Program
Introduction to the Afternoon's Programming
The 2025 Business Impact Awards brings together industry leaders, corporate members with exciting business opportunities, our distinguished nominees, and past award winners. For the first time, we are thrilled to host this prestigious event during the Business Conference.
This evening is a celebration of our collective achievements and contributions.
Let’s eat, dance, and enjoy together!
Thank you for celebrating with us.
#BCBIA
Program of Events
RHYTHMS of SUCCESS NETWORKING at
1:45 PM ET
PROGRAM BEGINS at
2:30 PM ET
AWARDS PROGRAM
MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT
Meet the Co-Host
Kirk Gimenez
Founder/Host
Xizzle TV
Kirk Gimenez is a two-time Emmy Award winner, founder of Xizzle TV and the first Latino to be hired to anchor in English in the history of ESPN. With nearly 30 years of experience as a journalist, he’s also anchored at SNY in New York and produced at our local stations WPLG, WSFL & WTVJ. In 2021 he became the founder and host of Xizzle TV, a smart TV streaming app, dedicated to making content for Latinos in English.
Sherrel Sampson
Founder and CEO
Canviiy
Adbook
Meet the Nominees
National Corporation of the Year
Local Corporation of the Year
Larry Thelmas MBE-to-MBE Spend Award
Civil Mafia
Civil Mafia is a certified minority- and women-owned enterprise specializing in advertising technology, digital media and business acceleration. A team with over 17 years of experience in the digital realm and particular expertise in the multicultural/US Hispanic market, it is ISO 27001 (information security standard) and ISO 9001 (quality management standard) certified. Brands, media agencies and publishers select Civil Mafia as their strategic partner, trusting the company to enhance, optimize and scale their daily operational processes and business results.
Civil Mafia’s founder and CEO, Flor Palazzolo, emigrated from Argentina to the US 12 years ago. She started Civil Mafia after working for publishers focusing on the US Hispanic market, founding an agency that was later sold to her former partners, and helping media and tech vendors build their business development and go-to-market strategy. Palazzolo wanted to show all industries that working for a profit could also mean using empowering, supporting and collaborating with diverse communities.
Phone and Pad Warehouse
Phone and Pad Warehouse has made significant strides in supporting minority-owned businesses. It has committed to increasing its spending with these businesses, recognizing the importance of fostering diversity and inclusion within its supply chain. This initiative aligns with broader efforts by companies like Apple, which has invested millions in funds dedicated to minority-owned enterprises. By prioritizing partnerships with minority-owned suppliers, Phone and Pad Warehouse not only promotes economic equity but also enhances innovation and community development. Its efforts contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable business ecosystem.
Windell Paige Doing Well While Doing Good® Humanitarian Award - Corporate
Windell Paige Doing Well While Doing Good® Humanitarian Award - MBE
Bold Hispanic Digital Marketing
The ethos of Bold is to #BeKind, a cornerstone of its company culture. This commitment is demonstrated through its ongoing initiative to support nonprofit organizations by providing them with essential digital marketing services at no cost. The initiative, which has been a part of Bold’s operations for several years, reflects the company’s dedication to fostering positive change and community support.
Bold has partnered with several key organizations, including the Heart of Florida United Way and the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA). These collaborations involve offering various services, such as social media content management, email marketing, web design and graphic design, among many others, all of which are tailored to connect with the Hispanic market. By providing these services pro bono, Bold helps these nonprofits amplify their messages and extend their reach within the community.
Civil Mafia
Civil Mafia is a certified minority- and women-owned enterprise specializing in advertising technology, digital media and business acceleration. A team with over 17 years of experience in the digital realm and particular expertise in the multicultural/US Hispanic market, it is ISO 27001 (information security standard) and ISO 9001 (quality management standard) certified. Brands, media agencies and publishers select Civil Mafia as their strategic partner, trusting the company to enhance, optimize and scale their daily operational processes and business results.
Civil Mafia’s founder and CEO, Flor Palazzolo, emigrated from Argentina to the US 12 years ago. She started Civil Mafia after working for publishers focusing on the US Hispanic market, founding an agency that was later sold to her former partners, and helping media and tech vendors build their business development and go-to-market strategy. Palazzolo wanted to show all industries that working for a profit could also mean using empowering, supporting and collaborating with diverse communities.
Daniel Penn Associates
With more than 35 years of experience in the public and private sectors, Daniel Penn Associates (DPA) helps organizations engage their people, processes and systems to achieve a culture of continuous improvement and sustainable bottom-line results. The company’s consulting services support operational excellence in lean manufacturing; maintenance and asset management; process improvement; warehouse and supply change optimization; and diversity, equity and inclusion. DPA also offers on-site, virtual and e-learning training in lean, Six Sigma, root cause analysis and DEI. Its team serves clients in pharmaceutical production, manufacturing, financial services, utilities, healthcare, government and banking; it seeks mutually beneficial alliances that increase business opportunities for all parties.
The company’s focus is to increase the visibility of the FSMSDC and how businesses can it to increase their visibility and business opportunities. DPA’s Waste Management business-opportunity event resulted in four MBEs being certified with Waste Management and three signing contracts. DPA also supports Lee County Economic Development’s efforts to increase the number of minority business participating in the county’s construction industry.
GAROI Media
GAROI Media is a multicultural advertising agency with 20+ years of experience delivering data-driven, custom campaigns that generate real ROI. Their trilingual team (English, Spanish, Haitian Creole) specializes in reaching African-American, Caribbean, Haitian, and Latin audiences through tailored strategies, trusted media partnerships, and a deep understanding of what resonates across communities.
Integrated Security Consultants
Founded in 2008, Integrated Security Consultants is a minority-owned small business in Tampa that protects people, property and profits, specializing in enterprise-level systems for large organizations. The electronic security firm provides security systems, surveillance cameras, fire and burglar alarms, access control systems and more across the Tampa Bay area and throughout Florida. Integrated Security Consultants has highly technical knowledge that it integrates with its commitment to top-notch customer service. Its mission and values have enabled it to serve some of the nation’s largest events, such as the Super Bowl, and with organizations such as Coca-Cola and Walt Disney World. The company has been recognized by the National Minority Supplier Development Council as a Southeast Regional Supplier of the Year.
Marc Security Services
Marc Security Services LLC is consistent when it comes to contributions and making a positive impact on the community and other small businesses like itself. With confidentiality and protection at its center, Marc Security Services creates personalized plans for all its projects and programs. For its role in community-safety outreach programs as well as its philanthropic efforts, it wants to show its gratitude and appreciation to a company that truly believes in the importance of giving the community back its peace of mind.
Phone and Pad Warehouse
Phone & Pad Warehouse, which specializes in repairing, refurbishing and resale of smartphones and tablets, is dedicated to educating and empowering the next generation of IT professionals. Its long-term goal of hiring students from local high schools and tech schools has been successful; Phone & Pad Warehouse has been able to employ four students since 2022, with three of them still working with the company. It is equally busy working with the Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) Office of Economic Opportunity, delivering presentations at nearly 40 different engagements to educate small businesses on how to secure contracts with MDCPS. Through its efforts, Phone & Pad Warehouse has supported many small businesses in submitting bids, and three of these businesses have been awarded contracts.
PPL Events
With over 15 years of experience, this team crafts tailored event and program strategies using industry expertise and a vast national network. By hand-picking cohesive teams to represent each brand, they create memorable experiences that drive results—serving clients from luxury events to large-scale Fortune 500 activations across the U.S.
S1 Security Group
S1 Security Group, Inc®, established in 2004, is a full-service Security Company that offers its clients flexible and customizable security services. It offers on-site and asset protection that is tailored for the individual needs required by our clients. The company draws from a diverse background of military & law enforcement experience from federal, state, and municipality agencies. It also uses the latest technology and training to provide superior services that are unmatched in the industry.
Sheena Eizmendiz
Sheena Eizmendiz LLC (DBA The WellBiz), proudly certified as both a woman-owned and minority-owned enterprise, is committed to fostering a culturally competent workplace. The organization recognizes and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of its employees, contractors, and the clients it serves. This commitment to cultural competency includes embracing differences in age, ethnicity, race, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, nationality, language, disability status, religion, socio-economic background, family or marital status, veteran status, and other unique attributes that strengthen teams and partnerships.
Flying Classroom
The Flying Classroom is a supplemental PK-12, digital STEM+ curriculum aligned to national and state standards.
The curriculum is based on the global expeditions of Captain Irving. The curriculum facilitates student engagement through expeditionary and immersive learning experiences. Through live virtual sessions and hands-on design challenges, students build a solid foundation in STEM+ as they prepare for college, careers and life beyond the classroom setting. Also, the curriculum is aligned to national standards and can be implemented during the academic school day, through after school programs and can ultimately be tailored to meet the needs of any organization or school.
Advocate of the Year
Jessica McMahan
After spending five years in Brasfield & Gorrie’s Preconstruction Department, Jessica McMahan shifted to the Corporate Responsibility Department to reconnect with her roots in social work and pursue her passion of helping people. Now, as the Senior Supplier Diversity Manager since 2021, she leads the company’s efforts to recruit underrepresented talent, promote supplier and trade contractor inclusion, and increase inclusive leadership development.
Beyond facilitating relationships with diversity industry and trade associations on a personal level, McMahan has become a go-to representative for Brasfield & Gorrie at professional and community events. She’s the president of the board for the Georgia chapter of the US Minority Contractors Association, she co-chairs the programs/education committee for the Atlanta chapter of the National Association of Minority Contractors, she co-chairs the communications committee for the National Minority Supplier Development Council’s Construction Industry Advisory Group, and she’s on the social responsibility committee for the Georgia Hispanic Contractors.
Paul Cooper
Paul Cooper is the Director of Procurement at The Coca-Cola Company, bringing over 13 years of experience in procurement and supply chain management. In his current role, Cooper leads strategic sourcing initiatives and drives operational excellence across the organization’s procurement functions. Prior to this, he served as Senior Manager of Supplier Diversity for six years, where he championed inclusive sourcing strategies and fostered strong partnerships with diverse suppliers. Cooper also spent over five years years as Fleet Procurement Manager, where he optimized fleet operations and vendor performance. With expertise in fleet management, spend analysis, supplier evaluation, and supply chain management, he is also passionate about mentoring and developing emerging talent.
Quibulah Graham
Quibulah Graham, MSPH, BSN, is Corporate Director, Diversity and Minority Business Development, of Orlando Health’s diversity, equity, inclusion and minority business program. She oversees supplier diversity opportunities and partners with community organizations to support diverse and minority populations. She also leads diversity, equity and inclusion education and training for Orlando Health team members. With over two decades of healthcare experience, Graham’s career includes leadership roles at Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center and Dr. Phillips Hospital. Prior to that, she held roles at Beth Israel Medical Center and Renal Research Institute LLC. Graham is an advisory board member of numerous organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Dillard University, a Master of Science in public health from Meharry Medical College, and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Central Florida.
Suppliers of the Year
Class I
Class II
Alpha 1 Staffing Firm
Alpha1 Staffing is an award-winning, woman- and minority-owned staffing firm founded in 2007 by Garrie J. Harris. With over 15 years of experience, the firm specializes in tailored staffing solutions for industries including corporate support, healthcare, disaster relief, and special events. Known for their 8-hour perfect match guarantee and commitment to diversity, Alpha1 Staffing serves clients ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. Their multicultural and trilingual team (English, Spanish, Haitian Creole) ensures effective communication and engagement with diverse communities, particularly in South Florida and neighboring states.
EMI Construction
EMI Construction Inc. is a premier provider of drywall, metal framing, and stucco contracting services in Southwest Florida. With over a decade of industry expertise, the company focuses on projects in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties, distinguished by its commitment to timely completion and exceptional customer satisfaction.
Phone and Pad Warehouse
Phone and Pad Warehouse stands out as a premier supplier in the tech industry, specializing in the distribution of high-quality Apple products and accessories. Known for its extensive inventory, the warehouse caters to both individual customers and businesses seeking reliable and cutting-edge devices. With a commitment to exceptional customer service and competitive pricing, Phone and Pad Warehouse ensures that clients have access to the latest models and innovations in Apple’s lineup. The company’s streamlined supply chain and robust stock levels make it a go-to resource for anyone looking to equip themselves with top-notch technology, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted and efficient supplier in the marketplace.
S1 Security Group
S1 Security Group, Inc®, established in 2004, is a full-service Security Company that offers its clients flexible and customizable security services. It offers on-site and asset protection that is tailored for the individual needs required by our clients. The company draws from a diverse background of military & law enforcement experience from federal, state, and municipality agencies. It also uses the latest technology and training to provide superior services that are unmatched in the industry.
Class III
Across Borders Management Consulting Group
Across Borders Management Consulting Group LLC Dba Integrass is a global technology solutions provider that offers clients both customized, end-to-end IT solutions and products that are ready to launch through its product division, Fobess. Across Borders has expertise in the finance and mortgage, health care and retail fields. Its products make it easy to launch everything from food delivery businesses and custom T-shirt design to job websites. The company, which began operations in 2011, is woman and minority owned and based in Mount Dora, Florida. Across Borders has been honored numerous times for its outstanding growth. It has been named to the Inc. 5,000 list twice and made the Orlando Business Journal’s Fast 50 in 2016. It has also been named among Florida Companies to Watch by GrowFL.
T.B. Power Creation
TB Power Creation LLC is a trusted electrical construction and maintenance company serving Florida, known for its safe, efficient work in both energized and de-energized conditions. With a focus on quality, teamwork, and community leadership, the company delivers innovative infrastructure services that exceed client expectations. Its mission is to provide high-quality, safe, and forward-thinking solutions in partnership with clients, aiming to become the leading infrastructure contractor with a strong reputation and unmatched service. TB Power’s core values—safety, quality, leadership, and teamwork—guide every project and partnership they undertake.
Class IV
Dakota Matting
Dakota Matting and Environmental Solutions specializes in managing complex access projects across the U.S.—from wetlands to mountains—where minimal ground disturbance and guaranteed performance are essential. Their end-to-end services include site prep, access matting, wetland access expertise, ROW construction, demolition, SWPPP management, site restoration, and constructability consulting, all backed by engineered solutions and proven mat performance.
Factory360
Factory360 is an independently owned agency with over 17 years of experience, founded on a mission to foster an inclusive, diverse, and empowering environment that fuels creativity and collaboration. With a team made up of over 80% minority staff, Factory360 specializes in experiential, social, digital, and content services—including brand activations, conferences, trade shows, pop-ups, event production and design, sampling, mobile tours, and more.
FleetGenius
Fleet Genius LLC is a leading supplier in the fleet-management sector, offering a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to optimize vehicle operations and maintenance. Specializing in advanced fleet management software, tracking systems and telematics devices, Fleet Genius provides businesses with the tools needed to enhance efficiency, reduce costs and improve overall vehicle performance. Its commitment to innovation is evident in its state-of-the-art technology, which enables real-time monitoring, data analytics and streamlined communication. By delivering top-notch products and dedicated customer support, Fleet Genius empowers companies to manage their fleets more effectively, ensuring that they remain competitive and operationally agile in a dynamic market.
Kinbro
Kinbro, Inc. was started in 2019 and has since grown to over 150 employees, who work throughout the Southeast United States. Between the owner and the top senior management personnel, they have a combined experience of over 100 years in the electrical line support and matting industries.
The company is divided into four sections to provide various services for our customers. These sections include support crews, access matting crews, matting, and MOT/Traffic Control.