BLACK ENTERPRISE’s Entrepreneurs Summit was in excessive gear Thursday for the Entrepreneurs Summit Awards celebration.
The ceremony acknowledges exemplary entrepreneurs who’ve blazed trails of their industries, dominated markets, and embody the spirit of legendary enterprise icon and BLACK ENTERPRISE founder Earl G. Graves, Sr. This 12 months’s illustrious winners acquired accolades for his or her enterprise prowess, management, and monitor report of Black excellence.
The Earl Graves, Sr. Visionary Award was introduced to Christopher Williams, chairman, Siebert Williams Shank & Co. LLC, and Suzanne Shank, president and CEO, Siebert Williams Shank & Co. LLC.
The Teenpreneur award was introduced to Trey Brown, founder and CEO, SPERGO. The Neighborhood Champion Award went to Derrick Hayes, president and CEO of Massive Dave’s Cheesesteaks. The Enterprise Disruptor award was introduced to Kimberly McGlonn, Ph.D., CEO and founder, Grant Blvd Host.
Journalist, TV, and radio character Jacque Reid praised the gang of entrepreneurs as she shared her pleasure about her current model, Vegan Horny Cool, which features a podcast, weblog, and YouTube channel.
“I’m glad to be right here as a result of I wish to be taught similar to you guys,” Jacque stated.
The Teenpreneur award acknowledges a younger entrepreneur between the ages of 13 and 19 who’s dedicated to advancing the wealthy custom of Black enterprise achievement. Brown, 15, acquired the award for his dedication to advancing Black companies. He’s CEO of the trendsetting streetwear and way of life model, SPERGO, which is headquartered in Philadelphia.
Earlier than graduating highschool, Brown already has two brick-and-mortar places with plans of constructing his model international. Whereas accepting his award, Brown thanked the Black Enterprise for receiving the “excessive honor” and likewise thanked his household for supporting his entrepreneurial journey.
McGlonn acquired the Enterprise Disruptor award for being a “mover and shaker” together with her trend firm, Grant BLVD. Named after the road within the Milwaukee neighborhood she grew up, McGlonn modeled the model round her ardour for trend and activism.
Her trendy attire options standout patterns, prints, and statements made out of recycled supplies. McGlonn focuses her model on social justice and jail reform initiatives.
“That is to the curation of a brand new type of closet, one which facilities on eager about the planet and being of service to all us, together with those that are previously incarcerated,” McGlonn stated.
Hayes was praised for his dedication to philanthropy whereas working Massive Dave’s Cheesesteaks. Hayes shared his ardour for pouring into the Black neighborhood and offering “assets” to assist his individuals thrive.
Essentially the most prestigious honor, the Earl Graves, Sr. Visionary Award, served as a celebration of his life and legacy. Whereas accepting the award, Williams and Shank continued to have fun the late Earl Graves, Sr and the paths he blazed for the way forward for Black entrepreneurs and enterprise leaders.
“It’s an honor to encourage the brand new entrepreneurs to blaze their very own path,” Shank stated.
