT THE ROAD, SIS!

WOMAN OF THE YEAR

JOY JIBRILU SHOWING THE BAHAMAS UP CLOSE

TAKE A GIRLS' TRIP TO THESE HOT SPOTS

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CONTENTS 6 From the Publisher 7 ONYX Salutes – Honorees Who are Anointed to Fly

8 Walking Into My Destiny Like…

9 10th Annual ONYX Magazine Women on the Move

10 Woman of the Year Joy Jibrilu

Hiccups Can Be Handled

Kim Fields Claudette McGowan

Cover and this page Image By Scharad Lightbourne Hair and Makeup By Ge-Ah Smith Grip: Ebony Johnson

4 ONYX MAGAZINE

Osborne

51 Real Estate - Closing Day 52 Health/Wellness – Important

17 International Impact –

SHOWING THE BAHAMAS UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

46 WOTM – Patty Mason 47 WOTM – Sheena Meade 48 WOTM – Tonja Mosley 49 WOTM – Annette Tucker

Dr. Opal Lee Braynen Visionary Award –

JOY JIBRILU

for Black women

14 Publisher's Award 16 Udell T. Black & Linda Y.

10

42 SAGE – Retire Well 44 Business - Business grants

18 International - Black/Asian Women in UK

21 Travel – Girls Still Wanna Have Fun

22 WOTM – Nadia Anderson 23 WOTM – Adrienne Bell 24 WOTM – Christie Jones Bird 25 WOTM – Tanesha Braunskill 26 Nationwide – Preserving

stories for your good

54 WOTM – Jessica Paul 55 WOTM – Judith Smelser 56 WOTM – Celeste Roberts 57 WOTM – Jocel Thornhill 58 Florida Scope – Stories around the state

59 Beyond Florida – Stories around the nation

60 ONYX on the Move 62 WOTM – Kelli Tice 63 WOTM – Chauncia WillisJohnson

Black Women's History

64 WOTM – Secily Wilson 66 Women on the Move

28 Music & Entertainment –

Through the Years

Upcoming Festivals and Shows

30 WOTM – Lindsey Cameron 31 WOTM – Tamara Combs 32 WOTM – Ericka Dunlap 33 WOTM – Tangela Dupree 34 Black History – Making Uncommon History

36 ONYX Reads – Our Stories: Books We Want to Share

38 WOTM – Jazmin Ghent 39 WOTM – Barbara Hartley 40 WOTM – Kristian Jenkins 41 WOTM – Avis Lewis

68 WOTM Scholars 70 The Quad – Stories from college campuses

72 Wealth/Finance – Women poised to lead money markets

74 Workplace – Workplace Challenges for 2025

76 Education – Screen Time Overload

77 Family – Navigating changes as a family

78 Food & Wine – Yes, We Like Pina Colada

FROM THE PUBLISHER PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Rich Black MANAGING EDITOR D. Shenell Reed, M.B.A. ASSOCIATE EDITORS Gayle Andrews, Marianne Eggleston SENIOR FEATURES WRITER Penny Dickerson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dana Bryson, Lisa Kaplan Gordon, Madeline Holly-Carothers, Alexandra Russell, Samah Shaffakat, Special thanks to all honorees

Welcome to the women’s leadership issue of ONYX Magazine. March is Women’s History Month—a critical moment to acknowledge the significant impact women gallantly make on society. From the corporate board room to the grassroots outreach, women continue to lead in significant positions that garner worldwide growth. This year, will have recognized 242 women who are stalwart leaders who impact key areas of our lives. This month, ONYX Magazine celebrates 27 of these women during the 10th Annual ONYX Magazine Women on the Move.

In this issue, you will meet Woman of the Year Joy Jibrilu, the chief executive officer of Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board. She is the first woman, the first black person and the first Bahamian to don this title. In her role, Jibrilu shares the beautiful secrets of The Bahamas to entice people across the globe to visit the quaint cluster of islands. Her story of trials and celebration will inspire you to take a look, take a leap and take a break!

You also meet the incomparable Dr. Opal Lee. The Grandmother of Juneteenth receives the Publisher’s Award this year. Dr. Lee worked tirelessly to make Juneteenth a national holiday, believing that the end of slavery for all people in America should be commemorated. When President Joe Biden deemed it so in 2021, Dr. Lee was there by his side. She accepted the Presidential Medal of Freedom Pres. Biden, is a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and the first African American to have a photo hoisted in the Texas State Senate. She makes us proud.

Actress Kim Fields and Canadian business owner Claudette McGowan join Jibrilu and Lee among the distinguished honorees who lead this outstanding cadre of women. You will catch a snapshot of each of them in this issue. We could not present these women to you without business support. Thank you Founding Partner Orlando Health, Presenting Sponsor Orlando Shakes, Kickoff Reception Presenting Sponsor Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board, and Commemorative Booklet Sponsor Disney Experiences.

As you pore over these pages, we hope you glean inspiration from their words. We share how health equity matters and introduce the Black women and their allies who are trying to bridge multicultural gaps.

As always, we are happy to bring you stories that entertain, inspire and inform. Thank you for following us.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Scharad Lightbourne MAGAZINE DESIGN TEAM Design2Pro BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Matt deJager ADMINISTRATION PRESIDENT AND CEO Rich Black VICE PRESIDENT Dee Parker FOUNDATION PRESIDENT Cherlynn Williams VICE PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC INITIATIVES Nancy Port Schwalb GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jon Burton, Damonic Robertson EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Sade Cole ONYX ADVISORY COMMITTEE Nancy Port Schwalb, Chair Deidre Parker, Immediate Past Chair Ricky Anderson Dick Batchelor Bob Berryhill Dr. Lavon Bracy Bryon Brooks Sherri Brown Marva Brown Johnson Hon. Mable Butler

Yolanda Cash Jackson Cynthia Chestnut, D.P.A. John Crossman Quibulah Graham Gary Hartfield Barbara Hartley Ann Jenkins Eugene Jones

Connie Kinnard Larry Lee, Jr. Brenda March Gail Thomas-DeWitt Hon. Alan Williams Carla Williams Samuel Wright, Ed.D.

FOUNDERS

Sincerely, Lester and Lillian Seays

Rich Black

6 ONYX MAGAZINE

ONYX Magazine is published by ONYX Communications and Media Group, Inc., Address: P.O. Box 555672, Orlando, Florida 32855-5872. Phone 321-418-7216. Subscription rate is $39.98 for six issues. For subscriptions and notification of address change, contact ONYX Magazine at the above address or e-mail us at connect@onyxmagazine.com. Letters to the editor are encouraged. Copyright 2025 by ONYX Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the writer or interviewee and not necessarily those of the publisher. Manuscripts, photos and art should be submitted with a self-addressed stamped envelope. The publisher does not assume responsibility for any materials not submitted in manner advised. Unsolicited materials are not subject to payment from ONYX Magazine.

ONYX MAGAZINE SALUTES

WOMEN OF POWER AND GRACE Honorees Who Are Anointed to Fly

UDELL T. BLACK The Matriarch of Women on the Move

And when great souls die, after a period peace blooms, slowly and always irregularly. Spaces fill with a kind of soothing electric vibration.

Our senses, restored, never to be the same, whisper to us.

They existed. They existed.

We can be. Be and be better. For they existed.

LT. DEBRA CLAYTON

From When Great Trees Fall

by Maya Angelou LILLIAN BROWN SEAYS

WOTM 2017

Lt. Debra Clayton August 14, 1974 January 9, 2017 Community outreach coordinator lost in the line of duty

WOTM 2020

Lillian Brown Seays November 23, 1937 November 20, 2019 Co-Founder of ONYX Magazine

WOTM 2016

Udell T. Black May 26, 1931 February 8, 2022 Matriarch of ONYX Magazine Women on the Move

Woman of the Year 2018

Mary Ann Carroll November 30, 1940 December 21, 2022 Only woman artist among the Florida Highwaymen

Community Impact Award 2020

Inez Long June 11, 1956 June 29, 2024 Successful leader of the Black Business Investment Fund, Florida

MARY ANN CARROLL

Woman of the Year 2019

Dr. Melissa Freeman

INEZ LONG

April 26, 1926 December 9, 2024 Opioid addiction treatment physician who practiced into her 90's.

WOTM 2022

Geraldine Thompson November 18, 1948 February 13, 2025 Florida State Senator and the first female democrat and person of color to represent Florida House District 44

DR. MELISSA FREEMAN

GERALDINE THOMPSON

ONYX MAGAZINE 7

Walking Into My Destiny Like…

“Deal with yourself as an individual worthy of respect, and make everyone else deal with you the same way.”– Nikki Giovanni “Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another.”

“You are on the eve of a complete victory. You can’t go wrong. The world is behind you.” – Josephine Baker “My mother did not raise me to ask for permission to lead.” – Ayanna Pressley

Angelou

“Don’t settle for average.

Bring your best to the moment. Then, whether it fails or succeeds, at least you know you gave all you had. We need to live the best that’s in us.” – Angela

“You know, you do need mentors, but in the end, you really just need to believe in yourself.” — Diana Ross

“I’d rather regret the risks that didn’t work out than the chances I didn’t take at all.”

– Toni Morrison

“A wise woman wishes to be no one’s enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone’s victim.” – Maya

“It was when I realized I needed to stop trying to be somebody else and be myself, I actually started to own, accept and love what I had.” – Tracee Ellis Ross “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change.

I am changing the things I cannot accept.” – Angela

Davis

“…I’ve learned throughout my journey that perfection is the enemy of greatness.”

– Janelle Monae 8 ONYX MAGAZINE

Bassett

– Simone Biles

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Maya

Angelou

“You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown

us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.”

– Michelle Obama

“Where there is a woman there is magic.” – Ntozake

Shange

“Without justice there can be no love.” – bell hooks “If you are silent about your pain, they’ll kill you and say you enjoyed it.” – Zora Neale

Hurston

“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.”

– Rosa Parks

“A crown, if it hurts us, is not worth wearing.” – Pearl

Bailey

10th Annual

W

omen are the strength of our nation — the very backbone of democracy, the most educated demographic in America, the souls of our families, and the pacesetters for economic growth. Yet, invisibility is a salient and recurring experience they endure. ONYX Magazine Women on the Move (WOTM) exists to say to women, 'We see you; you are valuable,' and to publicly recognize their momentous contributions to the world. As we embark on the 10th annual installation of our illustrious event, we sought women who embody strength and resilience to be the face of our extremely important efforts. We recognize that in each of

the 27 incredible leader we present in 2025. Collectively, they stared down barriers that threatened progression among the Black culture and donned an unwavering spirit to acknowledge its significance.

Not only do we applaud the steadfastness, but we also laud them as trailblazers and mountain movers. These women are pivotal history-makers and represent the excellence we realize in ONYX Magazine Women on the Move.

Publisher Rich Black Event Chair Dee Parker Event Co-Chair Nancy Port Schwalb

Thank You to Our Sponsors Founding Partner

Presenting Sponsor

Brought To You By

Commemorative Booklet Sponsor

Meet & Greet Breakfast Sponsor

Commemorative Lapel Pin Sponsor

WOTM Kickoff Reception Sponsors

Event Sponsors

ONYX MAGAZINE 9

Hair and Makeup By Ge-Ah Smith Grip: Ebony Johnson

10 ONYX MAGAZINE

Woman of the Year

JOY JIBRILU

Showing The Bahamas Up Close and Personal

By Penny Dickerson Photography By Scharad Lightbourne

I

n the aftermath of Category 5 Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and the COVID pandemic in 2020, Nassau and Paradise Island were likely The Bahamas's least-considered tourist destinations for quick getaways or vacations. According to a report by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the two disasters combined cost the Bahamas an estimated $13.1 billion.

Revitalization and a renewed public relations campaign seemed impossible for the island of beauty known for its Junkanoo festivals, vibrant arts scene, pristine white sandy beaches, and inviting turquoise water. The Bahamas needed a miracle worker to resuscitate tourism, and God sent one of his best in the personhood of Joy Jibrilu.

In August 2022, Jibrilu became chief executive officer at Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB). This appointment made her the first Bahamian, woman and person of color to head the board.

"We never thought a Bahamian would ever reach this chair or position, especially not a resident. Surprisingly, they were very, very, welcoming. The director general and everyone saw what I did while previously working within the Bahamian government, so they embraced and supported me.... We turned things around and had a record tourism year in 2019."

For her undaunted leadership, charisma, and success, ONYX Magazine named her the 2025 ONYX Magazine Woman of the Year.

"When Rich Black called to inform me of this honor, there was what I call a pregnant pause," said Jibrilu in an exclusive interview with ONYX Magazine. "I was taking it in but, at the same time, so humbled.

When I work, I never think anything from it. I am doing what I am passionate about and proud to be among such a cadre of professional women."

An attorney-at-law, Jibrilu formerly served as the director general of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation and, for nearly a decade, was the director of investments in the Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA) in the office of the prime minister.

Jibrilu was well known and said she was on speed dial with partners regarding airline and cruise line reentry. Her significant advantage was that she had come through the worst and had a strong foundation.

“

I believe I can, I will, I shall, and I am here but for the grace of God. Joy Jibrilu

ONYX MAGAZINE 11

"My board members are stakeholders, so I have all of these resort owners who are billion-dollar bosses that you answer to," Jibrilu stated. "With multiple bosses, everyone has their own (ideas), but what we do is genuinely in the best interest to beautify Nassau and Paradise Island, and diplomacy ensures the best outcome for all."

According to Jibrilu, the board's efforts are genuinely in the best interest of all partners.

She switched the paradigm and convinced the board to invest in education for Bahamian children. The result was $1.5 million in scholarships over the next five years.

Additional milestones integral to Jibrilu's leadership, reported by Bahamasrealty.com, were JetBlue's and Alaska Airlines's launches of direct flights to the Bahamas starting Nov. 2023 and Dec. 2023. These new direct flights from Los Angeles and Seattle to The Bahamas bridged the gap between the stunning Bahamian archipelago and the 16,500,000 residents residing in the Los Angeles and Seattle metro areas combined.

"Outside of our industry, people don't realize how data-driven tourism is," explained Jibrilu. "If we don't have airlift, it's impossible every week and every month to sustain. I showed data proving that this is how many people are flying from the West Coast to Nassau and further broke down data from state and city. Los Angeles demonstrated high data for people viewing our website and how they were flying. Breaking down data was a fun fact, but also a hardcore fact that the NPIPB could not ignore."

It is paramount to Jibrilu that her work dispels myths regarding Nassau and Paradise Island. She wants tourists to see through a new lens that it is easy to travel to the Bahamas and realize the varied levels of infrastructure and diversity of the product. Rentals vary from luxury resorts to lower-level options, and while the Bahamas is a small country with close to 400,000 residents, it inhabits over 700 islands and 2,000 keys— each one completely different and awe-inspiring.

"In my work, no two days are ever alike, and I spend one-third of the year living out of a suitcase," shared Jibrilu. "My primary role and function are to promote Nassau and Paradise Island. My background is at the highest level of government, so I attend international meetings and global conferences and do a lot of public speaking. I previously spent a great deal of time traveling and working in Nigeria and the sub-Saharan areas of Africa, offering training and negotiating contracts."

Despite what may appear as a dream life and job, Jibrilu endured a crisis that nearly ended her life. It has been a decade since she entered a Bahamian hospital for routine surgery to have gallstones removed.

"Due to complications from a perforation, I spent four months in a coma and my prognosis was terrible," shared Jibrilu. "I was airlifted to a Florida hospital and given less than a 50% chance of making it and went through seven months of recovery and rehabilitation. I survived the odds and went on to live this rich story. I learned to never give up and get rid of negativity. I believe I can, I will, I shall, and I am here but for the grace of God."

Raised by a strong Methodist tradition, Jibrilu followed her older sister's footsteps at the age of 10 and attended boarding school in the United Kingdom. Their mother was a trailblazing Methodist minister and the first female to head the inaugural Methodist conference. She also served on the World Conference of Female Churches; her father was a prosperous businessman.

This Woman of the Year asserts that she cannot go to bed without reading. She has several books on her current reading list, but daily, she peruses 200 Women: Who Will Change the Way You See the World by Geoff Blackwell and Hope Hobday, with photography by Kieran E. Scott.

"It is a collective of absolutely inspiring short stories of women who have achieved great things," said Jibrilu. "I take it with me and read about a woman who has done something amazing."

Jibrilu's academic pedigree includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature from York University, a Master of Arts degree in French civilization from Sorbonne University, a Bachelor of Law from the University of Buckingham, and a multitude of certificates and professional endorsements.

Her husband, Daniyal Jibrilu, who is bi-racially Nigerian and British, resides in The Bahamas with her along with their three adult children: two sons and a daughter, a "daughter-in-love," and one granddaughter.

"I am fortunate to have my family in the Bahamas. It reminds you that you need to take a break," said Jibrilu. "We find a way to take a break, and my hubby often plans and takes me away for the weekend."

ONYX Magazine closed our riveting discourse with Jibrilu by asking about her favorite island eats. Since Nassau and Paradise Island are renowned for succulent conch meat found in shells, we were certain she would say conch salad.

"I'm a real, real, foodie but having lived away from my Bahamian home, my favorite is a comfort, childhood meal called "fire engine" which is grits and steamed corned beef," said Jibrilu. "I could go fancy, but I want to go where it feels like home. It's simple, and I reserved it for special occasions with my own children. But when I indulge, it transports me home to my mother's kitchen."

Photo by Trey Flowers

12 ONYX MAGAZINE

Penny Dickerson is a senior features writer at ONYX Magazine

INDULG E

& UN W IND

With legendary Bahamian hospitality and lively rhythmic celebrations, there’s a colourful world just waiting to be explored. Rejuvenate yourself with pristine white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. Feed your happiness at five-star resort restaurants and laid-back local cafes. With daily nonstop flights, paradise is a few hours away.

DISCOVER THE & MORE VACATION. Visit N ASSAU PA R AD I S E I S L AND.CO M

14 ONYX MAGAZINE

Opal Lee, Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden in 2021. (with Congressmen Clyburn and Warnock) Photo: JIM WATSON/AFP

Publisher's Award

Dr. Opal Lee GRANDMOTHER OF JUNETEENTH

I

n Texas, June is a very special time of the year. People there know that just 19 days into the month, a celebration like none other takes place: a day that commemorates the last day African Americans could be enslaved. Grand gestures of hope and solitude have been expressed for decades, but the commemoration gained popularity chiefly because of one Opal Lee. While the region had celebrated Juneteenth with red food and beverage in backyards, festival grounds, at pageants, and in parades, the idea of making Juneteenth a national holiday was championed by Opal Lee, starting in 2016, when she was 90-years old.

Lee began the "Opal's Walk to D.C." campaign, where she walked for 2.5 miles in different areas of the country, drumming up support along the way, to symbolize the 2.5 years it took for the Emancipation Proclamation to be enforced in Texas. She delivered a petition to Congress with 1.5 million signatures. The former teacher and community activist is an incredible force.

In 2025, ONYX Magazine celebrates her incredible achievements and heralds her as the recipient of the 10th Annual ONYX Magazine Women on the Move Publisher’s Award—an award named at the discretion of Publisher Rich Black. Her tenacity and ambition won him over, and now we all can benefit from the fruitful and incredible life she leads.

Known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” Dr. Opal Lee was present on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act bill establishing June 19 or “Juneteenth” a federal holiday. Lee said on that day, “Now we can celebrate freedom from the 19th of June to the 4th of July!”

Opal Lee was born in Marshal, Texas, in 1926 and moved to Fort Worth, Texas, in 1937. At the age of 12, her family’s home was destroyed on June 19, 1939, but she nor her family allowed that to deter them from making an impact in the community. She has served on many boards and with many organizations, including Citizens Concerned with Human Dignity (CCHD), Habitat for Humanity, and the Tarrant County Black Historical & Genealogical Society dedicated to preserving the history of the Fort Worth Black populace.

During her tenure as Chairman of the Community Food Bank, the organization received the 1.3-million-dollar 33,000 sq. ft. facility that now serves 500 families a day.

“

“If people can be taught to hate, they can be taught to love.”

Lee is the oldest living board member of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF) a national movement started by the late Dr. Ronald Myers to have Juneteenth declared a National Holiday. At 90 years of age, she started her walking campaign from Fort Worth, TX, to Washington, D.C., to bring awareness to the need for celebrating Juneteenth nationally.

Lee currently serves on the board of Unity Unlimited, Inc. and is Honorary Chair of the National Juneteenth Museum. She has received seven honorary doctorates, has been named 2021 Texan of the Year by the Dallas Morning News editorial board, the 2021 Unsung Hero of the Pandemic, Fort Worth Inc.’s 2022 Person of the Year, is a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and became the second African American to have her portrait hung in the Texas State Senate.

ONYX MAGAZINE 15

Udell T. Black and Linda Y. Braynen Visionary Award

Kim Fields

VETERAN ACTRESS/PRODUCER/DIRECTOR

K

im Fields is a veteran actress with an eminent household name, starring in two long-running series, NBC’s Facts of Life and Living Single on Fox. Both shows remain in worldwide syndication, solidifying her status as a global, pop culture icon.

As an esteemed and versatile performer in front of and behind the camera, Fields is currently starring in the hit Netflix comedy series, The Upshaws, opposite Wanda Sykes and Mike Epps. Fields plays “Regina Upshaw,” a strong and resilient woman who balances raising their blended family while dealing with the everyday challenges of life.

Since its debut in 2021, “The Upshaws” became an instant hit and is currently in production on their fifth and final season.

During the pandemic, Fields decided to focus on the importance of self-care and developed Refresh By KF, a wellness lifestyle brand and platform, which features curated conversations, experiences and epic retreats, hosted by Kim. Held twice a year, the Refresh Retreats

By KF offer a collection of activities, fireside chats and activations led

by Fields and other guest speakers and wellness experts.

In 2021, Fields starred in, co-created and executive produced the hit holiday movie, Adventures in Christmasing. She was praised for her starring role in and serving as an executive producer on Lifetime’s You Light Up My Christmas in 2019.

In 2017, Fields launched Signature Blends By KF, a luxury brand of premium coffee and teas. The company is an approved vendor with Food & Beverage distributors Aramark and Compass and is the official coffee of Microsoft’s Atlanta campus.

Her autobiography, Blessed Life was published in 2018.

“

Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:25

16 ONYX MAGAZINE

International Impact Award

Claudette McGowan CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Protexxa, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

C

laudette McGowan is the chief executive officer for Protexxa, a Canadian-based cybersecurity software and services company. She is a global information technology leader with over 20 years of success leading digital transformations, optimizing infrastructure and designing new approaches that improve service and cybersecurity experiences.

She has worked in the technology industry for organizations such as Deloitte, Metropolitan Police Services, North York General Hospital, Bank of Montreal, and TD Bank. At BMO, McGowan was the chief information officer for Enterprise Technology Employee Experience, and at TD, she was the global executive officer for Protect Fusion & Cyber Experience.

McGowan is an active member of the Canadian innovation ecosystem. She is the Founder of the Black Arts & Innovation Expo, and the chair of the Coalition of Innovation Leaders Against Racism (CILAR), a group of senior business leaders committed to fighting systemic racism within the innovation economy. McGowan recently co-led the launch of Phoenix Fire & The Firehood, a multi-million-dollar women-focused angel fund and network for women in technology.

Her commitment to the community is evident in her multiple board/council appointments for leading organizations such as SickKids Hospital Foundation, CILAR, Elevate Technology Festival, Women in the Economy Task Force, and the U.S. Consul General of Toronto U.S. & Canada Innovation Council.

McGowan completed her studies in Canada and graduated with Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration degrees. In June 2022, she received an honorary doctorate of Laws degree from Carleton University, recognizing her distinguished career as a global information technology leader.

“

Seize opportunities; don’t wait for them to be given to you, or for them to come to you. Have faith in yourself and your track record.

Claudette McGowan

ONYX MAGAZINE 17

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

From Challenge

TO CHAMPION HOW BLACK AND ASIAN WOMEN IN THE UK OVERCOME BARRIERS TO SUCCESS

By Lillian Otaye-Ebede and Samah Shaffakat

B

18 ONYX MAGAZINE

Contrary to the belief that once you reach the pinnacle of your career, you’re less likely to experience discrimination and microaggressions, our findings showed that for Black and Asian women in the U.K. the opposite is true.

Some participants in our study especially felt they had faced more hostility later in their career, with one saying she “really began to feel the heat” when she reached a senior level. Another said the negativity became clearer as she progressed, noting: “there’s definitely a sense of … let’s say, ‘how did you get this position?’ It can be quite frustrating that people don’t think you’re senior.”

Rather than enjoying a “shield” from the power they had earned, they felt it opened them up to further scrutiny, discrimination and subtle forms of racism and harassment. These experiences had a negative effect on their health, wellbeing and career outcomes. They even caused some to leave their job.

Strategies for Success

Our study did however offer some positives. Through exploring Black and Asian women’s career journeys and pathways, we identified strategies and attributes that enabled them to climb the career ladder. This contributed to our understanding of Black and Asian women’s agency and the motivation that empowers them as they pursue their career goals.

TheConversation.com

lack and Asian women are severely underrepresented in senior leadership positions in the U.K. The obstacles they face, for example being overlooked or underestimated, often result in a perception that career success is beyond their reach. It’s no surprise then that these women can end up feeling invisible and powerless.

Unlike white women, who face “glass ceilings”, research shows ethnic minority women, who have less support and even fewer opportunities to advance, encounter “concrete ceilings” or “concrete walls,” which are more difficult to break.

These women often find prejudices blocking their path and impeding their progress to senior positions. Unsurprisingly, being constantly overlooked despite being competent can severely damage their leadership aspirations.

So how do these women shield themselves from the frustration and marginalization that comes with the racial and gender prejudice they face? And how do they actually achieve career success?

To understand this, in our recent research we interviewed 50 ethnic minority women in senior leadership positions. Our findings revealed persistent discrimination from early career stages right through to the upper echelons of the workplace.

Early in their careers, the women faced discriminatory experiences such as lack of management support, being openly mocked for their aspirations and being overlooked for promotion. They also reported a lack of opportunities for development, progression or networking. And they were often left with the sense that other staff were preferred.

This evolved at later career stages into harsher and more derogatory experiences such as excessive scrutiny, invisibility, isolation, not being supported and being undermined. Sometimes, they were simply dismissed as a “diversity hire.”

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Particularly, our findings revealed certain cognitive processes such as making strategic career decisions, self-advocacy and resilience, helped these women challenge boundaries, especially in the face of knockbacks.

For these women to be successful it was important to have leadership aspirations and goals from very early on in their careers. As one participant told us: “It is very important to set yourself a personal goal and work to achieve it … so long as you have your eye on that goal, you pick yourself up and continue, you would achieve it.”

Participants in our study also emphasized the importance of having the confidence to ask and self-advocate. One of our interviewees stressed that Black and Asian women cannot wait to be “offered something on a plate” but should put themselves forward for opportunities when they meet the criteria.

Strategizing also helped participants navigate challenges and excel in leadership roles. As one participant put it: “I decided which rooms I wanted to be in, and I make sure that I’m in rooms which give me something and which nourish me.”

Resilience and emotional intelligence became particularly relevant at late career stages, and this included having strong personal and professional networks. This was because of the increasing experiences of discrimination as they reached the upper levels of their careers.

There are, of course, actions that organizations need to take to support Black and Asian women in progressing in their careers. First,

T

he way women are viewed in the workplace is changing—for the most part for the better. Unfortunately, the way gender discrimination occurs is changing too.

Dr. Doyin Atewologun, the director of the Gender, Leadership and Inclusion Centre at Cranfield University, said: “One of the challenges we find today is that people aren’t blatantly saying: ‘I’m not going to give you this job because you’re a working mother’, […] but a lot of our behaviors and actions subconsciously tune in to these messages.”

Women therefore need a strategy for how they are going to get ahead in business, and encouraging statistics show the path to success may start at business school. Some 42% of the students on Cranfield’s Master’s in Management course are women, and 95% of our MSc and MBA students landed higher-level jobs within three months of graduation.

For women in business, Cranfield University in Bedfordshire, England, share five top tips for success: Own Your US. A U.K. National Health Services study concluded that ‘broad

they need to develop an environment that prevents double standards, where Black and Asian women attaining leadership positions is normal and openly accepted.

Second, organizations should look more closely at performance, recognizing Black and Asian women for extra work that they do that is often unacknowledged.

Third, we encourage organizations to create an effective reporting system, which is safe and confidential so that women can raise their concerns without the fear of backlash.

Finally, accountability is key, and employers should have mechanisms to tackle people, systems and processes that are discriminatory.

By exploring the career success stories of these trailblazing participants, we have uncovered suggestions that could improve the representation of ethnic minority women in leadership positions at work.

Our research also offers an opportunity for young Black and Asian women to reflect on their own career goals, and chart out strategic routes to achieving them.

Lilian Otaye-Ebede is a professor in Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior at University of Liverpool; Samah Shaffakat is a senior lecturer of Work, Organization and Management, University of Liverpool.

boards are better boards’, after uncovering significant evidence that diverse teams are more factually focused and superior at analyzing information. With this in mind, it is vital to understand what your universal selling point (USP) is and use it to better represent you and those around you. Being your own unique self is vital. When leadership is more representative and diverse, people feel more appreciated and welcomed themselves.

Network with Other Women. A recent study by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found a strong network of fellow females provides crucial ‘gender-specific private information and support’ to women in business.

Ask Questions. It is understandable to want to prove you can do things on your own without help from others– especially if you are one of few women in your workplace or position. However, this can cause more problems than solutions. One professional credits her willingness to ask for help and advice during her studies with allowing her to benefit from the knowledge of her more experienced peers.

Believe in Yourself. As a woman in business, it is easy to feel like you are on the back foot, but it is important to believe in your abilities. One professional’s master’s degree in Management studies, and the added credibility that comes from having a course listed on her CV that was ranked first in the UK and 7th in the world by the Economist, gave her a new confidence.

Don’t Be Afraid to Fail. There will be challenges but “it’s about trying and failing. You learn as you grow. Some women admit to struggling with communication skills, leading them to feel that they are falling behind, but they credit their studies at Cranfield with providing a comfortable space in which they could make mistakes and learn from them.

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TR AVE L Sedona, Ariz. – For a Rest & Reset

Girls Still Wanna Have Fun!

If the purpose of your girls’ trip is to rest, reset, and connect, Arizona should be on your radar. Sedona is well known for its peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. It also boasts beautiful nature views, outdoorsy things to do, and more. For a group trip, Sedona offers plenty of vacation rentals fit for large groups. Airbnb has a host of several modern home rentals with multiple bedrooms, firepits, and beautiful views. Dinner in the backyard around a fire pit is the perfect recipe for a relaxing evening.

Keeping the focus on relaxation, kick off the trip with a pool day, or explore the amenities at your accommodation. Then, spend a day doing popular activities in the area like a Jeep tour, hiking, or relaxing at a spa.

By Madeline Holly-Carothers

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hether you’re in the mood for a relaxing vacation to rest and reset or a city that’s full of party opportunities, there are lots of places for you and your girls that fit the bill—no matter your age. Here are five destinations in the United States to consider for your next girls’ trip:

Charleston, S.C. – For Beach Vibes

If you’re looking for a beachy place that’s relaxing and has great food, Charleston, S.C., might be the perfect option for your group. The city is rich in Black history, has several world-class restaurants, and is a short drive from Folly Beach. There are several attractions in the area, like the Battery, an area just off the water, the city’s waterfront park, and for culture, book a tour with a tour company that focuses on Charleston’s Gullah-Geechee culture and learn about the rich Black history and contributions of Black people in the area.

New Orleans, La. – For Partygoers

If the vibe of your girls’ trip is party, party, party; New Orleans, La., is the place to be.

With equal party-culture-foodie options, New Orleans is a great destination for a girls’ trip. Guests can explore Bourbon

Street, try authentic Creole cuisine, and try some of the city’s famous cocktails, or mocktails versions for those who don’t drink. New Orleans has no shortage of hotels and boasts several timeless experiences. A great area to choose for your stay is either the French Quarter or the Central Business District. The French Quarter is right in the middle of the action and the Central Business District is far enough from the action that you’ll sleep well, but close to for a short walk back.

Chicago, Ill. – For City-Lovers

From fun brunch options to great architecture, deep-dish pizza, and more, Chicago has a lot to offer. It’s also a beautiful city that’s known for its summer festivals and food scene. For accommodations, just about anywhere on the Magnificent Mile is a safe bet. The area is common for tourists, has several hotels, and is within walking distance from lots of things to do and see in the area. To start the trip, a quick visit to the city landmarks like the Bean, a public art structure downtown, seeing the water, and checking out the five-story Starbucks that has cocktails.

The Golden Isles, Ga. – For Coastal Cuisine

Experience the charm of coastal living when you spend a day exploring the picturesque neighborhoods, quiet beaches and lively local restaurants on St. Simons Island. Visitors will find no shortage of exciting island activities, from riding beach cruisers and exploring charming historic sites to dining on fresh seafood. Jekyll Island is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. With miles of sandy beaches and vast expanses of mature maritime forests and preserved wetlands, the island’s rugged coastal beauty beckons for exploration, from dolphin tours and fishing to golfing and biking.

The St. Simons Island Lighthouse

Madeline Holly-Carothers is a social worker-turned-journalist who merges her love for travel and connection with others by sharing travel news and tips. The Golden Isles was added to the original list.

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Nadia Anderson COMMISSIONER City of Apopka

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trailblazer in real estate, community leadership, and public service, Nadia Anderson is a powerhouse in the real estate industry, a dynamic entrepreneur, and a trailblazing public servant. As the owner and broker of Prestige Realty Consultants Inc., she has transformed her firm — established in March 2016 —into one of the most successful and high-producing real estate brokerages in Apopka, Fla. In March 2024, Nadia made history by being elected as the first Black female City Commissioner in Apopka, solidifying her role as a leader committed to economic growth, housing solutions, and community empowerment.

Prestige Realty Consultants is more than a brokerage — it is a premier full-service real estate firm specializing in luxury properties, commercial real estate, foreclosures, investment portfolios, land development, and custom home construction. With a proven track record in new construction and exclusive buyer/seller representation, Anderson has set a new standard for excellence in the industry.

Anderson’s passion for real estate extends beyond sales; she is a leader in housing advocacy. In May 2017, she was approved by Housing Urban Development (HUD) to establish Apopka’s first HUD Housing Counseling Agency, dedicated to education and foreclosure prevention. Since then, she has assisted over 2,000 families in preserving homeownership through loan modifications and pre-foreclosure counseling and guided 1,500+ home-

Never be limited by other people's imaginations.

Dr. Mae Jemison

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buyers through the HUD-certified homebuyer education program, empowering them with financial literacy and down payment assistance.

Anderson is the founder and CEO of Flip Pink, Inc., a real estate investment firm specializing in property flipping and long-term asset holdings across the United States. Additionally, her real estate development company, Anderson Enterprise Group Inc., focuses on building affordable workforce housing, addressing the critical shortage of single-family homes for middle-class families.

Her influence extends beyond real estate into government and social service. With career- spanning roles at the Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Defense, and the Department of Children and Families, she has dedicated her life to serving the community.

Adrienne Bell COMMERCIAL BANKING LEADER, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Regions Bank

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Photo by C. Nicole Photography

drienne Bell is an accomplished leader in the financial services industry with over 30 years of experience. A native of Orlando, she graduated from Jones High School and earned her bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Florida A&M University. Bell has held many roles throughout her career, including commercial underwriter, relationship manager, credit process manager, and senior credit officer. Today, she serves as senior vice president and commercial banking sales leader at Regions Bank, where she leads a team of relationship managers and oversees the growth and quality of a $1.5 billion commercial loan portfolio.

Her dedication and leadership have earned her several accolades, including the prestigious Regions Bank Better Life Award, which honors associates for outstanding job performance and community service. Bell also served as the first local chair of Regions Bank's Impact Network, where she championed inclusivity and strengthened the bank's presence in the community.

Bell is deeply passionate about empowering small businesses and promoting financial literacy. She has volunteered with Junior Achievement and organized financial literacy seminars to educate her community.

She serves on the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Advisory Board and chaired its Walk for Education for over a decade. In 2024, Bell was honored by the National Hook-Up of Black Women, Inc., for her dedication to service and leadership. She is a board member of the

National Entrepreneur Center and a proud member of Leadership Orlando Class 108, Florida Executive Women, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she has been active for more than 25 years.

Guided by Nelson Mandela's words, "God created us for a purpose. It is up to us to find and fulfill that purpose with love and service," Bell lives a life of faith and service. She and her husband, Ronald, have been married for more than 30 years and are proud parents to three children—Jaylon, Alana, and Shauna—and grandparents to Dallas and Shiloh.

God created us for a purpose. It is up to us to find and fulfill that purpose with love and service.

Nelson Mandela

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Christie Jones Bird FOUNDER AND CEO Jones and Rose, Inc.

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s Founder and CEO of Jones and Rose, Inc., a company that creates luxury natural based bath and body products that are designed to empower one to be their best self, Christie Jones Bird developed her brand from the ground up by infusing her knowledge of science with her passion for beauty. Inspired by the lack of mainstream natural based products focused on clean beauty while addressing the issues of dry skin, Christie decided to fill in the gap with a custom product line, Jones and Rose, which offers various skin-based solutions and products that delight with experiential fragrances. With a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University in the Biological Sciences and a minor in Chemistry, she worked for Procter and Gamble within Research and Development focusing on package development and consumer marketing, supporting personal cleansing brands like Safeguard, Olay, Zest, and Old Spice.

From initially developing products in her kitchen to now having a mainstream brick and mortar store in Jacksonville, Fla., at the St. John’s Town Center, she and her husband have created a growing brand with a global following. Her store has been featured in Essence Magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine, voted best Bath and Body Brand in Jacksonville for 2020, 2021, and 2023; included in the VIP Gift Bags for awards shows such as Essence Magazine’s Women in Hollywood, Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival, as well as being highlighted on primetime networks, CBC and ABC. She participated in the touring Netflix film

The greatest risk in life is not taking one.

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“She Did That”, showcasing African American women entrepreneurs.

From Emmy Gifting Suites to privately held celebrity events, her products have graced the scene. Her brand has been a staple POP UP during the Essence Festival with celebrities from Cynthia Bailey to Viola Davis, making mention of her products.

As a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., giving back to her community is key. She is also a member of various professional organizations and a board member of the Black Excellence Expo. As a wife, a mother of 3 (Codi, Allen Jr, and Kayla), she enjoys cultivating new experiences, travelling, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Tanesha Braunskill CAPTAIN Orlando Police Department

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aptain Tanesha Braunskill is a native of Orlando. She graduated from Oak Ridge High School and earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and a master's degree in Justice Administration from Faulkner University.

She began her career with the Orlando Police Department (OPD) on August 9, 2004, after serving over four years as a correctional officer for the State of Florida.

Over her 20-year tenure, she has progressed through the ranks while maintaining strong community connections.

Her commitment to transparency, honesty, and open communication earned trust and fostered positive relationships between law enforcement and the community.

Throughout her career, Captain Braunskill served in various capacities within OPD, including Patrol, the Neighborhood Patrol Unit, and the Criminal Investigations Division. As a sergeant, she supervised in the Patrol Division and Field Training Unit. As a lieutenant, she served as a section commander in Patrol and Community Relations Divisions. She also served as division commander of the Patrol and Drug Enforcement Divisions. In her current role, Captain Braunskill serves as division commander of the Tactical Anti-Crime Unit, focusing on reducing violent crime in Orlando.

In addition to her operational duties, Captain Braunskill is deeply involved in mentoring within the community and the department. She participates in OPD's Operation Positive Direction Mentoring Program, mentoring youth and assisting in organizing activities such as college tours and

community service projects. She has also served on many community initiatives to reduce crime, including Orange County's Citizen Safety Taskforce.

Captain Braunskill is a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and the International Association of Police Chiefs (IACP). She leads OPD's Critical Incident Stress Management Team and is a resource for young officers seeking career and personal guidance. Her commitment to the community and colleagues defines her impactful career at OPD. Captain Braunskill's faith in God, the support of her husband, their four sons, and her family have been central to her service and dedication to helping others.

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Dr. Maya Angelou

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N AT I O N W I D E

MEMORY CRAFTERS

Preserve Black Women’s History

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By Alexandria Russell

he crater from the wrecking ball stood hollow in the center of the home at 2335 Arapahoe Street in the summer of 1983.

Concerned community members scrambled to pause the imminent demolition to the home of Dr. Justina Ford, Colorado’s first African American woman to become a licensed physician.

More than a century before, Ford overcame the setbacks and complexities of the two strikes against her—her race and her gender—by opening a home medical practice in the heart of Denver’s Five Points neighborhood. Known as the Harlem of the West, this thriving African American neighborhood in downtown Denver dates back to the late 19th century. An economic and cultural center for the community, Five Points was filled with entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, and licensed educators, lawyers, and doctors.

As part of the African American professional class, Ford intentionally used her knowledge and skills to meet the needs of African Americans, who experienced health disparities due to limited access to health care and financial resources to pay for medical services. By the time of her death in 1952, “the Lady Doctor,” as she was widely known, had delivered more than 7,000 babies.

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It was two of those “Ford babies,” Moses and Elizabeth Valdez, father and daughter, who catalyzed the memorial movement to save her home and practice nearly a century after it was built in 1890.

After years of organizing and advocacy, in February 1984, the two-story house was removed from its foundation and transported 13 blocks on an oversize platform to 3091 California Street in downtown Denver. Since that time, it has remained the official site of the Black American West Museum. In this way, Ford, one of the most renowned medical professionals in Colorado’s history, has remained a beloved beacon of the African American community, in life and death.

The successful campaign to preserve and restore Ford’s home exists as part of a larger narrative of the evolution of African American women’s memorialization, or the process of commemoration. Its origins in the United States date back to the early 19th century, when free Black communities in the North organized festivals and parades to celebrate emancipation, promote abolitionism, and disseminate Black history. They used these public venues

N AT I O N W I D E

to also herald the contributions of Black women through comStill, by developing public and private partnerships, a new generamemorative oratory, trumpeting their legacies through speeches. tion of memorializers, African American preservationists, and public After the Civil War, public festivals and parades spread to the historians and organizations resisted erasure of their communities South. African American clubwomen began creating named memorifrom the physical landscape when they established the first tradials—public memorials attached to a person’s legacy—for women like tional public history sites.

Phillis Wheatley. At the dawn of the clubwomen’s era, the National In the 21st century, memorializers’ ability to create and sustain Association of Colored Women (NACW) was instrumental in estabtraditional memorials has only increased, with web-based technollishing a nationwide infrastructure for named memorialization to ogies and social media platforms expanding memorials for African expand in the 1890s, all while Jim Crow laws increasingly restricted American women even further. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X the parameters of Black citizenship. At the same time, white organiposts, along with Google Doodles and digital humanities projects, zations like the Daughters of the Confederacy began to erect public have become integral to how Black history is disseminated to public monuments that supported false narratives of the Civil War and conaudiences. The internet has provided a new public history terrain veyed dehumanizing myths about enslaved Black people. shaped by memorializers of all backgrounds. Community advocacy With limited to no control of the public landscape domain, Afrifor more visible multicultural representation has broadened the can American communities employed named memorials as stratescope of museums, statues, and historical markers in locales across gic resistance against the erasure the United States. and caricature that existed among Despite all the national and regional white public history memorials, representation, significant underreprerace pseudoscience, and published sentation of African American women historical narratives. In the absence memorials still remains. With the addiof statues, monuments, and musetion of the Harriet Tubman National ums, African American women Historic Park in 2009, there are now sparked the era of named memorithree African American women repreals, which spread across the United sented in units of the National Park SerStates and manifested in domesvice—less than 1% of all designations. tic and Pan-African organizations, The silence of underrepresentation public libraries, public housing, and and unseen memorials has been couneven commercial ventures. tered by the national movement of AfriAs the ruling power of Jim Crow can American public memory crafters laws began to lessen in the 1960s, to resist erasure and cultivate historical the prominence of named memonarratives that can withstand generarials ebbed as the ability to erect tions. Operating with unprecedented Dr. Justina Ford traditional public history sites, such savvy, African American memorializers as museums and statues, increased. have been at the forefront of establishIntegration decreased the visibility ing a national public history landscape. of named memorials as constituenThe civil rights, Black Power, and Black cies of public buildings and African Studies movements created a political American neighborhoods began to and social landscape for African Amerchange. ican communities to establish public In the midst of the civil rights, history sites using public federal and Black Power, and Black Studies state funding. movements, African American The legacies of Black women concommunities had more access and tinue to be celebrated in named and negotiating power with local and traditional memorials, by generations national bureaucracies to influence of memorializers and public memory the public history landscape. They crafters, through a continuum of comadvocated to save buildings and memoration manifested in a vibrant create new spaces to celebrate public history landscape throughout Black heritage and culture, usherthe United States. ing in a new era of African American traditional memorials. Though This excerpt, adapted from Black Women urban renewal at times galvanized Legacies: Public History Sites Seen and Architects picked up the former home of Dr. Justina Ford, the first memorializers to save meaningUnseen by Alexandria Russell (University Black woman to practice medicine in Denver, and moved it to its new ful cultural places, it irrevocably of Illinois Press, 2024), appears by perlocation. It now houses the Black American West Museum, which restructured African American mission of the publisher. preserves the history and culture of those African Americans who helped settle and develop the American West. communities.

ONYX MAGAZINE 27

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LIVE ON-STAGE @ ORLANDO SHAKES!

March 5 - 29, 2025

Supported by:

407-447-1700 | ORLANDOSHAKES.ORG

Lindsey D. Cameron, Ph.D. PROFESSOR OF MANAGEMENT Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

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indsey D. Cameron, Ph.D., is a professor of management and sociology at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. A scholar of the future of work, her research focuses on how algorithmic management and artificial intelligence are changing the modern workplace, emphasizing the gig economy. A former Uber driver, she has served as an expert witness on several legal proceedings relating to the gig economy. Cameron was a fellow at the Institute for Advanced Study, the intellectual home of Albert Einstein, and received her Ph.D. in management from the University of Michigan and her S.B. in electrical engineering from Harvard University. Outside work, she enjoys traveling (50+ countries, 40+ states), blues dancing, all-things circus, genealogy, and Black history.

Cameron has an ongoing, eight-year ethnography of the largest sector of the gig economy, the ride-hailing industry, examining how algorithms management changes managerial control. She recently completed a study on how the COVID-19 pandemic affected workers on various gig platforms (TaskRabbit, Instacart, AmazonFlex, Uber, Lyft, DoorDash). She is currently completing a project on how the gig economy’s business model adapts in the Global South, with a focus on the implications for management and workers. Other ongoing research projects focus on workforce development, particularly related to technology.

Leading academic journals have published Cameron’s work, including Administrative Science Quarterly,

If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time.

But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.

Aboriginal elder, Lilla Watson

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Organization Science, Journal of Applied Psychology, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Process, Academy of Management Annals, Journal of Management Inquiry, Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, and proceedings of the Association of Computing Machinery and the Academy of Management.

She has won twelve best paper awards and several teaching awards, including the Wharton Teaching Excellence Award. She has published opinion pieces in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Kiplinger’s, Labor and Employment Relations Association Perspectives, and the Society of Human Resource Management’s flagship magazine, People & Strategy. Numerous media outlets have mentioned her research, including the Washington Post, the Boston Globe, Bloomberg, NPR’s Marketplace, Fast Company, the World Economic Forum, CNBC, Forbes, The Skim, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Newsweek, and Inc.

Tamara Combs CEO & CO-FOUNDER Combs Premier Realty Group

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ith nearly 10 years of experience in Real Estate investing, purchases, selling & relocation my goal is always to ensure we unlock the potential of assisting clients with their real estate goals.

My passion is connecting people with their perfect spaces and bringing years of experience, creativity and customer friendly approach to each transaction.

As the Co -Owner & Team Lead, we strive to "Educate, provide options, & deliver results." We have cultivated a dynamic team of professional realtors throughout the state of Florida and have generated over $500 Million in Sales while assisting over 500 families with building their real estate portfolios. Whether it's a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or looking to sell, we provide options and solutions to assist with our client needs. We believe in quality customer service & open communication to keep our customers satisfied with their journey and process.

Outside of real estate, we are community advocates and spend time volunteering & giving back to local charity in the communities we service.

I didn't learn to be quiet when I had an opinion. The reason they knew who I was is because I told them.

Ursula Burns

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Ericka Dunlap PRESIDENT Crown Communication Group, LLC

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ricka Dunlap is an Orlando native, devoted daughter, mother to one daughter, Mikelle Antoinette, philanthropist, businesswoman, and serial entrepreneur who graduated from William R. Boone High School in 2000.

She then rose to national acclaim during her junior year at the University of Central Florida, when she became the first Black woman to be crowned Miss Florida 2003 in the 100year history of the program. Later that year, she became the seventh Black woman to win the national title, cementing her legacy as Miss America 2004.

She has delivered over 400 keynote addresses and sang the National Anthem over 1,000 times for the NFL, MLB, NBA and for military instillations across the globe.

Upon completion of her year of service to the Miss America Organization, Dunlap earned her B.A. in Public Relations and Advertising from the University Central Florida and made a move to Nashville, Tenn., to pursue a career as a country music recording artist; before Beyoncé. With seven years of songwriting and live performance under her belt, as well as ownership in a joint venture record label, Dunlap departed from Nashville and returned to Orlando to fortify her roots in her hometown.

In television, Dunlap is internationally known for her steadfast effort on Season 15 of the Emmy Award Winning Show - The Amazing Race. She and her partner made

Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.

Muhammad Ali

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it through nine countries and 10,000 miles in 28 days of arduous globetrotting, finishing as third place Finalists.

She founded Crown Communication Group, LLC, in 2014 as a boutique public relations frm specializing in curated experiences, strategic communications, and value-add opportunities for clients.

In addition to her business, Dunlap serves as board chair for the Orlando Neighborhood Improvement Corporation, executive chair for the AdventHealth Foundation Golden Gala, chair of the Mercy Road Single Mom Summit, and esteemed board member of the Winter Park Institute.

Tangela D. DuPree PRESIDENT Gamma Theta Omega Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®

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angela D. DuPree is in her second term as president of Gamma Theta Omega Chapter in Tampa, Fla., where she is a Silver Star and Life Member of the sorority. She has over 25 years of service to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. DuPree is a proud University of Florida graduate earning a B.A. in Speech Communication. She is the wife of Michael DuPree and mother of two adult children, Terrence DuPree and Michelle DuPree, and three grandchildren. DuPree retired from State Farm Insurance Company as a Claims Professional after earning 28 years of service.

DuPree was a two-term president for the Greater Tampa Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. ®, where she implemented impactful community service programs.

She also served as the Southeastern Regional Chaplain and the National Chaplain for Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and previously served as vice president of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NC100BW).

In addition to serving as the current chapter president of Gamma Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., DuPree has also served as the first and second vice president of her local chapter. She takes pride in having overseen several notable scholarship fundraisers for her local sorority chapter. As a result, her chapter was able to fully capitalize two endowments. DuPree serves on

her sorority’s regional Leadership Development Committee and International Standards Investigation and Evaluation team.

DuPree is a licensed independent insurance claims professional. In addition to serving as a reading tutor for young scholars, she is also a member of the National Parliamentarian Society. DuPree is always ready to advocate for the less fortunate and champion a good cause to promote the welfare of women and children’s programs.

“

What is success? To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate the beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!

Aboriginal elder, Lilla Watson

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BLACK HISTORY

Making Uncommon History BLACK WOMEN KEEP INSPIRING PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD. WITH UNMATCHED ACHIEVEMENTS, THEY ARE OFTEN THE UNSUNG HEROES IN MANY STORIES. HERE ARE A FEW BLACK WOMEN WHO SHOULD MAKE YOU PROUD AS THEY CONTINUE TO PAVE THE WAY FOR MANY GENERATIONS TO COME.

Jotaka L. Eaddy Jasmine Crockett Jasmine Felicia Crockett is an American lawyer and politician who has been a U.S. representative from Texas's 30th congressional district since January 2023 as a member of the Democratic Party.

Her district covers most of South Dallas County, Central Dallas, Dallas Love Field Airport, and parts of Tarrant County. In the 118th Congress, Crockett served as the Democratic freshman class representative between the House Democratic leadership and the (approximately) 35 newly elected Democratic members. Crockett was named as co-chair of the 2024 Harris-Walz campaign. Crockett is currently a part of the Democratic Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Crockett previously represented the 100th district in the Texas House of Representatives. Prior to that, she was a public defender for Bowie County, Texas, and had previously practiced law in a private firm. In 2019, after Eric Johnson vacated his seat in the Texas House to serve as mayor of Dallas, a special election was held on November 5 with a runoff on January 28, 2020, for the remainder of his term, which Lorraine Birabil won.

Crockett challenged Birabil in the 2020 Democratic primary. She narrowly defeated Birabil in a primary runoff, advancing to the November 2020 general election, which she won unopposed. She assumed office in January 2021.

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Jotaka L. Eaddy is the founder and CEO of Full Circle Strategies, LLC - a social impact-focused consulting firm committed to advancing transformative change and global impact.

Within her current practice, Eaddy works with clients including corporate, nonprofit, foundations, technology, and government organizations seeking to advance policy, ideas, and change.

In 2020, Eaddy did her part to push back against racist and sexist attacks on Black women Joe Biden considered on his presidential ticket. She launched Win with Black Women and began to mobilize a get-out-thevote campaign for Biden-Harris. The duo won and the group’s voice was amplified. They pushed for Black women to have key positions in the administration, the demanded the Senate to hold a swift vote to place Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman on the Supreme Court, and they strongly nudged President Joe Biden to bring WNBA All Star Brittney Griner home from a Russian prison. The Sunday that Joe Biden ended his 2024 presidential run, the weekly WWBW Sunday video conference skyrocketed from several hundred to nearly 100,000 sending the hashtag #WinwithBlackWomen flying through the Internet. The call raised $1.6 million+ from among 44,000+ women in just over an hour, vying for Kamala Harris to become president. The energy prompted nearly 200 more groups to form under monikers like Win With Black Men and Cat Ladies for Kamala.

BLACK HISTORY

CoCo Gauff

Coco Gauff is an American professional tennis player who has made her mark on the sport, storming onto the scene as the youngest player to qualify for Wimbledon’s main draw in 2019. In 2019, 15-year-old Coco Gauff made tennis history as the youngest player ever to qualify for Wimbledon's main draw, where she stunned the world by defeating Venus Williams in the first round and advancing to the fourth round. Since then, she has become a Grand Slam champion, winning the 2023 US Open, and continues to rise on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour. Gauff was introduced to tennis at the age of six. Her parents encouraged her passion for the sport, and by age eight, Gauff became involved with serious training. When she was 10, she began training at a tennis academy in France. An advocate for women in sports, she also gives back to her local athletic community. Recently she unveiled a newly renovated tennis court in Delray Beach, which is part of the USTA’s $3 million US Open Legacy initiative, established in honor of Gauff. Gauff made her Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, representing Team USA in the women’s singles and doubles events. Though she was unable to participate, she made a comeback at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Mellody Hobson

Mellody Louise Hobson Lucas is a businesswoman who is president and co-CEO of Ariel Investments, and former chair of Starbucks. She is the former chairman of DreamWorks Animation, having stepped down after negotiating the acquisition of DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc., by NBCUniversal in August 2016. In 2017, she became the first African-American woman to head The Economic Club of Chicago.

On December 26, 2020, it was announced she would become chair of Starbucks in 2021, thus becoming the first black woman to chair a S&P 500 company, making her one of the highest profile corporate directors in the United States. She would serve in the role of chair until August 2024. Ariel Investments is one of the largest African American-owned money management and mutual fund companies in the US. She was a contributor to financial segments on Good Morning America and CBS This Morning for many years. Hobson is also chairman of the board of trustees of Ariel Investment Trust and formerly a spokesperson for the annual Ariel/Schwab Black Investor Survey.

Jessica Watkins Jessica Watkins is an American NASA astronaut, geologist, aquanaut and former international rugby player.

Over 600 people have been to space and Jessica Watkins is only one of five women who have done so. Yet, what makes Watkins really special is that 260 people from 21 countries have visited the International Space Station but in April 2022, Jessica Watkins was the first Black woman to do so. Watkins’ research in space has improved life on Earth and has helped researchers learn more about the long term effects of spaceflight on the human body. She was in space for six months which is how long it takes for a baby to develop blood cells and taste buds in the womb. During those six months, Watkins orbited the Earth 2,720 times, traveling a distance of 72,169,935 statute miles. In 2002, she surpassed the record of being the African American woman who has spent the most time in space. With so much out there in space that we don’t know, humanity awaits the new things Watkins will uncover, especially because as part of NASA’s Artemi program, she could be sent on a mission to the moon.

Tahj Williams

A 26-year-old woman made history when she became the first artist to partner with the NFL to create a special logo and theme art for Super Bowl LIX. Tahj Williams is a queen of the Golden Eagles Mardi Gras Indians, one of 40 tribes among the Black Masking Indian and New Orleans culture. The intricate, hand-beaded bright chartreuse, rich crimson and bold pink creation found in the Super Bowl LIX logo and theme art is pays homage to the tribe. NFL officials said they wanted to “amplify local New Orleans culture with Super Bowl LIX taking place in the Big Easy” when they unveiled the design in 2024.

Williams's rendition of the Super Bowl LIX theme art was featured on the NFL field at Caesars Superdome, digital game tickets, the official program cover, and at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans hotel, and throughout promotions on FOX, the station where the game aired on Sunday, February 9, 2025. According to ABC News, Black Masking Indians, also known as Mardi Gras Indians, who are separate from federally recognized or state recognized tribes of Louisiana, have a strong culture of art and pageantry that has been passed down since the 1800s. The culture emerged from an exchange of traditions between the African enslaved and local Native American groups in the 19th century. Photos courtesy of the NFL ONYX MAGAZINE 35

ONYX READS

OUR STORIES BOOKS WE WANT TO SHARE perfect pick for fans of What Do You Do with an Idea?, You Matter, and Just Because, Brown’s children’s debut is a marvelous read-aloud and a great gift that will remind the youngest reader to always stay positive.

HELLO THERE, SUNSHINE

and mothers, on our interconnected world, Dream Count pulses with emotional urgency and poignant, unflinching observations of the human heart, in language that soars with beauty and power. It confirms Adichie’s status as one of the most exciting and dynamic writers on the literary landscape.

By Tabitha Brown Publish Date: March 4

From America’s Mom— actress, New York Times bestselling author, NAACP Award-winning personality, and Emmy-winning host Tabitha Brown—comes an upbeat, inspiring story about finding your own light.

“Hello there, sunshine!”

Every morning, young Tabitha wakes up and greets the sun. She loves how it brings everyone JOY. But one day she wakes up and the sun is missing! So Tab hops on her strawberry shortcake bike with her puppy in tow and makes it her business to find the sun. Can she do it?

Or will Tabitha find out that sometimes the shine we’re looking for is inside of us? A

DREAM COUNT

By Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi Publish Date: March 4

In Dream Count, Adichie trains her fierce eye on these women in a sparkling, transcendent novel that takes up the very nature of love itself.

Is true happiness ever attainable or is it just a fleeting state? And how honest must we be with ourselves in order to love, and to be loved? A trenchant reflection on the choices we make and those made for us, on daughters

CHLOE: A NOVEL OF SECRETS AND LIES

By Connie Briscoe Publish Date: 18

New York Times bestselling author Connie Briscoe updates Daphne Du Maurier’s classic Rebecca in this chilling tale of domestic suspense centered on a spirited woman named Angel who marries a Black billionaire, only to discover that he remains haunted by his first wife who took her own life—or did

AFRICAN STORIES

By Ben Okri Award-winning writer Ben Okri, author of the Booker Prize-winning novel The Famished Road, curates this one-volume overview of the best of African literature. Here is a pantheon of enormous talents from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, hailing from a wide variety of countries and cultures, and including multiple winners of the Nobel Prize in literature, the Booker Prize, and the Commonwealth Writers Prize. The writers include Chinua Achebe, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Tayeb Salih, Doris Lessing, J. M. Coetzee, M. G. Vassanji, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and many more.

36 ONYX MAGAZINE

she? A mansion haunted by the ghost of a cool, charismatic first wife. A second bride from a small Southern town who may be in over her head. A brooding billionaire who grows icier the more his new wife questions him about the past. In Connie Briscoe’s propulsive and entertaining novel, the elements of one of the most famous Gothic novels of all time are reimagined in surprising, yet still suspenseful, ways.

FIRST BORN GIRLS: A MEMOIR

By Bernice McFadden Publish Date: March 4

On her second birthday in 1967, Bernice McFadden died in a car crash near Detroit, only to be resuscitated after her mother pulled her from the flaming wreckage. Firstborn Girls traces her remarkable life from that moment up to the publication of her first novel, Sugar. Growing up in 1980s Brooklyn, Bernice finds solace in books, summer trips to Barbados, and boarding school to escape her alcoholic father. Discovering the works of Alice Walker and Toni Morrison, she finally sees herself and her loved ones reflected in their stories of “messy, beautiful, joyful Black people.”

Installation view, Prelude: An Introduction to the Permanent Collection, 2024.

Photographer: Paige Boscia

JUNETEENTH ART ACQUISITION Prelude: An Introduction to the Permanent Collection

On June 15th, 2024, Tampa Museum of Art welcomed over 760 guests and their families to its third annual Juneteenth Cultural Celebration. Each year generous sponsorships, along with donations collected during this event, help to support the purchase and conservation of Black and African American artists’ works into the Museum’s permanent collection.

Ya La’ford works in sculpture, painting, installation, and public art with a focus on the language of geometric design, symbols, and ethnography. Tampa Museum of Art is proud to be the first museum in the Tampa Bay area to acquire one of La’ford’s works for the permanent collection.

2024 Juneteenth Art Acquisition Sponsors: Anonymous Drs. M. and S. Cunningham 2024 Juneteenth Visitor Donations

TampaMuseum.org Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10am – 5pm Thursday: 10am – 8pm

ARTIST BIO: YA LA’FORD Born in the Bronx, New York, La’ford is an educator and artist. Her work has been exhibited at the Baker Museum, Orlando Museum of Art, Tampa Museum of Art, and others. La’ford received her MFA from the Art Institute in Boston in Interdisciplinary Arts and holds a JD from the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law.

Exhibitions supported in part by:

SNAP Benefit Recipients get free admission to the Tampa Museum of Art! Funded By:

Jazmin Ghent-Jackson, Ph.D. AWARD-WINNING JAZZ SAXOPHONIST AND EDUCATOR

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azmin Ghent-Jackson, Ph.D., is an award-winning international jazz saxophonist and educator, rapidly becoming a leading voice in contemporary jazz, R&B and gospel. Her rise began in 2014 at the Smooth Jazz Cruise's Show Your Talent competition. Ghent's third album, The Story of Jazz, earned her a prestigious NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Album in 2019, and her fourth, Forever Jaz, garnered another nomination in 2022. She has also been recognized by the Smooth Jazz Network, earning Best Artist of the Year nominations and winning Best New Smooth Jazz Artist in 2017.

Ghent's dynamic performances have graced prestigious festivals and venues worldwide, including repeat appearances at The Dave Koz Cruise, Brian Culbertson's Napa Valley Jazz Getaway, and the Newport Beach Jazz Festival. She's also captivated audiences at the Long Beach Jazz Festival, Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival, and numerous others across the globe, including performances in Australia, Spain, and the Caribbean. Art Good of Catalina Island's JazzTrax praised Ghent as a "BEST FIND," noting her exceptional stage presence and ability to connect with audiences, as evidenced by her top CD sales at the festival.

Beyond her performance career, Ghent is a passionate music educator. She dedicated five years to teaching music to K-5 students in Lakeland, Fla. Her commitment to

“

Music is really a spiritual thing — a connection between your inner self and the projection of that in public.

Patrice Rushen

38 ONYX MAGAZINE

education extends internationally, including a U.S. Embassy-sponsored trip to Haiti in 2020, leading music workshops, and headlining the International Jazz Festival in Port Au Prince. Ghent also performed at the 2022 World EXPO in Dubai, conducting workshops for young musicians in various locations, including New York, Florida and Texas, where she received the Key to the City of McKinney.

Ghent's dedication to her craft shows in her academic achievements, including a bachelor's degree in Music Education from Florida State University, a master's degree in Music Education from Tennessee State University, and a Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of South Florida. She has already released four albums and is currently working on her fifth.

Barbara B. Hartley, M.B.A. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Downtown Arts District, Inc.

B

arbara Hartley joined the Downtown Arts District as executive director in 2011 after a career in marketing and business development. Hartley attributes much of her love for Orlando’s art community to her father. As a career airman in the United States Air Force, he took Hartley and her younger sister to local theater productions at the University of Central Florida, Valencia College and Seminole Community College, and other popular art and music venues. Her appreciation for the genre grew from there. She was born to an Italian mother in Vicenza, Italy, a locale known for its rich and beautiful history of art. So, it is easy to see that her appreciation for art comes quite naturally.

Hartley serves on the City District Board of Directors, a Mainstreet program in Orlando, Fla., and she is currently working with the City of Orlando on Bloomberg Public Art Challenge called Art Pollination: Building Food Justice through Creativity. She has served as president and trustee of the American Advertising Federation of Orlando, held leadership roles in Junior League of Greater Orlando and served on the Leadership Advisory Board for Crummer School of Business at Rollins College. Hartley has served on the ONYX Magazine advisory committee, and she is a Silver Medal Award winner of the American Advertising Federation.

She received her master’s degree in business administration from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College, and holds a bachelor of arts degree in marketing from Florida State University.

“

Give light and people will find the way.

Ella Baker

ONYX MAGAZINE 39

Kristian Jenkins PRESIDENT Orange County (FL) Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

K

ristian Jenkins is the Director of International Marketing at SelectFlorida, formerly known as Enterprise Florida. Since joining the company in 2006 as an intern, she has risen to her current role, where she has played a pivotal role in leading Florida business delegations to countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, Guyana, Japan, and Israel. Additionally, she has been instrumental in supporting Florida companies that participate in major trade shows in Germany, France, and the United Arab Emirates, all to stimulate Florida’s economy by fostering global business opportunities.

Jenkins earned an undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of Central Florida, with a concentration in international studies and a minor in Spanish. She also earned a Master’s in International Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University.

“

I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

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Beyond her professional achievements, Jenkins is deeply involved in her community. She is the president of the Orange County (FL) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a chapter with over 215 members.

Under her leadership, the chapter has launched impactful initiatives, including a period poverty campaign, book drives emphasizing the cultural impact of minorities, voter engagement and education efforts, scholarships for high school students in Orange and Osceola counties, and active participation as a poll worker. Jenkins also dedicates her time to volunteering with middle and high school youth in her community.

Avis Lewis VICE PRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Parks International

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uman Resources Vice President Avis Lewis oversees all HR functions for Walt Disney Imagineering worldwide and Disney Parks International, which includes Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disney Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort with the Oriental Land Company. With significant growth and ongoing investments in new Disney experiences around the world, Lewis helps guide development of comprehensive talent strategies for businesses to continue to bring world class, story-driven experiences to life. Most recently, this included support for the opening of World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland and Zootopia at Shanghai Disneyland.

For The Walt Disney Company, Lewis also serves as executive champion of “Disney on the Yard,” an initiative created in 2020 to deepen engagement with HBCUs through mentorship, networking and career guidance. In 2024, Lewis presented her alma mater, Bethune-Cookman University, with a personal donation to create the Avis Lewis Endowment Fund, which will help provide financial assistance to the next generation of Wildcat scholars.

Lewis served as vice president of HR for Disney Cruise Line and New Vacation Operations. In this role, she led the HR business partner teams for DCL as well as Adventures

by Disney, Aulani and Disney Vacation Club.

During Lewis’s more than 30-year Disney career, she has fulfilled a variety of human resources roles that include recruiter, performance consultant and HR business partner. As director of HR Services for Walt Disney World Operations, she led the HR integration for the rollout of The Basics and collaborated with operations executives as they redefined the vision and mission for frontline leaders and cast members. In partnership with Marketing and Operations, Lewis also led the cast engagement strategy in support of the multiyear “Where dreams come true” marketing campaign.

“

Don’t settle for average.

Bring your best to the moment. Then, whether it fails or succeeds, at least you know you gave all you had.

We need to live the best that’s in us.

Angela Bassett

ONYX MAGAZINE 41

Retire Well

SAGE

S I X T Y- E I G H T P E RC E N T O F A M E R I C A N S S AY I T ' S L I V I N G A L I T T L E

W

hat makes for retiring well? For most Americans, it's living a little by affording experiences that bring joy (68%) and enjoying a high quality of life (49%), balanced by the security of reaching savings milestones (68%), according to new Empower research.

BIG AND LITTLE JOYS Most agree satisfaction in retirement includes the ability to pay bills on time and in full (68%) and living debt-free (63%) - including owning a home outright (55%). Some 42% of people say it comes down to experiences, like the ability to travel the world, and to give back by volunteering (25%).

EVERYTHING IN ITS TIME Having a clear timeline brings peace of mind for many - 66% say they have a goal retirement age in mind, including 73% of men and 61% of women.

Over two-thirds of Americans (67%) have savings milestones to reach before retirement - goals that they're striving for - including setting aside funds for emergencies (57%), travel (33%) and leisure activities like starting a new hobby (32%). About the same number (68%) say their happiness in retirement depends most on reaching their retirement savings goal.

Many Gen Xers emphasize leaving behind an inheritance for their children (42%).

TRAVEL AND LEISURE When choosing a place to retire, most people (86%) prefer to live where they can maintain their lifestyle without stressing about money, and low cost of living (38%) factors high on the list. For many that means relocating, with 42% saying they plan to move to a different city or state to retire.

Some 37% prioritize proximity to family and friends, although 43% say they prefer to retire where it's more affordable, even if it means being far from their loved ones. For others, home is where happiness already exists - 23% describe their current location as their happy place. any see retirement as an opportunity for a fresh start; 16% of people imagine retiring in a different country altogether, seeking adventure and change in their golden years. Nearly 2 in 5 Gen Zers have set a goal for a travel fund (44%) in retirement.

MethodologyEmpower surveyed 1,013 Americans on December 5, 2024.

Brandpoint Media

B Y A F F O R D I N G E X P E R I E N C E S T H AT B R I N G J OY.

WORKPLACE

POWERING

CHANGE AND

EMPOWERING

WOMEN At OUC, the women who power Orlando with reliable energy and water also drive positive change in our community. From the boardroom to the field, these passionate professionals bring a special energy through their leadership, volunteerism, and support of events that empower those around them.

OUC is committed to a strong, inclusive Orlando that empowers women leaders, and we proudly support ONYX Magazine for the positive impact they make in our community. Congratulations to ONYX Magazine on the 10th annual Women on The Move, and thank you for your leadership.

To the extraordinary 2025 honorees, we offer our congratulations and heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for all you have done to make Orlando an even better and stronger community!

BUSINESS

GRANTHER

WOMEN LOOKING TO START A BUSINESS OR ENHANCE EXISTING PROJECTS SHOULD TAKE A LOOK AT THESE GRANTS THAT COULD OFFER JUST THE BOOST HER BUSINESS NEEDS. HerRise Microgrant

The HerRise Microgrant program awards $1,000 per month to a women-owned business, including those owned by women of color.

The grant is a program of the Yva Jourdan Foundation, the nonprofit arm of HerSuiteSpot. Applications close on the last day of each month. To qualify, your business must be at least 51% owned by a woman and have less than $1 million in gross revenue.

Galaxy Grant

Galaxy of Stars is a grant program run by Hidden Star, a nonprofit that helps women and minority entrepreneurs. Grants are open to women and people of color who run or are planning to start a business and who are U.S. residents. Winners can currently receive a $1,500 grant. The organization has not yet announced an application deadline for 2025.

The Amber Grant Foundation

The Amber Grant Foundation awards three monthly grants of $10,000 to female entrepreneurs. If you’re awarded one of the $10,000 monthly grants, you will also be in the running to win one of Amber Grant Foundation’s yearly $25,000 grants. To apply, you’ll fill out a short form on the Amber Grant website, where you’ll tell the organization about your business idea and how you would spend your grant funds. Note that you’ll have to pay a $15 application fee.

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The Freed Fellowship

Each month, a small-business owner is awarded a $500 microgrant and a free 60-minute business coaching session from the Freed Fellowship.

Monthly winners will also be eligible for a year-end $2,500 grant.

National Black Business Pitch

The National Black Business Pitch competition awards grants up to $10,000 to three businesses. To be eligible, your business must be Black-owned and U.S. based. Applications for the next cycle will open in February 2025.

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant

Businesses that are active users of Verizon's Small Business Digital Ready program are eligible for this grant. Verizon says that 51% of businesses using the Small Business Digital Ready platform are women-owned and 62% are Black- or Hispanic-owned. Winners receive $10,000 grants.

Application information for 2025 has not yet been announced.

She's Connected by AT&T

Launched in 2020, the She's Connected by AT&T grant awards $50,000 to one grand prize winner. To be eligible, your business must be woman-owned, have no more than 50 employees and be registered in the U.S. Information for the 2025 cycle has not yet been announced.

BUSINESS

The Fifteen Percent Pledge Achievement Award This program, in which Fifteen Percent Pledge partners with Shop with Google, offers grant funding to three Black-owned businesses.

The winner receives $200,000 (plus mentorship and pro-bono consulting services) the runner-up receives $35,000 and the third place finalist receives $15,000. To qualify, you must be a member of the Fifteen Percent Pledge Business Equity Community and at least 50% Black-owned. You must also be an ecommerce business with a minimum annual revenue of $100,000, have between two and 15 employees and have a presence on Google Shopping. Winners from the most recent cycle will be announced in February 2025.

NAACP Backing the B.A.R grant

A partnership between the NAACP and Bacardi, the Backing the B.A.R. grant is open to Black entrepreneurs who own restaurants, bars, nightclubs, lounges or liquor stores. In 2024, 10 businesses received $10,000 grants. Application information has not yet been announced for the 2025 cycle.

Invest in Progress Grant

A partnership between the Boss Network and Hello Alice, the Invest in Progress Grant is open to Black women entrepreneurs. In addition to one year of mentorship, recipients will be awarded a $10,000 grant. Application information has not yet been announced for 2025.

Amazon Small Business Grants

This annual grant program from Amazon awards a $25,000 grant to one small-business owner and $20,000 grants to four finalists.

Additionally 10 semi-finalists receive $15,000 grants. To be eligible, you must be an Amazon Business customer, with no more than $1 million in annual revenue. Application information has not yet been announced for 2025.

EBay Up & Running Grant

Black female entrepreneurs who sell on eBay may be eligible for this grant program. In 2024, 50 businesses received $10,000 grants. Last year, you must have been an eBay seller since at least Dec. 1, 2023 to be eligible. Previous grant winners cannot apply again. Information for the 2025 cycle has not yet been announced.

List cultivated at NerdWallet

Cartier Women's Initiative's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award from Cartier Women's Initiative is open to entrepreneurs whose business focuses on closing access and opportunity gaps for underserved communities. To be eligible, your business must be a for-profit operation that was incorporated between one and six years ago and has not raised more than $2 million in dilutive funding. First-place winners receive $100,000 grants, second-place winners get $60,000 grants and third-place winners get $30,000 grants. Information for 2025 has not yet been announced.

The Black Ambition Prize

The Black Ambition Prize is open to Black and Hispanic individuals in the process of creating early-stage ventures in one of the following categories: consumer products and services; health care; media

and entertainment; technology; and AI. One grand prize winner is awarded $1,000,000, and 15 additional teams win between $15,000 and $250,000. Applications for the 2025 cycle have not yet been announced.

The Coramino Fund

The Coramino Fund is an annual grant program open to Black and Latinx business owners. Fifty small businesses receive grants up to $10,000. To be eligible, your business must have been in operation for five years or fewer, and must employ no more than 30 people.

Information for the 2025 cycle has not yet been announced.

38. Heinz Black Kitchen Initiative

The Heinz Black Kitchen Initiative awards grants to Black-owned businesses operating in the food industry. Last year, 45 businesses were issued grants of $20,000. Information for the 2025 cycle has not yet been announced.

Famous Amos Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative

A partnership between Famous Amos and the U.S. Black Chambers, this annual grant program awards three Black-owned businesses a total of $150,000 in funding. To qualify, your business must be at least 90% Black-owned and in operation for five years or less. Application information for 2025 has not yet been announced.

Queer to Stay

Queer to Stay is an annual grant program administered by the Human Rights Campaign and the television network Showtime. This program provides capital to LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, focusing on people of color, women and the transgender community. In 2024, 30 businesses received grant funding. Information for 2025 has not yet been announced, but applications usually open in the spring.

Progressive Driving Small Business Forward Grant

A collaboration between Progressive and Hello Alice, the Progressive Driving Small Business Forward Grant awards $50,000 to 20 businesses that have a demonstrated need for a commercial vehicle.

To be eligible, your business must employ 10 or fewer people and have annual revenues below $5 million. Application information has not yet been announced for 2025.

ONYX MAGAZINE 45

Patty Mason, D.M. FINANCIAL & BUSINESS CONSULTANT Mason Accounting & Consulting Services

P

atty Mason, D.M., immigrated from Romania to the United States at 11 years old, unable to speak English. With tenacity and perseverance, she overcame language barriers to become a financial guru and business owner at Mason Accounting Services.

Growing up in Southern California with her parents and three siblings, Mason was spurred into work, helping her parents and supporting the family. Mason played basketball as a junior in high school and in college, which taught her the importance of structure, discipline and work ethic. Building on these critical business tenets, Mason began a career in accounting in 1995 and worked for certified public accountants (CPAs) through 2018. That experience was the impetus to Mason growing a spirit of entrepreneurship and developing a burning desire to succeed at anything.

In 2016, Mason became licensed by the Internal Revenue Service as an enrolled agent. She also became IRS-certified as an acceptance agent and heads a Certified Woman Owned Business (CWOB). Mason holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, a master’s in taxation, and a doctoral degree in Management, focusing on Organizational Leadership.

Mason’s passion is serving society — teaching them tax education and guiding them to financial wellness.

“

I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me.

Chronicles 28:20

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As a woman entrepreneur who has faced many adversities, she seeks to help women forge their financial futures. Mason has saved numerous clients thousands of tax dollars, ensuring their organization has the most advantageous tax structure.

Mason is a Rotarian and a board member of several Central and South Florida charitable organizations. She speaks multiple languages, which helps her serve various communities. Mason is a published author of several books focused on guiding readers to business success and financial freedom. She is a wife and a mother of two boys.

In her personal time, Mason loves to stay physically active and travel the world.

Dr. Sheena Meade CEO The Clean Slate Initiative

A

s CEO of The Clean Slate Initiative (CSI), Dr. Sheena Meade leads a national bipartisan effort to advance policy that automatically clears all eligible arrest and conviction records across the United States.

With Meade at the helm, CSI has helped pass legislation across several states that provide a path for 15 million people to receive full or partial record clearance.

Under her leadership, CSI received recognition as one of the Top 10 Female-Led Companies in SUCCESS magazine and received a $75 million commitment from The Audacious Project in 2023 to support the CSI's six-year strategy to pass Clean Slate legislation to unlock opportunities for up to 14 million additional people in America — an unprecedented investment in second chances.

A sought-after speaker, Meade presented at the TED2023 Conference in Vancouver, where she shared her own experience of living with a record, discussed CSI's mission with a global audience, and notably garnered over 1 million views. Shortly after, Meade served as commencement speaker at the first HBCU in the country, Cheyney University, where she was also bestowed her first honorary doctorate of Public Service degree the following year. She has graced the stages of Milken Institute Global Conference 2023, SXSW 2022, The Legal Tech Fund, and Concordia Summit. Acknowledged as a symbol of empowerment, Meade is a recipient of the 2024 BMe Vanguard Award.

Before joining CSI, Meade was a key player in building and scaling the Nobel Peace Prize-nominated Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC) as its first Organizing Director and simultaneously took on the role of Senior Advisor to Second Chances for the Amendment 4 Florida Campaign, a statewide, grassroots effort to return voting rights to people experiencing felony disenfranchisement.

Meade serves on the Public Welfare Foundation's board of directors and the boards of Live Free USA, the Florida Coalition on Black Civic Engagement, and The Policing Project at NYU School of Law.

“

They tried to bury us. They didn't know we were seeds.

Dinos Christianopoulos

ONYX MAGAZINE 47

Tonja Mosley VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCIAL PLANNING AND ANALYTICS Orlando Health

T

onja B. Mosley, chief financial officer (CFO), joined Orlando Health in October 2020 to oversee the financial operations at Health Central Hospital, a 216-bed acute care facility, as well as the newly established Horizon West Hospital, a 60-bed acute facility set to open on January 30, 2021. In June 2021, Mosley accepted a promotion to vice president of Financial Operations and Analytics, where she is responsible for managing system-wide financial operations, including the development of both short- and long-term budgets, the maintenance of the financial management system, and the provision of analytics to assess system performance.

With over 20 years of experience as a chief financial officer in the healthcare sector, Mosley previously served as the CFO of Wellington Regional Medical Center, a Universal Health Services facility in South Florida. She spent 15 years with CHS (formerly HMA), where she held various CFO positions, earned the title of CFO of the Year in 2010, and was appointed chairwoman of the CFO Council in 2013. Additionally, she was honored by Legacy, a prominent South Florida publication, as the 2015 Top Black Healthcare Professionals and received the 2020 Wellington Woman of Worth award nomination.

“

Live everyday opportunistically and approach every situation with optimism.

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Mosley holds bachelor’s degrees in accounting and finance from Florida State University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. She is a member and former board member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association. She has also served on the boards of the Polk County Indigent Healthcare Plan, Polk State College Foundation, Tyler-Brooke Fashion Boutique (which she co-owns with her spouse), and various religious and civic organizations.

Annette Tucker Osborne, DHA, Col., (Retired) NATIONAL PRESIDENT National Association of Black Military Women

A

nnette Tucker Osborne, Col., (Retired) began her military career in August 1984 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant Army Nurse assigned to the 307th General Hospital, NY, NY. Her military assignments include Executive Officer, Detachment 1, 344th Combat Support Hospital, Ft. Totten, Queens, NY, and Credential Officer, 8th Medical Brigade, Medical Mission in El Salvador, Chief Nurse, 8th Medical Brigade, Ft. Wadsworth, Staten Island, NY, as Senior Executive Nurse Leader.

In 2012, Osborne was deployed and served as the Clinical Operations Chief Nurse, 3rd MDSC OCP (FWD) Kuwait, Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) 2012. She taught medical personnel in Kazakhstan, Qatar, and Bahrain during that deployment.

While stationed in Kazakhstan, Osborne established a Troop Medical Clinic (TMC) Tent for triaging US-injured soldiers via helicopter to the International Clinic for emergency care.

Osborne's awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (w/4 Oak Leaf Clusters), National Defense Service Medal (W/1) service star, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (W/ silver hourglass), Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Overseas Training, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Overseas Medal Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary, Legion of Merit. Member of Central Florida's Blacks in Government, Mayor's Orange County Veteran Advisory Council, Central Florida Section National Council Negro Women, Inc.

On January 14, 2023, Osborne became the 6th President of the National Association of Black Military Women, overseeing approximately 600 members throughout the U.S. Osborne holds a Master's from the New School for Social Research; a Post Master's in Nurse Education from the College of Mount Saint Vincent, a Post Master's, a Legal Nurse Consultant C.W. Post/LIU, and a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration from Walden University, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator in the States of NY, NJ, DE, and Registered Nursing Licenses in New York and Florida.

“

And for people, if you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, do something. We cannot afford to be quiet.

Congressman Jon Lewis

ONYX MAGAZINE 49

R E A L E S TAT E

Uh, Oh!

DON’T PANIC! COMMON CLOSING DAY SURPRISES CAN BE HANDLED.

By Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Credit Challenges

A

real estate closing is an anxiety-inducing time, even if it goes smoothly. Add something unexpected, and it will throw you for a loop. This is not just a concern for those building a home from scratch: For many home buyers, closing day is daunting, and coping with last-minute surprises can be tricky. Some problems are minor and easy to solve; others can wreck a deal. So, which are which? Let's take a look.

Ugly Walk-Through Revelations The dreaded walk-through is the top reason for surprises on closing day: This final inspection of the home happens the day before your settlement—or even the morning of—so there's little time to prepare for whatever problems might pop up.

How bad is it? If the problem is serious, like flooding, you should definitely proceed with caution. To avoid this snafu, make sure to inspect a home as thoroughly as possible before your final walk-through to avoid last-minute surprises. Just ask the seller to cover the cost of those repairs, and put the funds in escrow. Come with estimates from professionals on how much those fix-its will cost.

What Stays, What Goes Another common issue that crops up during the walk-through is misunderstandings about which items get transferred with the sale. Maybe you loved the seller's antique stove, ceiling fan, or other household item and assumed it would stay—but you find out the sellers took it with them.

How bad is it? Unless you're really attached to the item, you may want to let this one slide if you want this deal to go through. To avoid these misunderstandings, delineate in a contract what remains in the house or must be moved out.

Even though you were probably approved for a mortgage a month or so earlier, even small changes in your financial picture since then can affect your credit score and create problems up to the moment you close on the property.

How bad is it? Pretty bad. If a lender withdraws the offer, you won't be able to close until you secure another mortgage, which could take weeks. Or, if the lender wants to increase your interest rate, as it usually does in these situations, then you'll have to decide if you can still afford the purchase.

To head this issue off at the pass, contact your lender the day before closing to discuss and solve any issues that may have turned up. Also, try to avoid making any sudden financial moves in the weeks leading up to the close, like quitting your job or receiving a $10,000 “gift” from a family member to help out with home buying—that could, ironically, throw a wrench into the process.

Real Estate Closing Money Transfer Misunderstandings On a real estate closing day, the chief order of business is to transfer funds.

Show up with the wrong paperwork or account numbers, and you'll be left scrambling.

How bad is it? This misunderstanding should be nothing more than a speed bump. To avoid it, ask your agent and lender before closing what form of payment is required. Also bring your checkbook to pay for small items that might crop up, like an unpaid electric bill.

Title Trouble A title company—which confirms details about your property such as past ownership, liens, and the aforementioned covenants—could bring up issues on closing day. Don’t be afraid to take time to digest any details, problems, or stipulations attached to the property.

How bad is it? It depends on what the search turns up. Some problems, like tax liens or a claim on the property from a relative or co-owner, can postpone a real estate closing. Other things, like the aforementioned covenants, or unpaid HOA dues, may not be deal breakers. But all title defects must be fixed before you can close on the property.

Lisa Kaplan Gordon is an award-winning writer who has covered real estate and home improvement for realtor.com, Yahoo, AOL, and many others.

ONYX MAGAZINE 51

H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

LifeChanging

Health Care

Young Women Treated for High Blood Pressure at Higher Risk for Stroke

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lack women treated for high blood pressure in their 30s and 40s may face a substantially higher risk for having a stroke than their peers without a history of high blood pressure treatment, new research suggests.

The findings showed Black women under 35 who were treated for high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, had triple the risk of having a stroke, and those who developed the condition before age 45 had double the risk.

Stroke at a younger age also "is associated with an increased risk of dying, as well as a burden of physical disability that creates many problems for stroke survivors and their families," he said.

Hypertension rates among Black adults in the U.S. are among the highest in the world, according to American Heart Association statistics.

Roughly 58% of Black women in the U.S. have high blood pressure, compared to 43% of white women, 38% of Asian women and 35% of Hispanic women.

The new analysis used self-reported data from the Black Women's Health Study, which enrolled 59,000 Black women across the U.S. in 1995.

During up to 23 years of follow-up, 3.2% of participants had a stroke.

Black women who started treatment for high blood pressure

52 ONYX ONYXMAGAZINE MAGAZINE

between ages 24 and 34 were three times more likely to have a stroke than those with no history of hypertension. Those treated before age 45 had more than double the risk of stroke. If treatment started between 45 and 64 years old, the increased risk of stroke was 69%.

Researchers had accounted for important factors that could have affected the results. These included smoking, body weight, diabetes status and neighborhood socioeconomic status. Researchers also adjusted for people living in certain regions of the U.S. where stroke is more common and where stroke mortality is higher, mainly clustered in the "stroke belt" that includes the Southeast area.

Make changes that matter: • Eat a well-balanced diet • Limit alcohol • Enjoy regular physical activity • Manage stress • Reach and maintain a healthy weight • Quit smoking. Or don't start.

• Take your medications properly • Work with your health care professional

H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

Intimacy May Get Better With Age Sex over the age of 50 can present challenges, and you may feel discouraged by issues connected with the aging process, but these problems are not insurmountable. With better understanding and an open mind, you can continue to enjoy a physically and emotionally fulfilling sex life–it's not a question of age, but of desire.

The need for intimacy is ageless. And studies now confirm that no matter what your gender, you can enjoy sex for as long as you wish. Naturally, sex at 70 or 80 may not be like it is at 20 or 30—but in some ways it can be better. As an older adult, you may feel wiser than you were in your earlier years, and know what works best for you when it comes to your sex life. Here are some ideas to ponder.

Sex in later life may not be the same as it was in your youth—but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. In fact, sex can be more enjoyable than ever. As you find yourself embracing your older identity, you can: Reap The Benefits of Experience. It is likely that you now know more about yourself and what makes you excited and happy. Look Ahead. As you age, try to let go of expectations for your sex life. Do your best to avoid dwelling on how things are different. If you enjoyed an active sex life in your younger years, there’s no reason to slow down with age, unless you want to. A positive attitude and open mind can go a long way toward improving your sex life as you age. Love and Appreciate Your Older Self. If you can accept changes as natural and hold your head up high, you’ll not only feel better, you’ll also be more attractive to others. Have Safe Sex. Pregnancy may be a long shot, but STDs still exist. Communicate. Opening up with your partner about concerns and likes can make sex more pleasurable. Focus on Intimacy and Touch. Even with health or physical problems, you can engage in intimate acts and closeness. Find What Works: Certain positions may not be as comfortable anymore. Experimenting can be fun. Restart Your Motor. Emotional or physical challenges may have stalled sex for you. A good sex life can be healthy. Know When to Seek Help. No matter what your age, losing your desire for intimacy and touch altogether isn’t normal. In fact, loss of interest or function may be signs of a medical problem—one that may be best addressed by a doctor. If something is getting in the way of your desire or ability to have a good sex life, don't let embarrassment keep you from asking your doctor for help. Working with a professional, there is much you can do to improve your sex life.

Photo courtesy of the Lupus Foundation of America

Lupus Warriors Help Through Clinical Trials Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that disproportionately affects racial and ethnically minoritized populations, particularly Black and Hispanic women: as many as 1 in 250 Black women will develop lupus. Despite this, clinical trials for lupus treatments have not been representative of diverse populations. Addressing this disparity is crucial to ensure more equitable access to cutting-edge treatments and to improve health outcomes for all patients. HOW TO HELP: Every advance in the understanding of a disease such as lupus—its causes, its effects on the body, the development of new drugs and treatments—is based on research. The idea of participating in research can seem difficult or even scary, but there are many different ways to help advance lupus research. People participate in research by: Joining a clinical trial for a new lupus treatment; Responding to patient surveys or joining a patient registry to help researchers learn about what it’s like to live with lupus; Helping researchers test how changing your diet or lifestyle can affect your lupus. Email info@lupus.org for more information.

ONYX MAGAZINE ONYX MAGAZINE 53 53

Jessica Paul COMMUNITY ADVOCATE Whitted Historic Community

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essica Paul, a lifelong resident of the Whitted Historic Community and local business owner, is a passionate advocate for the needs of all community members.

With deep roots in Osceola County, Paul is a devoted mother to her handsome son, Jase, and works tirelessly to ensure his future is bright. She also strives to instill in him the values of community, hard work, and compassion.

Paul unites big and small voices, leveraging her extensive experience to connect elected officials with pressing issues in the Whitted Historic Community, including environmental concerns that directly impact the quality of life.

Recently, Paul and her twin sister, Jennifer, advocated for the community, securing federal and state funds with the help of Congressman Soto and Osceola County officials.

Paul serves on the Osceola County Community Development Block Grant Citizens Advisory Task Force for District 5, ensuring that officials hear all community members' voices. She is also an active St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church of Narcoossee member.

Beyond her advocacy, Paul volunteers her time to organize local events for the Markus Paul Foundation, which honors her late cousin, a hometown hero and NFL legacy.

Through this foundation, she is committed to making a lasting and positive impact on her community, focusing on community development and youth empowerment.

“

Neighbors helping neighbors, building stronger communities.

54 ONYX MAGAZINE

Paul and her twin sister were featured in Spectrum News 13's Everyday Hero segment and a video spotlight series by Experience Kissimmee, highlighting their reputation for being good neighbors and their contributions to the community's well-being. Paul's favorite slogan is In her personal life, Paul finds joy and solace in spending quality time with her supportive family. She credits her unwavering dedication and drive to her parents, Larry and Karen Starke Paul, who instilled in her and her siblings—Jennifer and Justin—the importance of hard work and compassion.

Judith Smelser PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER Central Florida Public Media

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udith Smelser is president and general manager of Central Florida Public Media, previously named WMFE, the only local nonprofit news organization serving the nine-county Central Florida region. She began her journalism career in Washington, D.C., before transitioning to Central Florida in 2004 to join the newsroom at WMFE. Over nearly eight years, Smelser excelled as an award-winning reporter and later as news director. In 2011, she left for Colorado Public Radio, where she held several newsroom leadership roles.

After her time in Colorado, Smelser returned to Orlando and launched Smelser Editing & Consulting, providing consulting and training services to more than 30 public media organizations nationwide. Her journey came full circle when she returned to WMFE, this time as president and general manager.

Since rejoining the organization in 2021, Smelser has led Central Florida Public Media to launch the local discussion show Engage, the local news podcast The Wrap, a new reporting beat covering housing and homelessness, and the Emerging Journalists Fellowship program. In 2024, she spearheaded the rebranding of WMFE to Central Florida Public Media, representing the nonprofit's evolution into a multimedia organization dedicated to serving the local region with trustworthy, independent journalism.

Smelser also collaborated with the Central Florida Foundation and Oviedo Community News to create and host the

first-ever Central Florida Local Journalism Ecosystem Summit in 2024. The three-part Summit brought a dozen local news outlets together to form a strategic alliance to collaboratively address the challenges facing local news now and over the next 10 years.

In addition to leading Central Florida Public Media, Smelser serves on the executive committee of the Board for Florida Public Media, a collaborative organization that supports and enhances the services of 24 public media entities statewide.

In recognition of her contributions, Smelser was honored as one of Orlando Magazine's 2024 Women of the Year and one of the Orlando Business Journal's 2024 Most Influential Leaders.

“

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; there is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.

Henry David Thoreau

ONYX MAGAZINE 55

Celeste Roberts PRESIDENT & CEO The Skills Center

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eleste Roberts dedicates herself to helping others, especially young people. Her work assisting children and teens to mature into adults with upward economic mobility has become more than just a career–it is her passion.

Roberts is the president and CEO of The Skills Center, a sport-based youth development and education nonprofit organization that intentionally utilizes the power of sports to create change through academic success, life skills, and mentoring for youth ages 3 to 18. She is eager to help young people learn how to transfer lessons learned through athletics to everyday life — just as she learned by participating in high school sports.

Roberts has more than 30 years of experience working with non-profit organizations in Florida and Ohio. Her career spans working at the United Way of Hillsborough County, the Boys and Girls Club of Tampa Bay, IMPACTS Consulting, and the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority in Cleveland, Ohio.

The exceptional programs implemented throughout Roberts's career led to the creation of The Skills Center, which she co-founded the organization with partners Chris Ward and John Arroyo in 2007. Roberts provides the leadership, vision, and strategic direction for the organization. Through the power of sports, Roberts aims to improve young people's educational outcomes, economic prospects, and life options.

“

Be strong and courageous and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God is with you.

Chronicles 28:20

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Recently, Roberts scaled her organization by completing a $24.5M development project and spearheading a collective impact model with five other non-profits. This collaboration helps young people thrive in school, have healthy bodies & minds, and be ready for work.

Roberts was most recently recognized for her work in the Tampa community by the Tampa Bay Business Journal Women of the Year honoree, Tampa Organization of Black Affairs' Ike Tribble Civic Leadership Award, Junior League of Tampa Bay Legacy Award, and the Florida Trend's Florida 500 Executive Leaders Award. Roberts holds an MBA and lives with her husband, Ken, and daughter, Kennedy, in Tampa.

Jocel Boney Thornhill DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC PROGRAMS & COMMUNITY RELATIONS Electronic Arts

A

s director of strategic programs and community relations at EA SPORTS, Jocel Thornhill leads large-scale strategic change programs for Electronic Art’s (EA) Orlando-based development studio. In addition, she is responsible for the EA Orlando community action plan, collaborating with the City of Orlando, Central Florida community organizations, schools, and universities.

Thornhill joined EA in 2021. Her notable accomplishments include leading the space planning activities to prepare over 700 employees to return to the newly built EA Orlando office in downtown Orlando post-pandemic. Thornhill is the program leader for EA Orlando’s flagship STEAM summer coding camp for Central Florida high school girls and non-binary students.

Thornhill has over 20 years of successful management experience in various industries and a background in financial services, technology operations, and consultancy. She previously served as Director of Operations with Turner Sports – National Basketball Association (NBA) Digital.

Thornhill has held leadership positions with Turner Broadcasting (now Warner Media) in Atlanta, GA; Wells Fargo in Atlanta, GA; Accenture in Atlanta, GA; and JP Morgan Chase in New York. She earned a degree in philosophy and economics at Smith College, and the American Society for Quality (ASQ) recognizes her as a Certified Manager of Quality/ Organizational Excellence. In 2024, Thornhill was honored

as Women Who Mean Business by Orlando Business Journal and A True Inspiration by Orlando Family Magazine.

Thornhill is a board member of the Steinway Society of Central Florida and a member of the Orlando Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a public service organization. Before moving to Orlando, she served on the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Atlanta board of directors and the Atlanta Youth Tennis and Education Foundation. Currently, she is on the advisory board for Kids on the Ball. Thornhill is certified by Cambridge University to teach English to speakers of other languages and, in her spare time, has volunteered as an English language teacher.

“

You’ll always miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.

Wayne Gretzky

ONYX MAGAZINE 57

FLORIDA SCOPE TECH JOB SALARIES UP IN FLORIDA Technology industry employees in Florida are earning higher salaries than ever, according to a recent report from Dice, a career site for tech industry. The average tech salary in the state reached $116,939 last year, surpassing the national average of $112,521.

Compensation in Florida was up 12.1% year-over year, making it the only state to achieve double-digit growth. South Florida. Business Journal

FLORIDA LAWMAKERS BACK BILL TO PROTECT STATE PARKS

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA GIFT OUTPACES OTHER AMERICAN ORCHESTRA DONATIONS

A bipartisan committee of Florida lawmakers unanimously advanced a bill Tuesday to prohibit golf courses, hotels, pickleball courts and more from being built on state park land. The hearing showed the staying power of the deep, wide-

In what is considered one of the largest financial gifts ever to an American orchestra, the Sarasota Orchestra has announced a $60 million donation toward the planning and construction of its new music center. The

spread anger ignited throughout the state by the proposal, termed the “Great Outdoors Initiative,” which pitched sports amenities and lodging in nine parks from Miami to the Florida Panhandle.

Tampa Bay Times

donor wants to remain anonymous, and the gift does not include naming rights for the new facility, which the orchestra plans to build on a 31-acre site it purchased in 2023. Sarasota Herald Tribune.

NEW FLORIDA RESIDENT NUMBERS DROP For the duration of COVID-19, particularly between 2021 and 2023, Florida was the place to go as legions of New Yorkers and residents of other urban-heavy states escaped the discomforts of heavily populated communities for a land of low taxes, sunshine and a friendlier business climate. But now, migration to Florida from other states is flattening to the extent that the Sunshine State is showing a near “balance” between new arrivals and those who are leaving the state. Orlando Sentinel

AFFORDABLE HOUSING STRUGGLES DESPITE HIGH CONSTRUCTION Home prices and rents in Florida have stabilized in the last two years following a period of rapid growth. However, a new University of Florida report on recent housing trends highlights a continued shortage of affordable housing for the workforce and seniors on fixed incomes. Despite growth in the stock, a significant number of Floridians continue to face cost burdens, spending a large portion of their income on housing expenses.

When families pay a large share of their income for housing, it’s harder to cover other critical costs such as food, transportation, and health care. UF News

FLORIDA SMALL BUSINESSES FIND IT TOUGH TO HIRE There are plenty of jobs out there for those willing to work. Just ask employers, who apparently can’t fill the job listings they have published. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) issued a January jobs report that shows 35% of small-business owners said they cannot fill job openings they are posting. The industries with the biggest challenges include transportation, construction and manufacturing. The sticky market is hitting Florida as well. Florida Politics

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WHERE DOES FLORIDA RANK IN MOST EDUCATED STATES? According to the data, Florida earned just shy of 54 points overall, largely lacking in the educational attainment category. But on the other hand, Florida ranked third out of all states on the list when it came to education quality specifically. This isn’t the only area where Florida’s earned high marks, though. Last year, Florida came out as the top state in the nation for both education and its economy, according to a study by U.S. News & World Report. Click Orlando

ONYX ON THE MOVE

Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival Marks Eight Years

T

he Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival (TBCGF) has been cooking up good health since 2018 and ONYX Magazine was there to celebrate the eighth anniversary. The annual festival is committed to promoting health equity, disease prevention, and economic empowerment for underserved communities, particularly Black, Brown, and African American populations. TBCGF organizers focus on addressing the systemic interconnection between diabetes, heart health, and hypertension — three conditions that disproportionately impact communities of color due to food insecurity, limited access to preventive healthcare, and socioeconomic barriers.

“It’s a celebration of culture, nutrition, fresh foods and how you can contribute to your own health by knowing how to grow your own vegetables,” St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth Welch said to ONYX Magazine. “But it’s also a celebration of diversity and economics. There are more than

200 vendors here today. I want to thank Boyzell and Samantha for growing this and brining all the sponsors and vendors on over the years. And it’s perfect, at this time, that we celebrate diversity, and we always continue to do that in the City of St. Pete.”

Co-founders Samantha Harris and Boyzell Hosey started the Collard Green Festival eight years ago. What started as a friendly cooking competition and church fundraiser has become a multiday festival that attracts thousands of people from across the state. Partner Publix gives each guest two bunches of greens while supplies last.

“I think people take pride in knowing the community can come together over something we can all share in common, and that’s our love for what food does,” Hosey told St. Pete Catalyst. “Sharing stories about our experiences over food — that’s something that cuts across cultural lines. The collard green just conjures up a lot of memories for people.”

BLACK HISTORY EVENT CELEBRATES TRAILBLAZERS

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NYX Magazine attended the 37th Annual City of Tampa Black History Celebration! This year's theme, Trailblazers: Leading Change, highlighted individuals throughout the Tampa Bay Area who have set themselves apart by overcoming personal and/ or professional challenges to excel within their respective industries.

The 2025 honorees were: Arizona Jenkins, an advocate for people with disabilities; Erica Hardison, a changemaker in food systems; Jean-Rene’ Rinvil, an award-winning filmmaker; Darrius J. Stallworth, a leader for stable housing; Latonia Boykins, an assisted living champion; Vickie Oldham, a historian and 2019 ONYX Magazine

These friends were among thousands who attended.

Brandon Beacham, the Collard Green King

This genius made collard green ice cream

NCNW PREPARES FOR SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON

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Honorees Vickie Oldham and Antonio Brown

Women on the Move honoree; Kehsi Iman, a disability justice advocate; and Antonio Brown, a barber and literacy advocate.

NYX The Central Florida Section of the National Council of Negro Women Inc. (CFS-NCNW), a recognized 501(c)(3) organization, warmly invites you to join us in supporting the prestigious Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Black Rose Awards and Scholarship Luncheon. This inspiring event not only celebrates the remarkable achievements of our graduating high school students but also honors the dedicated community leaders whose contributions exemplify the spirit of service and excellence. Partnering with us in this endeavor means investing in the future of our youth and uplifting those who make a difference in our communities. Together, we can create lasting change and recognition for those who truly deserve it. For more information, visit www.centralfloridancnw.org.

ONYX MAGAZINE 59

60 ONYX MAGAZINE

Kelli Tice, M.D. VICE PRESIDENT, MEDICAL AFFAIRS CHIEF HEALTH IMPROVEMENT OFFICER GuideWell/Florida Blue

K

elli Tice, M.D., is a family physician with a background in public health who serves as GuideWell and Florida Blue's vice president, Medical Affairs, and Chief Health Improvement Officer. In this role she assumed in January 2022, Dr. Tice creates solutions that improve health outcomes and address health inequities for GuideWell's customers and communities. She also has responsibilities in public health surveillance and served as the clinical lead for Florida Blue's COVID-19 response. Dr. Tice is a key member of GuideWell's Equity Alliance, an enterprise-wide initiative addressing systemic racism and health disparities for Black Americans.

Before joining GuideWell, the parent company of Florida Blue, in 2018, Dr. Tice spent 17 years as a public health physician, serving in numerous leadership roles, including that of County Health Officer and State Medical Director for the Florida Department of Health. Throughout her career, Dr. Tice has worked to address health disparities, including training physicians and medical students on the incorporation of evidence-based health equity techniques into public and private clinical settings. She recently graduated from Massachusetts General Hospital's Harvard Disparities Leadership Program.

Dr. Tice is a member of several medical organizations, including the Florida Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Florida State Medical Association, Florida Medical Association, and National Medical Association. She holds leadership roles in the Northeast Florida Medical Society (president), Jacksonville Transformation

“

One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency.

We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.

Maya Angelou

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Coalition's Health Equity Committee (co-lead), and national workgroups such as the Health Evolution Forum's Data-Driven Health Equity Strategies Roundtable (co-chair) and America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) Health Equity Leadership Committee (chair). In addition, Dr. Tice serves on both the Florida State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) and Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative (FPQC) steering committees.

Dr. Tice received her bachelor's degree from Florida A&M University and her medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine. She is the proud mother of four young adults and loves reading and traveling.

Chauncia Willis-Johnson, MPA, MEP, CEM, CPC CO-FOUNDER AND CEO The Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management (I-DIEM)

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hauncia Willis-Johnson is an emergency management and cultural diversity expert. As the CEO of I-DIEM, she provides organizations in the U.S. and Africa with recommendations on policy creation, resource allocations, and program development to increase cultural competence and mitigate the negative impacts of disasters on vulnerable groups. She believes increased representation will reduce the devastating effects of inequity and that the emergency management enterprise would benefit from implementing foundational diversity, inclusion, and equity concepts.

Before co-founding I-DIEM, Willis-Johnson was a professional emergency manager for over 21 years within local, state, and private sector organizations. She spent 14 years with the City of Tampa, creating and managing the Office of Emergency Management and designing and directing the City’s Emergency Operations Center. She is a certified emergency manager, master exercise practitioner and certified professional coach. Willis-Johnson serves as the immediate past president of the International Association of Emergency Managers, Region 4. Her team’s documentary, Muted, about climate marginalization in America, won a regional Emmy award in 2025.

Willis-Johnson has a diverse background in disaster management. Deployed to response and recovery efforts, she has overseen plans for catastrophic hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, disease outbreaks, and civil disturbances. Additionally, she is an expert in large-scale event planning and has coordinated consequence management and homeland security activities for large-scale national

and international events, including the Tampa Bay Super Bowl XLIII, the Republican National Convention, the International Indian Film Festival (Bollywood Oscars), the NCAA National Football Championships, and the Women’s Final Four Championships.

Willis-Johnson grew up near the beautiful beaches of St. Petersburg, Fla. She received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Loyola University New Orleans. She studied government and policy at the Georgia State University, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, where she earned a Master of Public Administration degree. Her interests include the psychology of disaster trauma, vulnerable community resilience planning, gender and racial bias in disaster response, and the impacts of social inequities pre- and post-disaster. Willis-Johnson also is a graduate of the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching and the FEMA Emergency Management Executive Academy, Cohort II.

“

With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

Matthew 19:26

ONYX ONYXMAGAZINE MAGAZINE 63

Secily Wilson CEO WOW Legacy Group

S

ecily Wilson is a powerhouse of resilience, reinvention, and inspiration. Wilson is not just a woman who overcomes adversity—she dominates--from her start as an award-winning broadcast journalist and TV personality to becoming the CEO of WOW (Women Overcoming with Willpower) Legacy Group, a transformative nonprofit that empowers women to rise above life's toughest challenges.

Her mission is simple: empower women to reclaim their power, rewrite their narratives, and step into their boldest, most fearless selves.

Wilson has a growing list of accolades. Orlando Magazine named her the 2024 Woman of the Year, Orlando Business Journal honored her among Women Who Mean Business, and the United Way presented her with the United Way Change Impact Award. Wilson is a trailblazing leader, serving as the 2020 President of the Rotary Club of Lake Buena Vista.

Wilson is a dynamic TEDx speaker and bestselling author of "She Said the P Word." The title is lightly inspired by her epic viral moment on Family Feud with host Steve Harvey. If you have not seen it, Google it. You will thank her later. While the title might raise eyebrows, the book itself is deeply inspiring, guiding readers to unleash the power of the "P" (purpose, perseverance, passion) to overcome their struggles. Wilson is also a member of the Orange County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

“

In order to find yourself, you must lose yourself in the service of others.

Gandhi

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Ask Wilson what title truly matters, and she will tell you: "Mommy" and "GINA." She chose "Gina" because it sounds better than granny. Her granddaughter lovingly calls her Gina, and Wilson calls her granddaughter "Gina's baby." An unbreakable bond.

Whether she's leading a movement, lighting up a stage, or sharing her powerful story, Wilson proves that when life falls apart, all it takes is unshakable faith, endless willpower, and the ability to laugh to stop from crying, to get back up and Fall into Fabulous!

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Volume 27, Issue 3 MAY/JUNE 2024

E5 27, ISSU R 2024 VOLUME R/OCTOBE SEPTEMBE

African American Music Appreciation Month:

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2024 CELEB AFRIC R ATES A A MERICN Making Enough?

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10th Annual ONYX Magazine

WOMEN ON THE MOVE

Through the Years

2016 Dr. Rosalyn Clark Artis Congresswoman Corrine Brown Julia E. Brown Briana Daniel Dr. Leticia Diaz Dr. Marie-Jose Francois Kathleen "Kat" Gordon Dr. Gwendolyn Goldsby Grant Kezia Hendrix-Rolle Sandy Hosetter Fla. Sen. Arthenia Joyner Latria Graham Leak Sisaundra Lewis Dr. Elmira Mangum Deborah McDuffie Ellen Parcell Tiffany Moore Russell Nancy Port Schwalb Carole Ann Taylor Dr. Delvina Thomas Doretha Hair Truesdell Congresswoman Frederica Wilson Belinda Wilson 2017 Leticia M. Adams Dr. Florence Alexander Vernice Atkins-Bradley Denee Benton Jackie Brockington Lee Bryan Stefanie Campbell Ruby Cooper-Darling Dr. Angela Felecia Epps Camille Evans, Esq. Honorable Carolyn Grant-Ford Denise Hicks Lauren Houston Natalie A. Jackson, Esq. Yolanda Cash Jackson, Esq. Honorable Viviana Janer Dr. Barbara M. Jenkins Connie W. Kinnard Beatrice Louissaint Maritza Martinez Monica May Dr. Lucille O'Neal Dr. Rosalie Ellis Payne Kathey K. Porter Marisol Romany Honorable Patty Sheehan Dr. Falecia D. Williams Dr. Dhyana Ziegler

66 ONYX MAGAZINE

2018

2018 Pasha Baker Tasha Maria Robinson Banks Althemese Barnes Mary Ann Carroll Roda Howard Carter Terrie Daniel Felecia Haslom Davis Jasmine Gebon Annette Gibbs Marcia Hope Goodwin Cathy Grant Lynda V. Harris Anita Henri Erica Henri Commissioner Regina I. Hill Paula Hoisington Beverly Kuykendall Yolanda Londono Megan Mack Brenda March Desiree Spence Matthews Dr. Pamela McCauley Annette McNeill Julia Sarkodie Mensah** Bernadette Morris Joyce Odongo Ava L. Parker, Esq. Shanti Persaud Angela Suggs Wanda Trotter Carla M. Williams Cece Teneal Williams

2019

2019 Eloise Abrahams, RN Dr. Ann Ashley-Gilbert Sherri T. Brown Cathy Brown-Butler Chole Juanita Evans Coney Congresswoman Valez B. Demings Dr. Elizabeth Dooley Dr. Melissa Freeman* Linda Howard Jacqueline Jones Nikki Lewis-Simon Novlet Mattis Vickie Oldham Dancia Penn** Clemmie Perry

Commissioner Victoria Siplin Carolyn House Stewart Rep. Geraldine Thompson Dr. Riva Tims Dr. Paulette Walker Melanie Williams Dr. Tonjua Williams

2020

2024

2020 Latasha R. Barnes Xernona Clayton* Joli Cooper Dawn Chantel Curtis Tanisha Nunn Gary, Esq. Mildred Graham Dr. Joan B. Holmes Valerie Chester Hendriex Jenkins Latonya Johnson-Gill Janie Lacy Inez Long*** Sonya Mallard Chanta Miller Dame Constance Viola Mitcham** Heidi Otway Sylvia Perry Caleta Scott Tamara Shamburger Kathy T. Times Dr. Brenda L. Walker Crystal Warwell Walker Dr. Bridget Williams 2021 Verdenia C. Baker Rep. Fentrice Driskell Dr. Martha Ducatel Carolyn Fennell* Nikki Gaskin-Capehart Deputy Leila Freeze Graham Lena Graham-Morris Dr. Diana L. Greene Malika Harrison Bertha Henry Lashawnda K. Jackson Deidre A. Keller Kena Lewis Machelle Maner Shaylia McRae Erika Pulley-Hayes Michele L. Stocker Nicole Thomas 2022 Kamia Brown Dr. Johnnetta Betsh Cole* Tina N. Commodore Bertha Cooper-Rousseau Joyce E. Cotton

Commissioner Gwen Myers JoJo O'Neal Dawn Chantel Ofodile Sherry Paramore Sharon Riley Gail Thomas Dewitt

2022 Marilyn Drayton Vicki-Elaine Felder Dr. Angela L. Fields Donna Gilmer Quibulah Graham*** Dr. Malou C. Harrison Dr. Danielle A. Henry Dr. Jocelyn H. Henson Dr. Cynthia Johnson Kimra Major-Morris, Esq. Jo Newell Maribel Nicholson-Choice Desiree Noisette, Esq. Tekoa Pouerie Dr. Laine Powell Kimber Saint-Preux Barbara Tripp Veronica Valdez, Esq. Annetta Wilson

2023 Trisha Bailey, Ph.D.* Vivian Bryant Patrice Cates-Longberger, M.D. Pamela Cates-Smith, M.D. Iranetta Dennis Tara L. Dorsey Ohme Entin Sandra M. Fatmi-Hall Tammie Fields Tempress Gavin Solomon Olive Gaye Mercy Gilbert** Terri Ann Verschell Graham Ethel Isaacs Williams Kim Johnson Daralene Jones Sytia Necole Messer Lyndell Mims

2024 Talia Blake Juliet* Daniel Jennifer Felder-Smith LaQuitta Ghent Amanda Gunter Gwen Hewitt Charmaine Hunter Shannan Ighodaro Esther Marshall Melva McKay-Bass Dr. Tolu McKenzie Cherisa Murphy Adaobi Chibuzo Okobi Wanda Patterson Suzanne Pickett Tonya Pratt** Traci Thompson Tamika White Nadine Mentor Williams Natasha Williams Ida Williams-Campbell Nekeshia Woods Woman of the Year* International Woman on the Move** Community Impact Award***

2023

ONYX MAGAZINE 67

10th Annual ONYX Magazine

WOMEN ON THE MOVE

Scholars

Winny Adrien

Orlando, Fla. Senior at Evans High School Accepted to Valencia College Will Study Nursing Winny Adrien, a graduating senior from Evans High School pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse. She has been accepted into the nursing program at Valencia College for the fall semester. Born and raised in Haiti, Winny’s journey is a testament to perseverance and resilience. Despite growing up in a middle-class family, she faced significant hardships, including food insecurity and frequent power outages, which instilled valuable lessons in responsibility, determination, and the strength of family. Despite the language barrier, having arrived without knowing English, her determination led to remarkable progress both academically and personally. Her hard work and dedication earned her membership in the National Honor Society and the National Art Honor Society, recognizing her academic excellence and creative talents.

Additionally, as a member of Future Leaders United (FLU), she actively engages in leadership development and community service.

Committed to using her education and experiences to inspire others, she aims to make a meaningful impact, demonstrating that resilience and hope can overcome any obstacle.

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Caliya Benson

Sarasota, Fla. Bethune-Cookman University Sophomore Education Major Caliya Benson, an Elementary Education major at Bethune-Cookman University, was born and raised in Sarasota, Fla. A dedicated student, she transferred from Jackson State University and has excelled academically, earning a 3.5 GPA in her first semester. Passionate about teaching, Caliya has always aspired to become a second-grade teacher, a goal shaped by her experience mentoring younger children at summer camps during high school. In addition to her academic achievements, Caliya actively contributes to her university community. She volunteers for the School of Education, participating in events that engage high school, middle school, and elementary students. She also works with the transdisciplinary program, helping high school students develop visual literacy skills through interpreting graphs and enhancing analytical thinking. Her dedication to learning and community involvement continues to inspire her journey.

Lynda Girven

Orlando, Fla. University of Central Florida Senior Legal Studies Major Lynda Girven is a dedicated student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies with a minor in Political Science at the University of Central Florida. A passionate advocate for justice, she previously earned an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice from Valencia College, graduating with honors in December 2023. Her academic journey reflects a strong commitment to juvenile justice and family law, highlighted by current research at UCF focused on the effectiveness of aftercare and reentry programs in reducing juvenile recidivism. Beyond academics, Lynda has demonstrated a deep dedication to child advocacy through their work with Head Start, supporting early education for children from low-income families. Volunteer efforts assisting the less fortunate further underscores her commitment to social justice. Motivated by personal experiences, she is determined to protect vulnerable families and children through a career in law.

Aleria Lester

Vero Beach, Fla. Senior at Vero Beach High School Accepted to Florida State University Will Study Biomedical Engineering Aleria Lester, a graduating senior from Vero Beach High School, has been accepted into Florida State University to pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering. Inspired by caring for family members during health challenges, she developed a passion for healthcare and a desire to create reliable, efficient, and accessible medical devices to improve lives. Academically, Aleria has excelled, earning AP Scholar, AP Capstone Diploma, National African American, and First-Generation recognitions from the College Board. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success, reflecting her dedication to academic excellence. With over 245 community service hours, Aleria has demonstrated strong leadership as President of Trio Upward Bound Student Government Association and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.- Precious Pearls, Secretary of the Science National Honor Society, and Team Manager for Vero Beach High School’s Girls’ Basketball team. Her experiences as a Jury Clerk at the Indian River County Courthouse and a cashier at Publix further showcase her commitment to growth and service.

Landina Sauveur

Ft Pierce, Fla. Senior at Lincoln Park Academy Accepted to Indian River College Will Study Nursing Landina Sauveur, a dedicated high school senior, is passionate about making a difference in healthcare. Inspired by witnessing health challenges within her own family, she developed a strong desire to support both older adults and children, especially those unable to advocate for themselves. Academically

driven, Landina has maintained an impressive 3.7 GPA while balancing her roles as a student, employee, and active community member.

Her leadership and commitment to service are reflected through her involvement in the Student Council, BETA Club, and the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Landina plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and obtain her RN license at Indian River State College, where she aims to acquire the skills necessary to provide quality patient care. A scholarship would help ease financial burdens, allowing her to focus on her studies and volunteer work. Determined to succeed, Landina is committed to using her education to give back and make a meaningful impact in her community.

Beyond academics, Alissa is actively engaged in organizations that reflect her interests and values. As a member of the Real Estate and Leadership Club, she collaborates with peers who share her enthusiasm for the real estate industry. She also contributes to the Sister Sister Mentor Organization, empowering young women through mentorship and community service. Additionally, her involvement with the Small Business Institute (SBI) LLC has provided valuable hands-on experience in entrepreneurship and business strategy. Alissa aspires to pursue a Master’s degree and obtain her real estate license, aiming to make a meaningful impact on both business and community development.

Antonia Yarborough

Orlando, Fla. Senior at Evans High School Accepted to Bethune Cookman University Will Study Biology

Alissa Whitfield

Tallahassee, Fla. Florida A&M University Junior Business Administration Major Alissa Whitfield, a 17-year-old junior at Florida A&M University (FAMU), is pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a strong commitment to academic excellence.

Her dedication is reflected in her recent achievement of winning the prestigious Capital One Case Study Competition, an accomplishment that sharpened her analytical skills and deepened her passion for solving realworld business challenges.

Antonia Yarborough is a dedicated student at Evans High School, proudly representing the Trojans. As a member of the Evans High School Marching Band, she is specifically part of the Colour Guard Team, a role she has cherished for the past three years. Antonia balances her passion for music and performance with academic excellence and consistently achieving AB Honor Roll. She is also involved in the Job Partnership Club, which allows her to develop valuable skills for the future. Driven by the motto, "Don't let your right now limit your not yet," Antonia aspires to further her education at Bethune-Cookman University, where she plans to study Biology. Her career aspiration is to become an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, a dream she has held since childhood. Antonia's enthusiasm for the future is matched only by her love for her school and the marching Wildcats.

ONYX MAGAZINE 69

THE QUAD

BLACK STUDENTS LEAD CONFERENCE –

April 18-19 in New York Metro

T

he Black Students Lead Leadership Conference is the largest national gathering of Black Student Leaders and campus-based advisors to address the most critical topics of diversity and social justice challenging our Black student's community within colleges and universities. Through experiential workshops, keynote sessions, and round table discussions, teams of students will acquire the necessary knowledge and skills needed to advance Black-related causes and increase their participation in leadership roles within their campuses. During the conference students will be led through a facilitated workshop to develop a program or event (i.e. Campus Action Plan) that the team selects to work on together in order to bring back a piece of the Black Students Lead Conference (BSL) experience to their own campuses.

The overarching goal of the Black Students Lead Conference (BSL) is to help students become stronger leaders and allies to the Black community by practicing inclusion in their organizations and campuses. The Conference empowers them to create a more

accepting, equitable environment, and preparing them to work effectively in a diverse workplace. Participants will explore the history and roots of the Black community, examine where they are currently, and look to their future. To this end, experiential workshops and discussions will focus on the following four crucial areas for learning:

Spring 2025: New York City Metro Area!

April 18-19, 2025

Sample topics from our Spring 2025 Conference: • Speak Up & Stand Out: Mastering Public Speaking and Communication Skills • Refilling My Cup: Prioritizing Health in the Black Community • Student Activism 101: How to make change on your campus • Creating an Inclusive Community for Your Students • Don’t Drink Bush Water for Somebody Else’s Fever • And so many other workshops for students and advisors!

Bethune-Cookman University

B

ethune-Cookman University (B-CU) proudly announces the receipt of a $5,000 grant from the Hyatt University Fund to support its ongoing efforts to advance hospitality business education.

This grant will enable the implementation of the Cub Paradise Restaurant Innovations Technology (CPRIT) project, which focuses on equipping students with technological skills and competencies essential for leadership roles in the hospitality industry.

At the core of the CPRIT project is the acquisition of a cutting-edge Electronic Point of Sales (POS) system, a critical tool in modern hospitality management.

The POS system will serve as an advanced training platform for BCU students, offering real-world, hands-on experience in restaurant operations, customer service management, and financial transaction handling—vital skills in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven hospitality sector.

“This grant underscores the importance

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of hospitality business education in preparing future leaders who are both innovative and adaptable,” said Dr. Ruth Smith, Department Chair of Business Administration with a Concentration in Hospitality Management. “With this generous support from Hyatt, we can provide our students with a competitive edge by immersing them in industry-standard technology and operational practices. This initiative perfectly aligns with our mission to deliver high-quality, experiential education that

bridges the gap between theory and practice.”

The CPRIT project, housed within the Cub Paradise Restaurant—a student-managed training facility—demonstrates BCU’s commitment to integrating real-world business environments into its curriculum. The addition of the POS system will significantly enhance learning outcomes by simulating the complexities of modern hospitality operations.

Beyond student learning, this initiative will also strengthen BCU’s position as a leader in hospitality business education among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and foster stronger partnerships with industry leaders like Hyatt.

By providing state-of-the-art training facilities, BCU aims to cultivate a pipeline of highly skilled graduates who can innovate and excel in various leadership roles across the hospitality industry.

B-CU Communications

THE QUAD

UNCF SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE Get a head start on these opportunities 2025-2026 AAP-UNCF Internship The AAP-UNCF Internship Program, sponsored by the Association of American Publishers (AAP), is seeking college juniors and seniors with an interest in pursuing a career in the publishing industry. Candidates will be selected to intern at AAP member companies for the summer.

Closes Mar. 3.

2024-2025 Berbeco Senior Research Fellowship The Berbeco Senior Research Fellowship provides classified college junior students with the opportunity to complete a summer study-abroad program during Summer 2025.

Closes Mar. 5.

Florida A&M University

F

lorida A&M University (FAMU) alumna Kai Allen has been named one of two first-place winners of the Target HBCU Design Challenge.

The national competition, which celebrates creativity and innovation from students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), recognized Allen’s outstanding design work by featuring one of her creative designs on a sweatshirt available in select stores.

Allen, a graphic design graduate from FAMU’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC), discovered the Target HBCU Design Challenge when her professor, Anthony Brundles, shared the opportunity with students.

“FAMU is where I found my creative spark,” said Allen. “The small, intimate classroom setting and the unwavering support from my professors gave me the confidence I needed to push forward with this competition. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their encouragement and guidance.”

FAMU’s SJGC has long been known for fostering creativity and providing opportunities for students to excel.

Allen’s journey is a prime example of how FAMU’s tight-knit community, supportive professors, and invaluable resources empower students to succeed. Throughout her time at FAMU, Allen was pushed to continuously refine her craft and explore new design avenues, receiving both academic and professional support from faculty such as Professors Alicia Hope, Anosh Gill, and Carlos Miranda.

As one of the first-place winners, Allen is not only excelling in her professional career, but also inspiring others along the way.

“I hope my success inspires young Black girls who may not see themselves in design yet,” said Allen. “If I can do it, they can too. Representation matters, and I’m proud to show them that they too can achieve their dreams.”

2025-2026 UNCF Domino’s Pizza Scholarship The UNCF Domino’s Pizza Scholarship was established in collaboration with UNCF to provide scholarships to college juniors & seniors who are attending a UNCF member HBCU or another four-year, accredited HBCU. Closes Mar. 6.

2025-2026 UNCF STEM Scholars Program The UNCF STEM Scholars Program is an initiative designed to identify and provide scholarship and academic support for high school students who aspire to earn STEM degrees and to pursue careers in STEM fields, awarding 100 scholarships on an annual basis. Closes Mar. 24.

FAMU Communications ONYX ONYX MAGAZINE MAGAZINE 71 71

W E A LT H / F I N A N C E

MAKING Money Moves Women are poised to reshape financial markets— as investors and financial decision-makers.

By Stephanie Choi, Christine Yu, Claudia Ukonu

I

t’s time we reflect on the role women play in shaping financial markets— both as investors and as employees in the institutions that keep those markets running. On both fronts, there is ample opportunity to deliver both societal progress and economic empowerment.

Worryingly, women do not create wealth at the same rates as men. According to the OECD, women receive 26% less income from the pension system than men. Critically important for many women around the world is improving their inclusion in financial markets as investors and closing this gender investing gap.

We must ask ourselves: What role do women play as investors, and how can their participation be further encouraged and supported?

Answering this question could unlock a $700 billion revenue opportunity for firms that effectively serve female customers.

The Gender Investing Gap

Addressing the gender pay gap is crucial to unlocking women's full potential as investors. UpLink Top Investor and co-founder and general partner of VentureSouq, Sonia Weymuller says: "Accountability is key and clear mechanisms should ensure diversity goals are met."

Women often handle unpaid caregiving and housework, leading to missed 72 ONYX MAGAZINE

promotions and part-time work. Consequently, women may have less capacity to generate income through employment and wealth creation through investing.

While over 80% of women are comfortable leading short-term financial planning activities for their families, only 23% are comfortable leading long-term financial planning such as investing and insurance. This lack of confidence affects wealth creation and impedes engagement in investment activities.

An estimated $3.22 trillion of additional investment capital globally could be unlocked if women invested at the same rate as men. Moreover, when given the opportunity, women investors per-

form well, outperforming men by 1.8 percentage points annually. Beyond financial returns, women are twice as likely to incorporate ESG factors into their investing activities. Women also invest back into their communities through philanthropic giving, with their charitable activities increasing as their income rises.

Closing the Representation Gap in Financial Services

Within the financial industry, there is still much progress to be made on the inclusion of women as decision-making employees in financial institutions.

Despite strides towards gender equality, stark statistics on women in finance

W E A LT H / F I N A N C E

persist: in 2023, women occupied only 18% of C-suite roles globally. Further, women represent just 30% of board members, 22% of executives and 27% of senior management positions in companies worldwide with a market value of at least $2 billion.

"In my experience women hold various leadership roles in the finance industry. However, there is a noticeable absence of women in leadership positions with direct financial decision-making responsibilities. Fortunately, this is changing as more women move into these critical roles." — Christine Yu,

This article has been republished with a creative commons license with World Economic Forum.

Co-founder, Sophia

However, amidst these challenges, there is compelling evidence of the positive impact of increased female participation. Hedge funds managed by women have delivered returns twice as high as the average hedge fund, and female clients and femalefounded companies have been shown to generate an average of 10% more revenue over a five-year period than male-founded companies.

Companies with more diverse Boards are also more likely to demonstrate higher business ethics and corporate citizenship scores, be better at attracting and retaining talent, and have more robust climate strategies.

Increasing Female Representation at the Top is a Complex Challenge

When Amy Lo, now Chairman, UBS Global Wealth Management Asia, recalls her early days at the firm in 1995, she remembers attending a senior workshop in Zurich where she noticed a significant gender imbalance: "It was predominantly male, with perhaps only around 2% being women." This experience fueled her determination to advocate for women and minorities in the workplace. "I felt a strong urge to make a difference," she said.

In the US, women are well represented at entry levels, comprising 52% of associated finance jobs in 2021. As of August 2023, close to 30% of senior manage-

ment positions at UBS globally are held by women — but this success is not replicated across the wider sector. In fact, female representation sharply declines as women progress to the senior vice president level, typically occurring 10-15 years into their career, and remains stagnant thereafter. The drop is particularly pronounced for women of colour, with only 4% of black women holding C-suite positions compared to 23% white women and 64% white men. This indicates that recruitment strategies often prioritize women at entry levels, potentially overlooking the need for re-entry programmes for women returning to leadership roles.

"Continued efforts to promote diversity and support women in finance and in entrepreneurship are fundamental to unlock their potential to drive meaningful change. For example, venture capital firms with female leadership enable inclusive and holistic investment decisions based on the diversity of perspectives provided on the investment committee."

— Sonia Weymuller, Co-Founder and General Partner, VentureSouq

Employers should focus on hiring based on skills and potential for growth rather than short-term objectives.

While flexible work arrangements and benefits like extended maternity leave can reduce turnover among women with caregiving responsibilities, they may also impede career advancement by limiting opportunities for networking and collaboration.

A 2021 Catalyst survey highlighted that women with childcare responsibil-

ities who were offered flexible work options were 32% less likely to leave their jobs.

Therefore, many companies are implementing flexible work arrangements and benefits like extended maternity leave, which can reduce turnover among women with caregiving responsibilities. However, overly flexible schedules may impede career advancement by hindering opportunities for networking and collaboration.

Ultimately, fostering an inclusive workplace culture is crucial for the success of these initiatives. Embracing diversity not only enhances productivity but also promotes a positive and collaborative environment for all employees. Encouraging women's participation in leadership positions creates a ripple effect, paving the way for more women to advance in their careers.

Reshaping Financial Services

To reshape the financial services industry, we must engage with women throughout their lives, providing support and resources to enhance financial literacy and empower them as wealth creators and decision-makers.

Closing the gender gap in financial services could unlock $700 billion in revenue and secure the future of women around the world. There is immense potential for positive impact by promoting gender equality in the industry.

Furthermore, by fostering an inclusive and accountable culture within those financial services institutions, we can pave the way for a future where women play an integral role in shaping and influencing financial markets, ultimately leading to greater prosperity for all.

Stephanie Choi is a Sustainable and Impact Investing Strategist, Global Wealth Management Chief Inve, UBS; Christine Yu is the co-founder, Sophia; Claudia Ukonu is Growth Lead, UpLink, World Economic Forum.

ONYX MAGAZINE 73

WORKPLACE

WORKPLACE

CHALLENGES FOR 2025

By Ben Wigert and Ryan Pendell

A

lthough the U.S. economy enjoys low unemployment and declining quit rates, the psychological state of workers tells a more complicated story. Historically low employee engagement and wellbeing levels indicate employees are struggling. Many report feeling disconnected from their organization’s mission and like their organization doesn’t care about them.

But there is hope: By changing how people are led, employers can address engagement and wellbeing simultaneously, creating a new foundation for consistent performance, retention and organizational growth.

Here are seven workplace challenges for organizations to navigate going into the new year:

1. The Great Detachment Threatens Performance

In 2024, U.S. employee engagement reached an 11-year low. Other key measures tell an even gloomier story: Overall employee satisfaction returned to an all-time record low, and employees are seeking new job opportunities at the highest level since 2015. Re-engaging the workforce and re-building employee commitment will be a critical leadership challenge in the coming year.

2. Poor Job Markets Lead to More Disgruntled Workers

In the 2024 State of the Global Workplace report, Gallup analyzed the relationship between employee engagement and local job markets.

We found that when it’s harder to find a job, people are more likely to be actively disengaged. A plausible explanation is that people become very unhappy when they are trapped in a job they don’t like. Improving economic conditions shifts employees from angry to indifferent, but not from indifferent to inspired.

3. U.S. Employee Life Evaluation Hits Record Low

Fifty percent of U.S. employees are thriving in their overall lives—a new record low in Gallup’s trend measuring employee wellbeing since 2009. Thriving employees who rate their current and future lives positively are less likely to miss work because of health issues and are less likely to seek another job. Leaders need to prioritize creating a culture of employee wellbeing that surpasses their current efforts if they want sustainable employee performance.

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4. AI Stalls in the Workplace

Since the release of ChatGPT in 2022, leaders have invested substantially in AI to boost productivity and customer service in their organizations.

But so far, employee adoption of AI in the workplace is lagging behind the hype. Nearly seven in 10 employees say they never use AI, while one in 10 say they use it at least weekly.

This could be a sign that leaders’ aspirations and vision for using AI in the workplace have not yet translated to clear direction or support for employee adoption. Some employees will be early adopters, but many won’t feel comfortable using AI at work until they receive a clear plan and training.

5. Child Care Remains a Major Career Roadblock for Working Mothers

Many working mothers and fathers aspire to management and leadership roles in their career. However, women with children (35%) are about twice as likely as men with children (18%) to say they declined or delayed a promotion due to family obligations. Organizations that want to attract and retain top leadership talent need to change job structures, role expectations, and workplace norms to better support women with children at every stage of their career.

6. Feedback and Recognition: Biggest Manager Blind Spots

Fifty percent of managers strongly agree they are giving feedback to their direct reports every week, while only 20% of individual contributors strongly agree their manager does so. When it comes to managers giving recognition for good work, a similar gap emerges. Establishing a weekly coaching habit that includes meaningful feedback and recognition for quality work is a key growth opportunity for managers.

7. Productive Hybrid Work Requires Better Team Collaboration

Fifty-three percent of remote-capable workers are hybrid to some degree. Gallup finds that the best hybrid teams create a team charter, distinct from corporate policy, that defines how members best work together. They maximize the quality of their on-site time with collaboration and team-building activities. And they regularly evaluate their hybrid work experience as a team to adapt and improve.

ONYX MAGAZINE 43

E D U C AT I O N

20% drop in how much time they spent on phone management in the classroom each day.

This survey shows that moderate or flexible cellphone policies don’t lead to the same results.

One major consequence of flexible cellphone management in schools: lost learning time.

Teachers in schools with lenient cell phone policies are 21% more likely to lose more than an hour of learning time each week to managing cell phone use.

The Local Effect

Screen Time

Overload

A RECENT SURVEY SHOWS STRICT CELLPHONE POLICIES IMPROVE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT LEARNING TIME.

By Dana Bryson

C

ellphones in the classroom have become a major distraction for teachers, based on research Study.com conducted. That’s now been reinforced by a recent JAMA Pediatrics paper. The study found students ages 13-18 aren't just sneaking glances at their phones, they spend an average of 1.5 hours on their devices every school day, with 25% of students logging on for more than two hours.

Study.com surveyed middle and high school teachers across the country to get their perspective on the impact of cellphones in the classroom. In those schools with strict policies in place, 76% saw improved student engagement and 70% of educators reported improvements in student safety.

When teachers can focus their time and attention on direct student interaction—when and where it's needed most—educators report engagement and behavior improve.

Strict vs Flexible Policies in Schools

Our survey on cellphone policies sheds light on the fact that teachers feel stricter mobile device policies reduce distractions and protect students' well-being, especially given the increased challenges posed by digital interruptions and social media.

Nationwide, 68% of teachers reported that strict cellphone policies had improved classroom behavior. The study also indicated a nearly 76 ONYX MAGAZINE

In 2023, Florida became the first state in the nation to require public schools to ban the use of cellphones during class time. Some districts in Florida have taken this requirement further, banning the use of cellphones for the entire school day.

Nationwide, 76% of educators feel strict policies enhance student engagement, and in Florida, 78% of teachers report positive effects in schools with strict policies in place; 39% of educators report seeing a major improvement.

In schools with flexible policies, 56%of educators believe flexible policies have a positive effect on student engagement, while 30% report a worsening effect. In Florida, 42% of educators report a negative impact, while 53% say flexible policies help.

Student and Teacher Safety

How do cell phone bans affect student and teacher safety? While parents express concern about not being able to reach their children and with safety issues (among the top three reasons against cell phone policies), 70% of teachers in districts with strict policies report an improvement in student safety, particularly as it relates to bullying. At a state level, 75% of teachers in Florida indicated student safety had increased following strict cell phone policy adoption, more than the national average.

One reason why teachers might be more in favor of stricter cell phone policies is because they witness the negative effects of cell phone use, such as bullying and classroom distractions, firsthand. In addition to student safety, our survey shows that 69% of teachers believe their own safety has increased with the adoption of strict policies.

Parting Words

Our survey results show a clear trend: teachers in schools with strict cellphone policies report seeing an improvement in classroom behavior, including fewer distractions and improved students' well-being, especially given the increased challenges posed by digital interruptions and social media.

For more information and to see the full survey visit: https://teachinglicense.study.com/featured-insights/mobile-bans-increase-engagement-and-learning-time.html

Dana Bryson is senior vice president of Social Impact at Study.com, responsible for leading the company’s social impact and double bottom-line strategy.

HEALTH FEATURE

TEEN COURT A second chance for juvenile defenders

In Florida, juveniles facing misdemeanor or non-violent crimes, such as drug offenses, may have the opportunity to go through Teen Court.

This program allows offenders to have their records wiped clean by facing a jury of their adolescent peers.

“Teen Court is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets,” says Stephen Willis, Juvenile Delinquency Court Manager for Polk County’s Teen Court. It provides a faster, non-judicial resolution compared to conventional courts.

Volunteers, including attorneys and bailiffs, help run the court and judges who must hold law degrees.

Teen Court is especially beneficial for young offenders under 18 charged with marijuana possession or other drug offenses. Mr. Willis, who has 28 years in court administration, also serves as the board president of the Florida Association of Teen Courts.

Sentences may include community service, drug testing, counseling, writing letters of apology, restitution and jury duty to expunge records. “In Polk County, we take just about all drug-related offenses,” says Mr. Willis, especially those involving marijuana-THC vape pens, which are felony charges in Florida.

Teen Court addresses underlying issues, like self-medication, that often lead to drug use.

Mr. Willis believes sports and extracurricular activities help deter drug use and encourages parents to check their children’s spaces for hidden drugs, even if it is uncomfortable.

Drug cases involving minors go directly to Mr. Willis’ desk who focuses on preventing reoffending with resources like counseling, mentorships and free residential treatment.

“We tracked youthful offenders for two years, and after two years, we have seen that 99% are not convicted of a second offense,” he said.

Visit https://bit.ly/MMERIJan2025 to watch MMERI’s Conversations on Cannabis Virtual Forum featuring Stephen Willis discussing “Teen Court.”

ONYX MAGAZINE 77

FOOD & WINE

Ingredients • • • •

Piña Colada

I

t’s 5:00 somewhere. Get your sisters and celebrate the good things in life with a classic fave, the Piña Colada. This island-y concoction is sure to get the girls in the groove, beach style. With the delicious combination of pineapple juice, coconut cream and rum, soon everyone will be sipping and humming the famous tune: Yes, we like Piña Colada—getting caught in the rain? Well, that’s to be determined. Cheers!

78 ONYX MAGAZINE

• • •

1 1/2 cups ice 1/2 cup diced pineapple, frozen 2 ounces pineapple juice 2 ounces canned cream of coconut (such as Coco Lopez) 1 1/2 ounces white rum 1 ounce dark rum 2 pineapple wedges, for garnish

Directions

Combine the ice with the frozen pineapple, pineapple juice, coconut cream and both rums in a blender. Blend until smooth and frosty. Pour into 2 glasses. Cut a slit in the tip of each pineapple wedge, then perch on the rim of each glass.

JAYLEN Bone Marrow Donor

“His big brother and Orlando Health saved his life.”

JULIAN Bone Marrow Recipient

The cure for sickle cell was a brother’s love. When 3-year-old Julian faced an uncertain future full of pain, fear, and the risk of stroke, his parents turned to the experts at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. And thanks to Julian’s brave big brother Jaylen, who was a 100% match, he received a life-altering bone marrow transplant.

Watch Julian’s story at OrlandoHealth.com/Julian

choose well.