Fifty names. Fifty stories of resilience, brilliance, and leadership. The Michigan Chronicle has officially announced its 2025 Women of Excellence honorees, and this year’s list is a powerful reflection of Black women redefining excellence across Southeast Michigan. The Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence list is out, and it showcases a dynamic group of women whose work is transforming communities and industries alike. Each honoree carries a narrative that extends beyond personal success—they embody community uplift, representation, and a relentless pursuit of justice and equity in their respective fields.
From boardrooms to classrooms, courtrooms to community centers, these women are trailblazers. Ayanna Alcendor, Co-Founder and Partner at Great Lakes Legal Group, PLLC, represents legal excellence and advocacy, ensuring that justice is accessible to those often left out of the system. Monica Anthony, Director of the James E. Wadsworth Jr. Community Center at Fellowship Chapel, leads with a focus on community empowerment, fostering spaces where Black families can thrive.
Leadership in public service is also well represented. Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer for the State of Michigan, is at the forefront of transforming transportation systems to be more equitable and accessible. Tiffany J. Gunter, Deputy General Manager and COO at SMART, mirrors this commitment by ensuring mobility solutions serve all communities, not just the privileged few.
Education remains a cornerstone of community progress, and leaders like Leenet Campbell Williams, Chief Academic Officer for Detroit Public Schools Community District, are shaping the future by prioritizing equitable education. Denise Taliaferro Baszile, Dean of Wayne State University’s College of Education, continues to challenge systemic barriers within academia, ensuring that Black students not only have access but also thrive.
Healthcare and wellness are front and center with honorees like Dr. Carmen Bell-Ross, CEO of SP Grace, and Dr. Bryanne Standifer-Barrett, an Internal Medicine Physician at Ascension. Their work extends beyond patient care, addressing health disparities that disproportionately affect Black communities. Tamara Collins, Vice President of Marketing at Karmanos Cancer Institute, uses her platform to promote awareness and early detection, crucial steps in combating cancer within our communities.
Corporate spaces also see a significant impact from these honorees. Alicia Davis, Chief Strategy Officer at Lear, brings a strategic vision that integrates diversity at every level. Crystal Worthem, Global Director of Audience Marketing at Meta, ensures that representation within tech is more than a buzzword; it’s a standard. Kim Burroughs, Executive Director of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses at Wayne State University, bridges the gap between corporate resources and Black entrepreneurship, fostering economic growth that reverberates throughout Southeast Michigan.
Entrepreneurship shines through leaders like Deana Neely, Founder and CEO of Detroit Voltage, whose innovative approach to the energy sector highlights the necessity of Black leadership in industries often lacking diversity. Veronica Petty, Owner and Real Estate Broker at Generational Wealth and Investments, focuses on building and sustaining wealth within Black communities, a crucial component in closing the racial wealth gap.
Arts and culture receive their due recognition with honorees like Debra White-Hunt, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy and Companies. Her work not only nurtures artistic talent but also preserves cultural heritage, ensuring that the arts remain a vibrant part of Detroit’s identity. Tiffany Brown, Founder of 400 FORWARD and Executive Director of the National Organization of Minority Architects, champions diversity in architecture, creating spaces that reflect the communities they serve. Public administration and policy are strengthened by leaders like Regina Strong, Head of the Office of Environmental Justice at EGLE, who ensures environmental policies address the unique challenges faced by Black communities. Nicole Wilson, Executive Director of The Yunion, Inc., focuses on youth development, providing young people with the tools and support necessary to succeed.
The Women of Excellence Awards and Induction Celebration will take place on March 13, 2025, at 6 PM at Huntington Place in Detroit. This event not only honors these incredible women but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to achieve true equity. Tickets, tables, and sponsorships can be purchased at michiganchronicle.com/WOE2025.
Each honoree represents a piece of the larger puzzle that is Southeast Michigan’s Black excellence. Their contributions span industries and sectors, but their impact is unified in its dedication to community uplift and systemic change. The Michigan Chronicle remains proud to spotlight these women, recognizing that their work today lays the foundation for a more equitable tomorrow.
As these 50 women stand to be celebrated, their stories serve as both inspiration and a call to action. They remind us that excellence is not just about individual achievements but about the collective progress of our communities. Their leadership, resilience, and commitment are the driving forces behind the continued advancement of Southeast Michigan’s Black community.
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