April Ward | Best In Real Estate
ΓEA⅃ Broker, LLC

Born and raised in Charlottesville, VA, April met her husband Simon, and they now have four children: Ayana, Maya, Simon Jr., and Simone. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Ashford University and loves to work with people. With strong roots in the area, she is very familiar with the local and surrounding counties. April loves to support local organizations. She is a very caring and patient person who is always ready to lend a hand if needed and loves her community. “It’s a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together.”

Avis Fields | Best In Health & Wellness
Xtreme Hip Hop with Avis

I believe that challenging your body with strength training and cardiovascular conditioning is vital to living a healthy, active life. I have been an athlete all my life and wouldn’t know life without rigorous activity. I have completed 3 half marathons, many 10, 8, and 5K races, and even became a run ambassador with Black Girls Run. I also became an Elite Spartan Race participant, earning me 2 podium finishes. However, pre-pandemic life presented itself, and I became human and lost my zeal, discipline, and most importantly, my passion for fitness. In June 2020, I joined Beyond Fitness with Sabrina’s online workouts and became hooked on fitness and health again. Sadly, I wasn’t able to run again due to injury and wanted to find a way to make fitness fun with no pain. I scrolled on Facebook and stumbled upon Xtreme Hip Hop with Phil. Without ever taking a formal class, I traveled to Newport News, VA, and earned my certification. I am so excited to have been the first-ever certified Xtreme Hip Hop instructor in Charlottesville, VA. As an ISSA certified trainer, I am able to meet the needs of those I teach where they are and demonstrate proper form. I ensure a total body workout, good music, and a positive vibe in every class. Xtreme Hip-Hop step is a program like no other! It combines Xtreme cardio, the step board, hip-hop music, and lots of swag to provide participants with a fresh spin on an old concept. The mission is to encourage fitness and make it fun and not a chore! We are Making Step Great Again, Charlottesville!

100 Black Men of Central Virginia | Best In Social Innovation

The 100 Black Men of Central Virginia was founded on July 11, 2009. Since its inception, the organization has given out over $300,000 in scholarships to Black high school seniors in Charlottesville and the six surrounding counties. They have also served over 300 students through their M-Cubed Summer Math Academy for 15 consecutive years. Every day, the members of the organization are committed to improving the quality of life within the community and advocate for eliminating the achievement gap of African American (AA) male students through mentoring by the members.

Ahmad Hawkins | Best In Media Personality
The Ball Hawk Show

Ahmad Rashad Hawkins, better known as “The Ball Hawk,” is originally from Hampton, Virginia. He played football for the University of Virginia and was a four-year letterman from 1997-2000. Hawkins would then spend a season with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2001-2002 and later play 10 seasons in the Arena Football League. During his time in the AFL, Hawkins set the record for interceptions in a season with 13 and won a championship with the Colorado Crush. While playing his last two seasons in the AFL, Hawkins was offered to be the MC of “The BCBA” streetball league here in Charlottesville. After leaving the game of football, Hawkins began his podcast “The Ball Hawk Show,” which focused on making the viewers the star of the show. Since 2016, Hawkins has continued to grow his platform and has now partnered with Bleav Network. Ahmad was also named the new radio color analyst for Virginia Sports Radio Network. You will hear his voice during all of Virginia football games on the radio. You can find his podcast on all major social media platforms and be on the lookout for his new podcast called “Bleav In Virginia,” discussing all things UVA Football.

Janasha Bradford | Best Financial Advisor
Mahogany and Friends/Edward Jones

Janasha “Jay” Bradford is a seasoned financial advisor at Edward Jones with over seven years of experience in the industry. She is the owner and founder of Mahogany and Friends, a pioneering financial literacy brand for children that reshapes how they think about money by making it fun, accessible, and inclusive. Mahogany and Friends offers a range of products, including imaginative children’s books for kids aged 7 to 11, educational toys, motivational merchandise, and curriculum for middle and high school students. Jay is a proud alumna of Hampton University and Liberty University, where she majored in Digital Marketing and Advertising. She holds her Series 7 and 66 licenses. Under her leadership, Mahogany and Friends has received the Proclamation Award from Albemarle County and has partnered with UVA’s Starhill Program to offer financial literacy courses to high school students. The brand is dedicated to spreading financial literacy to children across the globe, creating a foundation that is both fun and everlasting. Mahogany and Friends has been featured at events such as the Essence Festival, Invest Fest, LA Times Festival of the Book, and the Fearless Fund. Outside of her professional endeavors, Jay is deeply involved in her community. She serves as the Vice Chair for the Steering Committee for Women United in Philanthropy and is on the Finance Committee for the Boys and Girls Club. Additionally, she contributes to the Black Investment Collaborative and is a member of the 100 Black Women of Central Virginia. In her personal time, Jay enjoys traveling and spending time with her nieces and nephews. She is a plant enthusiast, a DIY project lover, and enjoys a good cocktail. Jay also has a passion for water sports and karaoke.

Tristan Kabesa | Best In Human Services
Come As You Are Cville (CAYA)

Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mr. Kabesa developed a soft spot for the less fortunate at a very young age. Growing up in a Christian household and realizing that wealth wasn’t complacent if not shared with others, he began purchasing ice cream on a weekly basis for all of the neighborhood’s less fortunate friends. “Coming to America” at the age of 14; Washington D.C, one of the highest-rated places in the country with homelessness, is where he landed. Moving to Charlottesville in the year 2017, Tristan decided to make Charlottesville his home. One summer afternoon in 2018, walking the downtown mall with a $20 bill and 2 cans of corn looking for someone to be a blessing to, Come As You Are (CAYA) was formed. He came across a young lady sitting with a dog and a sign. Offering her the money and the cans of corn, she replied, “you’re so sweet. Do you see that couple over there? They haven’t made anything all day. I made $8, I’m fine. Please give it to them.” He did as she requested but came back to sit with her for 2 hours, exchanged information, and kept in touch until the day she passed away from cancer. That day, he learned the beauty in selflessness, that despite one’s own struggle, always pay it forward. That very moment, he decided to be the voice for the silent sufferers of homelessness and the marginalized population.

Kenneth Leatherwood | Best In Education
Charlottesville City Schools

Charlottesville City Schools; Former Social Studies Teacher, Boys Basketball Coach, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, Associate Principal, Principal at Charlottesville HS, HR Coordinator, Administrator Henry Avenue Learning Center. Retired in 2013. Since retirement, served as Interim Principal at Greenbrier, Venable, and Clark Elementary Schools; Interim Principal of Walker Upper Elementary; and most recently Charlottesville High School. Trustee and member of Mount Zion FABC, Charlottesville Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Family: Wife Sissy, son Kevin, Grandchildren Amiyah and Kai.

Ike Anderson | Best Director & Best Actor
Music Resource Center

Ike Anderson is a Charlottesville native and the Community Coordinator of Music Resource Center. His work in theater, television, dance, and music reaches over 20 years. Ike makes it a personal mission to inspire the youth and unite the community through the arts.

Arianna Jones | Best Actress

Arianna Jones is an actress, dancer, writer, producer, and activist. She dedicates her work to celebrating marginalized communities and underrepresented cultures. She began her career as a film actress at age 16 when she appeared in the Sony Pictures film “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween.” In 2022, Arianna graduated from New York University Tisch School of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a double minor in Psychology and Sociology. After graduating from New York University, Arianna became a member of the NAACP and established her film production company, Arianna Jones Productions LLC.

Devyn Wildy | Best DJ
Hurt City DJs

Devyn Wildy, known as one of the best DJs with Hurt City DJs, is an open format DJ residing in Charlottesville. With over 13 years of professional DJing experience, Devyn has discovered the importance of networking. Throughout this journey, Devyn has had the privilege of networking and DJing events for community organizers, wedding planners, bar and club owners, and many others. Additionally, Devyn has networked with and learned from other DJs, building lifetime partnerships and friendships, particularly with the Hurt City DJs. Devyn looks forward to continuing to provide DJ services for the Charlottesville community and surrounding areas.

Lamira Jackson | Best Book Author

Lamira Jackson, recognized as one of the best book authors, is a 15-year-old student who will be a junior at St. Anne’s-Belfield School (STAB) this upcoming school year. She will also serve as one of the presidents of her class. Lamira has been passionate about writing since elementary school and was featured in the New York Times children’s section when she was in the fourth grade, the same year she wrote her first book, “The Amazing Race.” She participated in the Girls Alwrite program for six years and recently wrote a Spanish/English book that is displayed at the Virginia Discovery Museum. Last year, she took part in the Girls Fire Camp and Food Justice Camps. This summer, she had her first job at her school’s summer camp and has been dog sitting for the past three years. Additionally, Lamira is an active member of her school’s volleyball and soccer teams. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, journaling, arts and crafts, and learning sign language.

Nicholas Feggans | Best In Youth Development
Boys & Girls Club-Albemarle

‘Mr. Nick’ began his journey in youth development close to a decade ago. During this time, Nick has hosted a plethora of community events to help assist Charlottesville/Albemarle families in need of community resources, most notably during the hard times of Covid. Whether hosting community events with his ‘Happy Saturdays’ crew or building healthy relationships with over 200+ families daily, as Club Director at Boys & Girls Club-Albemarle Campus, Nick has become a huge staple in the Charlottesville/Albemarle community.

Joy Nowell | Best Make Up Artist
Doll’d By Joy Makeup Artistry

Joy Nowell is an outgoing and talented freelance makeup artist born and raised in North Carolina and has lived in Virginia for the past 19 years. Joy’s love for makeup started at the age of 13 years old. Being limited to what she could wear at that age, she was intrigued by the different looks and transformations makeup could do for an individual. Practicing the techniques of makeup on herself as well as friends and family, Joy worked up the courage to expand her talents professionally. Joy enrolled in Vizio Makeup Artistry Academy, gaining tons of knowledge and skills concerning skin care, makeup application, makeup tools, and how to grow her business. She received her certification in Professional Makeup Artistry in June of 2016. After her certification, her makeup business Doll’d By Joy Makeup Artistry was born. In September 2016, Joy was booked for a company calendar photo shoot that consisted of 13 models. The owner of the company was pleased with her work, and she was contracted with this company for 3 1/2 years until COVID. While Joy loves enhancing the beauty of different women for any special occasion, she specializes in bridal makeup. To give the brides that desired look for their special day, and to make her look and feel beautiful is Joy’s aim and goal. In addition, she also specializes in male grooming, commercial, and photoshoot makeup. Joy also teaches group classes as well as one-on-one sessions.

Trauma Tone | Best Music Producer

Trauma Tone is an up and coming producer based out of Charlottesville, Virginia. He has produced songs for artists such as Rich Homie Quan, Yo Gotti, Peewee Longway, Young Thug, Waka Flocka, Migos, etc..stay tuned as his hits build up and his story unfolds. (From official Facebook page).

Pearl Island | Best Healthy Choice Food

The story of Pearl Island Cafe is a search for identity, passion, and roots. The delightful smells and artwork of the Caribbean-inspired restaurant draw you in for a warm taste of the Caribbean, right in the heart of the Jefferson School City Center and the historic Vinegar Hill Neighborhood in Charlottesville. Starting from the first jar of pikliz, a cabbage-based, vinegar-forward, and spicy condiment, sold at the Charlottesville Farmers’ Market, Pearl Island is thriving as Charlottesville’s premiere Caribbean lunch and catering space.

Jones Heating & Air | Best In Building Trades
Established in 2004, Mr. Jamie Jones became known for his great workmanship in repairs, maintenance and installation of hvac equipment. Most importantly, he is known for his trustworthiness, affordable, and quality service. He has consistently grown over the years and now employs well trained, qualified Service Technicians and Installers. Jones Heating & Air takes great pride in our work and strives to repair and maintain your system first, before replacement. Our goal is to obtain customers that we can build lifelong business relationships with. We want our customers to know we care about their well-being and comfort. We give them comfort in knowing their diagnosis is correct and the repair cost is fair. (From their website).

Doughman | Best Music Video Producer
Christopher “Doughman” Johnson is a super producer from Charlottesville, VA, where creations of beats and recordings for upcoming artist takes place. Being a child into different things growing up I always knew I would love music. Just listening to a variety of sounds and music like “Lost Boyz” and other hip hop artist in the late 90’s gave me inspiration to learn how to make beats. So as an adult for the past 13 years I’ve made this more than a passion by working with artist like Money Man, Sada Baby, Shy Glizzy, Beanie Sigel, Rich Homie Quan, and Young M.A. This has also turned into a career still making the goal to be ultimately creative and expand my sound and vision around the world.

Black Women Who Wine | Best in Wine Industry

Black Women Who Wine, founded by Tasha Durrett in 2019, is a dynamic organization that serves as a love letter to Black women and their thriving. Initially a small meet-up among family members, it has grown to connect Black women across Virginia, exploring local wineries and providing crucial social support in the aftermath of COVID-19. Tasha, a communications and marketing expert, was inspired to create the group after noticing the lack of representation of Black women in Virginia’s wine scene. Through monthly events at various wineries, Black Women Who Wine challenges stereotypes, promotes wine education, and fosters sustainable partnerships with local wineries to enhance diversity in the industry. Their events focus on leveraging spending for social change, educating members about wine, and forming partnerships to promote diversity in hiring and marketing. The group has made significant strides, such as their recent event at Sweet Vines Farm Winery, Virginia’s only Black-owned winery, and their collaboration with renowned sommelier Lee Campbell. Tasha envisions a future where Black Women Who Wine not only builds a strong community but also creates investment opportunities and ownership in the wine industry, ultimately shifting narratives around land control and generational wealth. The organization continues to bring Black girl magic to the forefront of an industry that often renders Black women invisible, with upcoming events like the July 15, 2023 meet-up at CrossKeys Winery and Marceline Vineyards.

Barrett Early Learning Center | Best In Early Childhood

Barrett Early Learning Center, the oldest childcare center in the Commonwealth, opened in 1935 as the Janie Porter Barrett Nursery School under FDR’s Works Progress Administration program (WPA) for “colored” woman working in WPA service centers. When WPA ended in 1941 along with its funding, African American leaders in the Starr Hill community rallied to keep the Barrett Day Nursery open recognizing the invaluable role it played for working women with low paying jobs and few employment opportunities. (Notes and Picture from Barrett Website)

Prolyfyck | Best In Community Engagement

Today, Prolyfyck boasts over 400 active members, with more than 50 individuals completing various races each year. They run approximately 4.5 miles through Black Charlottesville every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, starting and ending at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center. Participation is free, with no registration required, and activities are funded by crew members or merchandise sales.

City of Promise | Best Community Based Organization

Creating Pathways from Cradle to Career, City of Promise aims to make a positive impact on generational poverty and support a culture of achievement through child-centered, dual generation, family self-sufficiency initiatives in Charlottesville.

Mels Cafe | Best Comfort Food

Mel’s Café, a Charlottesville staple, was more than just a restaurant; it was a community hub. Led by the late, beloved Mel Walker, the café offered a taste of American soul food with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Mel, a self-taught chef with a passion for cooking, transformed his mother’s recipes into a menu that catered to all. His café, a cornerstone of the community, served as a gathering place for locals from all walks of life, a symbol of resilience, and a repository of Black history. Though Mel’s physical presence is sorely missed, his legacy as a culinary artist and community builder will forever be etched in the hearts of those he touched.