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B M & T ••• November/December 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 7 NATIONAL BUSINESS LEADER, KYRA RÉNEL HARDWICK, RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARD HONORING WOMEN OF COLOR Hardwick Among the 24 Honorees Named for the 2024 Entrepreneurial Women of Impact Awards The Women Presidents Organization (WPO), in partner- ship with Women Elevating Women (W.E.W.), announced Kyra Rénel Hardwick, managing consultant of The Kyra Company, LLC., as a 2024 Entrepreneurial Women of Impact Awards winner. Spon- sored by JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking, Hardwick was among twenty-four high achieving women from across North America who were for- mally honored in a ceremony on September 11 in Philadelphia. The elite annual awards event selects minority women leaders who exhibit outstanding profes- sional achievements and contri- butions to their local communities. Born and raised in Detroit, Kyra Rénel Hardwick has become known as a change agent and game changer in the business community. Hardwick founded The Kyra Company nearly a decade ago and created a unique set of skills and methods that have literally saved businesses and helped them to retain more of their profits. With her offices headquartered in Houston, Texas, she has literally changed the lives and bot- tom lines of business owners all around the nation. With an innate ability to see the holes in companies and create customized strategies to fill the gaps, Kyra also created trade press. "Ensuring we have a strong trade press is vital to a healthy industry. Taking the time to recognize everyone who plays a role in the media, in our industry specifically, was miss- ing. I am incredibly grateful for everyone's support and for the partnership with MPI in this effort, as well as the LVCVA and the Clark County Commissioners for their strong backing of this initiative," said Herschdorfer. "Las Vegas is the capital of the meetings industry, so what better place to launch this event and scholarship program?" The group emphasized the future and the industry's future leaders through the fund and thanked UNLV for their contin- ued dedication to the education of hospitality-focused students. For more information, please visit http://www.Caesars- MeansBusiness.com. Donation/Gift LINK: HARRAH COLLEGE ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP signature programs including the Smart CEOs Accelerator Program: The Capacity Builder, which empowers growth stage businesses through a comprehensive curriculum, men- torship, and networking opportunities. "I am incredibly grateful for the impact that The Kyra Company team has made to change the lives of small business owners across the nation. Thank you for recognizing our work," said Kyra Rénel Hardwick, managing consultant of The Kyra Company and 2024 recipient of the Entrepreneurial Women of Impact Awards. "My life's work has been dedicated to helping other business owners and CEOs soar. I am hon- ored to be recognized for the vital contributions I've made to the business community." In addition to the Entrepreneurial Women of Impact Awards, Kyra Hardwick continues to lead a dynamic team at The Kyra Company who are working on other award-winning initiatives that are positively impacting businesses around the globe. For more information, please visit https://www.thekyra- company.com. THE NEXT BIG MEETINGS DESTINATION In Bellevue, Washington the high tech and retail industries drive the city's rapid growth, while the minority majority community enjoys a world-class culinary scene and the wild Pacific Northwest at their doorsteps. To bring local flavor to the visitor experience, Visit Bellevue has been investing in community based programs that benefit residents and visi- tors. For meeting planners, these amenities enhance travel and transportation convenience, offer immersive and digestible experiences for attendees, and inspire adding a few days for bleisure. Home to over 250,000 square feet of meet- ing space, over 5,500 hotel rooms, versatile event venues, over 450 restaurants, and a renowned convention center, Bellevue should be on your radar as the next big meetings destination. For more information visit https://www.visitbelle- vuewa.com.