From Fred Payne to Andrea Neely to Dr. Lorenzo Esters, the 2025 Champions of Diversity awards gala honored Indianapolis’ leaders and equity advocates ahead of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

The 18th annual awards gala, hosted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, Recorder Media Group and Minority Business Review, took place Jan. 17 at the JW Marriott in Downtown Indianapolis. Esteemed guests across all sectors of Indianapolis filled the ballroom for an evening filled with fellowship and laughter while celebrating the history and legacy of those making a difference in our communities.

“Our publications are intentional about ensuring the accomplishments of people of color are not only highlighted but brought to the forefront in a way that is fair, accurate and representative,” Camike Jones, editor-in-chief of the Indianapolis Recorder said during the ceremony. “Now more than ever, efforts to promote diversity and inclusion are needed. We are proud of our efforts, as well as the efforts of so many others who stand with us in the spirit of unity.”

Hosted by Olivia West and Matthew Fultz, the Champions of Diversity continues to grow nationally through the Minority Business Review and across the state with Indiana Minority Business Magazine. The gala saw 1,100 attendees and 25 awardees this year.

The 2025 Champions of Diversity awards gala honored 25 award winners on Jan. 17, 2025 at the JW Marriott in Downtown Indianapolis. (Photo/Natural Born Leaders Visuals)
L to R: Whitney Jones, Pat Jones and Kimberly Graham at the 2025 Champions of Diversity awards gala on Jan. 17, 2025 at the JW Marriott in Downtown Indianapolis. (Photo/Natural Born Leaders Visuals)

Champions of Diversity 2025 Program

“As president and CEO of the Recorder Media Group, I am deeply honored by the incredible success of our 18th annual Champions of Diversity Awards,” Robert Shegog said. “This event has become a cornerstone of our mission to celebrate and uplift the individuals and organizations working tirelessly to make our communities stronger, more inclusive and full of opportunity.”

Reginald and Tracey Jones, owner operators of several Indianapolis-based McDonald’s franchises and founders of McMiracle on 38th Street, received the William G. Mays Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award.

Dennis E. Bland, president of the Center for Leadership and Development, received the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Award.

Shannon Williams, chief operating officer and executive vice president of The Mind Trust, received the Rosa Parks Trailblazer Award.

“It’s humbling, but it’s also a call to action of sorts, to ensure that everything I do, I continue to just act with courage and put into motion themes, and that will really impact people of color, not just today, but for generations to come,” Williams told the Recorder. “I think this year’s class of award recipients are just phenomenal, and so to be included in that number is incredibly humbling, and I am immensely grateful for it.”

Andrea L. Neely, president and chief executive officer of the Simon Youth Foundation, Inc., received the Lifetime Education Achievement Award.

The Amos Brown Community Advocate Award, which was presented by members of the late Amos Brown’s family, was given to Marshawn Wolley, president and CEO of Black Onyx Management.

Deana Haworth, chief executive officer of Hirons, a newly certified Women’s Business Enterprise, received the President’s Choice Award.

“Seeing so many people from diverse backgrounds come together on Friday night is a testament to the power of unity and the shared commitment to building a brighter future for Indiana,” Shegog added. “It fills me with pride to know that the Recorder continues to serve as a platform for recognizing these extraordinary efforts, and I look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come.”

The 2025 Champions of Diversity awards gala honored 25 award winners on Jan. 17, 2025 at the JW Marriott in Downtown Indianapolis. (Photo/Natural Born Leaders Visuals)
Kanwal Prakash “KP” Singh receiving the Civic Empowerment Award at the 2025 Champions of Diversity awards gala on Jan. 17, 2025 (Photo/Natural Born Leaders Visuals)

2025 Champions of Diversity

Fred Payne, president and CEO of United Way of Central Indiana, received the Community Impact Award.

Tamira Chapman, CEO of Storehouse in a Box, LLC, received the Social Innovation Mastermind Award.

Dr. Lorenzo L. Esters, president of the Indianapolis Foundation, received the Visionary Leader Award.

Sharon Barner, vice president & chief administrative officers of Cummins, received the Sapphire Diversity Maverick Award.

Kanwal Prakash “KP” Singh, founder and owner of KP Singh Designs (A Partnership), received the Civic Empowerment Award.

Clarissa Nowlin, chief financial officer & controller of Professional Management Enterprises, Inc., received the Master of Finance Award.

Daryle L. Johnson, vice president of Strategy, Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council, received the Distinguished Business Achiever Award.

Melina Kennedy, chief executive officer, and Latoya Alexander Botteron, president and chief financial officer of Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), received the Bridge to Impact Award.

Darryl Lockett, health equity director of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Indiana, received the Rising Star of Excellence Award.

Dennis Trinkle, senior vice president of talent, strategy and partnerships at TechPoint, received the Innovation in Tech Leadership Award.

Tamara Cypress, associate director of communications & creative design for Carrier Corporation, received the Changemaker Award.

Travis Brown, founder and CEO of Mojo Up Marketing + Media, received the Breaking Barriers Award.

Patrina Williams, CEO of Cherishing Lives Personal Care Services, received the Golden Heart Award.

Leon Williamson, market president of iHeartMedia Multiplatform Group and iHeartMedia Indianapolis, received the Stewardship Young Leader Award.

Steven Meyer, chief executive officer, and Stephanie Quick, president of Intend Indiana, received the Beacon of Hope Award.

Zachary Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, U.S. Department of Justice, received the Social Justice & Equity Award.

Katie Lucas, president of Lucas Oil, received the Exemplary Service Award.

Seth Morales, chief executive officer of Morales Group, Inc., received the Emerald Leadership Award.

Tracy Ellis-Ward, senior vice president for diversity, equity & inclusion for Pacers Sports & Entertainment, received the DEI Trailblazer Award.

The 2025 Champions of Diversity was sponsored by Diversity Press, Bank of America, Lucas Oil, Eskenazi Health, The Indianapolis Foundation, Carrier and The Mind Trust.


Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.