Gwinnett Chamber Honors Women in Business at Ninth Annual MOXIE Awards
Thursday, August 13th, 2026
The Gwinnett Chamber recently hosted its ninth annual Moxie Awards, presented by Northeast Georgia Health System. Held 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 Audra Cunningham, CEO of ACRE Consultants and recipient of the 2025 Moxie Award. Stephanie Stuckey, Chief Growth Officer of Stuckey’s, delivered this year’s keynote address, focused on empowering women leaders to say yes, believe in themselves, and to lead with purpose and persistence.
“Moxie is grounded in purpose. [It must be rooted] in something fundamental that really drives you,” Stuckey said. “If you get Moxie right, you’re going to make those gutsy moves and embrace those changes during hard times. And I am truly grateful to be in a room [today] full of Moxie women.”
More than 100 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: Melody Glouton, Andersen Tate & Carr
• Greater Good Award: Dr. Shannon Hervey, Gwinnett Coalition
• Enlightened Employer Award: City of Lawrenceville
• Outstanding Organization: Rainbow Village
• On-the-Rise Award: Jennifer Ho, Junior Achievement of Georgia
• Pay-It-Forward Award: Mary Kate Chambers, Leadership Gwinnett
• The Moxie Award: Kelley Balkcom, Georgia Power
“The Moxie Awards celebrate the women whose leadership, vision, and drive are making a meaningful difference across our region,” said Nick Masino, President & CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber and Partnership Gwinnett. “This year’s honorees and finalists are advancing their industries, strengthening our communities, and setting a powerful example for the next generation of leaders.”
The Moxie Awards are one of five signature Gwinnett Chamber award programs recognizing outstanding business leaders across the region. The Chamber’s next signature recognition program is the Business Excellence Awards, presented by Piedmont Eastside, which is now accepting nominations. To nominate a deserving business or leader, visit GwinnettChamber.org/Business-Excellence-Awards .
