Wednesday, August 13 • Gas South Convention Center • 10 AM

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The Moxie Awards recognizes women who are making it happen. This two-part program will begin with a keynote speaker and will conclude with the presentation of the Moxie Awards.

REGISTER

SPONSOR

FINALISTS

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Bárbara Rivera Holmes

Commissioner
Georgia Department of Labor

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Bárbara Rivera Holmes was sworn in as the 11th Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor and the state’s first Latina constitutional officer on April 4, 2025, by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. The Georgia Department of Labor is pivotal to the state’s economic health, providing essential services such as unemployment insurance, job placement, and workforce development programs. These services are vital for supporting individuals and businesses, ensuring that Georgia’s labor market remains robust and competitive and that Georgia remains the No. 1 state for business.

Holmes’ extensive experience includes appointments by former Gov. Nathan Deal to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, which oversees Georgia’s 26 public colleges and universities, and by former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan as co-chair of the Georgia Innovates Task Force, which helped design the state’s technology blueprint. Her contributions have been recognized with a Congressional Commendation from U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff and multiple accolades from the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Georgia Trend.

A former journalist, Holmes has earned awards for excellence in journalism from the Georgia Associated Press. She holds degrees in journalism and Spanish from Florida Southern College and studied at Estudio Sampere Internacional in Spain. A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Holmes resides in Albany with her husband, David, and their daughter.

EMCEE

Allona Lane Cross

Executive Director
Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity

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Allona Lane Cross serves as Executive Director of the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity, appointed by Governor Brian P. Kemp in 2019. She leads the state agency charged with enforcing the Georgia Fair Employment Practices Act and the Georgia Fair Housing Law. Under her leadership, GCEO has expanded its impact, renewed its HUD partnership, and achieved the first-ever legislative amendments aligning state laws with federal standards.

A recognized public servant and subject matter expert in fair housing compliance, Allona has held several leadership roles at GCEO and engages in outreach at the local, state, and national levels to advance fair housing and equal opportunity. She also oversees her family’s 60-year-old real estate and development company in Mississippi.

She has championed innovation across the agency, leading the rollout of online complaint filing, remote notarization services, and website-integrated tools that have improved access and reduced barriers for citizens across Georgia—particularly in rural communities.

Her work has earned numerous accolades, including Georgia Trend’s 2024 “40 Under 40,” the Gwinnett Chamber’s Moxie Award, the University of Mississippi’s Top 40 Under 40, and the 2021 Metro Fair Housing Freedom Award. Allona is an alumna of Leadership Georgia’s Class of 2024 and Leadership Gwinnett’s Class of 2022, and she remains active in both networks while serving on several boards and councils throughout the state.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi and a master’s in public administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Allona lives in Grayson, Georgia, with her husband, Regis, their twin sons, and daughter.

AWARD CATEGORIES

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Enlightened Employer Award

The Enlightened Employer award goes to a company that embodies a workplace culture of diversity and inclusion. This company is forward-thinking in its support for women employees while also encouraging gender diversity and equality.

2023 Winner: Obria Medical Clinics

2024 Winner: Gas South

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Greater Good Award

The Greater Good Award recognizes a woman championing her community. Her innovative ideas reach all members of her region and make her community an ideal place to live, work, and play.

2023 Winner: Muriam Nafees

2024 Winner: Laura Ballance, Hudgens Center for Arts & Learning

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Influence Award

This recognition goes to a true trailblazer. She is recognized as a leader who is paving the way for other women in a field that is traditionally male-dominated.

2023 Winner: Lisamarie Bristol

2024 Winner: Maureen Kornowa, Home of Hope at Gwinnett Children’s Shelter

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On the Rise Award

This young professional is a force to be reckoned with. She is innovative, community-focused, and goes beyond her call to action.

2023 Winner: Logan Serrano, Leadership Gwinnett

2024 Winner: Leslie Clark, Amazon

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Outstanding Organization Award

This award recognizes a successful women-owned or women-led business. It exhibits excellence and sets the standard high.

2023 Winner: Lawrenceville-Suwanee School of Music

2024 Winner: ARK Temporary Staffing

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Pay it Forward Award

This honor pays tribute to an individual who is generous with her time, talent, or resources. Our community is a better place because of her contributions and efforts to helping others.

2023 Winner: Dr. Audrey Arona

2024 Winner: Tami Wilder, Positive Impact International

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Moxie Award

This lady leader is an inspiration to many. She makes an extraordinary impact on her professional career and the values of her workplace.

2023 Winner: Kim Hartsock

2024 Winner: Allona Lane Cross, Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity

Leading Sponsor

SOLD

Level exclusivity
Logo in broadcast emails, signage and website
One-minute promotional announcement
Opportunity to distribute promotional materials at display table or in attendee gift bag
Social media mentions
Ten (10) seats at event
First right of refusal for following year

Principal Sponsor

SOLD

Logo in broadcast emails, signage and website
30-second promotional announcement from emcee
Opportunity to distribute promotional materials at display table or in attendee gift bag
Social media mentions
Eight (8) seats at event
First right of refusal for following year

Supporting Sponsor

$3,000

Logo in broadcast emails, signage and website
Opportunity to distribute promotional materials at display table or in attendee gift bag
Social media mentions
Verbal reference at event
Six (6) seats at event

Sponsor

Corporate Sponsor

$2,500

Logo in broadcast emails, signage and website
Opportunity to distribute promotional materials at display table or in attendee gift bag
Social Media Mentions
Verbal reference at event
Four (4) seats at event

Sponsor

Partner Sponsor

$1,500

Logo in broadcast emails, signage and website
Opportunity to distribute promotional materials at display table or in attendee gift bag
Two (2) seats at event

Sponsor

Booth Sponsor

$900

Two (2) seats at event
Logo in broadcast emails, signage and website
Opportunity to distribute promotional materials at display table

Sponsor

Presenting Sponsor

Leading Sponsor

Principal Sponsors

Supporting Sponsor

Corporate Sponsors

Partner Sponsor

Booth Sponsors

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I nominate an individual or organization?

Click here to check out the different award categories and here to nominate.

Who can submit a nomination?

Anyone! You can even nominate yourself.

Can an individual or organization be nominated for multiple awards?

Yes! You will need to submit a separate nomination for each award category.

Are nominations confidential?

Yes, they are.

When is the nomination deadline?

April 30, 2024

Is there an application process?

Yes, each nominee will be contacted and asked to complete a brief application. If a nominee is nominated for more than one category, he/she will be asked to complete more than one application.