2025 Women of Influence Awards
By Jaye Chase, Rolling Out
The energy inside The Statler Hotel in Downtown Dallas was absolutely magnetic. Over 600 powerful, driven, and dynamic women gathered on Friday, March 21, 2025, for one of the most anticipated events of the year—the Women of Influence Awards Luncheon. Hosted in partnership with Soul Reborn and Cheryl Magazine and sponsored by Intuit, Texas Capital Bank, The Polote Corporation, and She Empowerment Global, this sold-out affair was a celebration of the profound impact of women who lead with faith, resilience and purpose.
At the helm of this extraordinary celebration was Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson, the award-winning entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist. Dr. Polote Williamson, the epitome of this year’s theme, “The Affirmed Woman,” set the tone for an afternoon filled with grace, gratitude, and game-changing conversations.
“Women continue to make significant contributions to society across various industries. The ladies we honored today are a testament to this, as each of them — many pioneers in their craft — have directly and positively impacted their respective fields, paving the way for other aspiring women,” said Dr. Polote Williamson. “We’re proud to host the Women of Influence Awards Luncheon for the third consecutive year, our most successful thus far, as a platform to recognize and honor some of the most dynamic women of this generation.”
Honoring Black Excellence
The 2025 honorees, referred to as, “The Sweet Sixteen,” represented a league of extraordinary women whose influence extends across business, media, philanthropy, and advocacy. Each name called was met with thunderous applause and standing ovations, as these women have redefined success in their respective fields:
Sheryl Adkins-Green – Former Chief Experience Officer, Mary Kay Inc.
Raven Nicole Barnes – VP, The Confidence Group & Youth Advocate
Karen Boykin-Towns – Vice Chair, NAACP National Board
Tabitha Brown – Emmy-winning Actress & Bestselling Author
Tamira Chapman – Entrepreneur & Publisher
Erica Terry Derryck – Communications Executive, Intuit
Tammy Franklin – Advocate & Motivational Speaker
Shani Hosten – VP of Audience Strategy, AARP
Teri Ijeoma – Master Trader & Investment Educator
DeDe McGuire – Radio Host & Philanthropist
Denise Polote-Kelly – Grief Recovery Specialist & Life Coach
Britni Ricard – Founder & CEO, Cota Skin Care
Egypt Sherrod – Real Estate Mogul & HGTV Star
Kimberly Sweet – Emmy-Nominated Journalist & Timber Farmer
Dr. Jill Waggoner – Family Physician & Health Advocate
Patricia Adams Williams – Founder, She Empowerment Global
These women weren’t just acknowledged for their success—they were affirmedfor the countless lives they’ve touched and the legacies they are building.
A Celebration of Impact & Generational Wealth
With Nicole Baker (Emmy-nominated anchor) and Roni Talley (bestselling author and film producer) guiding the afternoon, the program moved seamlessly from heartfelt tributes to empowering conversations about leadership, wealth-building, and community reinvestment.
Guests dined on an elegant catered lunch while soaking in the soul-stirring sounds of soprano NaGuanda Nobles and Clover the Violinist, whose performances elevated the experience to a whole new level.
But one of the most unforgettable moments came when honoree Tamira Chapman—a powerhouse entrepreneur and publisher—announced a surprise $25,000 donation to Soul Reborn. The momentum only built from there as Teri Ijeoma matched that amount, and Cynt Marshall, the highly respected Consultant and former CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, added another $10,000.
Dr. Polote Williamson, visibly moved by the outpouring of generosity, reminded the room, “The lack of access to capital has been a major factor preventing Black women from starting their businesses…with educational, financial, and inspirational resources like the donations made today, Soul Reborn will be able to continue to help Black women reach their dreams.”
This wasn’t just another awards ceremony; it was a call to action.
The Women of Influence Awards Luncheon underscored the reality that Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs, yet still face systemic barriers in securing funding and resources. Through initiatives like Soul Reborn, the impact of this event will extend far beyond the luncheon—providing real financial support, mentorship, and opportunities for women who are ready to for the next level.
Leaving Inspired, Empowered & Affirmed
As the afternoon came to a close, the energy in the room was electrifying. Guests left with more than just inspiration—they walked away with connections, opportunities, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Dr. Polote Williamson, always one to leave a lasting impression, gave one final charge: “Never live in someone else’s dream so long that you forget your own.”
2025 Women of Influence Awards. Photo credit: Sottu Photography
Intuit. Photo credit: Sottu Photography
Spring Issue reveal of Cheryl Magazine. Photo credit: Sottu Photography
2025 Women of Influence Awards Luncheon. Photo credit: Sottu Photography.https://rollingout.com/2025/03/25/2025-women-of-influence-awards/
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National Philanthropist Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson Closes 2025 Women of Influence Awards Luncheon Honoring Local & National Black Women Business Owners
It all begins with an idea.
Media Contact: Kayla Tucker Adams, KTA Media Group, info@kaylatuckeradams.com, 214-403-9852
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
National Philanthropist Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson Closes 2025 Women of Influence Awards Luncheon Honoring Local & National Black Women Business Owners
The event celebrated 16 women for their “unwavering pursuit of excellence” in honor of Women’s History Month
DALLAS, March 24, 2025 – Over 600 women came together on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the 2025 Women of Influence Awards Luncheon in partnership with Soul Reborn and Cheryl Magazine, where Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson, honored 16 women from across the United States. While the event was held in Dallas at The Statler Hotel, women literally traveled from all over the country to attend this national celebration honoring women during Women’s History Month, boosting tourism and the local economy. One of the most sought-after events of the season, the Women of Influence Awards Luncheon ranked alongside previous years by selling out once again, even after seating was expanded from 250 attendees the first year to over 600 this year. Co-hosted by Emmy-nominated television anchor Nicole Baker and Roni Talley, bestselling author, actress, film producer, and speaker known as The Exit Strategist, the luncheon was sponsored by Intuit, Texas Capital Bank, The Polote Corporation and She Empowerment Global.
“Women continue to make significant contributions to society across various industries. The ladies we honored today are a testament to this, as each of them - many pioneers in their craft - have directly and positively impacted their respective fields, paving the way for other aspiring women.” said Dr. Polote Williamson. “We’re proud to host the Women of Influence Awards Luncheon for the third consecutive year, our most successful thus far, as a platform to recognize and honor some of the most dynamic women of this generation.”
The Women of Influence award is presented to individuals who have exhibited extraordinary talent, integrity, and leadership in their respective industries and have shown compassion for causes that elevate women and have helped pave the road for future generations. The 2025 luncheon, themed "The Affirmed Woman," highlighted women with unwavering pursuit of excellence in their respective industries, driving both impact and transformation.
The 2025 Honorees included Sheryl Adkins-Green – Former Chief Experience Officer, Mary Kay Inc.; Raven Nicole Barnes – VP, The Confidence Group and Youth Advocate; Karen Boykin-Towns – Vice Chair, NAACP National Board; Tabitha Brown – Emmy-Winning Actress and Best-Selling Author; Tamira Chapman – Entrepreneur ranked the 8th fastest woman-owned business through her company, Storehouse In A Box, and Publisher, Storehouse Voices – an imprint of The Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House; Erica Terry Derryck – Communications Professional, Intuit; Tammy Franklin – Advocate and Motivational Speaker; Shani Hosten – VP of Audience Strategy, AARP; Teri Ijeoma – Master Trader and Investment Educator; DeDe McGuire – Radio Host, Philanthropist, and Community Activist; Denise Polote-Kelly – Grief Recovery Specialist and Life Coach; Britni Ricard – Founder and CEO, Cota Skin Care; Egypt Sherrod – Real Estate Broker and HGTV Star; Kimberly Sweet – Emmy-Nominated Multimedia Journalist and Timber Farmer; Dr. Jill Waggoner – Family Practice Physician and Health Advocate; and Patricia Adams Williams – Founder, She Empowerment Global.
The catered luncheon included networking, vendors, and attendees were treated to live performances by NaGuanda Nobles and Clover the Violinist. After the presentation of awards by Dr. Polote Williamson, they also witnessed the spring issue reveal of Cheryl Magazine.
As a special surprise and salute to Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson, Tamira Chapman, one of this year’s honorees and publisher of Storehouse Voices – the newly announced imprint of The Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, announced a $25,000 donation to Soul Reborn on behalf of Storehouse Voices Publishing to support their continued work. Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson was the very first author signed to Storehouse Voices. Soul Reborn also received another surprise donation of $25,000 from Teri Ijeoma and a $10,000 donation from Cynt Marshall.
“The lack of access to capital has been a major factor preventing Black women from starting their businesses,” said Dr. Polote Williamson. “With educational, financial, and inspirational resources like the donation made by Storehouse Voices and the money raised today at this luncheon, Soul Reborn will be able to continue to help Black women reach their dreams.”
Black women are at the forefront of business ownership, making up the fastest-growing group of business owners. Cheryl Magazine further supports these efforts by highlighting the work of powerful women from around the world. A portion of the proceeds raised through the 2025 Women of Influence Luncheon will fund grants for women-owned businesses.
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EVENT PHOTOS:
Please see the link to event photos here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/3pr697iby50b685jwcb30/AEctDNv6hMj8OuZrzev1QCk?rlkey=7bm25l63gby9ehjb5z3r2gigc&st=o1z956lj&dl=0
Photo credit: Sottu Photography
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES
For more information, press inquiries, or to schedule interviews, please contact Kayla Tucker Adams, KTA Media Group, info@kaylatuckeradams.com, 214-403-9852
Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson is available for interviews
ABOUT SOUL REBORN
Soul Reborn is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by best-selling author, transformational speaker, and entrepreneur Cheryl Polote Williamson. Through the help of community leaders, influencers, and volunteers, Soul Reborn focuses on transforming the lives of disadvantaged, disenfranchised, and previously incarcerated women by educating and equipping them with the tools for life and business.
ABOUT CHERYL MAGAZINE
Cheryl Magazine is a quarterly publication with a focus on highlighting the amazing work of powerful women. Each issue of Cheryl Magazine brings you the grace, class, style, and power of this country’s far-most leading yet unsung women. Some of them you know, some you will come to know, but all of them are gifts to their perspective fields of endeavor. It's Inspiration for the Everyday Woman—for women, about women, by women.