Ms. Baptist is dedicated to making the lives of young women better. She works with young ladies who come from broken homes, bad relationships, homelessness, drug abuse, etc. Lives of many young women have been transformed through her ministry. She leads them to Christ and down a brighter path. She is a faithful and devoted servant within Greensboro Urban Ministries and Hannah's Haven. 

Angie is a faithful servant in the kingdom. She serves in the usher ministry at her church and she assists in the children's ministry. She is also a grandmother of two beautiful young ladies and other God-Children, who she teaches and encourages in the word of God. Her passion and dedication to doing all that she does does not unnoticed. Serving is helping. Serving is teaching. Serving is loving. And for that she is a STAR!

Kristi Barnes is a graduating senior of North Carolina A&T State University where she is in the university's Honors College.  She's from Columbia, Maryland, was a NASA Goddard intern in high school, & is studying chemical engineering with an applied mathematics minor. She earned a cumulative 4.0 GPA and secured an internship with Abbott before completing her first semester. Kristi recently received a prestigious $15,000 scholarship in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering, &/or Math.  In July 2021, she earned the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation HBCU National Racial Equity Initiative Scholarship to pursue her interest in applying her studies to better treat diabetes and other diseases that disproportionately affect Black populations. She co-authored the study “Do masks matter? A study on the effectiveness and the adherence to mask mandates in stores in Greensboro, North Carolina” in April 2022, completed a second internship with Abbott in summer 2022 and interned with Eli Lilly in summer 2023. A member of the University Choir and treasurer of the Society of Women Engineers, she was one of A&T’s Astronaut Scholarship candidates last year.

“I want to play an active role in disease prevention by engineering systems that transform medicine, nutrition, and diagnostics, and I want to end Type 2 diabetes because it runs in my family,” she said. “I also plan to blend my spirit of service with my STEM degree to help the progression of diversity in the STEM workforce.”

Recent recipient of a prestigious $15,000 scholarship.  Breyana Robinson is a third-year student at North Carolina A&T State University from Garland, Texas.  She is a Dowdy Scholar, studying laboratory animal science with a minor in chemistry. Robinson earned her Veterinary Assisting Certification through the Texas Veterinary Medicine Association in high school, and is a Diversity In Veterinary Medicine Coalition Scholar. She interned at the University of Utah in summer 2022 and at Boehringer Ingelheim in Ridgefield, Connecticut in summer 2023; she was also endorsed for the 2023 Goldwater Scholarship.

“I believe that research is the key to our future, and I am committed to working toward a future where African Americans are more represented within the animal science and the research industries,” she said.

Tiana Alexander is currently a teacher at Smith High School in Greensboro, NC.  She's made waves on a historic level however at Julius Chambers High School (formerly Vance High) in Charlotte, NC. When the Carolina Panthers partners with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools to help fund creating a Girls' Flag Football league for the first time in the state for area High schools, Tiana went to work putting together and training up a dedicated and motivated group of young ladies who took her lead and went on to winning 12 and 0 season and also won the league championship in its inaugural year.   The team has established itself as GIANTS with her guidance.   Though she's no longer at Chambers High, having moved on to Smith High, she is still connected with her girls, participating in a group chat with the group and their mothers still... forever vested in their endeavors and wellbeing.   

Tiana aspires to work in athletics on the collegiate level in the area of Sports Marketing. Her educational background includes attaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing at East Tennessee State University where she also participated in Track & Field and became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.  She then went on to receive her Masters in Sport Management from Texas A&M University.

-Excellent fitness and life coach. She has changed and transformed so many people lives that never thought they could achieve their weight loss goal and dreams.

-She’s very determined and dedicated to what she does with fitness and she empowers life so well.  I’m nominating her because she is that sister that’s gonna go over and beyond to make sure you reach all your goals in your journey with fitness.

-All her life she has fought to be the fitness guru that she has bloomed into. She didn’t stop with herself, she spreads the motivation and positive self-image to women of all cultures. 

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Allegra is one of the most fit ladies I know. She lives a healthy lifestyle and encourages others to do the same. She has her ministry at the church where she teaches living a healthy and fit lifestyle through the word of God. She's committed and dedicated to living a fit healthy life.

Essence Imani Foster, the founder of This Tuesday, leads a home decor business centered around healing through aesthetically pleasing decor, currently encompassing wall decor. She is a full-time artist, business owner, content creator, model, and advocate. With poise, she champions growth, self-expression, and healing while encouraging listeners to prioritize self-care through various avenues.

Since graduating from East Carolina University in 2019 with a Bachelor’s of Fine Art, Essence has emerged as an inspiration for both men and women. Her artistic talents shone during the peak of police brutality and the elevation of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, where she created a massive 8-foot piece titled “State of Emergency” in downtown Greensboro to deter further vandalism of the area’s restaurants and businesses.

Drawing from her memories, she leverages nostalgic and timeless artwork to foster communication and healing within black families. Recognized by Billo Creator as one of NC’s top creators, Essence uses her soothing voice to engage in conversations on self-care, addressing topics such as anger languages, survival identity, and emotional regulation.

Further extending her conversational platform of self-love and women’s empowerment, she became a model in 2021. Since beginning her journey into modeling, she has become an internationally published editorial model and runway model for High Point and Danville Fashion Week. Essence seamlessly integrates her multi-hyphenate talents, achieving her dream of becoming a content creator and model with a platform to inspire change and encourage others to pursue their heart’s desires. Essence is an exceptional Power PlayHER and EntrepreneurHER.

She has a non-profit dance studio and has dedicated her time and energy to future generations. She exhibits excellent character in her teaching. She continues to show other young girls how to walk, or shall I say dance, in royalty. She is the owner of Royal Expressions Dance Studio..

Overcoming abuse, tragedy and many hardships, she has put herself through school while raising a young child and become a naturopathic physician. She is an author, works closely with the homeless community, and uplifts others while raising 2 children with a 3rd on the way.

Upon first meeting her I didn't know her story. I had her boys in my summer camp. She's overcome a lot. Yet she still continues to be an amazing mother to 4 kids and a faithful church member at ALCI. 

Nominee Statement:  I am first and more importantly the Lord's servant. I am a single mother of four and I've been trained and certified as a Christian life coach specializing in Spiritual growth and discipleship, Church Leadership and Ministry Team Development, as well as Identity and Self Discovery.  I am so grateful to God for his faithfulness

In my life in spite of me and the journey and the journey if grace he has kept me on.  I have found my life and identity in Christ and I am eager to help others find theirs as well.

Shenna Harrison is literally a walking miracle. From heart surgery with 99 % blockage to being diagnosed with lung cancer & spots on her brain, she has not missed a beat. God is her strength, her source & her healer. She peaches, cooks for anyone, she cleans, she sings, volunteers with the food outreach ministry just to name a few. God told her “your body can heal itself” that’s her story & shes sticking to it. She is a walking miracle.

Sabrina is the mother of 2 autistic sons.  She works hard to put herself through school, overcoming many obstacles to provide her sons the best life possible. She is constantly uplifting others and sharing beautiful  revelations while loving others with the love of God in a beautiful way.

Testimony from Sabrina: Sometimes being a mom feels like crabwalking up an ice covered mountain, blindfolded, with no gloves and barefoot. You can do it but it takes ALOT of time, prayer and relentless commitment.

I am the mother of 2 young adults with autism. Even though they are extremely challenging, I wouldn't want to trade being a mom for anything. I feel honored that GOD chose me to be the mother of such amazing men.

I know what it means to fight, through seemingly insurmountable circumstances in the best interest of those you love. Working two jobs, while in school, during a pandemic, while attempting to support your kids educational needs and still be loving, kind, and patient, all while fighting to keep from falling apart. Crying on the inside while making jokes and providing safety and comfort to people who need you most.

Being a mother will humble and expose you like nothing on this planet. It will show you your deepest fears, insecurities and faults, all while challenging your resolve and pushing you to be and do better.

Motherhood is so beautifully complicated, yet indescribably rewarding. 

Ms. Sandra has been a faithful member of True Salvation Christian Fellowship for some years now and has devoted her time to helping with catering for their events and church dinners. She is a beast in the kitchen and has a speciality in cheesecakes! But regardless, everything she makes is top notch, impeccable savory goodness! My mother is already gone but if she was here I would slap her so hard.

Graham's Buffet is located inside The Clinton Inn hotel in Laurinburg NC. Addie McQueen has amazing food and a beautiful spirit. Her parents were not welcome to stay at the Clinton Inn decades ago ; so her father made it his mission to purchase the hotel and leave a legacy for her. The restaurant has a rich history for her family and she continues to uphold the values while encouraging others not to let temporary set backs discourage future opportunities.  At Grahams Buffet there is a sign ourside the doors that says "Where true homemade lunch is served" and then the lunch hours are listed.  The main part that you don't get until  you have experienced  it, is that HOME is the keyword.  Addie and everyone at Grahms Buffet  truly embraces you as a part of their very loving and extremely well-fed family!   www.theclintoninnlbg.com

She is a phenomenal musician who has toured many places and has collaborated with great artists such as Prince. She has a lot of passion and expertise for what she does. She inspires many through her performance and teaching. She is truly amazing!

Latoya Taylor is being nominated  by her daughter for her ministry in song.  She started singing when she was a little girl in church, which led to performing in talent shows, special events, funerals, and a variety of praise groups.  Sher recorded her first single back in 2005 and performed her song at a special event within that year.  She loves praise and worthip and most importantly ministering to the people of God!

Nominee Statement: . I enjoy ministering in song about the goodness of God to everyone! Within the last couple of years, I have sung at funerals, weddings, company events, and church programs. I'm so grateful for this gift God has blessed me with. 

Traona is an excellent candidate to win this award because she embodies what this award stands for.  Last year Traona sought out and was awarded grant money to provide teenage African American young ladies with a program to teach them how to care for their hair and skin.  She also is a beautician with her own salon. She embraces the joy of helping women to look and feel good about themselves and to help them transform their look and mindset - to embrace the queen within by nurturing or pampering.  She was great with the young ladies and wasn't afraid to give them a little necessary tough love at times when needed.   Her work and efforts are a ministry.  Hopefully she plans to continue offering the camp to young girls, because she is truly helping to create young Queens, allowing them to see themselves in a more capable, informed, and beautiful light.  "Traybayy", as she is affectionately called by many, helps women to SHINE. JUST like the name of her salon.  

Traona is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Joan Walden is absolutely amazing! She has travelled the world and continues to be on the go and does all she can to help others. She is a selfless soul and dedicates much of her time to ensure others are okay and satisfied. She's active in church ministry, the school system, and many other endeavors. She does not look, nor act, like her age. She is such a blessing and does not allow age to stop her flow. 

Nominee Statement: Hi, my name is Evangelist Joan E Walden.  My other titles include Madame Queen to family, Grandma to many, God Grandma to others, Momma Walden to some!  Auntie, mother, friend,  Woman of God to many as I answer the call.  No matter what I am called, I answer willing and faithfully!!! I love the Lord with all that is within me.  People ask why I give of myself so much.  I answer, “I don’t know.  My mom did it and my aunts as well.  I guess it’s just the Jesus in us!”  I offer godly advice to everyone I meet and if they take it as given, God answers!  I am honored to be a nominee for such a prestigious award!  I’m grateful! 

I am nominating Shenna because she’s an AWESOME 1st lady and a wonderful Elder. She is the first lady of  Ramah Restoration Outreach in Reidsville, NC where her husband, Bishop Allen C. Harrison presides

Apostle Theresa is a beautiful gift to the Kingdom. She is the devout leader of New Wine Ministries. The anointing on her life is great and she walks in full obedience and submission to God. Her lifestyle is one that many desire. She is in constant fellowship and communion with God and her heart for ministry is so pure. She doesn't preach for money or fame. She's a real one. 

. Beverly Britton Spence migrated from Trinidad and Tobago to the Jersey City, New Jersey in the summer of 1985. In the fall of that same year she attended the Christine Valmy School of Skin Care of New York, and graduated as an Esthetician and Make Up Artist.

She started her career working for Evelyn’s Studio of Central Islip, Long Island. There she built a large client base for skincare. Recognizing a need for someone qualified to provide professional Nail care in the area, Beverly then graduated from Nail Academy of Long Island.

At Evelyn’s Studio, Beverly worked as a responsible dedicated employee for eight (8) years servicing the hamlet of Central Islip and Brentwood.

With the need to grow, she created her Corporation named Faces, Nails & More and set up business on Suffolk Ave, Brentwood. This was a journey of taking risk having trust and faith in oneself and in the ability of one's craft, and following one's purpose and Steppin Out.

Beverly states that it's about having a vision, an idea and not letting anyone or anything discourage you. This journey was and is about not waiting for something to happen, but making it happen. It's about not being afraid of failure. It's about seeing a need and filling it. Beverly saw the need for a Day Spa service in her community and took it.

In stepping toward her goal, she gainfully employed four Nail Technicians, another Esthetician, assistants and front desk person.

After five (5) years at this location, Beverly purchased property on Second Ave, Brentwood and relocated Faces, Nails & More. Here, she was able to increase the employee base, hiring her sisters and other member of the community. In keeping with her desire to provide top of the line service and a place her people would be proud to call their salon, Beverly revamped the service menu to now include full Day Spa services.

Always conscious of taking in healthy foods, she provided an Herbal Tea Bar where clients received free informed information on nutrition needed to maintain wellness.

After the crisis of Sept 11th, 2001, she and her staff donated blood and fund raised for the cause by dedicating an entire day’s work earnings to AmeriCare Inc.of America.

As a believer that no man is an island, she mentored minority individuals who needed advice and support on owning their business. She also hosts conferences on health and wellness so that clients can keep abreast of healthy choices.

As of 2010, Faces, Nails & More Day Spa is now located on Park Ave, Bay Shore, where Beverly continues to service her very loyal client, who she lovingly refers to as family.

 Beverly is a graduate of the One Spirit Interfaith Seminary program and also of the Inter-spiritual Counselor program since 2009. She continues to give back by being a student advisor. She was actively involved with an organization called Infinite Motion in Christ Ministry, teaching and organizing. She also organized and planner of workshops on forgiveness, lessons on how to succeed, women empowerment and business entrepreneurial seminars which supports upcoming minority business.

Beverly provides an open atmosphere at Faces, Nails & More where individual are welcomed for who they are, and services are rendered to suit individual needs. Many friendships are born and nurtured on a weekly basis between clientele.

As of 2024, Faces, Nails & More is located in Central Islip where Beverly continues to service her very loyal client, who she lovingly refers to as Frien-maly.

Abundant Life Church International's Dance Ministry team is four women strong and very powerful when they minister.  The render their service as unto the Lord.  Though relatively new, having started in 2023, they burst onto the scene with a very strong impact.  They all have a beautiful gift.  It is wonderful that Aniyra made it possible for this ministry to be created to bless all those who worship with the church live or via television or livestream over the internet. 

Traona King owns SHINE! Beauty Studio.  SHINE! Beauty Studio is located in Greensboro, NC. SHINE is known for its care for healthy hair! With a team that "stays on top of all cutting edge techniques" clients leave feeling fly, fresh, and shining brighter than ever!  The all female stylist team is Traona, Tammy, Jazmine, Ebony, & Bailey.  To see them online visit Shinebeauty.studio

The young ladies of Girls Flag Football at Julius Chambers High in Charlotte, NC have established themselves as Giants in the pilot program of Girls' Flag Football in the State of North Carolina.  The team has won the CMS Girls' Flag Football Championship two years back to back, going undefeated 12 and 0 in its first year.  Twenty other schools compete in the first championship and 23 in the second.   In the words of their quarterback Kaitlyn Goodwin, to play Girls flag football IS Women's Empowerment.  

When you think of competitive sports or competitive college sports, your mind may not go quickly to bowling if at all... but the Women's Bowling Team at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University is changing that misconception.  They are a picture of a triple threat with brains, brawn, and beauty!  At the campus sports awards (called the the ESPY's), it was the women's bowling team and its members that racked up the most honors and awards in women's sports, with the Senior Female Award, the Female Athlete of the year, and a team award for Academic Female Team of the Year because they had the highest cumulative GPA of all the female sports teams.  Here's a link about them.

https://ncatregister.com/21738/the-score/n-c-at-womens-bowling-team-goes-for-4th-straight-meac-title/