BROOKLYN CELEBRATES ‘WOMEN WHO INFLUENCE’ NYC SMALL BUSINESSES

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and more hosts a Day of Empowerment and Entrepreneurship

BROOKLYN, NY, UNITED STATES, September 14, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Women Who Influence, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization advancing entrepreneurship, leadership, and inclusive economic opportunity for women. The five-year-old organization, led by Founder and Director Gabrieline Reece, creates spaces where women could build meaningful relationships, access resources and opportunities, strengthen their leadership, and be recognized for the impact they are making.

“This year’s celebration is about recognizing the women and small-business owners who are moving New York forward every day. By bringing their experiences, ideas and leadership into Brooklyn Borough Hall, we are creating a space where their voices are not only heard today but will echo for generations to come. When women have access to the right relationships, resources and opportunities, they do more than grow businesses—they strengthen families, transform communities and shape the future of our city,” says Gabrieline Reece about this year’s Pink Awards.

This year’s ceremony theme, How Small Businesses Are Moving New York Forward, spotlights the essential role small businesses play in strengthening New York City’s economy, neighborhoods, culture, and communities. The ceremony, hosted by journalist Monique Glover, in partnership with Brooklyn Borough President’s Office with sponsorship by PNC Bank will conclude with Women Who Influence’s annual Pink Awards as follows:

Women Who Influence 2026 Ceremony

Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 ·

Thursday, October 22, 2026

9:30 am | Guests arrival

10:50 am | Welcome by Women Who Influence’s Founder, Gabrieline Reece

11:00 am | Ceremony Opening by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso

11:05 am| Special remarks by NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) Chief Operating Officer Jeanny Pak

11:15 am | THE POWER SEAT: How Small Businesses Are Moving New York Forward
The Power Seat is Women Who Influence’s signature leadership conversation and a precursor of the 2026 Pink Apple Awards. The discussion will examine the impact small businesses are already making throughout New York City while addressing what entrepreneurs need to build sustainable and growing companies including: access to capital, contracting, M/WBE opportunities, business resources, economic development, institutional relationships, visibility, neighborhood business growth, and public-private-community collaboration.

Power Seat Participants:
-Delia Awusi, NYC Mom-and-Pop Czar
-Kawana Jefferson, Hospitality Entrepreneur, Lost Borough Ice Cream and Sweet Catch BK
-Jessica Spaulding, Founder & CEO, Harlem Chocolate Factory

12:00 pm | 2026 Pink Apple Awards ceremony
2026 CRYSTAL APPLE AWARD HONOREES
-Crystal Apple Award for Global Leadership: Pamela Morgan, Co-Chair, NGO Committee on the Status of Women, New York (NGO CSW/NY)
-Crystal Apple Award for Community Impact: Kanchana Suggu, SVP, Chief Impact Officer, United Way of New York City
-Crystal Apple Legacy Award: Dr. Erica Ford, Founder & CEO, LIFE Camp
-Crystal Apple Award for Cultural Impact: Cynthia Horner, CEO & Publisher, Right On! Magazine

The 2026 Pink Apple Awards is supported by community and economic-development partners helping connect New York City’s entrepreneurs and small businesses with resources, relationships, and opportunities including: NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS), NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), United Way of New York City, Bronx Economic Development Corporation (BXEDC), Queens Chamber of Commerce, and Office of Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.

Networking reception post Pink Apple awards will end at 3:00 pm.

Shantel Duhon
Women Who Influence
+1 929-813-2653
email us here

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Written By: EIN Presswire