“The best leaders are people who are willing to teach and make new leaders.” Kalinthia Dillard’s words seem to serve as a mission statement for “Legacy Magazine’s Most Powerful and Influential Black Business Leaders of 2026.”
Across South Florida’s industries of technology, government, and education, these leaders share a deep understanding that influence is measured by what it creates in others.
Among the honorees is Eric A. Williams, chairman of the Alistair Chanelle Group. A computer scientist with five patents, Williams left the corporate world to help early-stage Black founders overcome barriers, especially scarce funding.
Through his sweat equity model, he works alongside founders from concept to launch, offering strategic oversight, operational guidance, and access to his network of funders. With just 1 percent of venture capital going to minority founders, Williams is building an ecosystem to change that. “My legacy is viewed through the eyes of the success of individuals that I mentor and coach,” he said.
That same investment in others defines Dillard’s work. As incoming inspector general for Palm Beach County, she is the first African American woman in the role. Overseeing county government, municipalities, and contractors, Dillard has led investigations resulting in policy reforms and increased transparency.
“You have to have some courage to deal with issues internally and externally,” said Dillard, who grows her team through hands-on training and mentoring. “I have to make sure that people feel empowered to make decisions,” she said. “We ultimately want people to have faith in government.”
In Broward County, Notosha Austin oversees how nearly 2 million people interact with their environment. As director of Solid Waste and Recycling Services for Broward County, Austin has spent 36 years improving recycling, expanding waste reduction, and developing new environmental education initiatives.
She started as a high school intern and rose to director by believing everyone has unique talents. “The organization is a well-oiled machine,” Austin said. “Not only does everyone know what they have to do, but they’re proud to be part of that.”
Paying it forward, combined with entrepreneurial resilience, is personified by Arias Austin, owner of Slushy Icees. When opening a fixed location pulled her from her original goal, Arias returned to a mobile model that reconnected her with the community she loves. Now, most of her Slushy Icees staff are high schoolers who look to her for guidance in work and life.
Arias serves as mentor and role model. “I wish there was somebody my age or that was relatable who was showing me how to do things,” said Austin, who developed Slushy Scholars, a nonprofit that offers scholarships and college support. “… They can see themselves in me,” said Austin, who advises, “Keep going. Do it when it’s hard. Do it when you’re scared. Or do it alone. Just do it.”
This same spirit defines Joseph Metts, dean of Student Services at Broward College. Metts embodies the principle of Sankofa by reaching back for those now walking the paths he once traveled as a student himself. “I never shied away from stepping up anytime,” he said. “I just wasn’t always the one who wanted to be in the lead.” The meaning of Sankofa — go back and get — has always stuck with Metts. “I’m always trying to go back and get the next person, bring the next person up.”
With nearly three decades of service, Terrence Hamilton, CEO of Scouting America’s Gulf Stream Council, serves young people across seven Florida counties. Under his leadership, no child is turned away. “You realize the power that you wield in your hands,” he reflected. “That means you’re shaping the leaders of tomorrow.”
Hamilton’s first hurdle as CEO was to address the organization’s debt. However, through his vision, fortitude, and trust he earned over decades, Hamilton has taken the organization into the black, with a $1 million surplus.
By broadening programs and increasing community outreach, he has enabled more youth to participate and benefit from scouting programs.
Spanning from Palm Beach to Miami-Dade County, the 2026 Class of Influential and Powerful Leaders achieved personal success while making significant contributions to build a stronger community. Their leadership reflects that vision and service can transform the world
around them.
