2026 Women of Influence Awards: Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson Honors Black Women Leaders
Share
Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson will be hosting the 2026 Women of Influence Awards. This is an award that honors Black women who are making outstanding advancements in business and community leadership.
The annual event, which is now in its fourth year takes place on Friday, March 20, 2026 and will recognize 17 outstanding women. This include women whose accomplishments include civic participation, corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy.
The awards will be place in conjunction with Women’s History Month. It is intended to honor innovative women whose vision, tenacity, and strategic thinking are influencing business and societal impact both domestically and internationally.
The event highlights the vital role black women play in promoting economic growth, creativity, and community development by offering acknowledgment on a national scale.
According to Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson, “This luncheon was created to recognize women whose leadership and service create lasting impact.”
About Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson
Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson is a well-known author, filmmaker, entrepreneur, and supporter of female leadership. She is the founder and CEO of Cheryl Magazine, a publication that honors women’s accomplishments in business and community development, and Soul Reborn.
It is a nonprofit organization devoted to empowering women via mentoring and education. Dr. Polote Williamson has dedicated decades to elevating the voices of women, paving the route for leadership, and motivating the upcoming generation of activists.
Honoring 17 Trailblazing Leaders
The 17 awardees for 2026 showcase both professional accomplishment and community impact, representing a wide range of industries. They include:
- Sharan Allen – Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner and Co‑Owner, ALMS Community Health Center
- Dee Dee Bates – Corporate Vice President, New York Life Insurance Company
- Dr. Karri Bryant – Executive Pastor, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church
- Valeisha Butterfield – Founder, Global State of Women & SEED Media
- Kelley Cornish – President & CEO, T.D. Jakes Foundation
- Marnese Barksdale Elder – CEO, Mecca Management Solutions
- Sheila Eldridge – CEO, Miles Ahead Entertainment & Broadcasting
- Sharyn Ellison – Co‑Founder & President, The Ellison Foundation
- Cicley Gay – Founder, The Amplifier
- Dr. Dretona Maddox – Founding Executive Director, Purposely Chosen, Inc.
- Velena McRae – Founder & President, The JV McRae Foundation, Inc.
- Sara Madsen Miller – COO & Executive Producer, 1820 Productions
- Alaina Pinkney – Founder & CEO, Pinkney Creative
- Janelle Quinn – Founder, 3FIVE Wealth & Empowered Investor
- Kimberla Lawson Roby – Best‑Selling Author & Founder, Successful Women of Faith
- April Ryan – Chief, Washington D.C. Bureau & Senior White House Reporter, The Black Press USA
- Karan Staggers – President, ALMS Community Health Center
These ladies are outstanding examples of creativity, leadership, and a dedication to improving communities. Their work illustrates the various ways Black women are influencing the future of business and society, from media and health care to finance, technology, and charity.
Impact and Significance
The 2026 Women of Influence Awards showcase the quantifiable influence of Black women leaders at a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to business and social objectives.
The inspirational stories of these women and the role they play for the future generation are the focus of attention as the 2026 awards get closer.
The Women of Influence award is expected to commemorate achievements and reinforce the impact of Black women in all spheres of business and community development.
