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Award Nominees
2017 Award Recipients and Nominees
2018 Award Recipients and Nominees
Guojuan Shang is an international graduate student at Florida State University. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Instructional Systems and Learning Technologies. Jessica grew up in the Gansu province in western China—where few people made it to high school and even fewer people went to college. For girls, marriage was considered the only way to live a better life. But, Jessica’s parents instilled the value of education.
Arlexis Gaines is a mother of two small children who works
at the Florida Department of Health while attending school
full time. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in clinical
rehabilitation in mental health counseling at Thomas
University. She also works with the Refuge House and serves
at her church. Her future goal is to open a mental health
practice for the undeserved.
Aubria Hill is a first-generation college student at Florida State
University. As a child, she watched her mother struggle
through several financial and medical hardships. At age 16,
she started working to help support the family and continues
to be a role model to her younger brother. Currently, she is
studying retail merchandising and product development.
Tamara Quiney is an international graduate student at Florida
State University from Mumbai, India. She is pursuing her
master’s degree in Instructional Systems and Learning
Technologies. Living as a foreign student is not easy, but she
does it while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average and while
battling health-related issues. As a Christian, she does her best
to be a light wherever she goes.
Monet Daniels is an aspiring medicinal chemist majoring in
Pharmaceutical Sciences at Florida A&M University. She has
already pushed through many setbacks and trials while making
the transition from high school to college. Monet is currently
studying to pass the officer qualifying test to accomplish her
goal of becoming a pilot in the U.S. Air Force.
Juile Julien is a student at Florida A&M University. Life has
already taught her the importance of family, education, and
loving oneself. But most importantly, it is her love of the Word
of God that has seen her through many financial, physical and
emotional trials during tough times. Julie participates in
several community projects.
Keisha Washington is a veteran of the United States Army.
She is a single mother of two young men and always puts
their goals before her own. Keisha is currently pursuing
her bachelor’s degree and serves as mentor in Leon and
Gadsden County.
Kathleen Lanier is a dedicated single mother of three
children, who is committed to doing whatever it takes to
make it. She has recently opened her home to two more
children who fell on troubled circumstances. No matter
what, she strives to makes sure her children have what they
need to succeed academically.
Andrea Williams is a single mother of a 2-year-old boy.
She works full time and is currently enrolled at Florida
A&M University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in
Education.
Keirra Brown works for the Florida Highway Patrol as a
dispatcher. She is the proud single mother of two
handsome boys.
Annie Odom is a hard-working single mother who is
currently the sole provider of seven people, including her
94-year-old grandmother. She is the founder and owner of
Imperial Guardian, LLC which provides certified nursing
assistant care to disabled patients.
2019 Award Recipients and Nominees
Maribel Rivera is an elementary school teacher and mentor at Jefferson Somerset Academy. She worked diligently as a single mother of three to graduate with a 4.0 in three degrees–graphic design (AA), elementary education with a concentration in mathematics (B.S.), and curriculum and instruction with a concentration in leadership (M.S.). She is a church youth leader and mentors other teachers in the community. Maribel’s goal is to open a school or learning center.
Wilhemina Dixon is a graduate of Florida A&M University. As a student, she overcame several challenges while attempting to balance school, work, and life as a single mother. Today she hopes to find a rewarding career in her field, child sciences, as an advocate for children, youth and families.
Lara Brugal is a single mother of two children, ages 9 and 11, who both required special needs care at a very young age. After years as a stay-at-home mom, Lara decided to purse her passion of becoming a licensed cosmetologist at Aveda Institute. She later turned her focus to barbering and became a licensed professional. Lara is currently a full-time student at Tallahassee Community College studying business management. Her goals are to become an entrepreneur with her own barbershop and a homeowner to raise her family.
Katessia Carr is a first-generation college student attending Tallahassee Community Community College with a 4.0 GPA. She is eager to accomplish her dreams of becoming a nurse despite the many challenges she faced as a single teenage mother. She is determined to keep a positive attitude while currently caring for others as a home health assistant for Love and Care Companionship Services, and as a care specialist for the Big Bend Homeless Coalition.
Eula Davis is a single mother of a one-year old son. Her goal is to return to school to pursue a degree in psychology.
Zariona Brown is a graduating senior at Godby High School. She is dual enrolled at Tallahassee Community College with plans to pursue a psychology degree at Florida A&M University. As a high school student, Zariona and a close friend started Feed the Capital to provide care packages to local homeless shelters. She believes in giving back to the community and motivates others to push through obstacles. Zariona is also an entrepreneur with aspirations of supporting her college tuition through beauty-related business ventures.
Ashley Gentle is a graduating senior at Leon High School and works as an assistant teacher at Wee Care Child Care Center. At age 13, she volunteered at Kids Incorporated of the Big Bend to help shape the futures of at-risk families with children ages 0-3 and pregnant women in Jefferson Leon and Madison counties, Florida. She plans to start nursing college at Tallahassee Community College and finish at the University of Florida with a degree to become a physician’s assistant specializing in pediatric oncology.
Zaria Green is a graduating senior at Godby High School who moved to Tallahassee from Broward County, Florida for “a better opportunity to be great.” She is a straight A student loves art and dancing, but with an affinity for hard science. She aspires to become a brain surgeon.
Alexandria Hart is a senior at James S. Rickards High School. She is a member of the girls weightlifting team, a trombone section leader for the school band, and an after-school homework tutor. Alexandria has more than 1,500 volunteer hours with Dare to Dream Young Girls’ Network, Inc., a community organization whose mission is to empower young girls. She joined the organization at 8 years old and gives back through volunteering. Alexandria has been accepted at the University of Central Florida.
Ariel Jefferson is a graduating senior in the Advanced Placement program at Lincoln High School. While in school, Ariel lost her single mother to breast cancer and became the role model for her two siblings. Despite several challenges, she has maintained a 4.1 GPA and remains active in the community. She is vice president of her church’s Teen Council, tutors elementary and middle school students, and plays the piano. Ariel has been accepted at Florida State University where she plans to pursue a degree in health sciences in hopes of becoming a sports medicine physician.
Kennedy Powell is a senior at Florida High School. She is the vice president of the Anime Club and has played for the girls basketball team. Kennedy enjoys volunteering and being a help to others in need. She has served as a volunteer for City of Tallahassee Parks, Recreation, & Neighborhood Affairs and the GFWC Women’s Club of Tallahassee.
Anaya Thomas is a graduating senior at Florida High School. She is a scholar, musician, actress, poet, painter and activist. Anaya is an avid community volunteer whose activities include feeding and clothing the homeless, providing backpacks to underprivileged schoolchildren, and mentoring elementary students in reading. She has also volunteered for Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice to help create healing communities for crimes survivors and to shape public policy. Anaya will be attending Florida A&M University where she plans to major in psychology and minor in theatre.
Auryn West is a student at Florida High School and is dual-enrolled at Florida State University with a 3.8 GPA. She is the president of the Engineering Society, the Military Science Club/Honor Guard, and an active member of the National Honor Society. In addition to being a varsity basketball athlete, Auryn plays the cello for the Javacya Arts Conservatory. She has a passion for mathematics, computer technology, and helping others through tutoring and mentoring. Auryn will study biomedical engineering at Clemson University in hopes of becoming a physician’s assistant and an orthopedic research and developer.
2020 Award Recipients and Nominees
No Gala due to COVID-19
2021 Award Recipients and Nominees
The P:31 Women’s Ministry
2022 Award Recipients and Nominees
Makeda McKinney She is a sixteen-year-old senior at Leon High School. In the Summer, she will be attending Florida A&M University and majoring in Business Administration. She aspires to be an
entrepreneur and run my own fashion company.
Iyana Bynes is a senior at Leon High School graduating with distinction in the class of 2022. She plans to graduation attend Palm Beach State College to study nursing with dreams of eventually becoming a pediatric dentist. Iyana is active in the community as a volunteer with many organizations, including her church’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry. This work has challenged her to become a leader. She describes herself as adventurous because of her openness and willingness to try new things. Despite several challenges, Iyana continues to strive for excellence and refuses to let anything stop her from achieving her goals.
Seanna Miller is a Senior at Lawton Chiles High school. This upcoming fall, she will be attending Florida A&M University, this nation’s #1 public HBCU. She enjoys making jewelry, reading, journaling, eating avocado toast and making time to hang out with people she loves most. She is thankful for this opportunity, and the gracious possibility of being granted this scholarship that would in return assist Seanna in her future endeavors.
Quianah Cox attends Leon High School where she is currently a senior, President of the Black Student Union, and wood wind captain in the marching band. Outside of school, she is President of the Beta Delta Sigma Rhoer Club, and attend New Covenant Holy Temple. In college, she is majoring in either biology or biochemistry in order to become a Sports Medicine doctor. She holds a 3.6 GPA and was dually enrolled at TCC for 3 semesters. Some of her hobbies are latch hooking, horseback riding, and cooking.
Shayla Smith is the true definition of a woman who
has overcome adversity. Despite being molested
at a young age and being a victim of child sex
trafficking, Shayla life changed tremendously
when she turned to God. Through many years
of living in a homeless shelter while trying to
finish her education, she can say now that she
is a proud college graduate, mother, an new
business owner
Muerriell Williams’ passion to teach CPR to any and everyone is commendable! It is in the very fibers of her being to be a help to others in whatever capacity necessary. I believe she fulfills part of her purpose by helping others learn skills that can help save a lives.
This year’s recipient is none other than the namesake of the award, Ms. Ruby L. Davenport. Ms. Davenport celebrated her centennial birthday this year and resides in Fort Pierce, FL. Before retirement, she worked at Tropicana Products Company for 25
years as a System Operator and Lead trainer. Currently, she teaches Sunday School at Greater Mt. Pleasant Primitive Baptist Church in which she has been a member for 54 years. She continues to mentor and inspires her children, grand and greatgrandchildren, siblings, and others in her community with wisdom nuggets in finance and their faith walk with God. In her past time, she enjoys gardening, reading, sewing, and cooking. Ms. Davenport has three children, six grandchildren, and five greatgrandchildren.
2023 Award Recipients and Nominees
Ryanne Daniels is a senior at James S. Rickards High
School where she was inducted into the National
Honor Society, the Key Club, and is a member of the
varsity cheerleading squad. She believes her determination, perseverance, and hard work have allowed her to rise above challenges. Ryanne credits her mother for being a beacon of light who is her role model for giving back to bless others. As result, Ryanne became a member of the Junior League of Tallahassee’s Teen
Board and has mentored students at local elementary schools. She is currently
12 hours away from receiving an associate of arts degree this summer through
dual enrollment in college courses. Ryanne describes herself as a “hardworking
and passionate leader” who desires to lift others and rise above all
of life’s challenges.
Janecia Stone is a senior at James S. Rickards High School where she serves as the vice president of professionalism in her Women in Excellence class and works as an office assistant. She has been accepted into Southern University and Agricultural & Mechanical College and plans to study business. Janecia aspires to become a successful entrepreneur skilled in marketing, finance, accounting, management, and strategy. Her career goal is to work with diversity groups, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to advocate for the development of equitable business policies and practices.
Aisha Williams is a senior at Florida State University Schools. She plans to attend Tallahassee Community
College this summer before transferring to Florida A&M University to study nursing. Aisha is a determined young lady who has soared through several challenges. She continues to work hard in her online classes at the Florida Virtual School. Her teachers describe her as an outstanding student and an individual who supports others in and out of the
classroom. Her caring nature, positive attitude, and personality are trademarks of a team player. Aisha dreams of being a neonatal nurse.
Sharena Beard is a registered nurse of 17 years. She is the founder of Nurse Resource Training Center, LLC–a Florida approved training school for certified nurse assistants that teaches curricula from both the American Heart Association and the American Safety Health Institute. Sharena is also a nursing instructor at Tallahassee Community College who loves to
educate the community and has a deep passion for propelling others toward their ultimate life goals. She mentors students and refers to herself as their nurse resource for life.
Sonji Hawkins is the Deputy Director of Emergency Management for the Martin County Emergency Management agency in the
state of Florida. She has more than 35 years of experience in management, strategic planning, and program development. During her professional journey, God has taught Sonji discipline, patience, self-worth, and humility. She believes God has elevated her to higher places in leadership to continue His mission and hopes that her personal story of perseverance will
help young women to see their value and God’s plan in their spiritual and professional life.
Annie Odom McCain Annie Odom McCain is the founder and CEO of Imperial Guardian Holistic Home Healthcare. Her business provides quality home care services to meet the physical, mental, and emotional needs of others. She is an active church member at The Father’s House Unlimited Ministries and a prayer intercessor with a strong fire for outreach and evangelism.
Cherry Hall Alexander is a retired college administrator who served as the Director of Library Services for Tallahassee Community College. She is the founder of the popular TCC’s African American History Calendar, which was renamed in her honor as the TCC Cherry Hall Alexander African American History Calendar. While at TCC, she revitalized the Black Student Union, spearheaded Black History Month activities, and served as a mentor, counselor and mother figure to any student God placed in her path.
Malveiar Joyner is an 83-year-old woman described as the epitome of a virtuous woman who is favored by God. She remained happily married to her husband Raphael Joyner, Sr. for 62 years until his passing and is a mother of five, grandmother of 16, and a great-grandmother of 12 children. She has been a super mother to many by helping to feed, clothe, shelter, and minister to children in her neighborhood. After retiring from being an administrative assistant at St. Elizabeth’s Psychiatric Hospital in Washington,
D.C., she spent the next 20 years of her life providing affordable childcare to help ease the burden for working single parents.
2024 Award Recipients and Nominees
Amarielle Lawson is a senior at Gadsden County High School and a graduate of Tallahassee Community College, where she earned her Associate of Arts degree in 2023. Despite her young age, Amarielle has held numerous leadership positions, including Class President, SGA President, Student Intern, and Miss Gadsden County High
School. She is a member of the National Beta Club, National Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars, National Society for Leadership and Success, and Future Business Leaders of America. Amarielle has also participated in various programs, including the Upward Bound Pre-Collegiate Program. She plans to major in Business Administration at Florida A&M University and obtain her master’s degree.
Christina Walker is a senior at Jefferson Somerset School with a strong commitment to academic excellence. She plans to attend North Florida College to pursue an Associate degree in Nursing,
before transferring to either the University of Florida, Florida A&M University, or Florida State University to obtain her bachelor’s and
master’s degrees. Christina’s journey is characterized by
perseverance in the face of adversity. Through embarks unwavering determination and resilience, she has risen above challenges, emerging stronger and ready to embark on the next chapter of her academic and professional journey toward a nursing degree.
Kiera Johnson is a senior at Rickards High School, aspiring to become a family lawyer and child advocate. She is an active member of the National Honor Society and Successful Young Ladies, and participates in the FAMU-Trio program. Additionally, Kiera
serves as president of the National Achievers Society. Describing herself as goal-driven, curious, and energetic, Kiera is passionate about community involvement, which has helped he
Anaia Larkins is a senior at Leon High School, where she excels as an AP student and participates in the Honors/Gifted Externship class. She plans to attend Florida A&M University in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Anaia has a keen interest in
technology and a passion for leadership, dance, and modeling. She is excited about expanding her horizons and infusing her unique style at FAMU. Anaia is known for being polite, respectful, and
disciplined, with high intellectual intelligence.
Mrs. Julie Ravenell is a University of Florida graduate with a bachelor’s
degree. She holds a master’s degree in School Guidance and Counseling and is certified in Educational Leadership by the Florida Department of Education. After owning three preschools, Mrs. Ravenell founded her first
private school in 2014 in Florida City. In 2023, she opened the Avant School
of Excellence-Tallahassee Campus. Mrs. Ravenell is known for her dedication to children’s academic, social, and emotional growth, earning recognition and awards for her work. She is a Black Minds Matter Ambassador and promotes education freedom nationwide through he
fellowship with the McLeod Society.
Anita Whitby-Davis is a wife, mother, executive director/CEO, and
advocate. Raised internationally by her educator and engineer parents, she
values cultural impact. As a human resources compliance expert, Anita
drives change and ensures regulatory adherence.
After returning to the US for college, she married her sweetheart, Kai.
Together, they raise three sons, including one with autism, inspiring them to
co-found Blautism, Inc. This non-profit empowers families affected by
autism, promoting understanding and support. Anita’s story is one of
resilience and transformative love.
Talethia 0. Edwards is a wife, mother of eight, and a proud graduate of
Florida A&M University. She is earning her MSP in Urban Planning at Florida
State University. A grassroots organizer and advocate in Tallahassee, she
led the Greater Bond Neighborhood in creating the Neighborhood First Plan, securing a $6.4M investment. Talethia is an international speaker,
community development expert, and author of Only Paper Understands.
She is founder and CEO of TOEdwards & Associates, working on projects to
create equitable community development.
Minister Elvera Woods, affectionately known as Vera, originates from St.
Thomas, Virgin Islands, and has resided in New York, Georgia, and Florida
over the past 26 years. A loving mother of four and grandmother of six, she
is devoted to her role as a wife to Deacon Shep Woods.
Minister Elvera embodies the qualities of a ruby gemstone, flexible and
adaptable to various situations. She is Faithful, Available, and Teachable
(F.A.T.), displaying integrity, clarity in her love for God, spiritual weight in
prayer, and enduring passion in her praise. She is a lifelong learner, wellversed in spiritual, economic, health, and political matters.
Professionally, Minister Elvera has worked in postsecondary education at
The University of the Virgin Islands, in New York, and at FAMU. She is an entrepreneur, co-stablishing Vera’s Love and Care, LLC, an assisted living
facility. She holds certifications in health, contracts and grants, and has extensive education in Christian education, counseling, and biblical studies.
Peggie Gennetter Fletcher-Rogers is a dedicated teacher of the Word of
God, known for her passion for encouraging others to stand firm in their
faith. Raised in a Christian home, she accepted Christ in 1961, leading her to
become a Sunday School teacher. Peggie is a graduate of FAMU Developmental and Research School and Tallahassee Community College, excelling academically. Retired from the Florida Department of Health and
Rehabilitation, she has been an active member of the Five Day Morning
Prayer Band under Bishop Howard F. McMillan’s leadership for over 40 years.
Peggie’s ministry journey began 20 years after her conversion when she was
called to serve as a missionary at Wilson Temple First Born Church of the Living God, Inc. Described as a role model for all Christians, she embodies strength, compassion, and unwavering faith.
2025 Award Recipients and Nominees
