By Legacy Editorial Staff
M•I•A MEDIA GROUP’s 2026 Legacy 40 Under 40 Reception & Fashion Show honored South Florida professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders Sept. 18 at Le Méridien Dania Beach at Fort Lauderdale Airport.
The event recognized the Legacy Miami and Legacy South Florida 40 Under 40 classes for achievements in business, healthcare, education, law, government, technology, communications, entrepreneurship and nonprofit leadership. Selected honorees also participated in The Runway Presentation, produced by Sandra Ward of Catwalk Pros.
“Legacy 40 Under 40 is about recognizing people who are not waiting for permission to lead,” said Dexter A. Bridgeman, publisher and CEO of M•I•A MEDIA GROUP. “These honorees are building businesses, advancing their professions, strengthening communities and creating opportunities for others. We are celebrating their success tonight, but more importantly, we are watching the next generation of South Florida leadership take shape.”
For honoree Sana Imam, the recognition reflected her commitment to healthcare and community.
“Being recognized as a Legacy 40 Under 40 honoree is an incredible honor and a reminder that purpose-driven leadership matters,” Imam said. “I’m proud to represent my Indo-Caribbean community through work that improves healthcare for all.”
The program was hosted by Stichiz Cass, with Zakiyya White, president of Legacy 40 Under 40, participating in the opening program. Bridgeman delivered opening remarks.
The event also featured The Great Pitch 1.0 Young Entrepreneur Awards. Seventeen-year-old Jadyn Arias received the $2,500 grand prize, sponsored by The Miami Foundation, for his barbershop business concept. Eyanah Nelson, 12, received a $1,000 second-place award, sponsored by Cleveland’s Old Fashion Ice Cream, for “A Gift to the Heart.”
Stanley LeConte, president and founder of IAA Private Wealth Advisors, was recognized as a sponsor.
Legacy Miami 40 Under 40
The 2026 Legacy Miami honorees were:
● Alex Auguste
● Marcus Barfield
● Marqueita Krystal Bowen
● Tyeshia Bryant
● Jenifer Caison
● Christina E. Carey
● Vanessa Champagne
● Dominique Chandler
● LaToya S. Connelly
● Dr. Porshia Cunningham
● Will Cyrus
● Jayson Forbes
● Tiffani Fox
● Adashia Franklyn
● Kelvin Hair II
● Murielle DJ Hector
● Rushell S. Hylton
● Sana Imam
● Dr. Andre Jackson
● Barbara Jean
● Jennyca Shlove Francesca Jerome
● Danielle P. Jeter
● Lindsey E. Johnson
● Angelica B. Knight
● Ermonique Luton-Fong
● Ayesha Malik
● Reginald Mizell
● Kadesha Nicholas
● Tiffany Parks
● Danielle Brandon Perez
● Ashley Peters
● Toussaint Pierre
● Bri Ragland
● Cheyenne Rodney
● Tiffany Segree
● Marie Simon
● Crystal Carmen Singh
● Brittany N. Times
● Devon Vickers
Legacy South Florida 40 Under 40
2026 Legacy South Florida honorees were:
● Dr. Stefany Accime
● Sharry Bain
● Rich Belton
● Sainte Billings
● Jennifer Blackmon
● John Carpenter
● Nadia Chin
● Morgan Cox
● Dr. Porshia Cunningham
● Saisha Delevoe
● Dr. Danielle Doss
● Jessica Estel
● Arielle Floyd
● Fredelin Fortune
● Kai Garel
● Tarelle Goldwire
● Tola Ilegbusi
● Joshua Nels Johnson
● Kristen John
● Harry Joseph
● Sukeenah Kelly
● Kelvin Laurore
● Shakyra Lawson
● Jakari Lucas
● Modesto A. Mercedes Jr.
● Oluchi Obiesie
● Eunice Oyekola-Clark
● Reno Pierre
● Shanika Prentice
● Kelly N-L. Scurry
● Mecca Halle Seide
● Steven Serrano
● Keno L. Tate Jr.
● Hassan Thomas
● Ebony Tyre
● Larnell Vickers
● Ray White
● Giszelle Williams
The reception brought together families, colleagues, business leaders and supporters to recognize the honorees’ professional achievements and community contributions. The runway presentation and youth awards expanded the program beyond recognition of established professionals, highlighting emerging entrepreneurs and the range of leadership shaping South Florida.
