The Indiana Chamber of Commerce invites Hoosiers to celebrate exceptional leadership and community growth by submitting nominations for its prestigious statewide awards.
Nominations are open through Friday, June 20, with winners to be honored at the Chamber’s 36th Annual Awards Dinner in Indianapolis on November 5.
Vanessa Green Sinders, Indiana Chamber president and CEO, expressed her enthusiasm for the event.
“We’re eager to recognize the impressive recipients that make Indiana such a great place — showcasing Indiana’s brightest is always a highlight of our annual awards dinner,” Sinders said. “There certainly is no lack of worthy individuals and communities around the state so we hope to receive many nominations for our slate of awards.”
(Photo/Indiana Chamber)
The event, presented in partnership with Meijer, will highlight leaders and communities through four distinct awards:
Ogletree Deakins Business Leader of the Year: Honoring a business leader who exemplifies excellence and impacts their organization and the broader business community through exceptional leadership.
Birch Bayh-Richard Lugar Government Leader of the Year: Celebrating a government leader dedicated to improving Indiana’s business environment.
NextEra Energy Resources Community of the Year: Recognizing a community that has achieved remarkable progress in economic growth and enhancing its local business climate.
Yamaha Dynamic Leader of the Year: Highlighting an individual whose leadership and innovation extend beyond their organization, aligning with the Chamber’s Indiana Prosperity 2035 vision plan.
(Photo/Indiana Chamber)
The awards dinner serves as a platform to honor outstanding contributions to Indiana’s business, civic and government sectors.
Making It 2gether is a vibrant minority-owned catering business based in Indianapolis, Indiana, that stands out for its commitment to community, inclusivity and culinary excellence.
Founded in 2021 by Martin Turman-Williams, an African-American entrepreneur who is also part of the LGBTQ+ community, the company reflects his passion for food and dedication to building connections across diverse groups.
Making It 2gether’s mission is to create inclusive culinary experiences that celebrate diversity and foster a renewed outlook on food, health and self. (Photos/Making It 2gether)
Martin brings over two decades of culinary experience to Making It 2gether, having worked with brands like Marriott Hotels, Hilton Hotels, Bob Evans and the Indianapolis Colts Grille. His broad expertise in the food industry provides the foundation for a business that goes beyond traditional catering.
Under the brand “My Momma’s Meals,” Making It 2gether offers much more than meals, they deliver an experience that embraces culture, community and wellness.
Making It 2gether’s mission is to create inclusive culinary experiences that celebrate diversity and foster a renewed outlook on food, health and self. (Photos/Making It 2gether)
The business specializes in customized catering for events of all sizes and types, from corporate functions to social gatherings. Beyond food, Making It 2gether offers event planning support, themed menu creation and educational workshops that address nutrition, hospitality, retail training and mental health awareness.
At its core, Making It 2gether is about creating safe, habitable spaces where all individuals feel welcome and valued. Their mission centers on embracing reality and practicality to foster a better sense of community and wellbeing for everyone involved. This mission is a powerful testament to the resilience and vision of minority-owned businesses that leverage their unique experiences to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Making It 2gether’s mission is to create inclusive culinary experiences that celebrate diversity and foster a renewed outlook on food, health and self. (Photos/Making It 2gether)
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
International Global Solutions, Corp. (IGS) was named Vendor of the Month for June 2025 by the city’s Office of Minority and Women Business Development (OMWBD).
OMWBD director David Fredricks and City-County Councilor Jesse Brown made the announcement on May 29.
IGS is a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) headquartered in Indianapolis.
President Clarence Lyles founded the company in 2007. IGS specializes in network infrastructure, telecommunications services and client optimization. The company helps clients improve customer service, data management and staffing.
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire IGS team,” Lyles said in a statement.
Lyles highlighted the significance of being acknowledged locally after 18 years in business. Lyles emphasized employing his most incredible honor, supporting families and communities.
The company has grown significantly since its founding. IGS now operates from three locations across the United States: Indiana, Kentucky, Texas and Virginia. It partners with manufacturers like Cisco and Honeywell. IGS also engages in philanthropy and volunteerism in its communities.
The OMWBD cited IGS’s outstanding service as a solutions provider and community business leader for recognition.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. If you want your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
Betsy Bleed, a freelance visual artist based in Indianapolis, uses illustration and caricature art to liven up parties.
Bleed has been creating art professionally since 2016 but has been drawing since she “could hold a crayon,” according to her website. Bleed is affiliated with the International Society of Caricature Artists, Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators and the Indianapolis Art Center.
As a freelance artist, Bleed is open to commissions, projects or bookings for caricatures as live entertainment for weddings, parties, corporate events, birthdays, showers or festivals — or commissioned, both traditionally or digitally as one-of-a-kind gifts. Bleed also does custom paintings, invitations, Christmas cards, thank you cards and children’s book illustrations.
For more information about Betsy Bleed’s work or to book her services, visit www.betsybleed.com. To get in contact, email brbleed@gmail.com.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
The week Leila Spann was laid off — again — she didn’t panic. She didn’t rush to find a new job. She did something radical: she stopped.
She looked at her daughter, took inventory of her exhaustion, creativity and ambition and gave herself permission to do what women are rarely told they can: begin again.
“I was tired of being disposable,” Spann said. “Three layoffs in seven years, and I was still performing at a high level. I realized it was never about my value — it was about the system. And I didn’t want to keep fitting into something that clearly didn’t fit me.”
That turning point became the seed for enbloom Marketing, a brand, strategy, and storytelling consultancy that helps mission-driven companies, especially those in healthcare, technology and education, ditch reactive tactics in favor of clear, cohesive marketing strategies.
“I wanted to help organizations be as intentional with their marketing as they are with their mission,” Spann said. “So many leaders are stuck in survival mode, just posting and emailing and hoping something sticks. I help them slow down and make every touchpoint count.”
Before starting enbloom, Spann had built a career working in high-pressure, fast-paced environments. She scaled mission-focused brands, led marketing teams at tech startups, managed national campaigns for legacy names like Ball and Kerr Mason jars and launched the marketing campaign for the new Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Indianapolis. Her work earned her a place on the 2022 Indianapolis Business Journal Tech 25 list, recognizing her impact and leadership in the tech sector.
But over time, it became clear that professional success alone wasn’t enough. She felt a deeper purpose calling, one that couldn’t be fulfilled within the confines of burnout and business as usual. After giving birth to her daughter and battling postpartum depression in silence, something in her broke open.
“My daughter was watching. I couldn’t keep climbing a ladder that led away from the life I actually wanted or the legacy I wanted to leave behind,” Spann said. “I needed to create something that allowed me to be present, creative and free — something she could be proud of, too.”
Launching enbloom was more than a career pivot — it was a lifeline.
Spann poured herself into the brand, driven by a renewed sense of purpose and a vision for doing business differently. She transformed the setback into an opportunity, creating a standout marketing campaign that led to “Indianapolis Business Journal” coverage. Within six months of taking the business full-time, she had replaced her income and was awarded the Indiana Latino Expo’s 2024 Indiana Latino Female-Owned Business of the Year, a milestone that affirmed not just the success of the business but the heart behind it. Her growth didn’t come just from strategy; it came from alignment, authenticity, and a clear sense of purpose.
“I stopped measuring success by outside standards and started focusing on building honest, intentional relationships with clients who value clarity, creativity and purpose as much as I do,” Spann said.
That alignment led her to NAWBO Indianapolis, where she now serves on the BOSS LADIES task force. For Spann, it was one of the few times she felt surrounded by women who truly got it — the juggle, the ambition, the grit behind the gloss.
“I’d been in so many rooms where people performed success,” she said. “NAWBO was different. It was real women, building real things and lifting each other along the way.”
As part of the task force shaping this magazine, Spann has been instrumental in amplifying the stories of women who’ve carved their own paths — often quietly, often against the odds. Her work mirrors this.
“I want other women, especially moms, to know they’re not alone,” she said. “So many stories of motherhood tell us we have to let go of our dreams to be devoted mothers. I don’t believe that. We can lead with purpose, honor our ambition and bring our dreams to life — not in spite of motherhood, but alongside it. You can build something beautiful from right where you are.”
Spann is living proof. From setbacks to blooming, she’s rewriting the rules — and helping others do the same.
This article is part of an editorial series in partnership with Polished Strategic Communications and the Indianapolis Recorder, celebrating the launch of NAWBO Indy BOSS LADIES Magazine. Polished Strategic Communications, a woman-owned agency dedicated to amplifying diverse voices in business, education and community, writes and produces the series.
Outdoor Youth Exploration Academy (OYEA) connects urban youth with nature. Many city kids lack access to outdoor skills, and OYEA provides that vital link.
Based in Indianapolis, OYEA’s mission is clear: it teaches environmental stewardship and imparts lasting outdoor recreation skills.
The academy believes urban youth are key environmental keepers.
Programs blend conservation with hands-on learning. Youth participate in community cleanups and learn to protect local waterways. Practical skills like fishing are core offerings. They also teach archery and air rifle target shooting.
These skills offer more than fun. They open doors to college scholarships. They provide pathways to Olympic sports. OYEA exposes youth to overlooked opportunities.
Career exploration is another focus. Youth learn about agriculture, agriscience and forestry. OYEA broadens professional horizons.
Founder Joe King, born in 1935, built this legacy. His early outdoor experiences shaped his vision. He co-founded the Dirty Dozen Fishing and Hunting Club in 1980, and by 1988, it evolved into OYEA.
King, a licensed archery instructor, saw youth potential early. His first youth archery team won a tournament. This success cemented the youth program, and OYEA grew from that foundation.
The impact is profound. Caring mentors provide one-on-one guidance. Youth gain invaluable life skills. They develop recreational expertise that lasts a lifetime. You can learn more by visiting oyeaindy.org.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on X @3Noral. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
In the heart of Fishers, Indiana, Kreative x Koko stands as a beacon for those seeking to express their individuality through bold and unconventional artistry. Founded by Nicole, known as Koko, this Black- and woman-owned business specializes in makeup services tailored for alternative people of color, tattoos and custom art commissions.
Koko began with a passion for art and a desire to share her creativity. In August 2023, she officially launched Kreative x Koko to express her love for art and personalization. Through this brand, she offers makeup, tattoos and other carefully crafted art tailored to fit the client.
The services at Kreative x Koko are diverse and inclusive.
Koko’s services include tattooing, which is tailored specifically to each client’s desired design and style. (Photo/KreativexKoko)
From dramatic glam looks and graphic makeup ideal for fashion magazine covers to unique tattoos and custom art commissions, Koko ensures that clients can express their stories on their terms. Her makeup services include bridal glam, full and soft glam, graphic glam and one-on-one makeup classes. Tattoo services are equally personalized, focusing on deeply contrasted realism and storytelling through ink.
Beyond her studio, Koko actively participates in community events, such as The Black Owned Business Block Party, showcasing her commitment to uplifting and collaborating with fellow Black entrepreneurs.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.If you want your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
Willie Mathis created Perfect Apparel with his wife Starla in 2011 to fill a gap in easily accessible clothing and paraphernalia for historically Black Greek Organizations.
Perfect Apparel started out as a resale business in Mathis’ basement. With the help of wholesale sources, he was able to set up a website for online orders and vend at Divine 9 conferences. However, after just four months of business, Mathis had generated enough revenue with Perfect Apparel to purchase embroidery, screen-printing and garment decorating equipment to create its own unique and original apparel, expanding into new markets and providing their services to other businesses and organizations, according to the website.
Now, Perfect Apparel is the “fastest growing” supplier of Divine Nine Greek paraphernalia in the Midwest, featuring collections of each of the nine historically Black fraternities and sororities as well as the Order of the Eastern Star and Masons.
The business has continued to grow over the years, expanding its clientele to include church organizations, athletic leagues, schools, private labels, small businesses and large corporations. In October 2017, the first Perfect Apparel storefront opened in Indianapolis.
“Our goal at Perfect Apparel is to deliver the best products at the most competitive prices,” the website states. “We believe that quality is most important to our customers and we strive to deliver on time, all of the time. If the product isn’t ‘perfect’ it will not leave our shop.”
Perfect Apparel’s first brick-and-mortar showroom is at 8730 Commerce Park Place, Suite C. for more information, visit perfectapparel.com. To get in contact, email customerservice@perfectapparel.com or call 317-389-5553.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
When Jalessa Slade started her consulting business four years ago, she wasn’t trying to be bold — she was simply following her purpose.
After more than a decade of working inside nonprofits of all shapes and sizes, she saw a pattern she couldn’t ignore: organizations doing powerful work struggled to sustain themselves because of limited resources and underdeveloped fundraising strategies.
“There’s often a gap in capacity,” Slade said. “Staff are passionate but stretched thin. Grant writing becomes a last-minute scramble. Fund development plans sit unfinished. That’s where I step in.”
With that clarity, Slade launched her business, focusing on grant writing, fund development, and capacity building. Since then, she’s helped nonprofit clients raise over $ 2.5 million in funding, with more on the horizon this year. But she’s quick to downplay the numbers.
“It’s not just about how much money we raise,” she said. “It’s about building systems so organizations can keep growing long after I’m gone.”
Slade’s impact is clear. Whether she’s developing comprehensive fundraising strategies, managing capital campaigns, or training boards on the power of philanthropy, her work centers around one thing: sustainability.
Her business reflects the values she holds close — authenticity, service and strategy. That’s why she’s drawn to organizations like NAWBO Indianapolis, where women in business show up for one another without pretense.
“When I moved to Central Indiana three years ago, I didn’t know anyone,” she said. “NAWBO quickly became my community. It wasn’t just professional — it was personal. People immediately wanted to help, connect, and support me.”
That spirit of support inspired Slade to join the NAWBO Indy BOSS LADIES Magazine task force, where she’s helping lead the group’s silent auction fundraising efforts. The skills she uses every day — clear communication, follow-up, organization and donor engagement — have translated seamlessly into this volunteer role.
“We talk a lot in fundraising about not being afraid to hear no,” she said. “You’re not begging. You’re creating an opportunity for people to connect with something meaningful.”
It’s a lesson Slade lives by daily. She knows the stakes of being a mother, entrepreneur, and woman navigating professional spaces. That’s why this year’s NAWBO Indy BOSS LADIES theme — Lift Up. Show Up. Speak Up. — hits home.
“It’s the trifecta,” she said. “You bring others along, show up even when you’re tired, and speak up even when it’s uncomfortable. That’s how we grow.”
Whether championing overlooked organizations or simply raising her voice in rooms where it matters, Jalessa Slade is a force—and a reminder that leadership isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it looks like consistency. Integrity. And a quiet confidence in your purpose.
Because the kind of legacy she’s building isn’t just measured in grants. It’s measured in lives changed — and communities strengthened.
This article is part of an editorial series in partnership with Polished Strategic Communications and the Indianapolis Recorder, celebrating the launch of NAWBO Indy BOSS LADIES Magazine. Polished Strategic Communications, a woman-owned agency dedicated to amplifying diverse voices in business, education, and community, writes and produces the series.
When Jamalia Brashears launched her consulting practice, JLB Advisors, she didn’t have a roadmap — just a mission.
A mission shaped by years spent on both sides of the table: as a philanthropic insider with access to power and as an advocate for grassroots organizations often left out of the conversation. Her goal was never just to be a consultant; it was to be a bridge.
“I didn’t come from a family of entrepreneurs,” Brashears said. “But I come from a legacy of service — people who were deeply committed to social impact, who understood the value of civic engagement, who ran voter drives and stood up for what mattered. I knew I wanted my career to be rooted in that same sense of purpose.”
That purpose led her to found a business focused on supporting nonprofits and social entrepreneurs, particularly Black-led and Black-serving organizations, that are often underfunded despite their transformative community impact. Drawing from her experience in philanthropy, Brashears helps these organizations refine their narratives, strengthen donor relationships and build infrastructure that attracts long-term investment, not just short-term support.
“There are millions of dollars that never make it to the communities they’re meant to serve,” she said. “I wanted to be a voice and a support system for those doing the real work — and help them tell their stories in a way that funders can’t ignore.”
That commitment to community and collaboration is what brought her to NAWBO Indianapolis. New to the city and eager to connect with other women navigating business ownership, she found in NAWBO something she didn’t find elsewhere: authenticity.
“Other spaces sometimes feel performative,” Brashears said. “But at NAWBO, people genuinely want to connect and help. If someone doesn’t have an answer, they’ll find someone who does. That kind of openness is rare.”
Now serving on the BOSS LADIES task force, Brashears is helping bring women’s stories to the forefront in a tangible way. Her role is more than logistical — it’s personal.
“This work allows us to shine a light on the incredible depth of talent, experience, and brilliance within our membership,” she said. “It’s the kind of visibility I wish I’d had when I first arrived in Indianapolis.”
Her work — and her ethos — aligns powerfully with the message behind the NAWBO Indy BOSS LADIES Magazine: lifting others, showing up with purpose, and speaking up for equity. For Brashears, that work isn’t just professional. It’s personal.
“When I worked in philanthropy, I realized how few people in the room were actually from the communities we were trying to serve,” she said. “I often found myself being the only one with that perspective. I knew I had to use my seat at the table to shift the conversation.”
That shift continues today in her consulting, which helps social impact leaders reframe their narratives from one of scarcity to one of strength.
“So often we focus on what we don’t have — lack of funding, staff, visibility,” Brashears said. “But I tell my clients: focus on what you do have. Impact. Trust. Access. That’s your power. Let’s build from there.”
In a time when equity work is often buzzword-deep, Brashears brings something more enduring: strategy, sincerity and a deep belief that storytelling can drive systems change.
And in lifting the stories of others, she’s rewriting the one she was told she had to follow.
This article is part of an editorial series in partnership with Polished Strategic Communications and the Indianapolis Recorder, celebrating the launch of NAWBO Indy BOSS LADIES Magazine. Polished Strategic Communications, a woman-owned agency dedicated to amplifying diverse voices in business, education, and community, writes and produces the series.
