MBN USA

October 30, 2021

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The awards are the highest national recognition for MBEs

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency recently honored 14 individuals, businesses and organizations for their outstanding commitments as advocates for the minority business community.

The MBDA National MED Week Awards are the highest level of national recognition a U.S. minority-owned firm can receive from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The honorees were celebrated during MBDA’s recent MED Week conference.

Congratulations to the MED Week Award winners, and learn more about them in the next few pages.

Brown Minority Business Enteprise of the Year

Robert J. Brown

Ampcus Inc.

Anna Kamakumaran, founder and CEO

This award is presented to the minority business enterprise that has exceeded industry standards and achieved phenomenal business success leading to significant growth and job creation, while showing a commitment to social responsibility and strong community involvement.

Minority Construction Firm of the Year

Mirador Enterprises Inc.

Yolanda Diaz, president and CEO

This award is presented to a minority-owned firm that has achieved outstanding success in private and public construction projects and has exhibited revenue and job growth over a sustained period.

Minority E-commerce Firm of the Year

The VGC Group

Naomi Cook, co-founder an chief marketing officer

This is a new award category presented to a minority-owned firm that has achieved outstanding success by harnessing the power of the internet to offer goods and services to other businesses and/or directly to the consumer.

Minority Emerging Technology and Industries Firm of the Year

Aexa Aerospace

Fernando De La Pena, president and CEO

This is a new award category presented to a minority-owned firm that has achieved outstanding success in high-growth industries through the utilization or the delivery of services based on new technologies.

Minority Export Firm of the Year

Calway Foods Inc.

Jack Huang, president

This award is presented to a minority-owned firm that has achieved outstanding success in penetrating domestic and global markets.

Minority Health Products and Services Firm of the Year

Precision Healthcare Consultants

Vanessa Best, CEO

This award is presented to a minority-owned firm that has improved the quality and delivery of health care through innovation.

Minority Manufacturing Firm of the Year

eSpin Technologies Inc.

Jayesh Doshi, president and CEO

This award is presented to a minority-owned firm that has achieved success employing new and innovative techniques that led to a significant increase in market share, job growth and customer satisfaction.

Minority Marketing and Communications Firm of the Year

Sonshine Technologies

Bernadette Morris, president and CEO

This award is presented to a minority business enterprise that has achieved notable and impactful success in the communications industry.

Minority Veteran-owned Firm of the Year

Spearhead Construction LLC

Andee Hidalgo, founder and CEO

This award is presented to a minority business enterprise that has achieved success in its industry that has led to a significant increase in job growth and customer satisfaction.

Access to Capital Award

BOC Capital Corp.

Rodney Santiago, director of lending

This award is presented to the individual or company that has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the financial community by providing traditional and/or alternative working or investment capital to minority-owned businesses.

Advocate of the Year Award

Operation Hope

John Hope Bryant, founder, chairman and CEO

This award is presented to the individual or company that has demonstrated significant accomplishment in advocating minority business enterprise as an economic force in the global economy.

Distinguished Supplier Diversity Award of the Year

Moffit Cancer Center

Dr. B. Lee Green, vice president, diversity, public relations and strategic communications

This award is presented to the organization or individual whose business practices have had a significant impact on the growth and development of minority-owned businesses.

Abe Venable Legacy Award

Don McKneely, founder and president, MBN USA

This Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates high standards of excellence, dedication and accomplishment over a sustained period. The award is granted to an individual who has played an integral role in the creative, technical or professional progress of minority business development over the course of his/her life.

Ronald H. Brown Leadership Award

Ed Ryland, founder and CEO, Ryland Enterprise Inc.

This award was inspired by the late U.S. Secretary of Commerce. It recognizes an individual who has shown exceptional leadership and achieved significant success in supporting diversity in the public or private sector.