CELEBRATING OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT THROUGHOUT FLORIDA AND BEYOND
Volume 29, Issue 2 March/April 2026
AGELESS BEAUTY:
THE SECRETS TO ALWAYS LOOKING FINE
ONYX Magazine Women on the Move
WOMAN OF THE YEAR
TRACEY POWELL Perseverance. Purpose. Possibility.
ONE WAY
A MOVE IN HOPE'S DIRECTION FOR PARRAMORE SONS INSPIRED BY BRENDA MARCH
FLORIDA SCOPE
CONTENTS 6
From the Publisher
7
Elevate Strong Women and Men Build Strong Communities
8
11th Annual ONYX Magazine Women on the Move
9
Woman of the Year Tracey D. Powell
12 International Impact Leader Yvonne Thompson 13 Publisher's Award Diyonne McGraw 14 Udell T. Black & Linda Y. Bryanen Visionary Award Juel Smith 15 Brenda March Beacon of Light Award Lorna Taylor 17 Beauty Aging with Grace 18 Black History One Way and The Inspiration of Now 20 SAGE Fighting Loneliness 22 WOTM Janean Armstrong 23 WOTM Adriana Colina 24 WOTM Kenyonn Demps
9
WOMAN OF THE YEAR TRACEY POWELL Cover and Page 4 photos courtesy of The Walt Disney Company
4 ONYX MAGAZINE March/April 2026
25 WOTM Keisha Dyer 26 Community 100k Women Strong 29 Sports Get Involved in Community Sports
40 WOTM Elita McMillon 41 WOTM Edna Jones Miller 42 Workplace What's Next in the World of Work 44 Wealth/Finance Personal Finance Made Easy 46 WOTM Jennifer Paul 47 WOTM Bemetra Simmons 48 WOTM Natasha Spencer 49 WOTM Anjali Vyas 50 WOTM Robin Watson 51 WOTM Elisabeth Withers 52 WOTM Over the Years All Honorees since 2016 54 WOTM 2026 Scholars 57 Generation Next College Summit Helps Students 58 The Quad What’s Happening on Campus 60 Education Interested in the Culinary Arts 62 Travel What’s Trending in Travel 64 International Happening Overseas 66 Florida Scope Vote in 2026
30 WOTM Marianne Eggleston
67 Beyond Florida Travel Prices May be up this Summer
31 WOTM Julie Gargotta
68 Legal Matters Estate Planning
32 WOTM Elizabeth Grace
71 Health/Wellness Signs of Stroke in Women
33 WOTM Sanja Hartfield
72 Medically Speaking 10 Steps to a Happier, Healthier You
34 Art & Culture Obama Museum Opening in June 36 ONYX Reads Queen-to-Queen Books to Help us Rise 38 WOTM Char Ferrell Jordan 39 WOTM Robyn Lawrence
74 Real Estate Single Ladies are Buying Homes 75 Family The Power of Play 77 ONYX on the Move Ms. Corporate America 78 Wine/Food The Leadership Table
Year-End Checklist for Small Businesses
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BLACK HISTORY
ONE WAY:
Move in Hope’s Direction E M M Y AWA R D -W I N N I N G D O C U M E N TA RY S H OW S T H E H O P E I N PA R R A M O R E Brenda March, A Beacon of Light, Inspired the Kidz Who Are Winning
“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room in heaven.”— Muhammad Ali
Buddy Dyer, including as a senior advisor. She provided visionary leadership for the Parramore Kidz Zone and Holden Heights Kidz Zone, overseeing day-to-day operations within Families, Parks, n Emmy Award-winning documentary, ONE WAY: Move in and Recreation. Her work focused on strengthening communities Hope’s Direction, tells the powerful story of young Black through collaboration with grassroots leaders, nonprofit, educamen from Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood—labeled tional, and faith-based organizations, and she was nationally recas gang members—who are caught between two worlds: one that ognized for her advocacy on behalf of children in underserved sees them as threats, and another where they fight to be seen as communities. human. Set against the backdrop of Central Florida’s tourist façade, Throughout her career, March led and supported numerous the film follows their journey through street life, trauma, and systransformative initiatives, including America’s Promise Powell Legtemic neglect—revealing their resilience, brotherhood, and dreams acy for PKZ, First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative, the of something more. It’s a raw, poetic exploration of identity, surCampaign for Black Male Achievement’s Rumble Young Man Rumvival, and hope. Is there only one way out, or can they redefine the ble, President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Orlando, and My Sister’s path entirely—and take their community with them? Keeper Orlando, which she founded. She also played key roles in the On December 5, 2025, One Way made a significant turn when it Mayor’s matching grants program, Citizen Corps, and neighborhood took home four 2025 Suncoast Regional Emmy Awards for Outstandand community planning efforts, often serving as a connector to ing Achievement in Diversity/Equity/Inclusion Program, Directing, Phoengage citizens in meaningful civic solutions. tography and Editing (Short Form). The award date is so significant Beyond her public service, Brenda was a devoted wife to Charles because it was also the day that one of the film’s most noted inspirers and a proud mother of three: sons Joel and Jeremy, Disney Dreamwas laid to rest. After a lifelong matchless job well done as mentor, ers Academy graduates, and daughter Toushe, an executive and mother, sister, auntie, and cheerleader to the men in One Way and entrepreneur. March served on numerous local and national boards youth throughout Parramore, Brenda March finalized her legacy. and received many honors, including ONYX Magazine’s Women on “This film is a testament to (the fact) that if you the Move, Orlando Magazine’s Women of the Year, judge a person by their first mistake, you’ll never the Orlando Magic Diversity Game Maker Award, find out how great they truly can be,” said Raysean and multiple lifetime achievement and humanitarBrown, a product of Parramore and musician and ian recognitions. writer on the One Way executive team. Brown One Way was one of March’s most meaningful spoke poignant words while accepting the Emmy legacies, so let’s keep it alive. Your donation helps just hours after inspiring friends who attended One Way complete post-production, share these March’s services. “Everybody just needs one loving, stories with the world, and spark real conversacaring adult in their life, and their life will turn out tions about survival, hope, and justice. Every conamazing. With that, shout out to my mom, shout tribution moves the team one step closer to the out to RedFour Productions, shout out to Ms. finish line—and to sparking real change. CommuBrenda, whom we buried today, shout out to everynity partner, Orlando Community & Youth Trust, body who worked on this film.” Inc., has created a special fund for this project. Brenda March served the City of Orlando for All contributions are tax-deductible. Visit oneway. more than 30 years as a trusted advisor to Mayor film/#support. Brown
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18 ONYX MAGAZINE March/April 2026
BLACK HISTORY
The Inspiration of Now BLACK HISTORY IN THE MAKING
B
lack history is not only something we study in the past; it is unfolding right now in our communities, workplaces, and movements. Capturing it as it happens ensures that voices are heard without distortion or delay. These women are inspiring others in the way they keep history alive—and encourage others to do the same. Let’s take a look at some women who are building their legacies as we speak.
Artistic Expression At Its Best Ya La’Ford is an artist, educator, and foremost a transporter—working between the visual and the complexities of the human community with layered meanings—through a wide range of media including paint, sculpture, installation, video, and sound. She received her Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts from The Art Institute of Boston and also holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law. As a first-generation American, she moves between her Jamaican heritage and vulnerable communities using the power of art as a universal language. Ya La'ford's mission is centered on creating art and experiences, which exist to immeasurably transform and revolutionize the social, cultural, and historic contexts of creative expression within the human
journey. Discover the transformative art of Ya LaFord, whose geometric designs and bold murals inspire connection and community. Explore the portfolio of public art, exhibitions, and bespoke creations that celebrate cultural heritage and collective memory. Each piece embodies an invitation for dialogue and reflection, fostering a sense of belonging and shared experience. Through the work, Ya LaFord bridges the gap between diverse communities, encouraging a deeper understanding of our collective narratives and histories. Experience the vibrant colors and intricate patterns that not only captivate the eye but also stir the soul, making art a powerful medium for unity and expression.
The Power of Kindness
Twenty-three seconds nobody saw coming. On January 11, 2026, the Jacksonville Jaguars took a heartbreaking NFL Wild Card round loss to the Buffalo Bills. Jacksonville Free Press Journalist Lynn Jones watched head coach Liam Coen walk into the press conference after the game. “He looked deflated and I could see the sadness in his face,” Jones told ONYX Magazine. So, she did what any mother, grandmother, auntie would do: She offered encouragement. “I just want to tell you, congratulations on your success, young man,” she said. “You hold your head up, all right? You guys have had a most magnificent season. You did a great job out there today. You just hold your head up, OK? Ladies and gentlemen, Duval, you the one. Keep it going, we got another season, OK? Take care, and much continued success to you and the entire team.” Coen thanked her for the inspiration. Kind words like that aren’t typically heard during a post-game briefing. Some sports writers saw it as unprofessional. But most of the world thought it was exactly what we all need right now; Simple, unfiltered kindness. The exchange quickly went viral. Jones, a Detroit native, is known for her genuine, authentic self—a woman who doles out compliments with ease. As a lifelong writer and producer at The Jacksonville Free Press, a member of the Black Press, Jones is now dubbed Auntie Lynn, a term of affection in Black America. “We’re in communications, we’re in a field… There’s nothing wrong with expressing how you feel and being emotionally invested,” she said.
Photos: Art, Ya La’Ford
Run Tell That In 2025, Ashley Morrow started a tour that would change the way Tampa view Black history. Taking advantage of her right to speak for three minutes in City Council meetings. When she does, Morrow shares Tampa’s Black history with councilmembers and constituents. Councilman Charlie Miranda calls it a “public service.” A fifth-generation Tampa native, Morrow is committed to teaching people the role that African Americans have played in the Bay area. She plans to keep telling the stories until all of history is told. March/April 2026 ONYX MAGAZINE 19
10th 11th Annual ONYX Magazine
WOMEN ON THE MOVE
Through the Years
2016 Dr. Rosalyn Clark Artis Congresswoman Corrine Brown Julia E. Brown Briana Daniel Dr. Leticia Diaz Dr. Marie-Jose Francois Kathleen "Kat" Gordon Dr. Gwendolyn Goldsby Grant Kezia Hendrix-Rolle Sandy Hosetter Fla. Sen. Arthenia Joyner Latria Graham Leak Sisaundra Lewis Dr. Elmira Mangum Deborah McDuffie Ellen Parcell Tiffany Moore Russell Nancy Port Schwalb Carole Ann Taylor Dr. Delvina Thomas Doretha Hair Truesdell Congresswoman Frederica Wilson Belinda Wilson 2017 Leticia M. Adams Dr. Florence Alexander Vernice Atkins-Bradley Denee Benton Jackie Brockington Lee Bryan Stefanie Campbell Ruby Cooper-Darling Dr. Angela Felecia Epps Camille Evans, Esq. Honorable Carolyn Grant-Ford Denise Hicks Lauren Houston Natalie A. Jackson, Esq. Yolanda Cash Jackson, Esq. Honorable Viviana Janer Dr. Barbara M. Jenkins Connie W. Kinnard Beatrice Louissaint Maritza Martinez Monica May Dr. Lucille O'Neal Dr. Rosalie Ellis Payne Kathey K. Porter Marisol Romany Honorable Patty Sheehan Dr. Falecia D. Williams Dr. Dhyana Ziegler
66 ONYX MAGAZINE March/April 2026 52
2018
2025 2018 Pasha Baker Tasha Maria Robinson Banks Althemese Barnes Mary Ann Carroll Roda Howard Carter Terrie Daniel Felecia Haslom Davis Jasmine Gebon Annette Gibbs Marcia Hope Goodwin Cathy Grant Lynda V. Harris Anita Henri Erica Henri Commissioner Regina I. Hill Paula Hoisington Beverly Kuykendall Yolanda Londono Megan Mack Brenda March Desiree Spence Matthews Dr. Pamela McCauley Annette McNeill Julia Sarkodie Mensah** Bernadette Morris Joyce Odongo Ava L. Parker, Esq. Shanti Persaud Angela Suggs Wanda Trotter Carla M. Williams Cece Teneal Williams
2019
2019 Eloise Abrahams, RN Dr. Ann Ashley-Gilbert Sherri T. Brown Cathy Brown-Butler Chole Juanita Evans Coney Congresswoman Valez B. Demings Dr. Elizabeth Dooley Dr. Melissa Freeman* Linda Howard Jacqueline Jones Nikki Lewis-Simon Novlet Mattis Vickie Oldham Dancia Penn** Clemmie Perry
Commissioner Clemmie Perry Victoria Siplin Commissioner Carolyn House Victoria Stewart Siplin Carolyn Rep. Geraldine House Thompson Stewart Rep.Riva Dr. Geraldine Tims Thompson Dr. Paulette Riva TimsWalker Dr. Paulette Melanie Williams Walker Melanie Dr. Tonjua Williams Williams Dr. Tonjua Williams
2020
2024
2020 2020
2024 2024
2020 2020 Latasha R. Barnes Latasha R. Barnes 2020 * * Xernona Clayton Xernona Clayton Latasha R. Barnes Joli Cooper Joli Cooper Xernona Clayton* Dawn Chantel Curtis Dawn Chantel Curtis Joli Cooper Tanisha Nunn Gary, Esq. Tanisha Nunn Gary, Esq. Dawn Chantel Curtis Mildred Graham Mildred Graham Tanisha Nunn Gary, Esq. Dr. Joan B. Holmes Dr. Joan B. Holmes Mildred Graham Valerie Chester Hendriex Jenkins Valerie Chester Dr. Joan Hendriex B. HolmesJenkins Latonya Johnson-Gill LatonyaValerie Johnson-Gill Chester Hendriex Jenkins Janie Lacy Janie Lacy Latonya Johnson-Gill *** *** Inez Long Inez Long Janie Lacy 2022 Sonya Mallard Sonya Mallard Inez Long*** Chanta Miller Chanta Miller 2022 Sonya Mallard ** ** Dame Constance Mitcham Dame Constance ViolaViola Mitcham Vicki-Elaine Felder Chanta Miller 2022 Heidi Otway Heidi Otway Dr.Marilyn Angela Drayton L. Fields ** Dame Constance Viola Mitcham Sylvia Perry Sylvia Perry Donna Gilmer Felder Vicki-Elaine Heidi Otway *** Marilyn Drayton Caleta Scott Caleta Scott Quibulah Graham Dr. Angela L. Fields Sylvia Perry Vicki-Elaine Felder Tamara Shamburger Tamara Shamburger Dr. Malou C. Harrison Donna Gilmer Caleta Scott Dr. Angela L. Fields Kathy T. Times Kathy T.Tamara Times Dr. Danielle A. Henry *** Quibulah Graham Shamburger Donna Gilmer Dr. Brenda L. Walker Dr. Brenda L. Walker Dr.Dr. Jocelyn MalouH.C.Henson Harrison *** Kathy T. Times Quibulah Graham Crystal Warwell Walker Crystal Warwell Walker Dr.Dr. Cynthia Johnson Danielle A. Henry Dr. Brenda L. Walker Dr. Malou C. Harrison Dr. Bridget Williams Dr. Bridget Williams Kimra Major-Morris, Esq. Dr. Jocelyn H. Henson Crystal Warwell Walker Dr. Danielle A. Henry Jo Newell Dr. Cynthia Johnson Dr. Bridget Williams Dr. Jocelyn H. Henson 2021 2021 Maribel KimraNicholson-Choice Major-Morris, Esq. Dr.Noisette, Cynthia Esq. Johnson Verdenia C. Baker Verdenia C. Baker Desiree Jo Newell 2021 Kimra Major-Morris, Esq. Fentrice Driskell Rep.Rep. Fentrice Driskell Tekoa Pouerie Maribel Nicholson-Choice Verdenia C. Baker Jo Powell Newell Dr. Martha Ducatel Dr. Martha Dr.Desiree Laine Noisette, Esq. Rep.Ducatel Fentrice Driskell * * Maribel Nicholson-Choice Carolyn Fennell Carolyn Fennell Kimber Saint-Preux Tekoa Pouerie Dr. Martha Ducatel Desiree Noisette, Esq. Gaskin-Capehart NikkiNikki Gaskin-Capehart Barbara Tripp * Dr. Laine Powell Carolyn Fennell Tekoa Pouerie Deputy Leila Freeze Graham Deputy Leila Freeze Graham Veronica Valdez, Esq. Kimber Saint-Preux Nikki Gaskin-Capehart Dr.Wilson Laine Powell Graham-Morris LenaLena Graham-Morris Annetta Barbara Tripp Deputy Leila Freeze Graham Kimber Saint-Preux Dr. Diana L. Greene Dr. Diana L. Greene Veronica Valdez, Esq. Lena Graham-Morris Barbara Tripp Malika Harrison Malika Harrison 2023 Annetta Wilson Dr. Diana L. Greene * Veronica Valdez, Esq. Bertha Henry Bertha Henry Trisha Bailey, Ph.D. Malika Harrison Annetta Wilson Lashawnda K. Jackson Lashawnda K. Jackson Vivian Bryant Bertha Henry 2016 Deidre A. Keller Deidre A. Keller Lashawnda Dr. Rosalyn Clark Artis K. Jackson Kena Lewis Kena Lewis Congresswoman Brown 2018 DeidreCorrine A. Keller Maner Machelle Maner JuliaMachelle E. Brown Kena Lewis Shaylia McRae Briana Daniel Shaylia McRae Machelle Maner Dr. Leticia Diaz Erika Pulley-Hayes Erika Pulley-Hayes Shaylia McRae Dr. Marie-Jose Francois Michele L. Stocker Michele L. Stocker KathleenErika "Kat" Gordon Pulley-Hayes Nicole Thomas Nicole Thomas Dr. Gwendolyn Goldsby Grant Michele L. Stocker Kezia Hendrix-Rolle Nicole Thomas Sandy Hosetter 2022 2022 Fla. Sen. Arthenia Joyner Kamia Brown Kamia Brown Latria Graham Leak 2022 * * Dr. Johnnetta Betsh Cole Dr. Johnnetta Sisaundra Lewis Betsh Kamia BrownCole Dr. Elmira Mangum Tina N. Commodore Tina N. Dr. Commodore Johnnetta Betsh Cole* Deborah McDuffie Bertha Cooper-Rousseau Bertha Cooper-Rousseau Ellen Parcell Tina N. Commodore Joyce E. Russell Cotton Joyce E. Cotton Tiffany Moore Bertha Cooper-Rousseau Nancy Port Schwalb Marilyn Drayton Joyce E. Cotton
Patrice Cates-Longberger, M.D. Pamela 2023Cates-Smith, M.D. Iranetta DennisPh.D.* Trisha Bailey, 2023 Tara L. Dorsey Vivian Bryant Trisha Bailey, Ph.D.* Ohme Entin Patrice Cates-Longberger, M.D. Vivian Bryant Sandra Fatmi-Hall M.D. PamelaM.Cates-Smith, Patrice Cates-Longberger, M.D. Tammie IranettaFields Dennis Pamela Cates-Smith, Tempress Gavin Solomon M.D. Tara L. Dorsey Iranetta Dennis Olive Gaye Ohme Entin ** Tara L. Dorsey Mercy Gilbert Sandra M. Fatmi-Hall Ohme Entin Graham Terri Ann Verschell Tammie Fields Sandra M. Fatmi-Hall Ethel Isaacs Williams Tempress Gavin Solomon Tammie Fields Kim Johnson Olive Gaye Tempress Gavin Solomon Daralene Jones** Mercy Gilbert Olive Gaye Sytia Necole Messer Terri Ann Verschell Graham ** Mercy Lyndell MimsGilbert Ethel Isaacs Williams Terri Ann Verschell Graham Commissioner Kim Johnson Gwen Myers Ethel Isaacs Williams JoJo O'NealJones Daralene Kim Johnson Dawn Chantel Ofodile Sytia Necole Messer Daralene Jones Sherry Paramore Lyndell Mims Sytia Necole Messer Sharon Riley Lyndell Mims Gail Thomas Dewitt
10th Annual ONYX Magazine
WOMEN ON THE MOVE
Through the Years
Carole Ann Taylor Dr. Delvina Thomas Doretha Hair Truesdell Congresswoman Frederica Wilson Belinda Wilson
2018 Pasha Baker Tasha Maria Robinson Banks Althemese Barnes
2018
Commissioner Gwen Myers 2024 JoJoBlake O'Neal Talia Commissioner Gwen Myers Dawn Chantel Juliet* Daniel Ofodile JoJo O'Neal Jennifer Felder-Smith Sherry Paramore Dawn Chantel Ofodile LaQuitta Ghent Sharon Riley Sherry Paramore Amanda Gunter Gail Thomas Dewitt Sharon Riley Gwen Hewitt Gail Thomas Dewitt Charmaine Hunter 2024 Shannan Ighodaro Talia Blake 2024 Esther Marshall Juliet* Daniel Melva McKay-Bass Talia Blake Jennifer Felder-Smith Dr. Tolu McKenzie Juliet* Daniel LaQuittaMurphy Ghent Cherisa Jennifer Felder-Smith AmandaChibuzo Gunter Okobi Adaobi LaQuitta Ghent Gwen Hewitt Wanda Patterson Amanda Gunter Charmaine Hunter Suzanne GwenPickett Hewitt ** Shannan Ighodaro Tonya Pratt Charmaine Hunter Traci Thompson Esther Marshall Shannan Tamika WhiteIghodaro Melva McKay-Bass Esther Marshall Nadine Williams Dr. ToluMentor McKenzie Melva McKay-Bass Natasha Williams Cherisa Murphy Dr. Tolu McKenzie Ida Williams-Campbell Adaobi Chibuzo Okobi Cherisa Murphy Nekeshia Woods Wanda Patterson Adaobi Chibuzo Okobi Suzanne Pickett 2025 Wanda Patterson Tonya Pratt** Nadia Anderson Suzanne Pickett Traci Thompson Adrienne TonyaBell Pratt** Tamika White Christie Bird TraciJones Thompson Nadine Mentor Williams Tanesha Braunskill Tamika White NatashaCameron Williams Lindsey Nadine Mentor Williams Ida Williams-Campbell Tamara Combs Natasha Williams Ericka Dunlap Nekeshia Woods Ida Williams-Campbell Tangela Dupree Kim Nekeshia Fields Woods Woman of the Year* Barbara Hartley International Woman on the Move** Kristian Jenkins Woman of the Year* Joy Jibrilu* Impact Award*** Community Woman on the Move** OpalInternational Lee Impact Award*** AvisCommunity Lewis Patty Mason Sheena Meade Claudette McGowan** Tonja Mosley Jessica Paul Celeste Roberts Judith Smelzer Jocel Thornhill Dr. Kelli Tice Chauncia Willis-Johnson Secily Wilson Woman of the Year* International Woman on the Move** Community Impact Award***
2023 2023
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