HerStory Award

Pastor Mrs. Miata Kiazolu Sirleaf is a passionate leader, advocate, and visionary with a deep calling to empower less-privileged women and girls.

For over a decade, Maryland State Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk has proudly represented Prince George’s and Anne Arundel Counties, advocating for a stronger, more equitable Maryland.

Natasha Dupee serves as the Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives (MOWPI), where she leads efforts to advance gender equity and improve the quality of life for women and girls in Washington, D.C. A fifth-generation native Washingtonian, Director Dupee is deeply committed to crafting and championing policies that expand access, opportunity, and well-being.

She is the author of eight books and a devoted mother of four. Her first child, Dostyn Manuel, was a special child who taught her the true meaning of unconditional love, profoundly shaping her perspective on life and the world around her.

Dr. Suzy Ismail is the Founding Director of Cornerstone, a global nonprofit dedicated to faith-based communication intervention, focusing on youth, family, marriage, identity, and relationship rebuilding.

Rashidah Cartwright, Ed.M, LCADC, CCS, is a dedicated advocate, mental health and substance use disorder professional, and award-winning podcast host committed to empowering individuals and families navigating autism, mental health, and substance use challenges.

Jumoke Kolawole is a visionary leader, humanitarian, and changemaker whose life’s work is rooted in resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to uplifting the underprivileged

Hatice is a dedicated humanitarian whose life has been shaped by her deep passion for cultural understanding and helping those in need.

Carolyn Sampson’s life is a testament to dedication, resilience, and service. Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, she is a proud mother of three and grandmother of six.

Living by the creed, “Our greatest spiritual calling is to foster hope and joy in others,” Beverley embodies resilience and compassion.

Sister Karen Gaal is a visionary leader and lifelong Washington, D.C. resident dedicated to public safety, social progress, and women’s empowerment.

Jainny is known for driving transformative, equity-focused initiatives, she champions sustainable development and inclusive growth.

Doreen Garlid, a proud member of the Navajo Nation, made history in 2020 as the first Native American elected to the Tempe City Council. Re-elected in March 2024, she was unanimously chosen by her peers to serve as Vice Mayor during her swearing-in on July 1, 2024.

Amelia Grace Peters Bingham was the beloved family matriarch and respected Elder of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, Amelia was the Clan Mother of the Turtle Clan.

Shirley Ann (Jourdain) Peters was a deeply compassionate and resolute advocate for social justice, tribal education, and democratic values. A lifelong champion for the underserved, she dedicated herself to causes both local and global.

With a career spanning 50 years as a museum educator, Linda began at the Boston Children’s Museum, where she spent 11 years, followed by 30 years in the Wampanoag Indigenous Program at Plimoth Plantation, reclaiming significant aspects of her ancestors' material culture.

Paula Peters is a distinguished journalist, educator, and activist, deeply rooted in the Mashpee Wampanoag community in Massachusetts.

Faleeha Hassan has lived a life shaped by war. Born in 1967 during the Iraqi-Kurdish conflict, she was in middle school when the Iran-Iraq War began in 1980, closing her school for eight years.

Sabrina Osso is the Founder and CEO of Osso Safe, dedicated to fostering safety where people live, work, and play. A TEDx Speaker, Author, and Real Estate Agent.

Norma Adams-Wade is a trailblazer in journalism as the first African-American reporter for the Dallas Morning News.

Dr. Elba Garcia is a distinguished leader whose career spans dentistry, public service, and advocacy.

Apryl Davis Maynard has spent most of her life in Dallas. She maintains a close relationship with her family, including her parents.

Daisy Fukuzawa has been the heart and soul of our foundation’s journey since its inception. Her unwavering dedication and visionary leadership have been instrumental in shaping and advancing our mission to transform lives.

Tammy Doby is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Urban Minority Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Outreach Program (UMADAOP) of Franklin County, making history as the first African American woman to hold this role.

Dr. Ho and her husband remained deeply committed to giving back to their homeland. For 36 years, they organized and participated in numerous medical missions to the Philippines..

Jenny M. Ho-Vijungco is a visionary leader in real estate development, healthcare administration, and philanthropy

Abenaa is the founder of Naturally Geechee Holistic Skin and Hair Care, a brand deeply rooted in the Gullah/Geechee tradition.

Doris is the daughter of a World War II Army veteran, wife of a Vietnam War veteran, and mother of a 21-year Air Force veteran, and thus deeply understands the commitment military families make to protect the nation.

Maggie Wallace Glover is a trailblazing figure in South Carolina politics, celebrated for achieving numerous “firsts” as an African American woman in public office.

Keelin Washington is a prominent advocate and expert in the fight against human sex trafficking, drawing strength and purpose from her personal journey as a survivor.