Gala 2019
Sponsors
Subscribe to and view the digital version of Legacy Magazine and view additional articles at http://bitly.com/legacymagazines Facebook: Facebook.com/TheMIAMagazine Twitter and Instagram: @TheMIAMagazine #BeInformed #BeInfluential #BlackHistoryMonth Dexter A. Bridgeman
Russell Motley
Shannel Escoffery
Yanela G. McLeod
Sabrina Moss-Solomon
Joe Wesley
CEO & Founder
Director of Operations Designer
Rory Lee
Cover Make-up Artist
Editor-in-Chief Copy Editor
Cover Photo
CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS
Member of the Black Owned Media Alliance (BOMA)
“The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every one regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all hurt as long as anyone is held back.”
Founder’s
GREETING Dexter Bridgeman | Founder & CEO Legacy Magazine
They say a journey begins with a single step. I took that first step and 15 years later we are here tonight celebrating the Legacy Gala Reception honoring the “Top Black Businesses Leaders for 2019.” It has truly been my honor and charge to recognize and editorialize the accomplishments of so many amazing heroes and sheroes over the years from the South Florida Black community. I want to personally congratulate all of the honorees tonight. You are the best of our best. I wish each and every one of you continued success. You are all at different stages of life’s journey — some at the beginning, some at the middle and some at the end. Beyond your success, the one thing that you all have in common is that you all have an overwhelming love for your community. Please continue your exceptional leadership and service. I look forward to being here with you for another 15 years. Thanks for the love and support!
Editor’s
welcome Russell Motley | Editor-in-Chief Legacy Magazine
What a spectacular evening this is! Tonight Legacy magazine pauses to celebrate the achievements of South Florida’s most powerful Black professionals. The honorees assembled at this special awards gala are influencers, policy makers, motivators and protectors of the law. They help shape communities and work tirelessly to improve our overall quality of life. Too often, their hard work is taken for granted or goes unnoticed. Not tonight. Let’s raise our glasses and toast the honorees so they will continue to be a source of encouragement to the countless number of lives they touch and inspire.
Gala
host
Darryl Forges | Reporter NBC Channel 6
Darryl Forges is a reporter for WTVJ NBC 6. Before moving to South Florida, Forges was a reporter for WAKA/WNCF in Montgomery, Ala. While there, he won several awards from the Associated Press and the Alabama Broadcasters Association. Originally from Atlanta, since moving to South Florida Forges has covered several hurricanes, elections, and a litany of other national stories. He has interviewed politicians and celebrities including: Oprah Winfrey, John Legend, and Common. Forges has already received an Emmy Nomination for his hard work. He is also: Treasure of the National Association of Black Journalists South Florida Chapter; recipient of Legacy magazine’s “40 Under 40 Future Black Leaders,” and member of Legacy magazine’s “40 Under 40” executive board.
Gala
deejay Richard Way III DJ WayTrae
Richard Way III, DJ WayTrae, is a South Florida DJ, host, and producer. His music career began at the age of 8, singing in the choir in church and playing the trumpet. Never afraid to be the center of attention and entertaining an audience, he began DJing at age 13. Known for his signature upscale party, “The Black & White Affair,” he provides musical entertainment for weddings, family reunions, private parties and other special events.
evening
Gala entertainment Carole Ann Taylor jazz vocalist
Carole Ann Taylor is Miami’s most soulful jazz and cabaret singer. CAT, as she is affectionately called by her fans, sang as a child in the choir of her father’s historic Baptist church in Harlem, NY and later at her alma mater, Central State University. She began her professional career in the 1960s in New York where she performed on television, at park festivals and clubs, leading resorts and five star hotels in the United States and abroad. She studied under Duke Ellington’s vocal coach, the renowned Luther Henderson and Brooks Alexander and performed with such greats as Lionel Hampton, Cedar Walton, Buck Clayton, Buddy Tate and Danny Mixon. Offered a five year contract to join the Duke Ellington Band, she chose instead to pursue a career in government and politics, eventually moving to Miami where she raised her sons, worked in government and ran for public office while continuing to perform.
Nikki Kidd jazz vocalist
Nikki Kidd is an international jazz vocalist with a palatable passion for music. Her musical style is the embodiment of classic and current jazz and her voice has the ability to transport you to the days of speak easies. Her musical palate ranges from Jazz, Electronic Music, Reggae, Pop, Rock, Soul and R&B and that diversity is shown and very evident in Nikki’s music. Nikki earned her bachelors at the University of Miami in studio music and jazz voice as well as a minor in music business. At UM, Nikki studied with world renowned jazz artists such as Kevin Mahogony, Kurt Elling, and John Secada. Voted Miami New Times “Best Jazz Act” in 2018 and Legacy magazine’s “40 Under 40” in 2018, Nikki has a way of commanding the stage, which makes her performances ones NOT to miss!
Where history meets hospitality...
www.copperdoorbnb.com 305.454.9065 439 NW 4th Avenue, Miami
Miami’s Most Powerful and Influent
PETER BAILEY
TONY BARNES
Media Entrepreneur NiteCap Media LLC
CEO/Owner/Founder Tony Barnes Productions, LLC.
DEXTER CARSWELL
BEATRICE CAZEAU, ESQ.
KRISTIN HOLLIST
SYMERIA HUDSON
JAMES LINDSAY
COLETTE MCCURDY-JACKSON
President, Red Eye Entertainment & Management
PharmD Optimal Health Medical Center
President & CEO Rap Snacks, Inc.
MARCIA RAMI
Director of Market Development Vitas Healthcare
Attorney, The Law Offices of Cazeau & Associates, PLLC
President and CEO Chapman Partnership
National President Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
RUBAN ROBERTS
CEO of RER Consulting, President of the Miami Dade Branch of the NAACP
TYRON BARRINGTON
MICHELE BELIZAIRE
Producer The Barrington Group
CEO, President, Agent Belizaire Insurance Agency State Farm
TANISHA CIDEL
CHEVAS CLEMENTS
LAURICK INGRAM
PRINSTON JEAN-GLAUDE
Director of the Magnet Theatre Program, Norland Middle School
Director Give and Save 365, LLC
SANDRA MCLEAN
President Head Hunterz, LLC
CEO Primary Medical Care Center
DAVID MCLEOD
Vice President/Chief Nurse Executive, Baptist Health South Florida
Principal Consultant Resolute Healthcare
JAMILA ROSS
ALVA ROYSTON, SR.
Owner The Copper Door B&B
President/CEO A. Randall Financial
tial Black Business Leaders of 2019
OLIVIA BENSON, ESQ.
Attorney Offices of Olivia S. Benson, Esq., P.L.
DEBORAH DORSETT
Executive Director Greater Miami Service Corps
DOTIE JOSEPH
LEIGH-ANN BUCHANAN, ESQ. Founding Executive Director Venture Cafe Miami
MAINA GATONYE, M.D.
CHIMA BUREY
Founder B&M Craft Spirits, LLC
CLINT GULLEY II
IGNATIUS EUGENE CARROLL, JR.
Captain/Executive Officer to the Fire Chief, City of Miami Fire-Rescue
ABRAHAM HOLLIST
Regional Chief Medical Officer Chen Senior Medical Centers
McDonald’s Franchisee, GMAC CORP/Gull-tree Investments LLC
PharmD Optimal Health Medical Center
State Representative Florida House of Representatives
Chief Financial Officer, Jessie Trice Community Health System
SAMMY KING, JR.
LYNN LABROUSSE, D.C., PH.D.
REGINALD LEON
ANNETTE MONK
CHRISTOPHER NORWOOD
DR. AMIRA OGUNLEYE
MATTHEW A. PIGATT
AKUA SCOTT
FRANKLIN SIRMANS
Corporate Director, Talent Acquisition Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
KAREN RUNDLET Journalism Director Knight Foundation
Principal Consultant The Norwood Consulting Group
PIERRE RUTLEDGE
Director - School Operations Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Doctor Fey Essence
Doctor of Dental Surgery Beautiful Smiles
Organizer, LIUNA (Labors International Union of North America)
Councilman Miami Gardens
Mayor City of Opa-locka
Director Perez Art Museum Miami
STEPHANIE SMITH
Senior Public Policy Manager Uber
CRYSTAL WAGAR Mayor Miami Shores
YOLANDA STRADER Shareholder Carlton Fields
JUANITA WALKER
Owner/CEO of Sheyes of Miami Learning Centers and Retired Police Major-MPD
RASHAD THOMAS
Vice President, Business Connect and Community Outreach Miami Super Bowl Host Committee
ANN WALTERS-POPE
President & CEO Ann Pope Consulting, Inc.
CLAUDIOUS THOMPSON
Small Business Development Section Chief, Miami-Dade County
AKINO WEST
Owner The Copper Door B&B
2019
DAVID L. WILSON President, Broker DLW Enterprise and Equifinancial, LLC.
ERICA WRIGHT, ESQ.
President, South Florida Chapter, National Alumnae Association of Spelman College
Special Honorees Educator of the Year TANISHA CIDEL | Director, Magnet Theatre Program Norland Middle School Tanisha Cidel graduated from the musical theatre program at New World School of the Arts in 1993. She is currently the director of the magnet theatre program at Norland Middle School and a past finalist for the district-wide Teacher of the Year award. Cidel performed background vocals for Kayne West and Ruben Stubbard. Both Cidel and a few of her students appeared in the Oscar Award-winning movie, Moonlight.
Legacy Legend of the Year BRODES H. HARTLEY JR. | President & CEO Community Health of South Florida, Inc. For more than 30 years, Colonel Brodes H. Hartley Jr. has been the president and CEO of Community Health of South Florida Inc. Under his leadership, CHI has grown to include 10 health centers and 42 schoolbased centers. Hartley earned degrees from Florida A&M University and Baylor University. He also served 26 years in the Army Medical Services Corps.
Corporate Executive of the Year DIONNE POLITE | Director of State Operations - AARP Dionne Polite is director of State Operations for AARP Florida. Polite is responsible for managing an AARP Florida team that is focused on statewide outreach and community education efforts to engage, introduce, reconnect and build relevance through various educational opportunities, advocacy/legislative efforts and cultural experiences. She is a dynamic senior administrator that specializes in community outreach and engagement.
Corporate Citizen of the Year Florida Power & Light Company, a NextEra Energy Company, is the largest energy company in the United States as measured by retail electricity produced and sold, serving more than 10 million people across the state of Florida. Last year, FPL employees donated more than $4.3 million to their community, contributed more than 85,000 service hours, and supported more than 1,000 non-profit organizations.
Trailblazer of the Year DR. ALEXIA ROLLE | Director, CTE/Workforce, Miami Dade College Dr. Alexia Rolle is a South Florida native committed to helping young professionals maximize their potential. She does that by serving leadership roles with the Legacy 40 Under 40 organization and the Black Professionals Network. After serving more than 15 years with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, she accepted a role as director of Career and Technical Education (CTE/Workforce) at Miami-Dade College.
Business Person of the Year
JAMES LINDSAY | CEO - Rap Snacks James Lindsay is the CEO of Rap Snacks, an innovative snack and marketing company that promotes treats with bags featuring images of the hottest entertainment acts. Lindsay is a graduate of Cheney University and honed his marketing skills with stints at Johnson Products and Warner-Lambert. He also co-managed rap star Meek Mill.
Business of the Year The Copper Door Bed and Breakfast is powered by love, hospitality and married proprietors Akino West and Jamila Ross. It was created in the heart of Historical Overtown, Miami. The brand focuses on an intimate experience for guests all while featuring chef-driven amenities and local goods. The dynamic duo prides themselves on creating a good time within a unique lodging experience.
Public Official of the Year DEBORAH “DEBBIE” DORSETT | Executive Director Greater Miami Service Corp. Deborah “Debbie” Dorsett has been a champion of empowering young people with the tools needed to transform their lives through education and service for more than 20 years. As executive director of Greater Miami Service Corp., Dorsett has dedicated her life to making sure atrisk youth have opportunities to embark on promising futures and change the narrative of their circumstances. She is highly regarded for her work in transforming lives.
Congratulations to Ms. Juanita Walker, owner and CEO of Sheyes Learning Centers and Elementary, from your staff and family on your continued community efforts and recognition by Legacy Miami of being one of “Miami’s Most Powerful and Influential Black Business Leaders of 2019.”
Greatest
Family Home Greatest
Love Blessing
Greatest
Love
Family Home Greatest
Love Blessing
Love
South Florida's Most Powerful and Influ
CHARISMA ADAMS President Articulate Consulting
KIRK BROWN
Chief Executive Officer Handy
DAPHNE DILBERT Business Manager AT&T Public Sector
KATHY L. HORTON
Manager, Human Resources Recruitment & Internal Placement, Miami-Dade County
SONYA MILLER, ESQ. Deputy General Counsel Broward College
MEGAN DAVIS ADERELE
PRINCE EMMANUEL ADERELE Branding Photographer The Aditu Agency, LLC
Director Palm Beach Mako Cheerleaders
LEONTYNE D. BROWN
CHANDRA MCCLAIN BURGESS
LEONDRAE CAMEL
KALINTHIA DILLARD, ESQ.
DR. JEREMY EARLE
ADRIENNE ELLIS
Center Director, CareerSource South Florida/Florida Memorial University
Founder and CEO, CMB Visions Unlimited, Managing Partner | Founder salt513 Advertising | Pretty Girls VOTE Inc. and A love For Learning Consulting, LLC
DESHON ALLEN
City Manager City of South Bay
General Counsel/Deputy Inspector General Assistant City Manager/CRA Executive Chief Assistant State Attorney Palm Beach County Office of Inspector General Director, City of Hallandale Beach Office of State Attorney Dave Aronberg
SANDRA IRISH
CORY KINGCADE
WAYNE MILLER
TRINNETTE MORRIS
Franchise Owner Kona Ice of Central Ft. Lauderdale
Business Owner, Leona’s Palace aka “The Palace Hollywood”
Sales Director BenefitMall
CEO Trindy Enterprises
ZACHARY KNOWLES Managing Partner Global Business Lending
JOEL OLIVIER President PennyDiapers Inc
uential Black Business Leaders of 2019
ALAN BOTTORFF
VANIA BREDY
Co-Founder & CEO Teledactyl
CEO, Bredy Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab, LLC
DAVID CLARK
RICHARD CHARLEMON
Senior Vice President, Operations Broward Health
NORMA ENGLISH
Chief Executive Officer Reyna Group Home
TREASA BROWN STUBBS Assistant City Manager City of Lauderdale Lakes
CATHERINE COLE
DR. ALIE DARBOUZE
Vice President of Global Research Intelligence, Team American Express
Healthcare Supervisor Walgreens
CEO, Hallandale Beach Chamber of Commerce
Founder, Executive Director Scholar Career Coaching, Inc.
President & Employee Benefits Consultant/ Tamarac City Commissioner, District 2 Gelin Benefits Group/City of Tamarac
MIKE GELIN
SHAHEEWA JARRETT GELIN
KIYE LASTER
KATRINA LONG-ROBINSON
WILLIAM MCCORMICK
FREDERICK MCLENDON
NETONUA REYES
LASONYA RODGERS
Owner Arcane Group, Inc.
KIERA PAGE
Chief HR Officer Broward Health Medical Center
LYNNE W. GASSANT
DR. HENRY BROWN III
Brown’s Community Development, Inc., Brown’s Temple Educator of the Year
Vice Mayor City of Westlake, Florida
KARINE MELISSA PURCHAS Chief Executive Officer Karine Melissa Enterprises, Inc.
CEO Americlaims Billing, Inc.
President Broward County Black Chamber of Commerce
Owner/CEO McLendon Investments
Chief Operations and Nursing Officer Co-Founder Broward Health Imperial Point The Women’s Empowerment Circle
DR. CARLA HAWKINS SMITH
ANDREA STEPHENSON-ROYSTER
Pharmacy Residency Program Director Memorial Regional Hospital
CEO/Executive Director Health Council of Southeast Florida
KEITH “PAPA KEITH” WALCOTT
DR. ANDREA WANZA
Nationally Syndicated Radio Personality, iHeartRadio
DON WIGGINS
CEO The Wiggins Agency
RUEL STOESSEL, MD Medical Director Ruel T Stoessel, MD, PA
JONATHAN WATKINS
Executive Director Empowering Youth Inc.
Chief Executive Officer, Broward Health Imperial Point Hospital
AYESHA WILLIAMS
ROBERT WILLIAMS
Director of Social Services & President of Legacy of Change Organization, Palm Garden of Aventura & Legacy of Change Organization
Managing Member Trio Holdings LLC
GREGORY TONY
Sheriff Broward County Sheriff’s Office
GORDON WEEKES, JR.
Executive Chief Assistant Public Defender Law Office of the Public Defender, 17th Judicial Circuit Broward County
Special Honorees Educator of the Year DR. HENRY L. BROWN, III | Principal Pine Ridge Education Center Dr. Henry L. Brown, III, is the principal of Pine Ridge Education Center in the Broward County Public School District. Dr. Brown is a former Broward County Teacher of the Year, a past Florida Teacher of the Year, and a finalist for National Teacher of the Year. He also serves in leadership roles at Brown’s Temple Fire Baptized Holiness Church.
Corporate Executive of the Year GRASFORD SMITH, ESQ. | Shareholder, Jones Foster Grasford Smith is a consummate attorney and community leader. Attorney Smith concentrates his practice on complex commercial litigation, intellectual property litigation, cybersecurity, and transactional matters. He has represented a diverse clientele including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, athletic leagues, technology companies, and a United States congressman, in addition to a variety of small and medium-sized businesses. He is also a leader in several organizations like the Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter of the National Bar Association, and the Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County among others.
Business Person of the Year MARK KENT | CEO, Care Management Resources (CMR) Mark Kent is an exceptional health care executive, philanthropist, and author of “WOW MOMENTS! Turning Everyday Experiences into Extraordinary Events.” A nurse by training, Mark earned an MBA from Purdue University, Six-Sigma training at the University of Michigan, and is recognized as a Six Sigma Master Black Belt by the American Society for Quality. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a Fellow of the Medical Group Management Association.
Business of the Year
Anthony Brunson, P.A. Certified Public Accounts & Business Advisors is more than a traditional accountancy venture. The eponymous firm offers audit and attestation and tax planning and compliance services. It also offers business advisory and entrepreneurial services. Founded by Miami-native Anthony Brunson, CPA, the company has offices in Miami, Miramar, and Fort Lauderdale.
Corporate Citizen of the Year Florida Power & Light Company, a NextEra Energy Company, is the largest energy company in the United States as measured by retail electricity produced and sold, serving more than 10 million people across the state of Florida. Last year, FPL employees donated more than $4.3 million to their community, contributed more than 85,000 service hours, and supported more than 1,000 non-profit organizations.
Legacy Legend of the Year JUDGE ILONA M. HOLMES | Broward Circuit Court Appointed by former Governor Lawton Chiles, retired Judge Ilona M. Holmes was a Criminal Division judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit Court in Florida. She was Broward County’s only Black female circuit court judge for 20 years. According to the Sun-Sentinel, Holmes developed a reputation for being both friendly and tough as nails. The Florida Atlantic University alumna earned her jurist doctorate from Texas Southern University.
Public Official of the Year ADRIENNE ELLIS | Chief Assistant State Attorney Office of the State Attorney Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg elevated Adrienne Ellis to chief assistant state attorney to increase morale and productivity in the State Attorney’s Office. Ellis was a part of the prosecution team that secured justice for the killing of Corey Jones, a young Black musician killed by a former officer while on the phone arranging a tow for his car.
Trailblazer of the Year
ALEXCIA COX, ESQ. Chief of the Domestic Violence Unit Office of the State Attorney Assistant State Attorney Alexcia Cox serves in the Office of the State Attorney for the 15th Judicial Circuit as chief of the Domestic Violence Unit. She is chair of the Florida Bar Professional Ethics Committee and a graduate of Florida State University College of Law. Cox serves as outreach director for the Florida Association for Women Lawyers Palm Beach County.
40UNDER40 Executive Board
ALEXIA Q. ROLLE President
STEPHANE ELIAS Vice President
LATOYA C. DAVENPORT Secretary
RICHARD WAY III Treasurer
ZEDRICK BARBER II Member
TAMIKA BICKHAM Member
KASSANDRA CENEAS Member
JERVONTE EDMONDS Member
DARRYL FORGES Member
NICKY GELIN Member
ZACHARY RINKINS Member
LATOYA STIRRUP Member
Salutes
Legacy Magazine’s “50 Most Powerful And Influential Black Business Leaders Of South Florida! “ for 2019
Congratulations to
Anthony Brunson P.A. ― “South Florida Business of the Year” and all of the Honorees Audit & Attestation – Business Advisory Services – Entrepreneurial Services – Tax Planning & Compliance It’s time that you get to know Anthony Brunson P.A.
We are Client Focused and Solution Driven. 3350 SW 148th Ave., Suite 110 Miramar, FL 33027 (954)874-1721
www.abcpasolutions.com
801 Brickell Ave., Suite 900 Miami, FL 33131 (305)789-6673
Notes
Memories
Broward Health Congratulates David Clark, SVP, Operations, Broward Health Kiera Page, Chief HR Officer, Broward Health Medical Center Netonua Reyes, CNO/COO, Broward Health Imperial Point Jonathan Watkins, CEO, Broward Health Imperial Point For being recognized among Legacy Magazine’s “50 Most Powerful Black Leaders in Business & Industry” in South Florida for 2019.
Celebrating More Than 80 Years of Caring.
BrowardHealth.org
Follow us:
FPL is taking its long-standing clean energy commitment to the next level with a groundbreaking plan to install 30 million solar panels by 2030 and make Florida a world leader in solar energy production.
FPL.com/Solar This advertising is paid for by our FPL shareholders, not our customers.