Support & Celebrate Excellence
EmpowerUS Event Details
Stambaugh Auditorium
1000 5th Ave., Youngstown, OH 44504
February 26, 2026 | 10:45 AM
Hosted by YBI and the Minority Business Assistance Center, the inaugural EmpowerUS Awards will honor local entrepreneurs, leaders, and organizations whose work strengthens our neighborhoods, supports families, and helps our region grow. This is a mission-driven event recognizing the leadership, resilience, hard work and grit that it takes to be an entrepreneur.
2026 EmpowerUS Awards Honorees
Ryan Gilchrist
Ryan’s Chair
Legacy Award Honoree
Rhonda Bowser
BCI Granite
Small Business Honoree
Jasmine Neal
Healing Hearts CPR
On the Rise Honoree
Angelica Diaz
OCCHA, Inc.
Nonprofit Honoree
Jeff Green
Jazz in the Park
Trailblazer Honoree
EmpowerUS Awards
The EmpowerUS Awards, presented by YBI and the Minority Business Assistance Center, recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, and achievements strengthen our region.
The honorees are:
- Small Business: Rhonda Bowser, BCI Granite
- On the Rise: Jasmine Neal, Healing Hearts CPR
- Nonprofit: Angelica Diaz, OCCHA, Inc.
- Trailblazer: Jeff Green, Jazz in the Park
- Legacy Award: Ryan Gilchrist, Ryan’s Chair
Together, these categories honor those advancing opportunity, representation, and meaningful impact in our community.
To our 2026 sponsors, thank you for supporting YBI | MBAC and the EmpowerUS Awards. Your partnership helps elevate minority-owned businesses and strengthen our regional economy.
EmpowerUs 2026 Sponsors!
Community Cornerstone—Title Sponsor
Community Innovator
Community Leader
Community Ally
