The Gwinnett Chamber recently hosted its annual MOXIE Awards, presented by Northeast Georgia Health System, at the Gas South District. The event drew more than 500 business leaders, community members, and professionals to recognize women in business who are making significant contributions to their organizations and the Gwinnett community.

The program featured emcee Allona Lane Cross, Executive Director of the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity and recipient of the 2024 Moxie Award. The event also included a fireside chat with newly appointed Georgia Department of Labor Commissioner Barbara Rivera Holmes, formerly the president of the Albany Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Kim Hartsock, Gwinnett Chamber Board Chair-Elect, hosted the discussion, which explored Holmes’ career trajectory and her priorities in her new leadership role.

More than 130 finalists were recognized across seven categories: Influence, Greater Good, Enlightened Employer, Outstanding Organization, On the Rise, Pay It Forward, and the Moxie Award. Winners included:

• Influence Award: Carla Carraway, Precision Planning, Inc.

• Greater Good Award: Linda Schoepf, ABS/LMS Franchising Little Caesars

• Enlightened Employer Award: Spherion Greater Atlanta (Aysha Abdullatif, Co-Owner)

• Outstanding Organization: About Face Skin Care (Chrissy Thomas, Owner)

• On the Rise Award: Billqeece Naqawe, City of Suwanee

• Pay It Forward Award: Joy Monroe, Single Parent Alliance & Resource Center

• Moxie Award: Audra Cunningham, ACRE Consultants

“The MOXIE Awards bring together leaders from across the region to recognize the outstanding impact of women in business,” said Nick Masino, President & CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber and Partnership Gwinnett. “These honorees and finalists demonstrate the leadership, innovation, and community focus that strengthens our economy and inspires the next generation.”

The MOXIE Awards are part of the Chamber’s ongoing initiatives to support women in business through recognition, networking, and leadership development. Business leaders and professionals are invited to continue the celebration at the next Gwinnett Leadership Organization for Women (GLOW) event, Swing & Social at TopGolf in Buford. Registration is available at https://web.gwinnettchamber.org/events/GLOW-Swing-and-Social--6369/details.