The Parade of Stars Awards Gala is an evening event honoring Women’s Business Enterprises and Corporate Members who go above and beyond to ensure the successes of women-owned businesses.
2023 Award Winners
WBE Volunteer of the Year
Jennifer Schaumburg | Fuse Solutions
Corporate Volunteer of the Year
Grace Hasting-Case | Oncor
"The Corporate Volunteer of the Year award is so special to me. I love working with the Council and each of the staff members to make positive things happen for the Council and for the WBE members. When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. The passion and energy of everyone at the Council keeps me going and I love to see the successes that continue to empower WBEs. This is the most innovative, professional and passionate Council and I am proud that Oncor allows me to work with this amazing organization to make a difference."
Regional Volunteer of the Year
Tracey Rancifer | Ausum Realty
"Thank you, Women’s Business Enterprise (WBENC), for the opportunity to serve. I am honored to volunteer for such an outstanding organization. As a woman in business, the WBENC certification open doors to business opportunities and strategic partnerships that support an environment where women in business thrive. It is the gold standard of certification and most widely recognized national women’s business certification program in the United States. I am grateful to have assisted over 100 companies with their WBE certification. Although, this is just the beginning for many more! Special thanks to WBENC leadership team and staff. Congratulations to all the honorees!”
WBE Rising Star
Wildflower Insights
The WBE Rising Star Award recognizes a newly-certified WBE who has demonstrated the highest degree of support for and involvement with WBCS and plans to continue engagement into the future. Eligible WBEs must have received initial certification in 2020 or 2021.
"It is one of the highest honors to win the WBCS Rising Star Award. I'm so thankful to be a part of such a strong community of women. WBCS does a phenomenal job helping new members to get connected and plugged in when they are first starting out. I can' wait to be a part of all the amazing programs this upcoming year."
WBE Advocate of the Year
Kathleen Hunt | Personalized Payroll Services
The WBE Advocate of the Year Award recognizes a WBE owner or employee who demonstrates extraordinary efforts in inspiring, engaging, and empowering women-owned businesses. This individual will be recognized and honored for her mentoring, coaching, and supporting of women-owned businesses.
"Winning WBE Advocate of the Year is a special award! My passion is to support Women Owned Businesses. Therefore, winning an award for something I am passionate about is a true blessing!"
Corporate Advocate of the Year
Joe Mossinger | Toyota
The Corporate Advocate of the Year Award recognizes an individual employed by a Corporate Member who encourages the utilization of WBEs within their company, as well as the larger supplier diversity community. This individual contributes significantly to expanding opportunities for WBEs and has demonstrated consistent support for WBCS.
Buyer of the Year
Karina Rodero | Nokia
The Buyer of the Year Award recognizes a buyer employed by a Corporate Member who ensures WBEs are included in bid opportunities in their company’s procurement process and increases opportunities for WBEs.
"To receive this award means a lot to me: I am from Latin America, Woman, Mom, Wife and Professional! I feel the connection between my journey and all the people we support in this organization! It is always an absolute honor to be recognized with an award nomination. I received the nomination with my heart full of happiness and gratitude! But bringing the "Buyer of the Year" Winner Trophy to our Nokia office: It is definitely an extra mile! Thank you so much Women's Business Council - Southwest for ensuring the success of women owned businesses! I am very honored supporting the women's business enterprises with opportunities to grow!"
WBE of the Year
The WBE of the Year Award recognizes three women-owned businesses that exemplify outstanding business acumen, industry leadership, and a commitment to doing business with fellow WBEs. Three awards will be given in this category; one with annual sales under $5 million, one with annual sales $5 million to $20 million, and one with annual sales over $20 million.
$5 Million in Annual Revenue
Silvana Rosero | Laguna Media Group
"Receiving the WBE of the Year Award means the world to me personally and to the Laguna Media Group team. As a Certified Woman Owned Business, I am beyond grateful for the opportunities provided by the Women’s Business Council Southwest (WBCS) and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). This network has open the doors to invaluable relationships with advocates for Supplier Diversity, mentors and fellow women in business, as well as business opportunities and education to fine tune my entrepreneurial skills.
$5 to $20 Million in Annual Revenue
Melinda Zito O'Brien | Energy Utility Group
"Receiving this award from WBCS is a huge honor for Energy Utility Group. The recognition from last year's award of WBE of the Year under $5 million helped Energy Utility Group grow to the next category of $5 million - $20 million. Winning WBE of the Year for 2023 in this next level has raised Energy Utility Group's corporate recognition that we can handle project needs of any size. Any award from WBCS is invaluable in many ways to all recipients."
Over $20 Million in Annual Revenue
Rachel Sanchez | Prestige Maintenance USA
"Prestige is honored to be selected as the WBE of the Year $20M+ plus category. We are passionate about our involvement and support of WBCS because of the unwavering commitment to the success of the women owned business community. Since becoming certified in 2004, we have received incredible benefits that include resources to help grow and thrive in an ever changing business landscape. We are proud of the partnerships we have been able to develop to enhance our supply chain with fellow WBE’s. This award is a testament of the power of a strong network of women lifting up women to positively impact the community through inclusive and prosperous partnerships for all."
Corporate of the Year
AT&T
The Corporation of the Year Award recognizes a Corporate Member that consistently demonstrates outstanding commitment to WBCS and the utilization of WBEs through purchasing practices and results. This Corporate Member is a valued leader in supplier diversity and WBE inclusion throughout the supply chain.
“AT&T is honored to work with the Women’s Business Council Southwest for almost 30 years and serve as a founding corporate member. Women owned businesses are the foundation of our communities. We not only recognize the value as it relates to spend, but also in the development of sustainable businesses that are able to have a generational impact in the communities that we serve.” Alexis Dennard, Assistant Vice President, Supplier Diversity & Sustainability