A call to action, inviting individuals to recognize the power of their unique journeys, embrace their passions, and boldly share their narratives. It symbolizes transformation, courage, and the spark that drives personal and professional growth. By igniting your story, you not only inspire yourself but empower others to discover and share their own.
Through Supplier Diversity Development, Lilly aspires to work with more small and diverse-owned businesses to be more reflective of the diverse business community. Our Supplier Diversity Development program is focused on three key areas:
» Commitment to seeking out and working with small and diverse suppliers
» Community engagement
» Meeting annual compliance goals as a federal government contractor and achieving our annual small business spend goals.
To learn about Lilly’s commitment to diverse suppliers and the services we purchase, visit www.lilly.com/suppliers/supplier-diversity.
Visionary Awards 2025 Program
Welcome
Alia Blackburn – WXIN 59 / WTTV CBS4
President’s Remarks
Dr. Jamyce Curtis Banks, President, NAWBO-Indianapolis Board of Directors
NAWBO National Remarks
Thresette Briggs, NAWBO National Board Treasurer
Indianapolis Choice Award Presenter
Ava Taylor, Manager – Planning and Development for the Office of Minority & Women Business Development for the City of Indianapolis
Lunch Raffle Giveaways
Presenting Sponsor Remarks
Chip Wood, VP, Client & Community Relations Director
Corporate Partner of the Year Award Presenter
Mary Beth Oakes, CEO, Business Furniture
Fireside Chat with Special Guest
Jamie Little, TV Motorsports Reporter/Play by Play/ Host at FOX Sports-NASCAR/Entrepreneur
Woman Business Owner of the Year Award Presenter
Meechelle Riley, Supplier Diversity Program Manager, Citizens Energy Group
Special thanks to our Visionary Luncheon Co-Chairs
Christy Gormal and Irem Rashidfarokhi
“Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all.”
—Helen Keller
PRESENTING SPONSOR
EXHIBIT HALL SPONSOR
SUPPORTINNG SPONSOR
IN-KIND SPONSORS
The 20th anniversary of the NAWBO Indianapolis Visionary Luncheon in 2025 marks two decades of celebrating and inspiring women entrepreneurs in the region. This annual event has become a cornerstone for recognizing the achievements of visionary women business owners, fostering meaningful connections, and empowering the next generation of leaders.
Over the years, the luncheon has brought together influential speakers, community leaders, and business pioneers to share insights and celebrate innovation. This milestone anniversary highlights the enduring impact of the Visionary Luncheon in promoting the mission of NAWBO Indianapolis, creating opportunities for growth, and driving success for women in business.
LETTER FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT
Dr.
Jamyce
Curtis Banks
President, NAWBO-Indianapolis Board of Directors
Welcome to the 20th Visionary Awards Luncheon, “Ignite Your Story”. As NAWBO celebrates 50 years of advocacy and support for women business owners, NAWBO-Indianapolis it proud of it contributions locally, regionally, nationally and globally. Local events and programs like Females United to Empower (F.U.E.L.), regular opportunities for members to connect around topics of interest and regional and global events like hosting the IEDC Women in Business Breakfast Series throughout the state and the UK Female Founders delegation are examples of ways NAWBO-Indianapolis achieves its mission to “propel women entrepreneurs into economic, social, and political spheres of power worldwide”. As we look toward the next 50 years, NAWBO Indianapolis remains committed to being THE resource for women business owners when it comes to developing strategic relationships, advocating for small business, and educating women in business.
None of the accomplishments of NAWBO-Indianapolis would be possible without the vision and leadership of our founding members, board of directors, or past chapter leadership as well as the support of our engaged membership and generous corporate partners. On behalf of the NAWBO-Indianapolis Board of Directors, I would like to thank the event organizers, corporate partners, sponsors, members and allies for supporting both NAWBO-Indianapolis and this 20th Visionary Awards Luncheon. Congratulations to the 2024 Visionary Award recipients. As always, they are accomplished, fearless women business owners and leaders in our community. We hope they ignite that spirit in you to LIFT UP, SHOW UP and SPEAK UP.
Dr. Jamyce Curtis Banks President
NAWBO-Indianapolis Board of Directors
2025 KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Jamie Little
Pit Reporter, FOX NASCAR Play-by-Play Announcer, ARCA Menards Series & NASCAR Truck Series
Veteran motor sports reporter Jamie Little joined FOX NASCAR in 2015 to cover pit road for the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series. Little, in her 22nd year as a broadcaster in 2023 and embarking on her ninth DAYTONA 500 in February 2023, was named in November 2020 as the play-by-play voice of the ARCA Menards Series beginning in 2021, making her the first woman in history to call TV play-by-play for a national racing series. For the first time in 2023, she adds a robust roster of NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series play-byplay assignments to her schedule, splitting duties with Adam Alexander throughout the season. In October 2021, Little was named to the Cynopsis 2021 Top Women in Media list in the Game-Changing On-Air Talent category. In June 2022 at Knoxville Raceway, she became the first female to call play-by-play for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
Little also serves as a reporter for NASCAR RACEDAY, FOX Sports’ prerace show for the Cup Series. Her additional FOX NASCAR assignments over the years also have included select races and special events, including her pit reporting debut for the 2017 Rolex 24 at Daytona, hosting duties for FOX Sports’ coverage of Supercross and periodic guest hosting roles on FS1’s NASCAR RACE HUB.
Prior to joining FOX, Little spent 13 years at ESPN/ABC as a reporter for NASCAR (2007-’14), the IndyCar Series (2004’14), Winter X Games and Summer X Games telecasts. Her television career began in 2002 as a reporter for ESPN immediately following graduation from college. She also has worked for SPEED, NBC and TNN.
She covered a variety of motor sports events for FOX Sports’ SPEED in 2002 and 2003, including the network’s live coverage of Daytona Supercross, which marked her live national broadcasting debut. She was the first female pit reporter for the television broadcast of the prestigious Indianapolis 500 (2004), and in 2015, became the first female pit reporter to cover both the DAYTONA 500 and the INDIANAPOLIS 500 for network TV’s live, flag-to-flag race coverage. In April 2016, she hosted FOX’s coverage of Supercross’ maiden appearance at Gillette Stadium.
In addition, Little was the first female to cover a televised Supercross and motocross event, and was one of the first female reporters in X Games history. In June 2018 at Michigan International Speedway, she made her play-by-play debut during a couple of NASCAR Xfinity Series practice sessions on FS1. In August 2015, the broadcasting veteran made her FIM MotoGP™ World Championship television-hosting debut, leading live FS1 coverage of the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix. Furthermore, she has covered 11 Indianapolis 500s and eight Brickyard 400s and has hosted a variety of non-racing sporting events ranging from Paintball Championships to the Great Outdoor Games, in addition to live announcing roles in motocross and Monster Energy AMA Supercross. Little credits her lifelong passion for the sport and affinity for dirt bikes as the springboard for her entry into television. While still in college, she reported on various motor sports for ESPN2 and served as a live announcer in Supercross.
2025 VISIONARY AWARDS EMCEE
Alia Blackburn
Anchor, FOX59/CBS4
Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, Alia Blackburn is proud to be from the Circle City and excited to be back home telling the stories of her community and surrounding areas. Having served a little more than a decade in the journalism industry, she is an award-winning and 4-time EMMY-nominated anchor for FOX59/CBS4, where she joined the team in April 2021. Prior to that, she spent seven years in Terre Haute, Indiana, where she worked a variety of roles for the local CBS and FOX affiliates.
Alia is a 2013 graduate of Ball State University and a 2009 graduate of Ben Davis High School, where her passion for journalism started. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and enjoys giving back to her community through the sisterhood.
Alia is married to her husband, Aaron. They recently welcomed their first child, Aria (pronounced: Are-EE-uh), in August. They are also proud dog parents to Carmelo and Griffey.
Jamie
Little (continued from page 10)
The Indianapolis resident is well-rounded outside the four corners of a racetrack, as well. In 2019, she began duties as the floor reporter for FOX Sports’ coverage of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. In October 2022, she hosted FS1’s coverage of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. In January 2020, she debuted as a reporter for A&E Network’s new show, “America’s Top Dog.” In 2013, she released her first book, titled “Essential Car Care for Women,” and has worked the red carpet for the ESPYs, in addition to hosting numerous NASCAR events away from the track. She also held a cameo role in the 2005 feature film, “Fantastic Four,” and “Supercross the Movie” starring Channing Tatum. On the entrepreneurial side, Little and her husband own two Jimmy John’s franchises in Las Vegas and two Nothing Bundt Cakes stores in Carmel, Ind.
Little is extremely active in animal rescue work across the nation. Prior to moving to Indianapolis in late 2017, Little spent much of her free time volunteering at The Animal Foundation, Nevada’s largest animal rescue shelter, and served as its spokesperson. Her first solo charity project was a 2016 calendar titled “Las Vegas to the Rescue,” featuring Las Vegas celebrities, such as Wayne Newton, Carrot Top, UFC standout Miesha Tate and NASCAR driver Brendan Gaughan, posing with homeless pets from the shelter to promote adoption.
A graduate of San Diego State University with a degree in Journalism, Little grew up in South Lake Tahoe, Calif., spent much of her life in Las Vegas and currently resides in Indianapolis with her husband, Cody Selman, son, Carter, and daughter, Sierra. You may follow her on Twitter at @JamieLittleTV and on Instagram @JamieLittleTV.
2025 TABLE SPONSORS, EXHIBITORS, & COMMITTEE
FULL TABLE SPONSORS
Bank of America
Business Furniture
Citizens Energy Group
Cummins
Eclipse Staffing
Elevance Health
Eli Lilly
Engaging Solutions
Etica Group
Indiana Department of Administration
Indianapolis Airport Authority
Intrinz Inc.
IU Health
JA Benefits
JP Parker
Keys to Work
NAWBO Indy Foundation
NAWBO-Indianapolis
netlogx
PNC
Regions
Whatever It Takes Consulting
HALF-TABLE SPONSORS
Ashmore Consulting
Brandfuel Communications
Data Management Consultant
Indiana Energy Association
Keramida
Nubian Construction Group
PNC
Sapphire Strategy
VISIONARY AWARDS COMMITTEE
Co-Chairs
Christy Gormal — Brandfuel Communications
Irem C. Rashidfarokhi — DIMA Investments, Inc.
Sheena Lee — Etica Group
Michelle Boy — M2 Performance Strategies
Michelle Travis — M2 Performance Strategies
Lee Ann Richardson — NAWBO-Indianapolis
In 2025, the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its history. Since its founding in 1975, NAWBO has been a powerful advocate for women entrepreneurs, championing their right to equal opportunities in business ownership. Over the past five decades, the organization has empowered countless women to establish, grow, and sustain successful businesses, while also working to break down systemic barriers and pave the way for future generations of women entrepreneurs.
This golden anniversary is a time to reflect on the remarkable achievements of women business owners who have shaped industries and driven economic progress. It is also an opportunity to look ahead, reaffirming NAWBO’s commitment to fostering diversity, innovation, and leadership in the business world. As NAWBO enters its next chapter, its mission to amplify the voices of women entrepreneurs remains as relevant and essential as ever.
2025 AWARD PRESENTERS
Ava Taylor
Manager of Planning and Development, City of Indianapolis-Office of Minority and Women Business Development (OMWBD) — presenting Indianapolis Choice Award
Ava Y. Taylor is the Manager of Planning and Development, City of Indianapolis-Office of Minority and Women Business Development (OMWBD). Prior to joining OMWBD in 2016, she served as the Public
Outreach and Events Manager for the Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) where she honed her skills and passion for helping others and being an advocate for social justice. She has 25+ years of experience in event planning and management, community outreach, partnership development, fundraising, and project management.
Mary Beth Oakes CEO and Owner of Business Furniture + Co—presenting Corporate Partner of the Year Award
Mary Beth’s career began in 1992 at Business Furniture, where she currently serves as CEO and co-owner. Business Furniture creates workplaces that help people and teams to do their best work, while achieving their business results. Business Furniture is celebrating its 102nd anniversary this year, while also recognized as the first Steelcase dealer in the world. Business Furniture currently has two working showrooms in the Indianapolis area, and one working showroom in Dayton.
Dedicated to the philosophy that space shapes attitudes, behaviors and business results, Mary Beth co-founded Choreo in 2008 to provide data- and people-driven research and change management to help organizations create workplaces that maximize real estate and support strong cultures. In 2023, Choreo became part of Business Furniture, and the Choreo team continues to provide workplace research and change management strategies to clients.
As CEO of Business Furniture, Mary Beth is a passionate entrepreneur, trusted advisor, respected mentor, and a champion for culture and creating dynamic workplaces. With a career spanning more than 30 years, Mary Beth and her teams have worked with hundreds of companies, healthcare organizations, schools, and universities to maximize employee and workplace potential, creating a vital link between space and business results.
In 2021, Business Furniture became WBE (Woman-Owned Business Enterprise) certified. Mary Beth and her team are currently in the process of becoming WBENC certified.
Mary Beth was recognized as the 2017 National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Outstanding Woman Business Owner, the 2021 Executive Volunteer of the Year for United Way, and a Power 50 Woman Business Leader in Dayton in 2022 and 2023. Mary Beth was recognized as part of the Indiana 250 in 2023 and 2024. In 2024, Mary Beth was recognized as an IBJ’s Woman of Influence. She currently serves on the board of directors at the Indy Chamber of Commerce, the Community Health Network Foundation, and the Damar Services Foundation.
When she is not scoping out the latest workplace trends, Mary Beth resides on Lake Kesslerwood with her husband, Dick, and their rescue dogs, Cooper and Marilyn.
2025 AWARD PRESENTERS
Meechelle Riley, Supplier Diversity Program Manager, Citizens Energy Group— presenting Woman Business Owner of the Year Award
Meechelle is the Supplier Diversity Program Manager for Citizens Energy Group (Citizens), a broadbased utility service provider delivering natural gas, thermal energy, water, and wastewater to approximately 900,000 residents and thousands of businesses in the Indianapolis area. In her role, Meechelle provides vision, leadership, and strategy to foster the growth and increase access to opportunities for diverse-owned businesses.
With over 12 years of dedicated advocacy for diverse suppliers, Meechelle is passionate about empowering businesses through relationship building between internal stakeholders and the diverse supplier community. She is committed to bridging gaps and promoting equitable opportunities that benefit both Citizens' supply chain and the communities it serves.
In addition to her work at Citizens, Meechelle currently serves as a corporate mentor for the Business Equity for Indy (BEI) Procurement task force. She is also a member of the Supplier Diversity & Development Committee for the Indiana Energy Association (IEA) and the Council of Supplier Diversity Professionals (CSDP).
Meechelle earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from DePaul University. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, cooking, Zumba, and contributing to the community through the You’re Not Forgotten initiative, which she and her husband founded in 2024.
2025 VISIONARY AWARD RECIPIENT
INDIANAPOLIS CHOICE
Kesha Rich - Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Supplier Diversity (DSD) at the Indiana Department of Administration (IDOA)
Kesha Rich serves as the Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Supplier Diversity (DSD) at the Indiana Department of Administration (IDOA). In this role, she leads a team devoted to supporting and advocating for Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Women Business Enterprises (WBEs), and Indiana VeteranOwned Small Businesses (IVOSBs). By guiding these businesses through certification and providing resources for growth, Kesha and her team empower diverse entrepreneurs to succeed and create a lasting impact within Indiana’s economy.
Kesha’s journey within DSD began in 2015 as a Certification Coordinator. Over the years, she has worked in and led each of the division’s core functions—certification, business development, outreach, and contract compliance. Her experience across these areas has shaped her comprehensive approach to supplier diversity and strengthened her ability to meet the needs of the businesses she serves.
A deeply compassionate and community-focused leader, Kesha is driven by a passion to help others succeed. For nearly a decade, she has championed minority and women-owned businesses, breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for growth—particularly in traditionally male-dominated fields like construction, IT, and manufacturing. Her collaborative efforts with advocacy groups and community organizations have addressed systemic challenges while empowering entrepreneurs to navigate the state procurement process with confidence. Kesha is also known for fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment, both within her team and in the broader supplier diversity community. She is committed to mentorship, offering guidance and encouragement to those facing challenges. Her open-door policy ensures that individuals feel supported, valued, and empowered to overcome obstacles and pursue their goals.
Kesha’s commitment to excellence is evident in her innovative initiatives, from organizing workshops and conferences to building partnerships that connect businesses with opportunities. Her proactive approach to ensuring contract compliance and advocating for diversity in state procurement underscores her belief that success should be accessible to all.
Humble yet impactful, Kesha attributes her achievements to the collaborative efforts of her team and the resilience of the communities she serves. Her dedication to fostering equity, empowerment, and opportunity continues to leave a meaningful legacy across Indiana’s business landscape.
AWARD CRITERIA
The Indianapolis Choice award honors one outstanding individual who serves as a powerful advocate for NAWBO-Indianapolis and woman-owned businesses throughout the state.
Recipients of this award have a demonstrated history of helping woman-owned businesses reach their full potential while improving the overall business climate via contracting opportunities and/or advocacy efforts.
Both NAWBO members and non-members are eligible.
PAST RECIPIENTS
2023 Tracy Guerrero, Indianapolis Airport Authority
2022 Shirley Tang-Audritsh, Eli Lilly and Company
2021 Jennifer Ping, Krieg DeVault
2019 Chelci R. Hunter, DBELO, Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation
2018 Billie Dragoo, RepuCare
2017 Kimberly Dunning, Vectren Corporation
2016 Dr. Sue Ellspermann, Ivy Tech Community College
2015 Ronalda Minnis, Duke Realty
2014 Richard Wise, Citizens Group
2013 Gregory Wilson, City of Indianapolis
2012 Brenda Jackson-Morrissey, Stewart & Irwin, P.C.
2023 VISIONARY AWARD RECIPIENT
WOMAN BUSINESS OWNER OF THE YEAR
Rebecca Bormann - Founder & CEO, RB Consulting
Rebecca brings over 20 years of corporate leadership experience in sales, marketing, and business development to her role as the Founder and CEO of RB Consulting Agency, which she launched in 2022 to help clients achieve transformative growth. RB Consulting specializes in delivering innovative business development and marketing strategies that embrace emotional intelligence to build meaningful client relationships and accelerate sales growth.
An alumna of Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, Rebecca earned Executive Education Certificates in Marketing Strategy, Business Strategy and Financial Management, complementing her Bachelor’s in the Science
of Business Management and a Certificate in Communications from Indiana Wesleyan University. Her commitment to excellence has earned her numerous accolades, including being named to the Indianapolis Business Journal’s Women of Influence Class of 2022, as well as recognition as a Hope Magazine Hope 25 Honoree, a two-time Junior Achievement Indy’s Best & Brightest Awards Finalist, a 2024 TechPoint Mira Resilience Award nominee and a Women & Hi Tech Leading Light You Inspire US! Award nominee.
Rebecca’s passion extends far beyond her professional accomplishments. A steadfast advocate for equity and inclusion, she champions opportunities for women in business and STEM. Her 15+ years of board leadership and advisory roles have left an indelible mark on organizations such as The Brandon Foundation, Women & Hi Tech, Pass The Torch for Women, Shift Up Now Foundation, and The Boss Babe Network. Her expertise in fundraising, sponsorships, brand strategy, and leadership has helped these organizations amplify their impact and empower countless individuals.
Driven by a vision to foster meaningful change, Rebecca embodies her philosophy of “lifting while climbing,” creating a legacy of empowerment, collaboration, and purpose-driven success.
WOMAN BUSINESS OWNER OF THE YEAR AWARD
MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD
AWARD CRITERIA
The Woman Business Owner of the Year award honors one outstanding NAWBOIndianapolis business owner who has built a successful and sustainable business.
Recipients of this award have a demonstrated history of driving business forward and creating job growth. They assertively break through barriers and overcome challenges and actively support other women business owners. They seek out opportunities to give back to their communities.
PAST RECIPIENTS
2023 Melissa St. John, Relocation Strategies
2022 Jessica Nickloy, The Etica Group, Inc.
2021 Kristin Cooper, The StartUp Ladies
2019 Janet Sounth, DECO Coatings Inc.
2018 Debra Kunce, CORE Planning Strategies
2017 Mary Beth Oakes, Choreo and Business Furniture
2016 Jeryl Mitsch, Mitsch Design, Inc.
2015 Elaine Bedel, Bedel Financial Consulting, Inc.
2014 Jill Hall, ReproGraphix
2013 Jennifer Foster, Foster Results
2012 Karen Cooper, Smart IT Staffing, Inc.
2025 NAWBO
2025 VISIONARY AWARD RECIPIENT
CORPORATE PARTNER OF THE YEAR
ETICA GROUP
Etica Group’s projects contribute to the growth and well-being of communities. Our surveyors, environmental scientists, engineers, architects, building envelope specialists and construction inspectors work hand-in-hand with clients to prioritize effective communication and collaboration to ensure their goals are our goals. We will work closely with our clients, primarily in the municipal, aviation, public safety, private and education markets to understand and achieve their project objectives. As a womenowned firm, diversity is ingrained in our culture, fostering creativity and varied perspectives.
CORPORATE PARTNER OF THE YEAR AWARD
AWARD CRITERIA
The Corporate Partner of the Year award honors one outstanding corporation who supports the organization and serves as a powerful advocate for NAWBO-Indianapolis and woman-owned businesses in Indiana.
The Corporate Recipient of this award has a demonstrated history of helping woman-owned businesses reach their full potential while improving the overall business climate via contracting opportunities and/or advocacy efforts. Limited to sponsors who are monetary contributors of the NAWBO-Indianapolis Corporate Partner Program.
BRONZE PARTNERS
SILVER PARTNERS
SILVER IN-KIND PARTNERS
IU Health is a proud sponsor of the NAWBO Visionary Award Luncheon.
We are committed to supporting the National Association of Women Business Owners Indianapolis Chapter and the tremendous work you do to help business leaders of today and tomorrow.
