Next Generation Leadership in Real Estate Award
Presented in partnership with VyStar Credit Union
Think BoldHonors
Celebrating the culture-shapers behind the scenes — the business and community leaders moving Jacksonville forward.
About the Honors
Less about the spotlight. More about the people who make the spotlight possible.
Think Bold Honors is the annual awards platform of Think Bold Festival & Conference, recognizing the unsung visionaries, builders, and changemakers whose work is shaping a more equitable, innovative, and inclusive Jacksonville.
Each honoree receives a custom-crafted Montblanc Award — a mark of excellence, precision, and bold leadership — presented before a room of the peers, partners, and neighbors their work has touched.
What we honor
Seven kinds of work that change a city.
- 01
Economic mobility
Leaders opening doors to wealth, ownership, and opportunity across the city.
- 02
Capital access
The people making sure money reaches the founders and neighborhoods too often skipped.
- 03
Community development
Builders reshaping blocks, corridors, and the everyday life of a neighborhood.
- 04
Education & youth upliftment
Those investing early in the next generation of Jacksonville leadership.
- 05
Cultural unity
Voices bridging faith, heritage, and community across difference.
- 06
Environmental transformation
Stewards of green space, placemaking, and a healthier city to live in.
- 07
Entrepreneurship & innovation
Founders and backers growing an ecosystem where bold ideas can survive.
The Honorees
Leaders whose work is already answering the question of what Jacksonville can be.
2026
Hispanic Impact & Inclusion Award
Monica Hernandez
Economic Justice & Capital Access Award
Caleena Shirley
Neighborhood Transformation & Anti-Poverty Award
Travis Williams
Environmental Equity & Placemaking Award
Kay Ehas
Small Business Equity & Government Impact Award
Gregory Grant
Civic Engagement & Community Voice Award
Wanda Willis
Health & Youth Development Leadership Award
Eric Mann
Faith & Cultural Unity Leadership Award
Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Jr.
United Impact & Social Innovation Award
Melanie Patz
Venture Capital & Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Award
Jim Stallings
Women's Empowerment & Social Leadership Award
Donna Orender
Corporate Civic Leadership Award
Darnell Smith
2025
Strategic Visionary Award
Kerri Stewart
Economic Empowerment Advocate Award
Carrie Davis
Financial Leadership Excellence Award
Alyce Denson
Bold Leadership in Philanthropy Award
Patti McElroy
Justice and Advocacy Trailblazer Award
Shannon Schott & Belkis Plata
Regional Economic Development Leader Award
Aundra C. Wallace
Cultural Preservation and Arts Champion Award
Numa Saisselin
Community Impact Leadership Award
Whitney Meyer
Transportation and Innovation Leadership Award
Nat Ford Sr.
Faith and Community Leadership Award Award
Bishop Vaughn McLaughlin
VyStar is committed to strengthening the communities we serve, and these honorees represent the bold leadership that moves Jacksonville forward. We are proud to partner with Think Bold in recognizing individuals whose vision and dedication create measurable impact across our region.
VyStar Credit Union
Presenting partner
The Think Bold Honors were created to amplify leaders who are not only doing the work, but shifting the culture of what leadership looks like in Jacksonville. These honorees are builders, innovators, and community changemakers.
Troy McNair Sr. & Maurice “Mo” Henderson
Co-Founders, Think Bold Festival & Conference
Moments
A room full of people who build quietly.
Nominate an honoree
Know someone whose work deserves the room?
Past honorees know this city best. Tell us about a leader, builder, or quiet changemaker who should be recognized in the next class of Think Bold Honors.