Empowering Women Who Are Changing Communities: Fredericksburg’s Most Influential Women Awards Hosts 4th Event

Entrepreneurs, non-profit directors, business leaders, ministers, life coaches, and more: Fredericksburg’s Most Influential Women Awards will once again recognize women who have made meaningful and lasting impacts on their communities.

The idea for the awards event originated four years ago when Gary Holland, one of the co-founders, came up with the concept while on vacation. He had an idea to “have an event to celebrate the accomplishments of women in the local region,” Holland said. He shared the thought with his friend Vernon Green, and the two decided to make it a reality. Their nonprofit organizations, ACT Enough, Inc. and G3 Community Services, Inc., have since served as the title sponsors and primary coordinators of the event.

What began as an event focused on Stafford County has since expanded to include King George, Caroline, and Spotslyvania, as well as Central Virginia, with nominees coming from areas ranging from Fairfax to Richmond. The goal of the event remains the same: to highlight women who may not receive the recognition they deserve for their accomplishments in a variety of fields.

“The objective is to solicit nominations via social media and word-of-mouth from across the region of women that are accomplishing amazing things, but typically don’t receive the recognition that they truly deserve,” Holland explained.

The 2023 awards were attended by several elected officials. Co-founders Green (far right) and Holland (center, plaid) posed with several of Stafford’s elected officials, including Sheriff Decatur, Commissioner Mayausky, Supervisors Gary and Yeung, former Supervisor Coen, and now Senator Durant.

The awards program has seen significant growth since its inception. The first banquet attracted around 120 attendees, and each year the attendance has grown, with this year’s event expected to surpass 200 attendees. Past banquets have been held at various venues, including the Fredericksburg Expo Center, and this year, the event will take place at the A&B Creative Events Center in Spotsylvania.

Each year, a diverse selection committee is assembled to review nominations and select the honorees. The committee, made up of individuals with various backgrounds, ensures that the selection process is inclusive and representative of the community.

“We ensure diversity and representation in the Honorees and the honorable mentions by making sure that the selection committee itself is diverse and has representation across various sectors,” Holland said.

The awards ceremony, which will take place on March 29, 2025, includes a networking hour before a catered meal and awards ceremony. The event will feature live music from Brencore Entertainment and be emceed by Sharvette Mitchell, a Richmond-based social media personality.

The keynote speaker for the evening is Dalmyra Caesar, a former White House executive who served as Director of White House personnel and as the Biden-Harris campaign’s Human Resources director, and Coach Tee, an inspirational speaker, will also address the attendees.

Then-Senator Abigail Spanberger visited in 2023 and 2024.

The event also features a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting Empowerhouse VA and Loisann’s Hope House, two local organizations that support survivors of domestic violence and homelessness. Hammond credited the support of local businesses and organizations across the region for the growth of the annual awards program.

Looking ahead, the founders of the awards program have plans to expand the event even further. “Our goal is to cover the entire state and have multiple banquets in different parts of the state,” Holland said.

For now, the focus remains on celebrating the women of Central Virginia and inspiring future generations of women to continue making a difference in their communities. “We recognize young women during the banquet… to inspire the young women to pursue their goals to pursue their dreams,” said Holland.

The black-tie event will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. on March 29 at the A&B Creative Event Center. While nominations have closed, tickets and sponsorships are available online.