NCNW’s 31st Annual Umbrella Luncheon Celebrates “Men of Honor” in Miami-Dade County
Metropolitan Dade County Section
Doral, FL – May 4, 2025 — The Intercontinental Hotel at Doral was the backdrop for an afternoon of elegance, inspiration, and recognition as the National Council of Negro Women Metropolitan Dade County Section (NCNW-MDCS) hosted its 31st Annual Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Umbrella Awards & Recognition Luncheon. This year’s event, themed “Spotlighting Men of Honor,”celebrating the achievements and contributions of exceptional men in the Miami-Dade County community.
The luncheon commenced promptly with a moving video presentation highlighting the powerful legacy and mission of NCNW; an organization founded by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and committed to advocating for women of African descent, their families, and communities. The presentation set the tone for an afternoon rooted in service, honor, and progress.
Shaquellia M. Holmes, President of NCNW-MDCS, extending a heartfelt welcome to guests and acknowledging the dedication of the event’s planning committee, Deborah Saunders, Chair and Tishria Mindingall, Co-Chair; whose leadership helped bring the vision of the event to life.
Guiding the program with grace and poise, while serving as Mistress of Ceremonies; Minister Sharron L. Henley, M.A., Chaplain, NCNW-MDCS, brought forth a meaningful and heartfelt afternoon filled with community spirit, laughter and celebration.
Shaquellia M. Holmes, President; Sharron L. Henley, Chaplain/MC; Deborah Saunders, Umbrella Luncheon Committee Chair. Tishria Mindingall, Umbrella Luncheon Committee Co-Chair.
This year’s theme, “Spotlighting Men of Honor,” recognizing trailblazing men who have made significant, lasting impacts across NCNW’s four core areas of concern:
- Entrepreneurship & Financial Literacy – Mr. Danny Felton
- Education – Dr. Steve Gallon III
- Health – Mr. Ryan Hawkins
- Social Justice – Brother Lyle Muhammad
- Social Justice – Black Men Win Together Initiative (BMW) Ed Ponder and Anthony L. Robinson
Dr. Steve Gallon III, District 1 School Board Member of Miami Dade County Public Schools, a longtime advocate for educational equity and public service, expressing his appreciation for the recognition.shared in an email correspondence to constituents:
Men of Honor Education Award honoree.
“I am humbled and honored to receive this recognition from The National Council of Negro Women,” said Dr. Gallon. “Their proven and unwavering commitment to youth and the community is deeply aligned to my life’s work of promoting access to education and opportunities for all, especially those who have been historically marginalized and denied access to the American Dream.”
Two Special President’s Choice Awards were also presented:
- Mr. Reginald Leon, Councilman, City of Miami Gardens
- Mr. T. Willard Fair, President, Urban League of Greater Miami, Inc.
Both were honored for their exceptional leadership and enduring contributions to the advancement of the local community.
Adding to the joyous occasion, NCNW-MDCS graduating seniors accepting their graduation cords and book scholarships in various amounts, pausing in recognition to Youth Member: Imani Nissim 2025 Nancy S. Dawkins Humanitarian Scholarship Winner.
The event promoting exciting raffle prizes and a vibrant atmosphere of community engagement, making the afternoon not only a celebration of leadership but also a joyful gathering of unity and purpose.
Rooted in the legacy of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, NCNW-MDCS continues its mission of service, empowerment, and advocacy. The 31st Annual Luncheon stood as a powerful testament to that legacy, uplifting those who lead with integrity and impact.
The event was not only a moment of celebration but also a powerful reminder of the positive influence strong leadership can have on future generations.
To view the media gallery click on the link below:
National Council of Negro Women, Inc. Metropolitan Dade County Section, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) organization. For more information send email to mdcsncnw@gmail.com
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