7th Annual BOBE Symposium Honors Those Who Refuse To Look Away

In a moment shaped by loss, reflection, and purpose, the 7th Annual Black-Owned Business Excellence (BOBE) Symposium gathered at the Seattle Public Library to spotlight leadership that responds to the times we are living in.

Just days after the tragic loss of two young men in Seattle’s Rainier Beach neighborhood, the symposium unfolded not as business as usual, but as an act of collective care and commitment. Conversations about entrepreneurship, wellness, and economic power were grounded in lived experience and a deep responsibility to act.

The emotional centerpiece of the event was the presentation of the Elijah L. Lewis “Boundless Advocate” Award, named in honor of Elijah L. Lewis, a young man tragically murdered and remembered for his unwavering belief in the power of community. His mother, Jenine Lewis, delivered a stirring address.

“Some days it feels heavy to talk about excellence,” Lewis said. “But it is also exactly why we cannot stop.”

After losing her son, Lewis founded Solace to support families navigating grief and trauma, and co-founded Flourish Financial Group to empower young people through financial education and leadership development. She described the award as a tribute to those who do not look away from pain but instead step toward it with resolve.

This year’s award was presented to Ahndrea Blue, an attorney, CEO, and longtime advocate. Through the Making A Difference Foundation and Eloise’s Cooking Pot Food Bank, Blue has helped provide more than 1.5 million meals to families across the Puget Sound. Her leadership merges legal expertise with on-the-ground response during moments of crisis.

“In times like these, she doesn’t retreat,” Lewis said. “She leads.”

BOBE also honored six individuals and businesses whose work embodies endurance, creativity, and deep community impact.

David Pierre-Louis received the Ecosystem Champion Award for building cross-continental coalitions that expand digital access, capital readiness, and global market opportunities for Black-owned businesses. His efforts open doors often closed within traditional systems.

Liah Moynihan, an 11-year-old creative entrepreneur, was honored with the Rising Visionary Award. Through art, vendor markets, and digital storytelling, she is building her brand while modeling discipline, confidence, and creative excellence.

Linus Nyaga, founder of Bravo Zulu Protection and Security Services, received the Trailblazer Award. Drawing on more than 25 years of global military and security experience, his firm has earned widespread trust and recognition across Washington State.

Lisa Smith of WSMA received the Ally in Action Award for transforming institutional support into practical opportunity. Her consistent, accountable allyship has helped advance equity and open pathways for Black entrepreneurs.

Dr. Joye Hardiman was honored with the Living Legacy Award. A scholar, cultural preservationist, and mentor at Evergreen State College in Tacoma, she has shaped generations of students through decades of community-rooted leadership.

Nikita Mathis, founder of Platinum Plush Fashions, received the Lewis Rudd Legacy Award. Her journey from selling clothes out of her car to operating a successful boutique exemplifies perseverance, adaptability, and entrepreneurial strength.

“These awards are about honoring leadership while it is still in motion,” said Jenefeness Franke, MBA, Co-Founder and Executive Officer of Black-Owned Business Excellence. “In a time when our communities are hurting, recognition becomes an act of care and a reminder that the work must continue.”

The symposium also highlighted BOBE Tribe Vibe, a weekly virtual space for reflection and connection. Designed for shared leadership, Tribe Vibe invites community members not only to attend but to lead timely conversations across business, wellness, and social impact.