The Recorder Media Group is hosting the annual Champions of Diversity Awards, an evening dedicated to celebrating and honoring the outstanding achievements in diversity, equity, and inclusion across Indiana and beyond. This year marks the 18th annual celebration, which promises to be the most impactful yet, highlighting individuals and organizations that advocate for these essential principles.
“I am extremely excited to continue the Champions of Diversity tradition,” said Robert Shegog, president and CEO of Recorder Media Group. “This year will be our biggest celebration yet. The growth of Champions of Diversity is a direct result of the community’s increasing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion in every aspect of life. People want to align themselves with an event that stands for something meaningful, and Champions of Diversity does that by shining a light on those who lead with purpose.”
Guests can look forward to an inspiring evening as this year’s honorees are celebrated for their steadfast dedication to promoting a culture of inclusion within their communities and industries. With a mission to honor and elevate the excellent work of these individuals and organizations, the Champions of Diversity Awards Dinner has become a key event, not just for Recorder Media Group but for the broader community. Attendees are encouraged to join this uplifting evening of celebration, connection, and a shared commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Having championed minority news for over 129 years the Recorder has continued with its mission to share stories of resilience, innovation, and excellence that otherwise might go untold. The Recorder Media Group isn’t juts a publication — it’s a lifeline for its community.” The dedication to celebrating and recognizing individuals and organizations that make a difference in the lives of Hoosiers and beyond has been the driving force behind Champions of Diversity.
The Recorder Media Group announced the 2025 Champions of Diversity Awards winners. These esteemed awards highlight the efforts of individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across various sectors. The winners will be celebrated at the annual awards dinner on January 17, 2025, at the JW Marriott Indianapolis from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. EST.
Join us in celebrating and congratulating those making a real difference and helping shape a more inclusive future. Together, we can recognize their achievements and inspire ongoing progress.
2025 Award Recipients
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Award – Dennis E. Bland, President, Center for Leadership Development
- Rosa Parks Trailblazer Award – Shannon Williams, Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President, The Mind Trust
- William G. Mays Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award – Reginald and Tracey Jones, Owner Operators, McDonald’s
- Lifetime Education Achievement Award – Andrea L. Neely, President and Chief Executive Officer, Simon Youth Foundation, Inc.
- Amos Brown Community Advocate Award – Marshawn Wolley, President & CEO, Black Onyx Management
- President’s Choice Award – Deana Haworth, Chief Executive Officer, Hirons
- Community Impact Award – Fred Payne, President & CEO, United Way of Central Indiana
- Social Innovation Mastermind Award – Tamira Chapman, CEO, Storehouse in A Box LLC
- Visionary Leader Award – Dr. Lorenzo L. Esters, President, The Indianapolis Foundation
- Sapphire Diversity Maverick Award – Sharon Barner, Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer, Cummins
- Civic Empowerment Award – Kanwal Prakash “KP” Singh, Founder & Owner, KP Singh Designs (A Partnership)
- Master of Finance Award – Clarissa Nowlin, Chief Financial Officer & Controller, Professional Management Enterprises, Inc.
- Distinguished Business Achiever Award – Daryle L. Johnson, Vice President of Strategy, Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council
- Bridge to Impact Award – Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) – Melina Kennedy (Chief Executive Officer) and Latoya Alexander Botteron (President & Chief Financial Officer)
- Rising Star of Excellence Award – Darryl Lockett, Health Equity Director, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Indiana
- Innovation in Tech Leadership Award – Dennis Trinkle, Senior Vice President, Talent, Strategy and Partnerships, TechPoint
- Changemaker Award – Tamara Cypress, Associate Director, Communications & Creative Design, Carrier Corporation
- Breaking Barriers Award – Travis Brown, Founder + CEO, Mojo Up Marketing + Media
- Golden Heart Award – Patrina Williams, CEO, Cherishing Lives Personal Care Services
- Stewardship Young Leader Award – Leon Williamson, Market President iHeart Media Multiplatform Group, iHeartMedia Indianapolis
- Beacon of Hope Award – Intend Indiana – Steven Meyer (Chief Executive Officer) and Stephanie Quick (President)
- Social Justice & Equity Award – Zachary Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, U.S. Department of Justice
- Exemplary Service Award – Katie Lucas, President, Lucas Oil
- Emerald Leadership Award – Seth Morales, Chief Executive Officer, Morales Group, Inc.
- DEI Trailblazer Award – Tracy Ellis-Ward, Senior Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Pacers Sports & Entertainment
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the event are available. For more information about the event or sponsorship opportunities contact us at ChampionsofDiversity@IndyRecorder.com or purchase tickets HERE.
