From the publisher of Women Looking Ahead

The Black Brilliance Awards are a celebration of women who, through their daily professional and personal journeys, represent the true meaning of brilliance. This diverse group of corporate executives, entrepreneurs, administrators and educators share a common commitment as servant leaders enhancing the communities where they live, work and play.

Since 1990, we have celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of individuals and organizations who are consistently paying it forward. Women Works Media Group, the parent company for Women Looking Ahead Magazine, will continue to illuminate those who are actively engaged in civic engagement, political action, community enrichment and advocacy. The Black Brilliance honorees are outstanding women who are examples of excellence in their chosen field, who are consistently paying it forward.

Speaking of paying it forward, our 2020 Woman of the Year is Benita Chinn, Senior Director of Manufacturing Capability and Systems for PepsiCo North American Beverages. Benita has spent more than two decades rising through the ranks at PepsiCo, one of the most lucrative global corporations in the world. Her 25-year tenure spans six U.S. states and eight board of directors appointments. She’s been a leader in six different PepsiCo business units, working on some of the world’s most powerful brands, such as Captain Crunch, Rice-A-Roni, Gatorade, Pepsi and Tropicana (see our cover story on p. 18).

I have nothing but words of gratitude for a woman I have known for three decades, Patricia Russell-McCloud, Esq., our honorary dinner chair and mistress of ceremonies. The incomparable Patricia Russell-McCloud is a national orator and award-winning author.  She has been described as the greatest orator of our time. Each year, she speaks to more than 100,000 people in private and public organizations in the United States and around the world.

The honorees featured are women whose very essence empowers other women. It is their authenticity, candor and dedication that resonates with those who cross their paths. We embrace the Black Brilliance Award honorees in appreciation for their tirelessly hard work in making the world a better place and for being selected as one of Georgia’s Most Powerful and Influential Women.