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...

Photo by Ira Graham  By Kristopher Jackson In a world where success is too often measured by profit margins and accolades, Dr. Elizabeth Joy is proving there is another way. A visionary leader, researcher and advocate, she has built a career that blends the compassion of social work with the precision of business strategy — showing that wealth and well-being are not opposites, but powerful partners.  Dr. Joy’s journey...

BY Jacqueline Killen  PHOTO BY Ross Van Pelt   Growing up in the rust belt town of Massillon, Ohio, Melissa Blount-Garner learned early the power of resilience, faith and community. Raised by parents who instilled confidence and a commitment to excellence, Melissa has carried those values throughout her more than two-decade career in financial services—emerging as a transformative leader in community development, corporate responsibility and philanthropy.   Today, Blount-Garner serves...

By Leslie Nixon Photo by Ira Graham   Community involvement has always been at the heart of Leslie Bauknight Nixon’s journey. Raised in New Jersey, Nixon’s early years were shaped by her active participation in Girl Scouts, an experience that ignited a lifelong passion for personal achievement and service to others. That same spirit continues today through her membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where service to all mankind...