SAVE THE DATE
April 26, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (PST)
Doors Open at 9:30 AM
Attire: Business Chic
LOCATION:
Sierra Lakes Golf Club
16600 Clubhouse Dr. Fontana, CA 92336
Event Overview
The Women of Excellence Awards recognize and honor women who have made significant contributions in their professions, industries, or enterprises. Join us for this exclusive event as we celebrate extraordinary women who demonstrate the highest level of excellence in their businesses, careers, communities, and organizations. These women lead by example, embodying a spirit of excellence in all they do. Help us honor these remarkable leaders worthy of recognition. Nominations for the WOE 2026 Awards are now closed.
Who Should Attend
Business leaders, community leaders, and entrepreneurs who are passionate about supporting, celebrating, and inspiring the next generation of leaders are invited to join us.
Register Now for the WOE 2026 Awards
EVENT COST
Ticket $95
Sponsor a Table $1,600
Benefits of Reserving a Table
- Reserved seating for ten guests at the awards brunch
- Sponsor logo prominently displayed on the table
- Full-page advertisement in the event program book
- Company name and logo in the program book
- Name and logo displayed on event signage
- Acknowledgement across LF social media channels
- Name and logo in the summer LF magazine advertorial
2026 SPONSORS
2026 SPEAKERS
Vickie R. Hubbard
Certified Leadership Coach & Spoken Word Artist
Vickie R. Hubbard is a certified leadership coach, certified diversity executive, and spoken word artist with more than 15 years of experience in leadership and sales. She holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership and is passionate about helping professionals grow into confident, impactful leaders.
Through personalized, side by side coaching, Vickie supports individuals at every stage of their career, equipping them with the tools, clarity, and confidence needed to lead with purpose. She also uses spoken word as a powerful platform to inspire, uplift, and celebrate the strength, resilience, and excellence of women and leaders across communities.
Beverly Kuykendall
Federal Procurement Strategist
Beverly Kuykendall is a federal strategist and commercialization advisor who helps organizations see opportunities where others see constraint. With a career spanning decades at the intersection of government and commercial markets, she has served in executive leadership roles including President of Government Business, Chief Strategy Officer, and President, guiding companies through some of the most complex procurement and growth environments in the nation.
Her foundation was shaped inside iconic corporations such as Procter & Gamble, Xerox, and American Hospital Supply, where she developed a deep understanding of how disciplined systems, market forces, and innovation converge to drive sustainable growth. It is from this vantage point that she began to see a critical gap, not just in how organizations navigate federal procurement, but in how they think about it. Today, Beverly is known for challenging conventional models and helping leaders reimagine what is possible.
Her work centers on a powerful idea: that the future of growth, especially in regulated markets, belongs to those who are willing to rethink how they use their existing skills, assets, and capabilities. She guides organizations and individuals alike to uncover new pathways to revenue and relevance by aligning strategy with execution, and compliance with speed.
From reshaping procurement strategies to enabling domestic supply chain solutions such as reshoring, light manufacturing, and agile fulfillment, Beverly helps organizations move from static systems to dynamic opportunity. She also works closely with manufacturers to design disciplined, high performing distribution networks that unlock growth while preserving brand integrity.
But beyond strategy, her message is deeply human. In a world defined by constant change, Beverly speaks to the necessity of embracing transition, not as disruption, but as invitation. She challenges audiences to become intentional about their skills, to reflect on the value they have built over time, and to apply those talents in new and unconventional ways. Because in her view, the greatest risk is not change itself, it is standing still.
Through her work and her voice, Beverly Kuykendall empowers leaders to move with clarity, act with purpose, and build entirely new pathways to impact and income in a rapidly evolving world.
A Southern California native, Beverly holds an undergraduate degree in Business from Cal Poly Pomona and an MBA from Pepperdine University in Malibu, and currently resides in Davie, Florida. She is the founder of Kuykendall & Associates.
2026 Women of Excellence Honorees
Michelle Stevenson
Real Estate Agent, Developer & Investor
Inspiration Award Honoree
Michelle Stevenson is a real estate agent, investor, and developer with over seven years of industry experience, including six years actively investing in residential projects. What began as a passion for transforming properties has evolved into a mission to help others recognize the power of real estate as a tool for building long term wealth.
In the past year, Michelle has expanded her focus into ground up development, while continuing to educate and inspire others, particularly women, to step confidently into the world of investing. She is deeply committed to creating supportive spaces where women can learn, collaborate, and see each other not as competition, but as partners in building generational wealth and opportunity.
Angela Gibson
President
Advocate Award Honoree
Angela Gibson Shaw is a well respected public affairs veteran with more than 40 years of leadership experience in small business advocacy, community engagement, and strategic public relations. She is deeply committed to expanding generational wealth, contract access, and procurement opportunities for small, local, and diverse businesses of color, driving job creation and economic growth throughout Los Angeles.
Angela currently serves as President of the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC) and the GLAAACC Education Fund and Foundation, where she champions policies, partnerships, and programs that strengthen Black owned and underserved businesses.
Leadership and Service
President and CEO, Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC) and GLAAACC Education Fund and Foundation
Member, Los Angeles Mayor’s Small Business Cabinet
Member, Greater LA Black Leaders Collective
Board Member and Former Chair, LA African American Women’s Public Policy Institute (LAAAWPPI)
Commissioner and Immediate Past Chair 2025, Los Angeles County Small Business Commission
Board Member and Immediate Past Chair 2025, Los Angeles County Business Federation BizFed
President and CEO, Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC) and GLAAACC Education Fund and Foundation
Member, Los Angeles Mayor’s Small Business Cabinet
Member, Greater LA Black Leaders Collective
Board Member and Former Chair, LA African American Women’s Public Policy Institute (LAAAWPPI)
Commissioner and Immediate Past Chair 2025, Los Angeles County Small Business Commission
Board Member and Immediate Past Chair 2025, Los Angeles County Business Federation BizFed
Prior to her current role, Angela retired from AT and T after 35 years, where she led external, governmental, and philanthropic affairs across the Los Angeles region and managed key corporate relationships within the African American community. Following retirement, she served as a Principal Telecom Consultant to former California State Senator Steven Bradford.
Angela is a graduate of the African American Board Leadership Institute and has completed professional training through West Los Angeles College and the Mendoza School of Business Chamber Training Institute.
For her exceptional service and impact, she has received honors from the BBA, the LA Area Chamber of Commerce, National Congress of Black Women, 94.7 The Wave, KJLH Proven Achievers, National Action Network Los Angeles, Regional Cal Black Chamber SFV, California African American Chamber of Commerce, Black Business Association, Women in NAACP, Recycling Black Dollars, Our Authors Study Club, The Regalettes, and numerous other civic and business organizations.
Angela is a frequent speaker on small business programs, board and commission service, corporate philanthropy, and women’s leadership. She is married to Frederick Shaw Jr., retired Public Affairs Director for the Citizens Commission on Human Rights, and they reside in Inglewood, California.
Carmen Deale
Founder and President
Champion Award Honoree
Carmen Deale is a visionary leader, strategist, and champion for economic empowerment with over two decades of experience at ODP Business Solutions. Serving as Senior Manager of the Strategic Supplier Network, Deale has been instrumental in shaping and advancing supplier relations initiatives that drive measurable impact and sustainable growth.
With more than ten years leading the organization’s rebranded Strategic Supplier Network, Deale designed and executed a multi year strategic plan that significantly strengthened ESG alignment and expanded diverse supplier engagement. Her leadership directly contributed to increased spend with minority, women, and small business enterprises, while positioning supplier diversity as a core business driver.
Deale is known for her ability to build bridges across procurement teams and cross functional stakeholders, developing innovative strategies that create equitable access, foster supplier development, and elevate small businesses into scalable opportunities. Under her leadership, the Strategic Supplier Network evolved into a comprehensive ecosystem, integrating mentorship, Tier II reporting systems, supplier visibility initiatives, and strategic partnerships with leading business development councils and advocacy organizations. Her work has consistently reflected a deep commitment to economic inclusion and community impact.
Achievements and Recognition
Advocate of the Year, Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council 2020
Top 25 Women in Power Impacting Diversity, DiversityPlus Magazine
Multiple Advocate of the Year nominations from national supplier diversity councils
Recognized for advancing enterprise wide programs supporting diverse and small businesses
Advocate of the Year, Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council 2020
Top 25 Women in Power Impacting Diversity, DiversityPlus Magazine
Multiple Advocate of the Year nominations from national supplier diversity councils
Recognized for advancing enterprise wide programs supporting diverse and small businesses
Carmen’s tenure at ODP Business Solutions concluded in February 2026 following organizational changes, marking the close of a transformative chapter defined by innovation, influence, and impact. Yet as one chapter closed, another powerful vision emerged.
Exciting Announcement
Carmen is proud to fully expand and elevate her entrepreneurial venture, G and G Unique Creations, LLC, a luxury event design and experience brand specializing in bespoke balloon installations, floral artistry, and curated environments that transform moments into unforgettable experiences. With a signature focus on elegance, creativity, and storytelling, G and G Unique Creations is redefining what it means to celebrate in style.
Carmen is proud to fully expand and elevate her entrepreneurial venture, G and G Unique Creations, LLC, a luxury event design and experience brand specializing in bespoke balloon installations, floral artistry, and curated environments that transform moments into unforgettable experiences. With a signature focus on elegance, creativity, and storytelling, G and G Unique Creations is redefining what it means to celebrate in style.
The experience is not just created, it is curated. And this is only the beginning.
Carmen Rad
President
Business Award Honoree
At the age of 25, Carmen refused to allow her career to plateau as an assistant and used her background in fashion design and marketing to launch CR and A Custom. With just one employee, her mom, and no outside funding or equity to secure a loan, she worked tirelessly out of her extra bedroom and began producing custom clothing, promotional items, and embroidery work.
Soon after, she convinced her husband Masoud to join her as a partner when he realized she was generating a profit. Together, they pivoted from an apparel promotional company to a large format printing company.
In an industry dominated by men, Carmen Rad has achieved a level of success that Latina women can emulate. CR and A Custom is among only a handful of large format digital printing and outdoor advertising companies in America that is minority owned and woman owned. The company operates out of a 25,000 square foot facility in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles and is full service, with the capability to design, manufacture, print, and install commercial signage and outdoor advertising formats.
These include billboards, building wraps, trade show exhibits, wall, window, and floor graphics, point of purchase displays, vehicle wraps and fleet graphics, and more. Notable projects include oversized banners at Staples Center and the LA Live entertainment campus, as well as work for major corporations across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Dubai.
Carmen has been recognized by a variety of organizations for her work and community involvement.
Awards and Recognition
2023 NAWBO LA Hall of Fame
2018 Latina Empresaria Hall of Fame, California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
2016 Industry Service Award, The Printing Industries Association, Inc
2015 Women Business Firm of the Year, National Association of Women Business Owners California
2014 Mujer del Ano, Regional Hispanic Institute
2013 Innovator of the Year, Latino Business Chamber of Greater Los Angeles
2012 Supplier of the Year, USC
2010 Distinguished Women, La Opinion
2009 Latina Manufacturer of the Year, Latina Business Association
2009 Rising Star, National Association of Women Business Owners California
2009 Green Firm of the Year, SBA and City of Los Angeles MBOC
2009 Member of the Year, National Association of Women Business Owners California
2008 Rising Star, National Association of Women Business Owners
2007 Minority Business Manufacturer of the Year, United States Department of Commerce MBDA
2007 Latina Owned Business of the Year, California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce
Carmen also served in 2014 and 2015 as President of the National Association of Women Owned Business Owners NAWBO Los Angeles.
She attributes her success to her exceptional CR and A team and the strong network of women she has built through her leadership with NAWBO Los Angeles. Carmen also leads another growing business venture called Hashtag Cutouts.
Dr. Teresa Dos
Senior Technology Manager
Game Changer Award Honoree
Dr. Teresa Dos is an organizational leader with over 20 years of experience leading large scale programs across government and industry. She is recognized for her commitment to operational excellence and for empowering teams to deliver measurable results.
At CACI, Dr. Dos serves as Deputy and Senior Technology Manager on the NC4SI contract, where she leads the program management office and enterprise initiatives supporting the United States Army. She drives execution through strong program governance and has contributed to major modernization efforts in enterprise IT. Notably, she served as Systems Architect for the largest organizational SaaS migration in history, impacting 1.4 million Army users and supporting multibillion dollar investment portfolios. Her leadership on these efforts helped earn both the Department of Defense Chief Information Officer Cyber and IT Excellence Award and the CACI Champions Award for Exceptional Performance.
In addition to her corporate career, Dr. Dos has dedicated more than three decades to martial arts. A Kukkiwon certified 5th Dan Master Black Belt, she founded the Virginia Martial Arts Institute, which she led for over 15 years. Under her leadership, the institute trained more than 800 students and produced 15 National Champions. She has been recognized with numerous honors, including Virginia Taekwondo Master of the Year, the Emissary of the Arts Award, and a Letter of Commendation from the World Taekwondo Federation. The discipline and resilience developed through this work are central to her leadership approach.
Jamila Veasley
Senior Director of Program Management, Strategy Execution
Impact Award Honoree
Jamila Veasley is a strategic program leader with deep expertise in public affairs, communications, supplier development, and enterprise strategy execution. She serves as Senior Director of Program Management, Strategy Execution for Kaiser Permanente’s National Shared Services Operations NSSO, partnering with leaders across the organization and external stakeholders on community, regulatory matters, and enterprise wide program delivery.
In her current portfolio, Jamila leads Kaiser Permanente’s Impact Spending Program, advancing initiatives that leverage the organization’s purchasing power to strengthen small and local businesses, expand economic opportunity, and support sustainable and equitable community growth. Her team drives cross functional efforts that translate business strategy into measurable outcomes across impact, economic growth, supplier development, and sustainability.
With a strong foundation in public affairs and brand communications, Jamila brings a stakeholder centered and purpose driven approach to program leadership. Her prior role as Director of Public Affairs and Brand Communications for Kaiser Permanente’s West Los Angeles Medical Center included oversight of communications, media relations, government affairs, and community engagement, experience that continues to inform her enterprise strategy work.
Jamila holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Linguistics from UCLA, where she played on the Women’s Basketball Team, and a Master of Arts in Humanities from California State University, Dominguez Hills.
She and her husband, Larry, also a Kaiser Permanente employee, are the proud parents of two children, Kallie and Karter, along with their very spoiled Yorkshire Terrier, Deeohgee.
Maria A. Castellon
Founder and CEO
Entrepreneur Award Honoree
Maria Castellon is the Founder and CEO of Bench-Tek Solutions, a minority and woman owned manufacturing company based in Silicon Valley, California. Bench-Tek specializes in custom workbenches, lab benches, racks, and carts for clients worldwide. With $10 million in revenue and 25 employees, Maria leads the company with a strong sense of purpose rooted in her own journey from janitor to CEO.
Born outside Guadalajara, Mexico, Maria was inspired by her parents’ entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community. Her father taught her the importance of treating employees well, paying vendors on time, and investing in assets that ensure long term stability. Her mother modeled independence and leadership while managing the family’s businesses.
Maria came to the United States to pursue her education, starting her career cleaning offices at IBM while attending college. She worked her way up in the manufacturing sector, eventually spending nine years at Clark Sales, where her mentor encouraged her to start her own company. In 2003, Bench-Tek Solutions was founded in Silicon Valley with only three employees. Through hard work, continuous learning, and determination, she grew the company into a recognized leader serving customers across the U.S. and internationally.
Since its founding, Bench-Tek has faced and overcome some of the most challenging economic times, including launching during the Dot-Com Bubble Burst, navigating the Great Recession of 2008–2009, and adapting during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Maria credits these experiences with teaching resilience and the importance of agility in business. Through each challenge, Bench-Tek pivoted, adapted its operations, and continued growing, always keeping customers and team members at the heart of its mission.
Beyond her role as CEO, Maria is passionate about inspiring the next generation of leaders. She actively contributes to education initiatives and believes in the power of learning as a tool for empowerment. She is committed to providing growth opportunities for her employees through cross training, career advancement programs, and a supportive work environment. She views her team as essential partners in Bench-Tek’s success and fosters a culture that values every individual’s contribution.
Maria often shares her story to encourage young entrepreneurs to dream big and persevere. “The more I share my story genuinely, the more I realize how blessed I am. I believe in paying success forward, not just through business, but by contributing to my community and creating opportunities for others.” She lives by her father’s advice: never give up, treat people with respect, and always keep learning. Her journey embodies resilience, purpose, and dedication to both business growth and community impact.
Diana Ordaz Cherrington
President & CEO, California Multicultural Business Alliance / Founder & CEO, Alpha Prime Health Insurance Solutions
Diana Ordaz Cherrington
President & CEO, California Multicultural Business Alliance / Founder & CEO, Alpha Prime Health Insurance Solutions
Leadership Award Honoree
Diana Ordaz Cherrington is a lifelong Inland Empire resident, mother, and community centered leader committed to expanding equitable opportunity across California. Her work sits at the intersection of healthcare access, small business development, and inclusive economic mobility, especially for multicultural, multilingual, and low-income communities.
After nearly a decade in a large Southern California healthcare system, Diana launched Alpha Prime Health Insurance Solutions, where she helps seniors and underserved families navigate healthcare coverage with clarity, cultural competence, and trust. She is known for building strong partnerships across medical groups, hospitals, nonprofits, and local employers, bringing people together around practical solutions that improve outcomes.
Diana also serves as President of the California Multicultural Business Alliance, an organization created to address the real needs of entrepreneurs in marginalized and low-income communities. Through initiatives like Empower HER, she connects women owned businesses to education, networks, and resources that support launch, growth, and long-term stability. Her leadership is grounded in collaboration and follow through, creating programs, convenings, and partnerships that translate DEI goals into measurable community impact.
In 2024, Diana supported the creation of a new chamber in the City of West Covina, built from the ground up to deliver direct small business support. She also partners with the BizFed Advocacy Academy to strengthen chamber and organizational leadership across Los Angeles County and serves on the executive board as Healthcare and Life Sciences Committee Co-chair within BizFed Los Angeles.
Her work has been recognized for community impact and inclusive leadership, including the Athena Award 2025 in Ontario, California, and the 2024 Rising Star Empresaria award from the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. Across her roles, Diana brings a steady, solutions-oriented approach, listening first, aligning stakeholders, and moving initiatives forward with accountability.
Associations
- California Multicultural Business Alliance
- West Covina Chamber
- BizFed Los Angeles County
- California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- National Association of Women Businessowners
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- U.S. Veterans Chamber of Commerce
Awards and Recognition
- 2025 Athena Award, Ontario, California
- 2024 Urban Enterprise Award, Inland Empire Urban Business Journal
- 2024 Rising Star Empresaria, California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce
- 2024 California Diversity Awards, California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Cal Asian Chamber of Commerce, California African American Chamber of Commerce — Community Award
- 2023–2024 Los Angeles Business Journal — DE and I Nonprofit of the Year / Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award
- 2023–2026 Los Angeles Business Journal — Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Award
- 2023 BizFed Los Angeles County — Contributing Alliance
- 2022 California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce — Affiliate Member of the Year
Agenda at a Glance
Invocation
Introductions and Welcome
Keynote Address
Recognition and Presentation of Awards
Closing Remarks
This is a LeadForward event. All rights reserved. © 2026
