Fifty names. Fifty stories of resilience, brilliance, and leadership. The Michigan Chronicle’s 2025 Women of Excellence honorees reflect the depth of Black women’s impact across Southeast Michigan. Year after year, this celebration has uplifted and recognized trailblazers in business, education, healthcare, law, and community service. With this 18th cohort, the total number of honorees reaches 900, a testament to the continued force of Black women shaping Michigan’s future.
The Women of Excellence Awards and Induction Celebration will take place on March 13, 2025, at 6 PM at Huntington Place in Detroit. This gathering honors the ongoing work required to achieve true equity and uplift within the community. Tickets, tables, and sponsorships can be purchased at michiganchronicle.com/WOE2025.
The excitement surrounding this year’s celebration has been undeniable. The Women of Excellence Mixer, hosted at The Vinyl Society, was filled with past and present honorees, setting the tone for this year’s event. The energy in the room was a reflection of the impact these women have made, and it is safe to say that the excitement is real.
Each honoree’s work extends beyond personal success and contributes to the advancement of Black communities. These women have created spaces in industries that historically excluded them, ensuring that pathways remain open for those coming behind them. Ayanna Alcendor, Co-Founder and Partner at Great Lakes Legal Group, PLLC, embodies legal excellence and advocacy, ensuring justice is accessible to those often ignored by the system. Monica Anthony, Director of the James E. Wadsworth Jr. Community Center at Fellowship Chapel, has committed herself to fostering environments where Black families can thrive, offering crucial community support and empowerment.
Leadership in public service is reflected in the work of Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer for the State of Michigan, who is reshaping transportation systems to ensure they are equitable and accessible. Tiffany J. Gunter, Deputy General Manager and COO at SMART, continues this mission, ensuring that public transit serves all communities, not just those with privilege and resources.
Education remains a critical foundation for equitable opportunity. Leaders like Leenet Campbell Williams, Chief Academic Officer for Detroit Public Schools Community District, are shaping the future of Detroit’s youth. Denise Taliaferro Baszile, Dean of Wayne State University’s College of Education, continues to challenge systemic barriers within academia, working to ensure Black students not only access higher education but thrive in those spaces.
Healthcare and wellness remain central to addressing disparities affecting Black communities. This year’s honorees include Dr. Carmen Bell-Ross, CEO of SP Grace, and Dr. Bryanne Standifer-Barrett, an Internal Medicine Physician at Ascension, who are bringing equity to patient care and community health. Tamara Collins, Vice President of Marketing at Karmanos Cancer Institute, leads efforts in awareness and early detection, ensuring that Black communities receive the life-saving health information they need.
The impact of this event extends far beyond one evening. Each of these 50 women represents a force in the larger fight for justice, equity, and access. Their leadership ensures that the next generation of Black women and girls see themselves in positions of power, reinforcing that excellence is not an exception—it is the standard.
Denise Brooks-Williams was honored as the 2024 Woman of the Year. Her recognition was deeply personal, presented by a mentee, a Soror and best friend, and her daughter. The weight of her legacy was reflected in their words and the community that has benefited from her leadership. With a career spanning three decades in healthcare, Brooks-Williams has been a guiding force at Henry Ford Health System, advancing health equity and operational excellence in ways that directly impact Black communities.
“Congratulations, congratulations, congratulations!” said Brooks-Williams as she accepted her award. “Thank you, Real Times Media, for lifting us. I know many of us have been honored in spaces, but this one is particularly positive because it’s us and it’s for us by us. I don’t take that for granted. All they have done for our community; this recognition is something incredible.”
The woman who has long been the driving force behind this celebration, ensuring Black women receive their flowers, is Cathy Nedd. She has continuously created a space where these achievements are uplifted and honored with the respect they deserve. Her dedication has turned this event into an institution that documents and preserves Black women’s contributions to Detroit and beyond.
This year’s event will be co-hosted by Jehan Crump-Gibson alongside Cathy Nedd. The evening will recognize women who have demonstrated an unmatched level of excellence and leadership.
Wendy Lewis Jackson, Managing Director of the Detroit Program at The Kresge Foundation, will receive the 2025 Woman of the Year Award. Her work at Kresge has been instrumental in driving investments into Detroit’s neighborhoods, uplifting Black businesses, and advocating for community-centered philanthropy that directly benefits residents.
Linda Forte’, retired Senior Vice President of Business Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer at Comerica, will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Her career has been defined by an unwavering commitment to corporate diversity and economic empowerment for Black communities.
Charity R. Dean, President and CEO of the Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance, and Renee Fluker, Founder and President of The Midnight Golf Program, will each receive the Vanguard Award. Dean’s leadership has strengthened the foundation for Black-owned businesses to thrive, while Fluker’s work has transformed lives, guiding young people toward college and career success through mentorship and opportunity.
The Michigan Chronicle’s Women of Excellence Awards document the contributions of Black women who continue to shape leadership and influence in Southeast Michigan. These honorees are not just working for themselves; they are committed to ensuring that doors once closed are no longer barriers for those who follow.
As these 50 women are celebrated, their journeys serve as both inspiration and a call to action. Their leadership, resilience, and commitment continue to push Southeast Michigan’s Black community forward. Tickets for the Women of Excellence Awards and Induction Celebration can be purchased at michiganchronicle.com/WOE2025. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for those who want to invest in amplifying the voices and achievements of these powerful women. This night will recognize the women actively shaping the future and ensure that the legacy of Black excellence in Michigan is preserved for generations to come.
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