Hellooooo, beautiful! One of our favorite boss babes was spotted on the (Staten Island) scene that makes an impact by spotlighting the bravest and brightest of its community.
Hello Beautiful Editorial director Shamika Sanders recently spotlighted a dynamic group of women of color whose service, success and stewardship were featured at the inaugural Influential Women of Staten Island Awards.
(L-R) Mattie Reynolds, Shamika Sanders, Councilmember Kamillah Hanks and Alma Nikki Rosado/ Source: Prince Dukes Sr. / @pdsphotographyy
Held at Legacy Suites on Staten Island, New York, and hosted by Destiny Rodriguez of Destiny’s happy hourthe delicious invitation-only red lunch brought together local leaders, entrepreneurs and creatives for an afternoon of recognition, networking and celebration.
This year’s winners included District 49 Councilmember Kamillah Hanks, who received the Community Change Agent Award in recognition of her commitment to advocacy and community development.
Alma Nikki Rosado, past president of the Jack and Jill Staten Island Chapter, received the Pioneer Award for her efforts in helping establish the organization in Staten Island.
Entrepreneur Amazing Grace Décor was recognized with the Visionary Award for her contributions to the community through event planning and business leadership, while Curtis High School Girls Varsity Basketball Coach Talia Sutton received the Power Player Award for her impact on youth through sports and mentorship.
Mattie Reynolds rounded out the list of accolades, earning the Boss Baddie Award for her success in corporate America and her commitment to representing women of color in leadership spaces.
In addition to honoring five notable women, Sanders also took the opportunity to highlight dozens more through a social media campaign highlighting her annual list of Staten Island’s 50 Influential Women.
The multi-sensory affair included music from The Moody Bros. and a culinary experience curated by Chef Tyasia White. Sponsors included The Doux, The B Firm PR and She & Her Hair Studio, whose founder also spoke about her recently released documentary, Strands.
Honorees were also treated to jewelry through Christin Marie Studios.
Sanders emphasized in a statement that the awards ceremony was an excellent opportunity to celebrate the women who are helping shape Staten Island’s future while creating the kind of elevated experiences she said are often missing from the borough’s cultural landscape.
“I have worked in media for over a decade and have had the pleasure of attending many high-end events,” Sanders said. “And I rarely see these types of opportunities on Staten Island, where I live. I want to bring these types of curated experiences to my community while also highlighting local vendors, talent and figures who don’t get the recognition they deserve.”
A longtime storyteller and advocate for Black women, Sanders has built a career amplifying underrepresented voices through journalism, digital content and social media. We are proud that the Influential Women of Staten Island Awards will be an extension of the media expert’s vision.
Check out more photos from Influential Women Of Staten Island Awards below!
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