Group honors community women

Honorees at the 2023 Superwoman Awards. [Olyve Branch Photography]

Chrissy Vickers, CEO and founder of Women and Men of Purpose & Destiny Incorporated. [Olyve Branch Photography]

The nonprofit Women and Men of Purpose & Destiny Inc., hosted the 2023 Superwoman Awards on Oct. 21 at the Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala.

“We honored amazing women of all cultures with backgrounds, ranging from the political arena, business owners, pastors, community advocates, educators and many more. Some of the women honored have served homeless and low-income populations by the thousands,” said Chrissy Vickers, CEO and founder of the nonprofit. “Our keynote speaker was Kelia Bazile, who is an author and the president of operations for the entire Carrabba’s Restaurant chain. She and her husband also own two restaurants in Ocala, JRocks Pizzeria and Blue Highway Pizzeria.” 

Keynote speaker Kelia Bazile, author and president of operations for Carrabba’s Restaurants. [Olyve Branch Photography]

Those honored were: Rhea Chiles, Cheryl Thomas, Danielle Cherubin Kisha Burton-Hardy, Betti Jefferson-Gadson. Tara Woods, Angie Lester, Manal Fakhoury, Michaela Powell, Ahjanee Vereen-Piner, Maria Francese, Clovis Sawyer, Darnitha Johnson, Sherri Jackson, Mary Lou Todd, Tanjua Mays, Ann Joseph, Jeanne Henningsen, Marjorie Rodriguez, Bonnie Vitale, Sheila Ruotolo, Tyla Kennedy, Makita Harvey, Rhella Murdaugh, Danielle Wiggins, Kelia Bazile, Dede Vowell, Jena McClain-Woodyard, Kayla Palacios, Ann Brijbasu, Te’sha Jackson, Mary Sue Rich, Kim Avera-Whitt and Jane Moerlie.

Dance performance by Sheila Dance Academy. [Olyve Branch Photography]

Women and Men of Purpose & Destiny Inc., was organized in 2010. The nonprofit also hosts annual Superman Awards and Superkids Awards recognitions. To learn more, find the group on Facebook.