2025 Black Women Soar Reception

Mar 20

*Pictured: Sign with “Black Women Soar” next to a plant . Credit: WHUT*

WHUT was honored to host a reception celebrating the extraordinary contributions of Black women in the fields of civic engagement and activism. This event not only recognized their achievements but also provided a platform for these trailblazers to mentor and guide young aspiring professionals. By acknowledging and empowering these emerging leaders, WHUT aimed to inspire them to continue their courageous efforts in a society that often overlooks their contributions. The event included a networking opportunity, a fireside chat, and a pinning ceremony where the emphasis was on "lighting the way" for the mentors while offering an inspirational charge for the mentees.

The honorees

Angel Gregorio

Angel Gregorio is the founder and owner of The Spice Suite, a growing community-centric spice boutique, located in the Washington, DC’s Langdon Park community. She created The Spice Suite to offer patrons unique, interactive culinary experiences through fresh spice blends and cooking oils from around the world, customized to disrupt the typical cooking experience. Angel has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to improving the lives of the city’s most at-risk and vulnerable youth and families. Since embarking on her self-proclaimed “food is fashion” journey, Angel and her business have been featured on a variety of local and national media platforms, such as: The Drew Barrymore Show, Essence Magazine, BET, Travel & Leisure, Sway In The Morning Show, CBS News, NPR, The Washington Post, Bon Appetit and VICE News.

Denise Rolark Barnes

Denise Rolark Barnes is the publisher and second-generation owner of The Washington Informer, succeeding her father, the late Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, who founded the newspaper in 1964.

The Washington Informer is a multi-media organization serving the African American community in the Washington metropolitan area. Denise is also president of Washington Informer Charities, a non-profit organization that promotes 21st-century literacy and sponsors writing competitions, internships, scholarships and other events promoting African American history, culture, and literature.

Monique Bryant

Monique (Moe) Bryant is a dedicated leader and advocate in the realm of social justice, with a career devoted to fostering equity, inclusion, and belonging in communities and organizations. Her work is rooted in a deep understanding of the transformative power of dialogue, empathy, and intentional action. With a wealth of experience in capacity building and organizational development,

Moe has designed and facilitated countless brave spaces for individuals, teams, and communities to engage in meaningful discussions about culture, identity, and systemic change. Through her leadership, she has guided participants in confronting uncomfortable truths, challenging biases, and developing sustainable strategies for fostering inclusive, equitable environments.

Group of six people standing in front of a WHUT backdrop, wearing formal and semi-formal attire, smiling at the camera. — *Pictured (from left to right): Monique Bryant, Gmelyn Joe, Denise Rolark-Barnes, Sean Plater, Keisha Nelson, Angel Gregorio. Credit: WHUT*

Event Highlights

The Black Women Soar Reception was a night filled with inspiring moments and heartfelt connections. Highlights included the fireside chat led by Tracy Morgan, where honorees shared their journeys and insights, and the Soar On Mentor/Mentee Pinning Ceremony, which honored mentors with star lapel pins and mentees with aviation lapel pins. The event concluded with empowering remarks and a call to action for all attendees to continue soaring and mentoring others. The evening was a testament to the power of community and the importance of recognizing and uplifting Black women in all their endeavors.

Significance of the Venue

*Pictured: Yellow-winged aircraft suspended indoors with visible tail number N8NP and red-striped tail section. Credit: WHUT*

The College Park Aviation Museum, the venue for this event, holds historical significance as the site of the world's oldest continuously operating airport. This museum celebrates numerous aviation "firsts" and serves as a symbol of pioneering spirit and innovation. Hosting the reception here underscored the theme of soaring to new heights and breaking barriers, much like the honorees themselves.

View the gallery below: