A Defining Night for Black Women’s Leadership in Columbus
There are moments that feel bigger than the event itself — moments that signal a shift, establish a legacy, and remind a community of its collective power. The inaugural Who’s Who In Black Columbus Women of Excellence event, celebrating 54 extraordinary women, was one of those moments.
On May 29, 2026 more than 400 leaders, professionals, elected officials, entrepreneurs, educators, advocates, and community supporters gathered at the Hilton Columbus at Easton for an evening that celebrated far more than individual achievement. The event marked a historic milestone for Columbus, creating a long-overdue platform dedicated exclusively to honoring the accomplishments, influence, and impact of Black women throughout Central Ohio.
Since 1989, Who’s Who In Black Columbus has chronicled and celebrated Black excellence. Yet this inaugural gathering represented something unique: a deliberate recognition of the women who have quietly—and often publicly—been shaping the future of the region through leadership, innovation, advocacy, and service.
The significance of the evening was evident from the moment guests entered the ballroom. The atmosphere carried a sense of pride and purpose. Conversations flowed between generations of leaders. Mentors stood alongside protégés. Community advocates shared space with corporate executives, elected officials, healthcare pioneers, educators, and faith leaders. It was a living portrait of what progress looks like when excellence is nurtured, recognized, and celebrated.
The importance of the celebration was perhaps best captured by Real Times Media CEO Hiram E. Jackson, who emphasized that honoring Black excellence is not simply about recognition, but about preserving legacy and creating visibility for those whose contributions often serve as the backbone of communities across the nation.
“Black excellence deserves more than acknowledgment—it deserves documentation, celebration, and preservation. When we intentionally honor the accomplishments of Black women, we are not only recognizing their impact today, we are creating a permanent record of leadership, resilience, and achievement that will inspire generations to come. These women are shaping our communities, strengthening our institutions, and redefining what is possible, and their stories deserve to be told at the highest level,” said Jackson.
At its core, the Women of Excellence event was a reminder that leadership takes many forms. It can be found in boardrooms and classrooms, in courtrooms and hospitals, in nonprofit organizations and places of worship. It is reflected in those who create opportunities for others, challenge barriers, advocate for equity, and dedicate their lives to improving their communities. The 54 women honored during the evening exemplified all of those qualities and more.
The night’s highest honors underscored the profound impact that sustained leadership can have on a community. Catherine Willis, founder of Urban Strings Columbus, received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of decades spent opening doors for young people through music education and artistic opportunity. Her life’s work serves as a testament to the transformative power of investing in future generations.
Tauana McDonald, president and CEO of Mount Carmel Health System, was named Woman of the Year, reflecting her influential leadership in healthcare and her commitment to expanding access and opportunity throughout the region. Her recognition highlighted the vital role women continue to play in shaping institutions that directly affect the health and well-being of entire communities.
The presentation of the Founding Vanguard Awards further elevated the evening, honoring leaders whose careers have forever altered the landscape of public service and civic leadership. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, Stephanie Hightower, and Yvette McGee Brown each represent a generation of trailblazers whose work has created pathways for others to follow. Their recognition served as both a celebration of accomplishment and a reminder of the responsibility that comes with leadership.
Perhaps the most powerful moment of the evening came not from an award presentation but from the collective spirit of the room itself. In her remarks as Inaugural Class President, Regina R. Harper challenged her fellow honorees to view the recognition not as a culmination, but as a call to greater service. Drawing from faith, gratitude, and a deep commitment to community, Harper reminded attendees that true leadership is measured not by titles or accolades, but by the lives touched and opportunities created for others. Her call to establish scholarships for future generations transformed the evening from a celebration of achievement into a vision for continued impact.
That vision may ultimately become the defining legacy of the Women of Excellence event. While the event honored 54 remarkable women, it also created something larger than any individual recognition. It established a tradition. It created visibility. It offered inspiration. Most importantly, it provided a powerful reminder to young girls and emerging leaders across Central Ohio that excellence is attainable, leadership is possible, and their contributions matter.
For Dr. Carter D. Womack, Chief Operating Officer of Who’s Who In Black and the producer behind the Columbus event, the evening represented the culmination of a vision designed to ensure that the achievements of Black women are recognized with the prominence they deserve.
“This evening was about intentionally creating a space where Black women are celebrated not only for what they have accomplished, but for the lives they continue to impact every day. Columbus is home to some of the most influential, innovative, and transformative leaders in the nation. The Women of Excellence event was designed to elevate those stories, connect generations of leadership, and ensure that these women receive the recognition they have long earned and richly deserve,” said Dr. Womack.
As guests departed, the significance of the evening remained clear. The inaugural Women of Excellence event was not simply an awards ceremony. It was the beginning of a movement dedicated to recognizing the women whose vision, courage, and commitment continue to move Columbus forward.