Inside the 2025 Women of Influence Awards: Honoring Trailblazing Black Women in Dallas
On March 21, 2025, over 600 women gathered at The Statler Hotel in Dallas for the third annual Women of Influence Awards Luncheon, hosted by Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson. The sold-out event honored 16 dynamic Black women across business, media, advocacy, and education for their unwavering commitment to community and excellence. With the theme “The Affirmed Woman,” the afternoon blended powerful storytelling, sisterhood, and surprise philanthropy—including over $60,000 in donations to Soul Reborn to support women-owned businesses. From soul-stirring conversations to intentional affirmations, the event was a radiant reminder that when Black women lead, the world shifts.
When Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson calls, the city shows up.
And on Friday, March 21, the city showed out.
Hosted at The Statler Hotel in the heart of downtown Dallas, the third annual Women of Influence Awards Luncheon was more than a moment—it was a movement. Over 600 attendees from across the country gathered for an afternoon that honored Black women who are not only leading in their industries but also reshaping the communities they serve. The energy in the room? Unmatched. The message? Clear. This is what happens when women pour into each other without hesitation.
Themed “The Affirmed Woman,” this year’s celebration paid tribute to 16 honorees doing the work—with integrity, compassion, and excellence. From the stage to the seats, it was a room full of legacy builders, vision holders, and barrier breakers.
“There’s no sisterhood like womanhood,” said honoree Tammy Franklin, who reminded us that in a world constantly trying to define us, our true power lies in remembering who God says we are.
Real estate mogul and HGTV star Egypt Sherrod dropped a word too: “Don’t follow in my footsteps—carve your own path,” she said. “Each of us is necessary for a purpose greater than we can imagine.”
That sentiment echoed through every hug, every cheer, every moment of stillness between the noise. Because what made this event feel different wasn’t just the stage—it was the spirit.
Raven Nicole Barnes, VP of The Confidence Group, talked about affirming our youth: “They need to know who they are. We have to speak courage and character into them early so they can grow with confidence.”
Financial phenoms like Terry Igiyama and sponsor Janelle Quinn didn’t hold back either—encouraging Black women to shift their mindset around money and legacy. “Start early,” Quinn said. “Let your money work for you.” And as Igiyama added, “Most of us are already investing. We just need to recognize it.”
That’s what this luncheon did—it helped every woman in the room recognize who she already is.
Soul Reborn, the nonprofit behind the event, received three surprise donations: $25,000 from honoree Tamira Chapman and Storehouse Voices Publishing, another $25,000 from trading expert Teri Ijeoma, and $10,000 from AT&T’s Cynt Marshall. These donations will fund grants for women-owned businesses and expand access to capital—a barrier Dr. Williamson has worked tirelessly to break down.
But perhaps the most touching moment came from honoree Patricia Adams Williams, who stood in the gap for single mothers. “Whatever we pour into women, we pour into their children,” she said. “This honor is for every woman holding it down on her own and still choosing to lead.”
The afternoon included live performances by NaGuanda Nobles and Clover the Violinist, the spring issue reveal of Cheryl Magazine, and table conversations that felt more like soul sessions than small talk.
As the event came to a close, the takeaway wasn’t just about who was honored—it was about what was stirred up in the room. Women were seen. Women were celebrated. Women were reminded that their influence doesn’t need validation—it just needs space.
And Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson continues to be the one making space for all of us.