Winners of NAWBO-IE Amazing Women Event Announced April event honored women business owners and community leaders

Corona, Calif. – It was a night of celebrating “Diamonds in Our Own Backyard” as winners of the Amazing Women Event (AWE) were crowned on April 19th. For the 9th year in a row, the National Association of Women Business Owners, Inland Empire Chapter (NAWBO-IE) recognized exceptional women business owners and community leaders. Congratulations to these outstanding women:

The Business Woman of the Year Award honors a woman who has demonstrated creative initiative in her business. This honor goes to Lynn Diamantopoulos, President and CEO of Athena Research Group, Inc., which specializes in healthcare, education, and the Hispanic market. Under challenging personal and economic circumstances, Lynn recently reorganized her business, which resulted in improved profitability and a team spirit that propelled Athena forward.

The Legacy Award recognizes a woman who has achieved a truly amazing goal that will impact her community for years to come. This honor goes to Cheryl Brown of Black Voice News, co-publisher of Black Voice News since 1980. The Brown family and Black Voice News have been recognized across the country for their tremendous contributions in the press arena. Cheryl is an active community member, having received several awards over the years.

Community Bridge Builder Award honors a woman who is deeply committed to her community and demonstrates an amazing passion for her particular cause. This honor goes to Yolanda Carrillo, CEO of the Corona-Norco Family YMCA since 1998, who effectively leads change by finding viable solutions to help with the complex problems in the lives of today’s children, families, and communities.

The Rising Star Award winner has successfully been in business at least three years and has shown
a commitment to the success of her community. The honor goes to Breanne Houston, Owner of T3 Fitness, which she has owned since 2011. She also owns two fitness franchises: Stroller Strides (2007) and Body Back (2010). Bre’s motto: “There is nothing you can’t do, unless you don’t try.”

The Trailblazer Award recognizes a woman who has blazed a trail which others can follow and use to create their own success. This honor goes to R.J. Jackson, “The Courage Giver,” who is an international speaker and author who has encouraged people around the world, from the Virgin Islands to Barbados. She is a domestic violence counselor, mentor, and active community volunteer (police, prison ministry, hospital).

Hilda Kennedy, current president of NAWBO-IE was presented with the Acknowledging NAWBO Individuals That Achieve (ANITA) Award for her dedication and outstanding service to NAWBO-IE. Hilda is the Founder/President of AmPac Tri State Certified Development Company (CDC)

Three well-deserved young ladies received scholarships: Nicole Kabath Johnny, a finance major at Azusa Pacific University, along with Ashley Patnode and Yukasa Shida who are graduate students at California State University, San Bernardino.

About NAWBO: One of 70 chapters nationwide, NAWBO-IE is the organization of choice for women business owners in the Inland Empire, and is also a strong voice in Sacramento for public policy