THE BLUEPRINT AWARDS
presented by Book Black Women, Inc.
Help Us Choose This Year’s Blueprint Award Recipients
Welcome to the official judging form for the Blueprint Awards, presented by Book Black Women, Inc. Each nominee was selected for their excellence in artistry, leadership, and community impact, as well as their meaningful connection to BBW’s mission.
Please review each category carefully and select one recipient per award. Your responses will help shape this year’s celebration of Black creativity, collaboration, and legacy.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO MAKE YOUR SELECTIONS USING THE INFORMATION BELOW AS WELL AS DOING YOUR OWN RESEARCH!
Innovator Award
For introducing bold, creative, or strategic ideas that challenge norms and inspire change.
Sylvia Glanton
Business Advocate • Founder, Future Rich Aunties (FRA)
📍 LinkedIn – Sylvia Glanton
Connection to BBW: As founder of Future Rich Aunties, Sylvia encourages Book Black Women, Inc. to remain engaged with the local business ecosystem—connecting us to resources, partners, and women entrepreneurs who align with our mission.
Nominated for: The Innovator Award
Why She’s Nominated: Sylvia Glanton embodies innovation through community and collaboration. Her leadership with Future Rich Aunties creates spaces for women to grow, build wealth, and share knowledge. By pushing BBW to connect with broader entrepreneurial networks and think strategically about sustainability, she has helped redefine how the organization positions itself as both a creative and economic force.
Da’Nice Green
Co-Owner, 1910 Wine Nest • Operations Manager, The Executive Series
📍 1910 Wine Nest – The Village
Connection to BBW: Offered Book Black Women, Inc. its first home by providing a long-term marketing contract and dedicated office space, while championing founder Ayana Washington’s vision.
Nominated for: The Innovator Award
Why She’s Nominated: Da’Nice Green exemplifies innovation through her ability to build spaces that merge culture, business, and community. As the visionary behind 1910 Wine Nest and The Village, she continues to create opportunities for connection and growth. Her partnership with Book Black Women, Inc. not only provided stability but also modeled what forward-thinking, community-driven collaboration can look like.
Ebony Warfield-Graham
Venue & Event Manager, 226 The Warehouse • Vice President, Lafayette Society • Board Member, Arts Council of Fayetteville & Cumberland County
📍 226 The Warehouse – Meet the Owners & Team
📍 Biz Fayetteville – Downtown Alliance Forum
Connection to BBW: Works closely with Book Black Women, Inc. by leveraging event space, supporting programming logistics, and connecting BBW with civic and business leaders.
Nominated for: The Innovator Award
Why She’s Nominated: Ebony Warfield-Graham brings imagination and execution together to shape Fayetteville’s creative economy. Through her innovative approach to event strategy, venue operations, and community partnerships, she has created new models for collaboration and empowerment. Her work expands what’s possible for Black-led cultural programming and sets a bold standard for innovation within the arts and business community.
Health Vanguard Award
For pioneering work that advances health, healing, and wellness within the Black community.
Stephanie Kegler
Founder & CEO, Dancing Without Sin Fitness LLC
📍 Facebook – Stephanie Kegler (Dancing Without Sin Movement Center)
Connection to BBW: She has been the face of multiple Book Black Women, Inc. events and initiatives, using movement and wellness to inspire empowerment and connection.
Nominated for: The Health Vanguard Award
Why She’s Nominated: Stephanie Kegler embodies holistic health and empowerment through her work as a wellness entrepreneur and performer. Her dedication to physical and emotional healing through dance, fitness, and community engagement aligns deeply with the values of the Health Vanguard Award. By showing that movement can be both medicine and expression, she continues to uplift and energize those around her.
Shanna Bell
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) • Counselor at Fayetteville Technical Community College
📍 Psychology Today Profile
Connection to BBW: Volunteers at Book Black Women, Inc. events, supporting our community’s wellness and mission.
Nominated for: The Health Vanguard Award
Why She’s Nominated: Shanna Bell exemplifies what it means to be a champion of wellness and mental health within the community. Through her clinical expertise and compassionate service, she helps create safe spaces for healing, both in her professional role and through her volunteerism with Book Black Women, Inc. Her commitment to emotional well-being and holistic care continues to inspire strength and self-care among those she serves.
Carlita Ector (Carlita Victoria)
Founding Executive Director, Darkness RISING Project
📍 Darkness RISING – About Carlita Ector Darkness Rising Project
Connection to BBW: Provided the inaugural Creative Director contract to Book Black Women, Inc. for the DR Live Block Party, helping establish BBW’s first formal creative-service offering.
Nominated for: The Health Vanguard Award
Why She’s Nominated: Carlita Ector bridges art, community, and wellness in transformative ways. As the leader of Darkness RISING Project, she has built culturally informed programs that elevate mental-health awareness and support. Her early partnership with Book Black Women enabled BBW to offer fully realized creative services, marking a critical step in its organizational development.
The Rising Star Award
For an emerging talent who demonstrates exceptional promise in their craft or leadership.
Tyanna West
Public Historian, PhD Candidate • Board Member, Book Black Women, Inc.
📍 Meet Tyanna West | Public Historian — article describing her work and role. ShoutOut North Carolina
📍 “Topics in History and Memory: The Pinehurst/Taylortown Project” — mentions Tyanna West’s heritage-preservation focus and public-history contributions. history.chass.ncsu.edu
Connection to BBW: As a board member and historian, Tyanna West ensures that Book Black Women, Inc.’s programming is accurate, culturally rooted, and artistically meaningful.
Nominated for: The Rising Star Award
Why She’s Nominated: Tyanna West brings a vibrant mix of scholarship, cultural stewardship, and creative vision to her work. Her role on the BBW board has elevated our storytelling, deepened our historical foundation, and inspired new ways to merge art and heritage. Her rising influence and dedication make her a standout for this category.
Da’Nice Green
Co-Owner, 1910 Wine Nest • Operations Manager, The Executive Series
📍 1910 Wine Nest – The Village
Connection to BBW: Offered Book Black Women, Inc. its first home by providing a long-term marketing contract and dedicated office space, while championing founder Ayana Washington’s vision.
Nominated for: The Rising Star Award
Why She’s Nominated: Da’Nice Green exemplifies the spirit of a Rising Star through her fearless innovation and growing influence as a creative entrepreneur. Her leadership in developing community-centered spaces like 1910 Wine Nest and The Village demonstrates vision and determination, while her partnership with Book Black Women, Inc. continues to elevate the organization’s work and inspire the next generation of cultural leaders.
April Mata
Creative Manager, Arts Council of Fayetteville & Cumberland County
📍 LinkedIn – April Mata
📍 Arts Council – Staff Directory
Connection to BBW: Helps Book Black Women, Inc. identify creative resources and opportunities, including connecting the organization to an intern who helped organize BBW contracts. She continues to be a trusted resource, always willing to help find the tools and support the organization needs.
Nominated for: The Rising Star Award
Why She’s Nominated: April Mata is a rising force in Fayetteville’s creative community, combining artistry, resourcefulness, and heart. Her work at the Arts Council and her support of local creatives reflect both professional excellence and a commitment to collaboration. Her reliability, creativity, and willingness to uplift others embody the energy and promise celebrated by the Rising Star Award.
The Cultural Stewardship Award
For creating partnerships, resources, and opportunities that strengthen communities and open new doors.
Tyanna West
Public Historian • PhD Candidate • Board Member, Book Black Women, Inc.
📍 “Meet Tyanna West | Public Historian” — feature article on her historian practice.
📍 NC State History Department Newsletter — highlights her public history work and oral histories project. history.chass.ncsu.edu
Connection to BBW: Serves on the BBW Board and acts as the organization’s historian and advisor, ensuring program accuracy and depth while offering creative input.
Nominated for: The Cultural Stewardship Award
Why She’s Nominated: Tyanna West brings rigorous scholarship, cultural insight, and public engagement to the heart of our work. She delivers speaking engagements, archives community stories, and collaborates with BBW to elevate our programming through historically grounded artistry. Her presence enriches our mission by blending academic excellence with accessible community impact.
Kia Anthony
Founder & President, Circa 1865, Inc.
📍 LinkedIn – Kia Anthony
📍 CityView Article: “Everybody should be celebrating Juneteenth…” – details her work bringing culture, business & Black history together through Circa 1865. CityView NC+1
Connection to BBW: Collaborated with Book Black Women, Inc. to co-host the Juneteenth Celebration, aligning cultural heritage with community arts and education.
Nominated for: The Cultural Stewardship Award
Why She’s Nominated: Kia Anthony has devoted her career to safeguarding and amplifying Black history in action—not just as memory but as cultural momentum. Through Circa 1865 she curates inclusive events, celebrates Juneteenth with intentional purpose, and bridges the past and present so the arts serve as both reflection and renewal. Her partnership with BBW strengthens our shared mission of culture-rooted empowerment.
The Blueprint Award
For a lifetime of advancing opportunities in the Black community in the arts, culture, and/or community.
Sheila Cuffee
Consultant / Community Advocate • Non-Profit Executive & Leadership Mentor
📍 LinkedIn – Sheila Cuffee, MACL LinkedIn+1
📍 Arts Council of Fayetteville & Cumberland County – Board of Trustees (She serves as Secretary) Arts Council of Fay
Connection to BBW: Sheila has served as a caring, guiding presence for Book Black Women, Inc., regularly checking in and identifying ways to support the organization’s growth and mission.
Nominated for: The Blueprint Icon Award
Why She’s Nominated: Sheila Cuffee stands as a beacon of consistent service, deep civic engagement, and community uplift. With extensive experience supporting military families, serving on local boards, and championing arts and cultural equity, she has advanced meaningful change across Fayetteville and Cumberland County. Her steadfast commitment to Book Black Women, Inc. — rooted in mentorship, advocacy, and partnership — embodies the legacy-building impact that the Blueprint Icon Award celebrates.
Sara Ballard
Retention Specialist, Greater Fayetteville Chamber
📍 Staff Directory – Greater Fayetteville Chamber
Connection to BBW: Sara was our first sponsor in the organization’s inaugural year, providing foundational support that helped establish Book Black Women, Inc. and elevated our early vision.
Nominated for: The Blueprint Icon Award
Why She’s Nominated: With decades of service in public life and business, Sara Ballard brings enduring leadership and community investment to her work. Her support of youth and civic programs, veteran-affiliated organizations, and local partnerships demonstrates a legacy of uplift. By supporting BBW at our start and continuing to advocate for culture and commerce in Fayetteville, she embodies the spirit of the Blueprint Icon Award—honoring those whose lifelong impact empowers Black women in the arts, culture, and community.
The Hand-in-Hand Award
For individuals whose presence and partnership reflect the power of solidarity and the strength found in standing together.
Steven Langston
Cultural Arts Director, The Clayton Center (Town of Clayton)
📍 Staff Directory – Steven Langston Clayton+2Clayton+2
📍 Town of Clayton News – “Langston Named Director of The Clayton Center” Clayton
Connection to BBW: Supports Book Black Women, Inc. by offering consistent contracts, programming opportunities, and bringing his staff to BBW events—helping build our brand and mission through his work in the arts ecosystem.
Nominated for: The Hand-in-Hand Award
Why He’s Nominated: Steven Langston demonstrates what it means to walk beside an organization in partnership. In his role at The Clayton Center, he has facilitated access, opened doors for Black women artists, and committed resources to support BBW’s growth. His steady, behind-the-scenes leadership and ongoing collaboration reflect deep solidarity and a willingness to help build the mission from the ground up.
Robert Savage
Co-Owner, 226 The Warehouse
📍 226 The Warehouse – Meet the Owners
Connection to BBW: Provides space at 226 The Warehouse for Book Black Women, Inc. events at no charge, effectively sponsoring programming and helping BBW create opportunities for artists and community members.
Nominated for: The Hand-in-Hand Award
Why He’s Nominated: Robert Savage exemplifies solidarity through action. As co-owner of 226 The Warehouse, he continues to open his doors, time, and resources to uplift Black women’s artistry and entrepreneurship. His willingness to collaborate without hesitation and to treat BBW’s mission as his own makes him a powerful example of what it means to walk hand-in-hand toward collective success.
Michael Houck
Director of Grants & Allocations, Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County
📍 Business Journal – Michael Houck profile BizFayetteville
📍 LinkedIn – Michael Curtis Houck LinkedIn
Connection to BBW: Supported Book Black Women, Inc. in its earliest stages by offering mentorship, guidance in grant writing, and strategic insight that helped strengthen its funding and infrastructure.
Nominated for: The Bridge Builder Award
Why He’s Nominated: Michael Houck has quietly but powerfully shaped our capacity by translating vision into resources. Serving as a bridge between creative community work and sustainable funding, his efforts helped Book Black Women move from concept to organizational clarity. His expertise in grant systems and his willingness to share it with our team reflect the kind of connective leadership the Bridge Builder Award celebrates.
Tickets
On Sale Soon
Contact us.
Want to get involved?