Public Official of the Year
Alix Desulme
Mayor Alix Desulme, North Miami’s visionary leader, embodies “Public Official of the Year.” A dedicated educator and entrepreneur, he pioneers progress, equity, and opportunity for all. From launching the Golden Silver Senior Program to founding the NoMi Leaders in Training, his “Putting People First” mantra shapes innovative community initiatives. As North Miami’s first Black city clerk and an advocate for accessible nutrition and housing, Mayor Desulme’s influence extends beyond city hall. His continuous pursuit of progress and demonstrated devotion earn him this well-deserved award.
Trailblazer of the Year
Jefferson Noel
Jefferson Noel is a spirited speaker and transformational leader at Barbershop Speaks, an organization revolutionizing community engagement. Founded in 2016, Barbershop Speaks turns barbershops and salons into hubs for intelligent discussions on vital social issues. The series partners with business leaders, politicians, and experts to educate underserved communities through conversation. What began in Miami has expanded to cities nationwide, facilitating dialogue, breaking down generational divides, and empowering individuals. Noel’s commitment to community enlightenment is evident through his leadership and dedication to this innovative platform.
Business Person of the Year
Gerri Lazarre
Gerri Lazarre is an active leader and co-founder of TriMerge Consulting Group. With over 20 years of experience, she guides the firm in delivering financial management, audit, and advisory services to government agencies and private sector clients alike, leading a multidisciplinary team with precision and purpose.
Lazarre is widely recognized for transforming the City of Opa-locka’s finances, elevating them from a disclaimer opinion to a clean audit. Her commitment to developing future professionals is evident in the firm’s internship program, which has helped more than 40 interns secure roles at notable organizations.
A proponent of innovation, Lazarre integrates cutting-edge solutions and agile methodologies to drive efficiency, accountability, and long-term value.
Business of the Year
Alpha 1 Staffing
Alpha 1 Staffing offers adaptable solutions for modern businesses.
Functioning as an integrated recruiter, they source talent from freelancers to executives, aligning skills with specific goals. Their professional services enhance employee development through process improvement, e-learning, and executive coaching. Alpha 1 excels in disaster recovery, partnering with vetted experts for debris monitoring, damage assessment, and planning.
Proven in hurricane recovery, they offer rapid response, economic revitalization, and specialized personnel like project managers and environmental specialists. Notwithstanding their commitment to helping businesses and communities thrive through tailored support and expert talent acquisition.
Corporate Citizenship Award
OneUnited Bank
OneUnited Bank, rooted in the Civil Rights Movement, carries a proud legacy of economic empowerment.
Initially founded in 1968 as Unity Bank & Trust and the Boston Bank of Commerce, it expanded under the leadership of CEO Kevin Cohee and President Teri Williams. In 1999, it became the nation’s first interstate Black-owned bank. Renamed OneUnited in 2002, it grew to become the largest Black-owned bank in America and, by 2005, launched a pioneering digital platform. Committed to social justice, OneUnited proudly supports the #BlackLivesMatter movement and champions economic activism through #BankBlack. Today, the bank continues to innovate, offering AI-driven insights and customer-focused services like 2-Day Early Pay, all while ambitioned to build generational wealth and strengthen the communities it serves.
Not For Profit Organization of the Year
Neighbors And Neighbors Association, Inc.
Neighbors and Neighbors Association Incorporated (NANA) fosters stability and growth in low-income areas, particularly Miami-Dade’s Liberty City and Little Haiti.
Recognizing the scarcity of affordable housing, NANA expanded its mission to develop single-family homes. Facing financial challenges in building ten planned units, NANA partnered with BBIF, who provided a construction loan to help build single-family homes on infill lots for first-time homebuyers. This collaboration addresses the housing crisis, empowers communities, and offers lasting opportunities for families requiring assistance.
Corporate Executive of the Year
Baldwyn English
Baldwyn English is a seasoned attorney with over a decade of experience in law and government. He currently serves as external affairs manager at Florida Power & Light/ There he leverages his legal, business, and public policy expertise to build relationships with local governments, businesses, and community leaders to address complex challenges.
Previously, as chief advisor to Commissioner Ronald A. Brise, he engaged with utility stakeholders and contributed to national regulatory committees. Beyond his professional roles, English is a dedicated advocate for entrepreneurship. He mentors emerging leaders demonstrating a lasting commitment to professional excellence and community development.
