May 2025 - The Club
CELEBRATING DIVERSITY | HONORING ACHIEVEMENT
Young Professional of the Year presented by Blue Cross / Blue Shield:
- Silvia Espinosa Laxson - Development and Communications Director, HICA (WINNER)
- Riko Harris - CEO, iPUSH magazine
- Uriah Williams - Financial Advisor, Intelus Wealth Management
Academic Leader of the Year presented by 95.7 Jamz:
- Dr. Geri Albright - Director of Public Relations & Community Affairs, Lawson State Community College (WINNER)
- Arlinda Davis - STEAM Lead Teacher Coordinator, Maranathan Academy - WE Education +
- Lovella Jones - Chief Academic Officer, Education Solutions
Non-Profit Leader of the Year presented by Jefferson County Sheriff's Office:
- Angela Abdur-Rasheed - Director of Communications & Community Engagement, Prosper (WINNER)
- Makella Moore-Harris - Founder & Executive Director, Fine Arts Find Life
- Pastor Steve Green - Pastor, More Than Conqueors Faith Church & RESPECT
Medical Leader of the Year presented by Legacy of Hope:
- Dr. Pauline Long and Dr. Jennifer Campbell - Co-Owners | Principal Consultant Pharmacists, MedsPlus Consulting (WINNER)
- Christine Hinton - Therapist, Reach Counseling Services
- Dr. Hernando Carter - Doctor of Medicine, ArchWell Health
Small Business of the Year presented by Mi Pueblo Markets:
- Abogados Centro Legal - Nathan Harris, Managing Partner (WINNER)
- Bridge + Root - Aisha Watts Taylor, Founder & CEO
- Herban Soul Café - Alexis Kimbrough, Founder & CEO
Diversity & Inclusion Leader of the Year presented by Cricket Wireless:
- Martina Winston - VP Head of Talent & Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Protective Life (WINNER)
- Andre Lessears - Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, UAB Health System
- Brandi A. Russell - Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer and Director of Talent Management, Balch & Bingham LLP
Entrepreneur of the Year presented by City of Birmingham Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity:
- Danielle Ridgeway - Founder & Chief Accountant, Covering Your Assets LLC (WINNER)
- Kelli Caulfield - Founder, Nola Ice & Broad Street
- Sandro Da Silva - Owner, Alabama Kitchen & Bath
Executive Leader of the Year of the Year presented by Jefferson County Sheriff's Office:
- Charlotte Shaw - Executive Director & CEO, Birmingham Jefferson County Transit (WINNER)
- Kamau Witherspoon - CEO, Shipt LLC
- Tereshia Huffman - Chairwoman, Birmingham Water Works
Business Start-up of the Year & LAUNCH! Pitch Competition Finalists presented by Birmingham Urban League and MasterCard:
- Jeddie Carnes - Founder & Owner, GLAAM Cosmetics (WINNER)
- Chanice Nykole - Founder & Owner, Change of Plans
- Jamaine D Stanton - Founder & Owner, Black Business Traffic