The Michigan Chronicle recently honored 50 outstanding Black women leaders at its 18th Annual “Women of Excellence” Awards. The awards highlight the extraordinary contributions of Black women in Michigan, recognizing those who have broken barriers, created new opportunities, and paved the way for others. Since its inception, the event has honored more than 900 women who are driving change in various industries across the state. 

Among the recipients this year are Meaghan Madison, the Vice President: Financial Center Manager of Bank of America, and Regina Strong, Head of the Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). 

In honor of Women’s History Month, “American Black Journal” host Stephen Henderson talks with Madison and Strong about what it means to be among this year’s recipients. They both reflect on their professional progress, the people who played key roles in their growth, and how rewarding their work has been. 

Wendy Lewis Jackson, Managing Director of the Detroit Program at The Kresge Foundation, was named 2025 Woman of the Year, and Linda Forte, retired Senior Vice President at Comerica, earned the Lifetime Achievement Award. Charity R. Dean, President and CEO of the Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance, and Renee Fluker, Founder and President of The Midnight Golf Program, both received the Vanguard Award.