Tuesday, 30 June 2026 01:05 PM
Awards
INAUGURAL GOLD WOMEN'S HEALTH & BUSINESS AWARDS GALA
Draws Standing-Room Crowd of Leaders, Elected Officials & Community Changemakers
Light of Gold PR Marks 20 Years of MWBE Excellence - Already Planning 2027 Gala
NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / June 30, 2026 / Light of Gold PR Marketing & Consulting LLC, a certified Minority Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) founded by Debra Dixon-Anderson, celebrated its 20th Anniversary in landmark fashion as the 2026 Gold Women's Health & Business Awards Gala drew a capacity crowd of leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates, and elected officials to Mercy University's Manhattan Campus on May 14, 2026. The evening - already generating demand for a 2027 edition - honored seven extraordinary women whose work is transforming communities across New York City and beyond.
A NIGHT OF RECOGNITION, INSPIRATION & CIVIC IMPACT
The Gala's centerpiece was a powerful surprise moment: Manhattan Deputy Borough President Miesha Smith - attending as the evening's distinguished civic guest - presented official Certificates of Citation to all seven honorees on behalf of Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal's office. In a second surprise, she honored Light of Gold PR itself with a Special Certificate of Recognition celebrating the firm's two decades of service, leadership, and community impact.
"This room is why we do what we do. We're here to uplift the voices, expertise, and leadership of the women who help make Manhattan fantastic. Thank you for the work that you do - it is what makes the city run. We wanted to give an appreciation to Light of Gold PR as an institution. Thank you for this room of amazing women that you helped celebrate. Debra Dixon-Anderson, as the Founder of Light of Gold PR, you are a beacon of light here, a supporter, and a leader here in Manhattan." - Miesha Smith, Manhattan Deputy Borough President |
2026 HONOREES
Seven distinguished women leaders were celebrated across business, health, law, media, advocacy, and entrepreneurship:
HONOREE | ORGANIZATION | AWARD |
Allison Cohen | Blue Shore Human Resources | Rising Star in Business Award |
Athenia Rodney | Umoja Events | Community Architect Award |
Rachel Kaylie | Law Offices of Rachel Kaylie | Legal Excellence Award |
Nakisha Smith | Alwayz Fit 4 Lyfe | Community Health Leadership Award |
S. Mitra Kalita | URL Media & Epicenter NYC | Innovation in Media & Community Connection Award |
Maria Davis | Can't Be Silenced, Inc. | Voice of Impact Award |
Emelyn Stuart | Stuart Cinema & Café | Perseverance Award |
In one of the evening's most heartfelt moments, Athenia Rodney's mother, Anita Fischer, accepted the Community Architect Award on her daughter's behalf, reflecting the deep spirit of family and community woven throughout the Gala.
SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS
RECIPIENT | RECOGNITION | AWARD |
|---|---|---|
Lawrence Miles | NY Women's Chamber of Commerce / BOC | Special Citation - Men Who Advocate for Women in Business |
Katanni Grey | The K District Creative Event Consultancy | Light of Gold Best Event Partner |
Tyisha Eason | Gold Women's Awards Gala Committee | Gala Committee Chair Recognition |
THE FOUNDER'S VOICE
"Our Gala was a spectacular success and a powerful testament to what happens when a community comes together to uplift women leaders. Looking out at the room and sharing the stage with truly extraordinary honorees, I was overwhelmed by the sheer energy, resilience, and brilliance in attendance. We created this Gala not just to celebrate Light of Gold PR's 20-year journey, but to establish a dedicated space that honors those who dare to show up, speak up, and lead even when the journey is full of challenges. The success of this first Awards Gala proves how vital that mission is. This is the beginning of an incredible new tradition for us - and we are just getting started." - Debra Dixon-Anderson, Founder & CEO, Light of Gold PR Marketing & Consulting LLC |
HONOREES & COMMUNITY VOICES
"Being recognized at the Gala was truly meaningful, and I'm deeply grateful to Light of Gold PR for such a beautiful honor. Although my mother accepted the recognition on my behalf, I felt incredibly supported and inspired knowing I was celebrated among so many powerful women leaders making an impact in their communities." - Athenia Rodney, Community Advocate, Founder of Juneteenth NYC, Executive Director of Umoja Events |
"Being in a room with people making a difference in the community is truly amazing. It's inspiring to see women supporting one another and creating real impact." - Tiara Martin, Gala Attendee |
"This event was very exciting. I always enjoy seeing fellow business owners recognized for their accomplishments. I was able to connect with fellow business owners, and Debra is great at making sure people connect at events like these. I look forward to the next one!" - Juan Pedrozo, Vendor, President of The MoneyMan Business Solutions |
"I have to say that the Gala experience was fantastic. I met some incredible women. Made a couple of connections to meet at a later date as a matter of fact I am going to meet one connection next week. The valuable advertising on the video board made it easy for people to come up to my vending table. I would do it again because that kind of attention to vendors can only come from a true entrepreneurial spirit." - Eula Guest, Vendor, Owner of Guest Management |
AN EVENING OF CELEBRATION
The Gala featured a vibrant red carpet experience hosted by Coco Mitchell, a soulful live performance by soul, jazz, and gospel singer Ruth Kendall, and music by DJ Fleetwood (Carl Fleetwood). The evening was professionally livestreamed for audiences unable to attend in person, and the full video recap is now available for public viewing.
COMMUNITY IMPACT & FUNDRAISING
The Gala served as a fundraiser for Gold Wellness Circle, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit co-founded by Light of Gold PR. Fifteen percent of all event proceeds directly support community health programs including Breast Cancer Awareness, Alzheimer's Caregiver Support and Advocacy, Food Insecurity Support for Schools where 40% or more of the kids come from homeless circumstances, Summer Wellness Program, the Annual Backpack Drive and more. The Gold Women's Health & Business Awards Gala reflects Light of Gold PR's foundational belief that business success and community wellness are inseparable.
MEDIA COVERAGE
The 2026 Gold Women's Health & Business Awards Gala was featured by World Liberty TV, highlighting the evening's honorees, community leaders, and the celebration of women's achievement in New York City.
Official Gala Livestream Recap: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUi0HA5AbzY&t=1s
Full Photo Gallery & Event Page: www.lightofgoldpr.com/2026-gold-womens-gala
ABOUT LIGHT OF GOLD PR
Light of Gold PR Marketing & Consulting LLC is a certified MWBE firm founded in 2006 by Debra Dixon-Anderson. For 20 years, the firm has provided comprehensive Marketing, Branding, PR Strategy, Digital Marketing, Event Management, Coaching, Training, and Consulting services to clients and professionals across New York City, New Jersey, Atlanta, Ga and beyond. Light of Gold PR is the proud producer of the annual Gold Women's Health & Business Awards Gala, and a founding partner of Gold Wellness Circle, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Learn more at lightofgoldpr.com
ABOUT GOLD WELLNESS CIRCLE
Gold Wellness Circle is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women's health, wellness, and community in New York City. Programs include Alzheimer's awareness, Breast Cancer advocacy, Summer Wellness initiatives, the Backpack Drive and more. Learn more at goldwellnesscircle.com
MEDIA CONTACT Debra Dixon-Anderson - Founder & CEO, Light of Gold PR Marketing & Consulting LLC 212-786-6838 (Office) | 917-385-1079 (Direct) lightofgoldpr.com | goldwellnesscircle.com Schedule an Interview: https://calendly.com/lightofgoldpr/1-on-1-meeting?month=2021-12 |
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End of Press Release
Light of Gold PR • Gold Wellness Circle • lightofgoldpr.com • [email protected] • 212-786-6838
SOURCE: Light of Gold PR Marketing and Consulting LLC