On Friday, March 28th, RICE proudly hosted the third annual Women Who Mean Business Bruncheon, powered by Wells Fargo — an unforgettable gathering dedicated to celebrating the brilliance, power, and impact of women shaping the future of business.
This year’s event marked a historic milestone with the inaugural presentation of the Donata Russell Ross Award, a new and prestigious honor named after Donata Russell Ross, CEO of Concessions International and daughter of Herman J. Russell. The award recognizes a woman RICE Stakeholder who not only excels in her entrepreneurial journey but also uplifts her community and actively engages in the RICE ecosystem.
Fittingly, Chantel Powell, Co-Founder of Play Pits, was named the very first recipient of the Donata Russell Ross Award. Her innovative, purpose-driven leadership — from creating a nationally recognized natural hygiene brand for kids to inspiring a generation of women entrepreneurs — made her a standout honoree. The moment was made even more special as Donata Russell Ross herself presented the award, honoring Chantel for her exceptional commitment to legacy, impact, and excellence.
We also proudly recognized Jahari Soward, CEO of NPursuit Career Partners, and Tenisha Griggs, Founder of 37X Digital, with the Stakeholder Impact Award. Both women exemplify what it means to build with purpose and lead with intention. Jahari’s transformative work in AI-powered workforce development has fueled economic opportunity for thousands, while Tenisha’s forward-thinking approach to digital marketing has empowered brands and entrepreneurs alike to harness technology with authenticity and impact.
A Stage for Stories That Move Us
This year’s bruncheon went beyond celebration — it became a space for truth-telling, inspiration, and deep connection. The powerful conversation, hosted by Melissa Mitchell — the visionary artist behind Abeille Creations and the event’s visual theme — brought vulnerability, insight, and wisdom to the forefront.
Mitchell skillfully guided the dialogue between a dynamic group of speakers and honorees, including Shannon Watkins (CMO, Fiserv), Nzinga “Zing” Shaw (CEO, ATG), and Chantel Powell (CEO, Play Pits). Together, they explored the nuances of building brands rooted in purpose, navigating leadership in both corporate and entrepreneurial spaces, and the importance of preserving joy while chasing success.
The room was energized by their candor — stories of resilience, reinvention, and rising in the face of doubt resonated deeply. Attendees left feeling seen, motivated, and reminded that HERstory is not only history — it’s a living legacy we’re all writing together.
Honoring Our Partners and Speakers
In addition to the Donata Russell Ross and Stakeholder Impact Awards, each of our esteemed speakers were recognized for their leadership and contribution to the 2025 bruncheon. We also proudly honored two of our corporate partners who continue to invest in RICE and in women who mean business:
- Tai Roberson, Senior Vice President, Philanthropy and Community Impact at Wells Fargo
- Terra Wallace, Head of Learning & Development at Elavon, a division of U.S. Bank
Their leadership and partnership have been instrumental in powering inclusive innovation and advancing economic equity for Black entrepreneurs.
A Feast for the Senses, A Celebration of Culture
From the soulful sounds of DJ Phoenixx Starr to the elevated bites and libations by Taste of Grace Events, every detail of the bruncheon was intentional and inspired. Guests were treated to creative excellence from a curated lineup of Black and women-owned vendors, including:
- Epic Flavors – known for bold, unforgettable cuisine
- Stephanie’s Affairs to Remember – delivering seamless event execution
- Oh Snap Photobooth ATL – capturing joy-filled memories
- Heather Mae of Maevn Media Co – bringing visual storytelling to life
A Legacy in Motion
The 2025 Women Who Mean Business Bruncheon reflected everything RICE stands for — innovation, community, purpose, and power. This visionary event conceived and produced by Shalon Brown, Senior Director of Marketing & Communications, wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible women of RICE who lead across every department, shaping the future of Black entrepreneurship every day.
Congratulations again to our award honorees, speakers, and partners — and thank you to all who joined us to celebrate HERstory in motion.
📸 Relive the magic — view the full gallery of photos from this unforgettable day below.
