For a decade, the Champions of Diversity Awards Ceremony has honored the exceptional achievements of Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprises (MWSBE) that are the backbone of Houston’s economic growth. Under the leadership of Cylenthia Hoyrd, Director of the City of Houston’s Office of Business Opportunity (OBO), this annual event has become a landmark celebration of supplier diversity, economic inclusion, and entrepreneurial empowerment.

This year, Houston Style Magazine is proud to join the expanding support of the Champions of Diversity Awards as a Media Sponsor to amplify awareness and ensure greater community engagement. Our mission aligns with OBO’s commitment to creating an equitable business environment where all entrepreneurs—especially those from historically underrepresented communities—can thrive, grow, and succeed.

Francis Page, Jr. Applauds OBO’s Leadership and 2025 Luncheon Chair

Reflecting on the significance of the event, Francis Page, Jr., Publisher of Houston Style Magazine, expressed his admiration for OBO’s efforts and the 2025 Luncheon Chair, Suzan Deison, President and Founder of The Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce:

"Diversity is not just a word—it’s a powerful force that drives Houston’s economy and strengthens our communities. Under the visionary leadership of Cylenthia Hoyrd and with the guidance of Luncheon Chair Suzan Deison, the Champions of Diversity Awards continue to elevate opportunities for historically underrepresented businesses. Their work is creating a stronger, more inclusive Houston where success is attainable for all. Houston Style Magazine is honored to serve as a Media Sponsor, ensuring these success stories reach every corner of our city."

Suzan Deison also shared her excitement for this year’s awards, stating:

"The Champions of Diversity Awards shine a light on the resilience, innovation, and economic power of diverse businesses in Houston. I am thrilled to serve as Luncheon Chair and to help recognize those who are making a lasting impact on our city’s business landscape.”

 Champion of Diversity Award Sponsorship
 

Mark your calendars! Join us on Monday, February 17, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Hilton Americas-Houston, where we will celebrate outstanding businesses, trailblazing leaders, and the power of diversity in shaping Houston’s future.

🔗 PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE

Honoring Excellence: The Champions of Diversity Legacy

The Champions of Diversity Awards Ceremony is more than just a gathering—it’s a movement. With over $590 million awarded to MWSBEs in City of Houston contracts in Fiscal Year 2024 alone, this program continues to break barriers and create wealth-building opportunities for businesses in our community.

“This event is a testament to what happens when we prioritize equity and give small businesses the resources they need to compete on a larger scale,” said Cylenthia Hoyrd, a visionary leader with a passion for business growth and community empowerment.

This year, the event will recognize and present awards to businesses and individuals made an impact in their industries and in the Houston community:

🏆 Prime Construction Contractor Award – Five Companies, LLC
🏆 Community Partner Award – Gulf Coast Workforce Board / Workforce Solutions
🏆 Certified Construction Prime Contractor Award – Mayberry Homes, Inc.
🏆 City Department of the Year – Finance Department - Strategic Procurement Division
🏆 Professional Services Prime Contractor Award – Black & Veatch Corporation
🏆 Chairman’s Advocate Award – Milton Thibodeaux, Greater Houston Business

🏆 Professional Services Certified Prime Contractor Award – Rey De La Reza Architects
🏆 Corporate Award - Goods and Services Prime Contractor – United Airlines & Allied Collision Center, Inc.
🏆 Ernest B. McGowen, Sr. Champion of Diversity Award – (To Be Announced)
🏆 Goods and Services Certified Prime Contractor Award – Unified Auto Works Paint & Body, Inc.

These honorees demonstrate excellence in supplier diversity, innovation, and economic empowerment.

A Trailblazing Leader: Cylenthia Hoyrd’s Impact

At the helm of OBO, Cylenthia Hoyrd has revolutionized how Houston fosters economic inclusivity. A Birmingham, Alabama native with expertise in psychology, business management, and public administration, Hoyrd has spent her career elevating workforce development, business support programs, and government contracting opportunities for underrepresented communities.

Her leadership at OBO ensures that entrepreneurs—regardless of size—have access to capital, certification resources, and the necessary infrastructure to scale their businesses.

Her mantra? "When we lift one, we lift all."

Powering Houston’s Business Community: The OBO Leadership Team

Behind every successful initiative is a dynamic team, and OBO boasts some of Houston’s finest business advocates:
💡 Vanessa Aplon-Letson – Certification Division Manager
💡 Brandon Jones – External Affairs Division Manager & Public Information Officer
💡 Norma Meadows – Chief of Staff / Title VI Coordinator
💡 Patsy Jackson – Chief Financial Officer
💡 Katrina Williams – Senior Staff Analyst

Their collective efforts have driven game-changing initiatives such as:
📌 LiftOff Houston Business Plan Competition – Engaged 15,000+ entrepreneurs, awarding over $33,000 in startup capital.
📌 Turnaround Houston Initiative – Connected nearly 8,000 job seekers with employers through 23 job fairs.
📌 Pillars for Success Program – Expanding to support businesses through the Blue Wave International SDP Platform. 

 Champion of Diversity Award Sponsorship

Why This Matters: A Call to Action for Economic Equity

This event is not just a celebration—it’s a movement. Houston thrives when all communities have access to resources, contracts, and opportunities. The Champions of Diversity Awards stand as a reminder that economic inclusion is a catalyst for generational wealth and city-wide prosperity.

“True success isn’t measured by what we accomplish individually, but by how many others we bring along with us,” said Brandi Harleaux, Chair of the OBO Advisory Board.

As Houston Style Magazine steps up as a Media Sponsor, we are committed to expanding the reach of this historic event, bringing greater awareness to the success stories, businesses, and individuals shaping Houston’s economic future.

🔗 PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE

Join the Movement: Be Part of Houston’s Business Future

Houston’s legacy as a city of opportunity continues to flourish, thanks to the dedication of leaders, businesses, and advocates who believe in the power of diversity and economic empowerment.

Houston Style Magazine readers don’t miss your chance to be part of this groundbreaking event—secure your tickets and stand alongside the trailblazers who are shaping the city’s future.

For sponsorship and event details, contact: OBOAdvisoryBoard@houstontx.gov.

🔗 LEARN MORE ABOUT OBO
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OBO ADVISORY BOARD: Marlon Mitchell, Alan Bergeron, Adriana Gonzalez, Tom Ronk, Bill Brown, Brandi Harleaux, Rogelio Pombrol, Cylenthia Hurd, Linda Toyota, Katrina Chambers, Edgartt Melton, Craig Williams, Grace Rodriguez, Suzan Deison, Raoul Keddy and Yusef Burgess