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2024 Honorees | 2023 Honorees | 2022 Honorees | 2021 Honorees | 2019 Honorees 2018 Honorees | 2017 Honorees | 2016 Honorees | 2015 Honorees |
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LaTisha Gasaway-PaulFounder, Minds in Motion Childcare LaTisha Gasaway-Paul is a distinguished entrepreneur, community leader, philanthropist, and activist with deep roots in the Scotland Community of Potomac, Maryland. Her impactful journey began in 2008 when she co-founded Minds In Motion Childcare in Potomac. Under her leadership, the business expanded to include two additional childcare centers across Maryland, highlighting her commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education. LaTisha’s dedication to community development is evident in her advocacy for the Scotland Community. She works tirelessly to raise awareness, secure resources, and empower residents to reclaim their history. Her efforts have earned her recognition from Marc Elrich and the Montgomery County Council as a distinguished community leader. She has also been honored by Congressman Jamie Raskin as a local hero, featured in his video series that highlights impactful community members. In 2023, LaTisha became president of the Juneteenth Scotland Foundation Inc., a non-profit dedicated to supporting and celebrating Montgomery County’s historic Black communities. Under her leadership, the foundation built the largest Juneteenth Festival for the second year in a row. The festival celebrates Montgomery County’s historic Black communities while commemorating Juneteenth and Emancipation Day. Proceeds of the Festival support local organizations that empower and uplift the Black community and its youth. Year after year, LaTisha finds ways to give back. She organizes annual back-to-school shoe drives, providing new shoes to children for the school year. She also leads a Black History Month celebration in partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools, promoting education and awareness of Black history and culture. Additionally, LaTisha hosts quarterly seminars on critical topics such as financial literacy, college application assistance, and homebuyer education, all aimed at building wealth and improving community members’ lives. While LaTisha is a powerful entrepreneur and businesswoman, her greatest accomplishment is her selfless dedication to others. She consistently prioritizes the needs of the community over her own, embodying the spirit of a true hometown hero, community advocate, and influential leader across the DMV. |
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Matthew LeeFounder and CEO, FASTech and A-Tech Systems Matthew Lee, a graduate of Virginia Tech, embarked on his professional journey by designing optical data links for ground-based radar and managing circuits for training devices at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory in Adelphi, MD. His expertise as an Electronics Engineer expanded to overseeing custom hybrid products in the Patriot Missile System during Operation Desert Storm. Leveraging his federal experience, Matthew founded FASTech Inc. in 1990, assuming the roles of President and Chief Executive Officer. Headquartered in Rockville, MD, FASTech provides a comprehensive array of services, including custom application and database design, network engineering, desktop support, web technologies, digital audiovisual technologies, project management, facilities management, and cybersecurity solutions. Additionally, he has served as the CEO of A-Tech Systems, Inc. since 2002. Beyond his roles at FASTech and A-Tech Systems, Inc., Matthew is deeply committed to business development and cybersecurity. He notably presided over the KoBE Government Contracting Alliance, a non-profit organization supporting over two hundred minority-owned small businesses. Currently, he leads the U.S. International Development Center (USIDC), fostering economic exchanges for Asian countries and serving as an acting board member and commissioner of various Sister City Committees. Matthew’s visionary leadership and collaborative approach have earned him recognition, including selection for the Small Business Administration – Emerging Leaders Program in 2015 and graduation from the Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business Program in 2018. He was honored with the Korean Prime Minister’s citation at the annual Commerce and Industry Day in 2015. In addition to his professional roles, Matthew holds various leadership positions and actively contributes to numerous organizations. He serves as a Board of Director at the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), a board member of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), and a Maryland Cybersecurity Commissioner appointed by the Attorney General. He is also the Chairman of the Montgomery County Sister City Commission (Daejeon, South Korea), an Asia Advisory Board Member for Montgomery County, and a Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation Asia Advisory Board Member. Matthew’s contributions have been acknowledged through numerous awards and commendations, highlighting his dedication to entrepreneurship, community service, and international relations. He actively contributes to advancing cybersecurity infrastructure through his service on the Maryland Cybersecurity Council for Maryland’s Cybersecurity Innovation and Excellence. |
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Jerry ShapiroPresident, Shapiro & Duncan Jerry Shapiro became President of Shapiro & Duncan in 1993, after mastering the economics of the mechanical contracting business as a member of our estimating team from 1978 to 1993. As President, Jerry oversees business development activities as well as operations of the Service, Design Build and Estimating Departments. He also reviews and approves final bids and job cost budgets. In addition, he takes a lead role in communication with subcontractors, vendors, and general contractors. Jerry has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland. |
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Margarita WomackFounder, Latin Goodness Foods/MasPanadas In 2017, MASPANADAS emerged as a beacon of empowerment, collaboration, integrity, discipline, and fellowships in the culinary landscape. We offer delicious, better-for-you, and convenient frozen empanadas. In Spanish, “Mas” means more or better. We named our empanadas “MASPANADAS” because our belief in Mas for All – better nutrition, better jobs, and better lives is deeply ingrained. Founded by our dynamic team of women and minorities, our mission transcends beyond crafting delectable Latin-inspired cuisine. We are driven by the belief in empowering individuals to discover their true potential and fostering confidence in both personal and professional pursuits. As a women and minority-owned business, we take pride in delivering a tasty and clean take on convenient food options inspired by Hispanic tradition. Our Founder and CEO, Margarita Womack, is a trailblazer, a scientist, a mother of three, and an unyielding dreamer. From hiring female talent to offering personal and professional growth opportunities, Margarita’s commitment to empowering women is the heartbeat of MASPANADAS. Established in November 2023, the Latin Goodness Foundation is dedicated to empowering our team, focusing on immigrant women, their families, and the communities they hold dear. Our primary ESL program allows our workers to enhance their language skills, facilitating progress in their professional and personal lives in the US. MASPANADAS doesn’t just offer delicious, authentically Latin-inspired empanadas; we provide a ready-in-minutes, wholesome, and portable snack or light meal, ensuring individuals are fueled and ready to conquer life’s next challenge. Most importantly, we are committed to making the world a better place — one empanada at a time. |
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Edward Woods IVPresident and CEO, TerpSys Mr. Edward Woods IV has over thirty (30) years of hands-on experience building, managing, and supporting IT companies and customers. Mr. Woods founded Terrapin Systems LLC (TerpSys) in August 2000 and has grown the organization into a leader in the delivery of IT solutions; but equally as important as a recognized leader in the areas of corporate culture, community service, and corporate responsibility. Mr. Woods is the owner, President, and CEO of TerpSys. TerpSys is a technology company, focused on customer service who are headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Their mission is to delight their customers, challenge themselves, and serve their communities. TerpSys strives to be a leader in the IT community by delivering incredible customer service. They also strive to be leaders in the community through the generous giving of time, talent, and treasure. Their staff and Company are shining examples that corporate social responsibility truly is the right thing to do. TerpSys’ reputation in the industry and the community is of the highest regard, and they are very proud to have earned that through the past twenty (20) years of dedication to their mission. During their twenty (20) year history, TerpSys has been recognized for the following local awards:
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