On September 17, 2016, some of Pittsburgh’s top women of color in business, corporate, nonprofit, politics and community service came together to be honored for their contributions to other women.
Onyx Woman magazine celebrated 25 years in business by acknowledging these women of excellence. Founder Ola Jackson says for 25 years the magazine has been a voice and given a voice to women; and she wanted to select other women who have done the same.
The dynamic women who were selected were referred to as “Pittsburgh’s Top 25,” Ola says, ‘I based my selection on my admiration for their passion to live their purpose and their mission is to be a light that shines brightly enough to lead other people out of darkness, whether career-wise, politically, economically, through wellness, or community advocacy.”
The honorees were treated to an evening of elegance at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts in Shadyside. Each woman received an award depicting her photo in a cover magazine-style design. They were all treated to sparkling gift boxes of cosmetics and beauty products from companies around the country. The evening capped off by honoring Janis Burley-Wilson, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust as the 2016 Woman of the Year.
The sold-out event gathered family, friends and business colleagues together to join in to acknowledge a diverse group of women from various backgrounds. Whether the honorees were advocating on behalf of victims of domestic violence, fighting for social justice, advocating on behalf of businesses or helping women become first-time home owners, they all were reaching back to empower other women.
“It was exciting to see such unity and support between these women, “ said Ola Jackson who first started the magazine as an eight-page newsletter that eventually grow into a nationally distributed magazine.
