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Honors & Awards History

The NBMBAA® is devoted to honoring individuals, Chapters and partners that demonstrate exceptional service to the organization, its members and its mission. Programs such as the Entrepreneur of the Year, President and CEO Award for Excellence, President and CEO Award, H. Naylor Fitzhugh Award, MBA of the Year Award, NBMBAA® Chairperson’s Award, and many more awards honor professionals who go the extra mile to empower our communities through business excellence, service, and professionalism. The NBMBAA® is proud to honor individuals who epitomize leadership and uphold the values of the Association.

Chairman's Award

Selected by the Chair of the NBMBAA®, the recipient of this award is a member of the NBMBAA® and is recognized for volunteering and his/her commitment to the organization at a local, regional or national level. This individual is well respected by his/her peers in the local communities they serve and exemplifies the basic core values of the Association.
2021 Recipient: Aulston G. Taylor, President & CEO, St. Augustine High School
2020 Recipient: Professor Afolabi Soyode
2019 Recipient: Tandra Jackson, Managing Partner, KPMG
2018 Recipient: Beverly Robertson, Chief Operating Officer, TRUST Marketing & Communications
2017 Recipient: Ronald Thompson, Non-Executive Chair of the Board of Trustees of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA) and Lead Director of Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA)
2015 Recipient: Dr. William Pickard, Founder, Chairman, CEO Global Automotive Alliance
2014 Recipient: Debra L. Lee, Chairman and CEO of BET Entertainment

Chapter of the Year Awards

Awarded to recognize NBMBAA® chapters that have dutifully demonstrated excellence within their respective regions, NBMBAA® chapters are chosen for this prestigious award based on performance criteria set by the NBMBAA® headquarters. This performance is tracked and measured by the Balanced Scorecard with six areas being measured: fund development, membership growth and retention, leadership, public relations, program implementation, and chapter governance – all of which are critical to the health and long-term viability of the Association.
2021 Recipients: Washington, DC (Tier 1), Kentucky (Tier 2)
2020 Recipients: Atlanta (Tier 1), Indianapolis (Tier 2)
2018 Recipient: Washington, DC
2017 Recipients: Central Florida, Dallas
2016 Recipients: Atlanta, Detroit & Washington D.C.
2010 Recipient: Atlanta Chapter
2006 Recipient: Atlanta Chapter
2004 Recipient: Atlanta Chapter
1999 Recipient: Dayton Chapter

Entrepreneur of the Year

Founded to recognize the importance of entrepreneurism within the African American community, this award is presented to individuals who embrace, support and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit.
2021 Recipient: Chanda Macias, PhD, CEO, Ilera Holistic Healthcare
2020 Recipient: Kimberly A. Blackwell, Entrepreneur, Investor, Philanthropist
2019 Recipient: L.P. Green, II, CEO & Founder, Savoy Venture Partners
2018 Recipient: Edmund Poku, CEO, Niche Cocoa Industry, LTD
2017 Recipient: Irving Matthews, President and Owner of The Matthews Automotive Group
2013 Recipient: John Daniels
2004 Recipient: Juanita and Gregory Baranco, (EVP and COO) and (President and CEO) of the Baran Company, LLC

H. Naylor Fitzhugh Award of Relevance

Awarded to recognize exceptional contributions toward self-improvement and a demonstrated involvement in various business, educational and professional organizations within the African American community.
2021 Recipient: Cynthia Warrick, Ph.D. RPh, President, Stillman College
2020 Recipient: Dean Erika H. James, Dean, Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania
2019 Recipient: Eddie Brown, Founder, Chairman and CEO, Brown Capital Management
2018 Recipient: Gayle V. King, EVP, Chief Administrative Officer, Nationwide
2017 Recipient: Dr. Lawrence M. Drake II, President and CEO of LEADership, Education and Development (LEAD)
2016 Recipient: Kenneth Coleman, Chairman, Saama Technologies
2015 Recipient: Catherine W. LeBlanc, Business and Education Consultant
2014 Recipient: Johnathan D. Mariner, EVP and CFO of Major League Baseball
2013 Recipient: Lonnie Bunch, Founding Director National Museum of African American History Baseball

Helping Hands Award

This special award is presented by the President & CEO to an individual or organization that has truly exceeded expectations while serving the NBMBAA®.
2019 Recipient: Kimberley Ann Hayes, MA, EdM, CEO, Social Systems Strategies
2018 Recipient: Stephen C. Lewis, BoD President, Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program
2017 Recipient: William W. Wells Jr., President/CEO, W. Wells & Associates, LLC
2016 Recipient: Dee Williams, FCA US, LLC
2017 Recipient: Dr. Lawrence M. Drake II, President and CEO of LEADership, Education and Development (LEAD)
2015 Recipient: Volunteers who have mentored Leaders of Tomorrow® (LOT) students:
Kent Cooke – 15 years (Philadelphia Chapter); Dana Davis – 10 years (Dallas Ft. Worth Chapter); Wayne Greene – 17 years (Dallas Ft. Worth Chapter); Keisha Kelly – 10 years (Washington, DC Chapter); Oscar Mardis – 10 years (Washington, DC Chapter); William Mills – 20 years (New York Chapter); Cedric Mobley – 18 years (Dallas and Washington DC Chapters); Anthony K. Moffett, Sr. – 10 years (Detroit); Shamieka Nelson – 11 years (New York and San Francisco Chapters); Tina Saulsbury – 13 years (Kansas City Chapter); Angela Thornton-Young – 18 years (Washington DC Chapter); Kathy Valentine – 10+ years (Dallas & New Jersey Chapters)
2014 Recipient: David Harrison, Director of Office of Diversity and Inclusion Student Services of Max M. Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University

Scale-Up Pitch Challenge Winner

National Black MBA Association® launched the Scale-Up Pitch Challenge in 2017 which works to satisfy the mission of the Association to help create and support wealth-building opportunities for its members, with previous winners experiencing great success with investors due to exposure and funding provided through this challenge. This challenge is a pitch competition designed to “Make Big Ideas Bigger” by encouraging our members to create startups that are scalable. We provide startups the unique opportunity to connect with early-stage investors and venture capitalists who are ready to invest. Culminating at the 40th Annual Conference & Exposition in September, the winning team will be awarded a $50,000 Grand Prize, with additional prizes for 2nd place and a 3rd prize called the People’s Choice Award.
2021 Recipient: Erika Dillard, PopCheck Technologies, Inc.
2020 Recipient: Kayla Michelle, Pedul, Inc.
2019 Recipient: Javier Evelyn, Alerje
2018 Recipient: Kwame Boler, Neu, Inc.
2017 Recipient: Atima Lui, Nudest

Innovation Whiteboard Challenge Winner

2016 Recipient: Camille Newman, PopUpPlus
2015 Recipient: Stephanie Lampkin, Blendoor
2014 Recipient: PurchaseBlack.com

MBA of the Year

Awarded to an MBA whose participation and leadership exemplify the values and mission of the NBMBAA®. Take a look at past presidents, read about their accomplishments, and learn about nomination requirements and deadlines for future awards here.
2019 Recipient: Jacqueline Mims
2018 Recipient: Deanna Hamilton
2017 Recipient: Britta M. Wilson Ed.D.
2016 Recipient: Oscar Lewis
2015 Recipient: Marylyn R. Harris, Executive Director, Women Veterans Business Center/Harland Healthcare
2014 Recipient: Norman P. Fleming, Senior Director, Enterprise Business Solutions, MillerCoors
2013 Recipient: Louis Judge III

Chapter President of the Year

Created in 2020, this award recognizes a Chapter president that exemplifies the mission of the National Black MBA Association® through the development of future leaders within the organization and more broadly, within the community; they show a commitment to the principles that build leadership, fosters an environment for lifelong learning and demonstrates a high standard of ethics personally and organizationally.
2021 Recipients: Andrew Hamilton, Metro New York Chapter (Tier 1), Kimberly Saunders, Central Florida Chapter (Tier 2)
2020 Recipient: R. Leigh Johnson, Houston Chapter

Academic Partner of the Year

Introduced in 2016, this award is given to the institution of higher learning that provides exceptional support to NBMBAA® and its members.
2021 Recipient: Benedict College
2020 Recipient: Howard University School of Business
2019 Recipient: Alabama A&M University College of Business and Public Affairs
2018 Recipient: Emory University, Goizueta Business School
2017 Recipient: The Ohio State University, Fisher College of Business
2016 Recipient: University of Florida

President’s & CEO's Award

This special award is presented by the President & CEO to an individual or organization that has truly exceeded expectations while serving the NBMBAA®.
2019 Recipient: Brenda Lauderback, Board Chair, Denny’s, Inc.
2015 Recipient: Amos Winbush III, CEO, CyberSynchs
2014 Recipient: Dr. Kase L. Lawal, Chairman and Executive Officer of CAMAC Energy Inc.
2013 Recipient: Thomas Allen & Joyce Moorehead; Albert Dotson

Silver Torch

Awarded to a corporation or individual that has made great gains to promote equal opportunities that challenge minority professionals. This individual has effectively advanced in strategic positions within their organization.
2021 Receipient: fiserv.
2020 Recipient: Liberty Mutual Insurance
2019 Recipient: Nationwide
2018 Recipient: Johnson & Johnson
2017 Recipient: FedEx Corporation
2016 Recipient: Delta Air Lines
2015 Recipient: Comcast NBC Universal
2013 Recipient: Accepting on behalf of Chrysler: Georgette Dulworth, Director – Talent Acquisition and Global Diversity, Chrysler Group LLC

Chapter LOT® Program of the Year

Awarded to the Chapter demonstrating exceptional implementation of and commitment to the Leaders of Tomorrow® program.
2021 Recipient: Chicago (Tier 1), Kentucky (Tier 2)
2020 Recipient: Atlanta
2019 Recipient: Charlotte
2018 Recipient: Detroit
2017 Recipient: Indianapolis
2016 Recipient: Raleigh-Durham Chapter
[vc_row el_class=”mcg_hide_mobile”][vc_column][rev_slider_vc alias=”award_slider”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The NBMBAA® is devoted to honoring individuals, Chapters and partners that demonstrate exceptional service to the organization, its members and its mission. Programs such as the Entrepreneur of the Year, President and CEO Award for Excellence, President and CEO Award, H. Naylor Fitzhugh Award, MBA of the Year Award, NBMBAA® Chairperson’s Award, and many more awards honor professionals who go the extra mile to empower our communities through business excellence, service, and professionalism. The NBMBAA® is proud to honor individuals who epitomize leadership and uphold the values of the Association.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_cta h2=”Chairman’s Award”]Selected by the Chair of the NBMBAA®, the recipient of this award is a member of the NBMBAA® and is recognized for volunteering and his/her commitment to the organization at a local, regional or national level. This individual is well respected by his/her peers in the local communities they serve and exemplifies the basic core values of the Association. 2021 Recipient: Aulston G. Taylor, President & CEO, St. Augustine High School 2020 Recipient: Professor Afolabi Soyode 2019 Recipient: Tandra Jackson, Managing Partner, KPMG 2018 Recipient: Beverly Robertson, Chief Operating Officer, TRUST  Marketing & Communications 2017 Recipient: Ronald Thompson, Non-Executive Chair of the Board of Trustees of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA) and Lead Director of Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA) 2015 Recipient: Dr. William Pickard, Founder, Chairman, CEO Global Automotive Alliance 2014 Recipient: Debra L. Lee, Chairman and CEO of BET Entertainment[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”Chapter of the Year Awards”]Awarded to recognize NBMBAA® chapters that have dutifully demonstrated excellence within their respective regions, NBMBAA® chapters are chosen for this prestigious award based on performance criteria set by the NBMBAA® headquarters. This performance is tracked and measured by the Balanced Scorecard with six areas being measured: fund development, membership growth and retention, leadership, public relations, program implementation, and chapter governance – all of which are critical to the health and long-term viability of the Association. 2021 Recipients: Washington, DC (Tier 1), Kentucky (Tier 2) 2020 Recipients: Atlanta (Tier 1), Indianapolis (Tier 2) 2019 Recipients: Atlanta (Tier 1), Kentucky (Tier 2) 2018 Recipient: Washington, DC 2017 Recipients: Central Florida, Dallas 2016 Recipients: Atlanta, Detroit & Washington D.C. 2010 Recipient: Atlanta Chapter 2006 Recipient: Atlanta Chapter 2004 Recipient: Atlanta Chapter 1999 Recipient: Dayton Chapter[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”Entrepreneur of the Year”]Founded to recognize the importance of entrepreneurism within the African American community, this award is presented to individuals who embrace, support and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit. 2021 Recipient: Chanda Macias, PhD, CEO, Ilera Holistic Healthcare 2020 Recipient: Kimberly A. Blackwell, Entrepreneur, Investor, Philanthropist 2019 Recipient: L.P. Green, II, CEO & Founder, Savoy Venture Partners 2018 Recipient: Edmund Poku, CEO, Niche Cocoa Industry, LTD 2017 Recipient: Irving Matthews, President and Owner of The Matthews Automotive Group 2013 Recipient: John Daniels 2004 Recipient: Juanita and Gregory Baranco, (EVP and COO) and (President and CEO) of the Baran Company, LLC[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”H. Naylor Fitzhugh Award of Relevance”]Awarded to recognize exceptional contributions toward self-improvement and a demonstrated involvement in various business, educational and professional organizations within the African American community. 2021 Recipient: Cynthia Warrick, Ph.D. RPh, President, Stillman College 2020 Recipient: Dean Erika H. James, Dean, Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania 2019 Recipient: Eddie Brown, Founder, Chairman and CEO, Brown Capital Management 2018 Recipient: Gayle V. King, EVP, Chief Administrative Officer, Nationwide 2017 Recipient: Dr. Lawrence M. Drake II, President and CEO of LEADership, Education and Development (LEAD) 2016 Recipient: Kenneth Coleman, Chairman, Saama Technologies 2015 Recipient: Catherine W. LeBlanc, Business and Education Consultant 2014 Recipient: Johnathan D. Mariner, EVP and CFO of Major League Baseball 2013 Recipient: Lonnie Bunch, Founding Director National Museum of African American History Baseball[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”Helping Hands Award”]This special award is presented by the President & CEO to an individual or organization that has truly exceeded expectations while serving the NBMBAA®. 2019 Recipient: Kimberley Ann Hayes, MA, EdM, CEO, Social Systems Strategies 2018 Recipient: Stephen C. Lewis, BoD President, Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program 2017 Recipient: William W. Wells Jr., President/CEO, W. Wells & Associates, LLC 2016 Recipient: Dee Williams, FCA US, LLC 2015 Recipient: Volunteers who have mentored Leaders of Tomorrow® (LOT) students: Kent Cooke – 15 years (Philadelphia Chapter); Dana Davis – 10 years (Dallas Ft. Worth Chapter); Wayne Greene – 17 years (Dallas Ft. Worth Chapter); Keisha Kelly – 10 years (Washington, DC Chapter); Oscar Mardis – 10 years (Washington, DC Chapter); William Mills – 20 years (New York Chapter); Cedric Mobley – 18 years (Dallas and Washington DC Chapters); Anthony K. Moffett, Sr. – 10 years (Detroit); Shamieka Nelson – 11 years (New York and San Francisco Chapters); Tina Saulsbury – 13 years (Kansas City Chapter); Angela Thornton-Young – 18 years (Washington DC Chapter); Kathy Valentine – 10+ years (Dallas & New Jersey Chapters) 2014 Recipient: David Harrison, Director of Office of Diversity and Inclusion Student Services of Max M. Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”Scale-Up Pitch Challenge Winner”]National Black MBA Association® launched the Scale-Up Pitch Challenge in 2017 which works to satisfy the mission of the Association to help create and support wealth-building opportunities for its members, with previous winners experiencing great success with investors due to exposure and funding provided through this challenge. This challenge is a pitch competition designed to “Make Big Ideas Bigger” by encouraging our members to create startups that are scalable. We provide startups the unique opportunity to connect with early-stage investors and venture capitalists who are ready to invest. Culminating at the 40th Annual Conference & Exposition in September, the winning team will be awarded a $50,000 Grand Prize, with additional prizes for 2nd place and a 3rd prize called the People’s Choice Award. 2021 Recipient: Erika Dillard, PopCheck Technologies, Inc. 2020 Recipient: Kayla Michelle, Pedul, Inc. 2019 Recipient: Javier Evelyn, Alerje 2018 Recipient: Kwame Boler, Neu, Inc. 2017 Recipient: Atima Lui, Nudest[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”Innovation Whiteboard Challenge Winner”]2016 Recipient: Camille Newman, PopUpPlus 2015 Recipient: Stephanie Lampkin, Blendoor 2014 Recipient: PurchaseBlack.com [/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”MBA of the Year”]Awarded to an MBA whose participation and leadership exemplify the values and mission of the NBMBAA®. Take a look at past presidents, read about their accomplishments, and learn about nomination requirements and deadlines for future awards here. 2019 Recipient: Jacqueline Mims 2018 Recipient: Deanna Hamilton 2017 Recipient: Britta M. Wilson Ed.D. 2016 Recipient: Oscar Lewis 2015 Recipient: Marylyn R. Harris, Executive Director, Women Veterans Business Center/Harland Healthcare 2014 Recipient: Norman P. Fleming, Senior Director, Enterprise Business Solutions, MillerCoors 2013 Recipient:  Louis Judge III[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”Chapter President of the Year”]

Created in 2020, this award recognizes a Chapter president that exemplifies the mission of the National Black MBA Association® through the development of future leaders within the organization and more broadly, within the community; they show a commitment to the principles that build leadership, fosters an environment for lifelong learning and demonstrates a high standard of ethics personally and organizationally.

2021 Recipients: Andrew Hamilton, Metro New York Chapter (Tier 1), Kimberly Saunders, Central Florida Chapter (Tier 2)  2020 Recipient: R. Leigh Johnson, Houston Chapter[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”Academic Partner of the Year”]Introduced in 2016, this award is given to the institution of higher learning that provides exceptional support to NBMBAA® and its members. 2021 Recipient: Benedict College 2020 Recipient: Howard University School of Business 2019 Recipient: Alabama A&M University College of Business and Public Affairs 2018 Recipient: Emory University, Goizueta Business School 2017 Recipient: The Ohio State University, Fisher College of Business 2016 Recipient: University of Florida[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”President’s & CEO’s Award”]This special award is presented by the President & CEO to an individual or organization that has truly exceeded expectations while serving the NBMBAA®. 2019 Recipient: Brenda Lauderback, Board Chair, Denny’s, Inc. 2015 Recipient: Amos Winbush III, CEO, CyberSynchs 2014 Recipient: Dr. Kase L. Lawal, Chairman and Executive Officer of CAMAC Energy Inc. 2013 Recipient: Thomas Allen & Joyce Moorehead; Albert Dotson[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”Silver Torch”]Awarded to a corporation or individual that has made great gains to promote equal opportunities that challenge minority professionals. This individual has effectively advanced in strategic positions within their organization. 2021 Receipient: fiserv. 2020 Recipient: Liberty Mutual Insurance 2019 Recipient: Nationwide 2018 Recipient: Johnson & Johnson 2017 Recipient: FedEx Corporation 2016 Recipient: Delta Air Lines 2015 Recipient: Comcast NBC Universal 2013 Recipient: Accepting on behalf of Chrysler: Georgette Dulworth, Director – Talent Acquisition and Global Diversity, Chrysler Group LLC[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”Chapter LOT® Program of the Year”]Awarded to the Chapter demonstrating exceptional implementation of and commitment to the Leaders of Tomorrow® program. 2021 Recipient: Chicago (Tier 1), Kentucky (Tier 2) 2020 Recipient: Atlanta 2019 Recipient: Charlotte 2018 Recipient: Detroit 2017 Recipient: Indianapolis 2016 Recipient: Raleigh-Durham Chapter[/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Annual membership contract, paid in monthly installments with automatic renewal Service begins as soon as your initial payment is processed. You will be charged 1/12 of the annual membership fee at the time of purchase, every month for the duration of your annual contract. Your membership contract will renew automatically, on your annual renewal date, until you cancel your membership in writing no later than 30 days prior to your annual renewal by contacting membership support. Renewal rates are subject to change, but you will be notified at least 30 days prior to your annual renewal date if your renewal rate will change. Should you cancel before your one-year term has expired, you will be charged 100% of your remaining contract obligation and your service will continue until the end of until the end of your contracted term. Cancellations can be made any time by contacting membership support in writing. Annual prepaid membership contract, with automatic renewal Service begins as soon as your payment is processed. You will be charged, immediately in full, the annual membership fee at the time of purchase. Your contract will renew automatically, on your annual renewal date, unless you cancel your membership in writing by no later than 30 days prior to your annual renewal date by contacting membership support. Renewal rates are subject to change, but you will be notified at least 30 days prior to your annual renewal date if your renewal rate will change. Should you cancel before your one-year term has expired, your payment is non-refundable, and your service will continue until the end of your contracted term. Cancellations can be made any time by contacting membership support in writing. Activation of Membership Memberships will become active upon processing of all materials at National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) headquarters. Existing Lifetime and Associate Lifetime Members The Lifetime or Associate Lifetime membership is no longer offered. Existing Lifetime or Associate Lifetime members who have paid in full are active for the duration of his or her lifetime, from their membership activation (see activation of membership). Lifetime or Associate Lifetime members are no longer eligible for any other membership type. Student Members Student memberships are active for 12 consecutive months, beginning at activation (see activation of membership). You will be considered a student member as long as you are actively enrolled in a recognized undergraduate or graduate degree program. Your membership should be upgraded to a Professional or Associate membership upon the expiration of your current membership, subsequent to graduation. You are required to submit proof of your current enrollment. The following items will be accepted as proof of current enrollment: • Letter from the registrar acknowledging your current enrollment status • Copy of your tuition bill • Class schedule reflecting your current enrollment. Should you fail to submit proof of current enrollment within 60 days, your membership may be terminated, and your payment will not be refunded. You will then need to reapply for membership. Refund Policy The NBMBAA will only provide refunds for the following reasons: • Verified duplication of billing • Verified overcharges • Submission of incorrect member type resulting in one of the above Refunds will be provided as follows: • Credit card payments will be credited to that same credit card. • Cash and check payments will be credited by NBMBAA check after 30 days, and only after initial payment has cleared our financial institution. * Refunds will be issued only upon request of the individual. The NBMBAA will vigorously defend itself against credit card charge backs. In the event that your credit card company requests a credit for charges, we will comply only to the extent that the request meets the requirements of the refund policy. (See above). Recurring Payments If you choose a recurring payments option to automatically renew your membership, you are responsible for canceling it prior to annual recurrence to avoid charges. Once charged, your membership will not be refunded. Notice of Photography and/or Videography As a condition of membership, individuals grant the National Black MBA Association an irrevocable nonexclusive license to use their name, image, voice and likeness for the purpose of advertising and promoting NBMBAA events, activities and products without any further approval from you or payment to you. It is the NBMBAA’s right to make visual and audio recordings, and still images of its members (collectively “Photography”) and to use the Photography and member’s name. However, none of the above shall be deemed as an endorsement for any NBMBAA product or service. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, members agree that the rights granted hereunder shall include the perpetual, worldwide right of NBMBAA to edit, telecast, rerun, record, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise exploit, in any manner and in any medium or forum, whether now known or hereafter devised. Terms and Conditions are subject to change without prior notification. Revised: April 5, 2017. NBMBAA®