13th Annual Ascension Awards

Nominees

The Ascension Awards Program celebrates excellence in Black business by recognizing outstanding businesses, visionary leaders, and individuals who have achieved the pinnacle of success in their chosen professions within Palm Beach County.

We’re proud to announce the exceptional nominees for the 13th Annual Ascension Awards. These individuals and organizations exemplify excellence and have made outstanding contributions to our community:

DISTINGUISHED BLACK BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Nominees

GRAPESEEKER

Greg Dillard

GRAPESEEKER MULTIMEDIA

Grapeseeker is a dynamic multimedia production company specializing in high-quality video content, graphic design, and digital marketing solutions. Based in a creative hub, Grapeseeker stands out for its commitment to storytelling, innovation, and visual artistry, helping brands convey their messages effectively and engagingly.

CAR ACCIDENT REFERRAL SERVICES

Samantha Ramnarine

CEO / Owner

CAR ACCIDENT REFERRAL SERVICES

C.A.R.S. Car Accident Referral Services is an Attorney & Medical Referral Service through the entire state of Florida. We help Clients that are injured in car accidents, slip & fall, & workers’ comp, Uber, Lyft, Motorcycle, Pedestrian, Cruise, Bicycle, etc….. We cover the entire State of Florida

We are with the Clients from the start of their Injury claim to the end when they get their Settlement Check. We make sure everyone negotiates or writes off their bills. The client has to walk away with most money not the attorney or the doctor..

At CARS we show our clients what customer service really is and that we are a 24/7 business and our clients can call us anytime any day. It does not matter. We will be there for them. At CARS it is always about the client.

We are all about the clients. Our motto is let our family help your family.

MD HOME HEALTH, LLC

Mario Dickerson

CEO

MD HOME HEALTH, LLC

M.D. Home Health, LLC, established in 2005, exemplifies excellence in business operations and growth, serving as a cornerstone in Palm Beach County’s healthcare and economic landscape. Our mission is to empower clients to excel in their own spaces by delivering personalized, affordable care in close collaboration with healthcare providers and community allies. Through continuous service expansion and innovative care solutions, we have contributed significantly to the local economy, creating meaningful jobs and enhancing community well-being. Our unwavering commitment to trust, reliability, and community involvement has made a lasting, positive impact on Palm Beach County’s development and growth.

EMERGING BLACK BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Nominees

WE’RE NO DIFFERENT

Niesha Wood

CEO & Founder

WE’RE NO DIFFERENT HOME CARE

We’re No Different Home Care, founded by Niesha Wood, was inspired by her personal experiences with her brother’s intellectual disability. More than a home care provider, the agency addresses the holistic needs of individuals with disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and Intellectual Developmental Disorders. Offering services such as personal care assistance (PCA), respite, homemaker, and companion care, We’re No Different provides compassionate, personalized support. Guided by the belief that “We’re No Different” than anyone else, the agency promotes inclusion, dignity, and equality as a trusted Medicaid provider and partner with the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.”

GEORGIA MAE’S

Boris Seymore

Executive Chef & Owner

GEORGIA MAE’S

Georgia Mae’s is a premier soul food restaurant located in West Palm Beach, Florida, offering a fresh take on traditional Southern cuisine. Known for its signature New Soul Bowl concept, Georgia Mae’s delivers high-quality, flavorful dishes like turkey wings, fried chicken, oxtails, and catfish, designed to satisfy and inspire. With a focus on excellent service and authentic Southern hospitality, Georgia Mae’s has quickly become a local favorite since opening in 2023. Catering to both casual diners and special events, the restaurant is dedicated to providing a memorable dining experience that blends tradition with innovation.

FIX MY FLYER

Krissy Robbs

Owner

FIX MY FLYER LLC

Fix My Flyer LLC is a veteran owned business that offers innovative marketing solutions tailored to business owners’ unique needs—without the full-time commitment or high costs. Founder and CEO Krissy Robbs recognized the need for customized, flexible marketing plans and launched Fix My Flyer to provide just that. We meet with each client, create one-of-a-kind designs, and deliver them conveniently through our portal. At Fix My Flyer, you’re not just a client—you’re a part of the family, receiving top-tier marketing support at every step. Let us help you elevate your brand today!

THE OPTICAL EXPERIENCE

Destynee Turner-Fields LDO

THE OPTICAL EXPERIENCE

The Optical Experience is a concierge-style optical shop dedicated to transforming how clients experience vision care. With a curated selection of designer frames—from Gucci to our signature private label—we cater to every style while providing comprehensive eye exams and personalized fittings to ensure the perfect fit. Our commitment to convenience is reflected in same-day repairs, in-home fittings, and mobile services that bring the experience directly to our clients. We focus on more than just clear vision; we aim to make every visit extraordinary. Discover eyewear like never before and ‘See the Difference, Feel the Vibe’ at The Optical Experience.

NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR

Nominees

YOUNG MEN OF DISTINCTION

Jacoby Waters

Founder & International Author

YOUNG MEN OF DISTINCTION

Young Men of Distinction (YMOD) is a mentoring organization based in Palm Beach County, FL, dedicated to empowering young men ages 7-18. Founded in 2019, YMOD provides holistic support, focusing on personal development, leadership, academic success, and cultural enrichment. Through workshops, mentorship programs, and community engagement, YMOD helps young men build strong character, critical thinking skills, and prepare for post-secondary education and future careers. YMOD is committed to fostering a generation of confident, responsible leaders who contribute positively to their communities and succeed in life. Its programs have impacted hundreds of lives, shaping young men into future leaders.

SEVEN HILLZ

Breion Moses

CEO

SEVEN HILLZ PRODUCTIONS FOUNDATION

The Seven Hillz Productions Foundation (SHPF) is dedicated to empowering students of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) pursuing careers in film and entertainment. Our mission is to provide educational opportunities, resources, and scholarships to aspiring filmmakers, fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the industry.

SHAS COMMUNITY INITIATIVES, INC

Shenetria Moore

CEO & President

SHA’S COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

Sha’s Community Initiatives is committed to serving its community as Shenetria has served her country. Sha’s has two niche products focusing on the veteran’s community, through its All-Things Veterans initiatives and minority males through Project 12.

All Things Veterans uncovered needs in the minority veteran community and created a platform to resolve them. Annual comprehensive symposiums are hosted four to five times a year throughout the county bringing together VA-approved vendors and department heads from the VA, a hot lunch and open panel discussion. Project 12 is an initiative that highlights positive Black males leadership encouraging the next generation of men.

SOJOURNERS WITH HEALING HEARTS

SOJOURNERS WITH HEALING HEARTS

Sojourners with Healing Hearts Inc., a grassroots nonprofit established in 2006 to provide women of color throughout Palm Beach County with Breast Cancer support and education. We work to raise awareness and provide resources through our Early Detection Program. Our ability to assist women in need of financial support is made possible by contributions, gifts, or sponsorships. We have a support group that creates a safe space for healthy dialogue between our Advanced Practice Registered Nurses and Survivors. Our mission is to make a difference, by preventing Breast Cancer – One woman at a time.

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Nominees

DESTYNEE TURNER-FIELDS LDO

Destynee Turner-Fields, LDO, is an accomplished optician with over a decade of expertise in the optical industry. Starting as a lab technician in 2012, she quickly developed a passion for eye care, earning her optician’s license the following year. Destynee is the owner of The Optical Experience, where she offers personalized eyewear solutions and telehealth services. Her approach focuses on providing one-on-one consultations to ensure each client receives curated vision care tailored to their needs. With extensive knowledge in optical management and eye health, she is dedicated to enhancing vision and client satisfaction through innovative, personalized services.

JASMINE GOVAN

Community Relations Specialist Florida Power & Light Company

JASMINE GOVAN, MS

Community Relations Specialist Florida Power & Light Company

Jasmine Govan is a passionate and dedicated change agent in Palm Beach County, driven by her commitment to community service and STEM advocacy. At Florida Power & Light Company, she manages programs that introduce K-12 students to coding, robotics, drones, and more, shaping the future workforce. Her efforts have successfully connected numerous FPL initiatives with local schools, leaders, and community stakeholders, reflecting her deep investment in enhancing student knowledge and exposure.

Jasmine also gives back through mentoring, consulting, and volunteering with various local and national organizations, often holding leadership positions. Her impact is further evidenced by the community programs she has developed through sponsorship and stewardship initiatives. Jasmine’s unwavering commitment to civic engagement makes her a role model in her community.

RAY QUASI NELSON

RAY “QUASI” NELSON

Ray “Quasi” Nelson, a West Palm Beach native and 2015 graduate of Florida A&M University, is a multifaceted artist and entrepreneur. Quasi moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music and entertainment and has showcased his versatility as a musician, producer, actor, and social media host for the NAACP Image Awards. His career highlights include touring with artists ranging from The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra to Kehlani, producer credits for the likes of A-Boogie wit da Hoodie, Drake and Jon Batiste, achieving RIAA Diamond producer certification as well as his first Billboard #1. With four GRAMMY nominations, Quasi’s true influence shines through his community work with The Synergy Network, a non-profit he founded in 2015 to empower the next generation of music creatives and leaders.

DICKY SYKES SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR

Nominees

DR. DEBRA L. ROBINSON

DEBRA L. ROBINSON, M.D.

Debra L. Robinson was raised in Flint, Michigan, home of the community school concept. Her father was an attorney and her mother was a special education teacher. She graduated from Flint Central High School in 1974 and Michigan State University in 1977, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Additionally, she is a proud graduate of Howard University College of Medicine, Class of 1981.

Dr. Robinson completed her internship and residency training in Internal Medicine at Hurley Medical Center and McLaren General Hospital in Flint, Michigan. In return for her National Health Service Corps scholarship, she cared for the medically underserved in Chattanooga, TN and Pompano Beach, FL. Her medical practice has ranged from Emergency Medicine in Belle Glade and Okeechobee to HMO medicine to a private practice overlooking the intercoastal waterway. She currently cares for our veteran population at the West Palm Beach Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Dr. Robinson has been an advocate for a high quality education for her sons for more than a decade. Her advocacy has included service on various Parent- Teacher Associations and School Advisory Committees/Councils for two decades.

In 1991, Dr. Robinson formed the Progressive Association of Neighbors, Inc., a neighborhood-based organization founded to provide programs for neighborhood children. She successfully lobbied the City of West Palm Beach and the School District to start a summer camp at the School of the Arts, North Shore campus, which continues to provide activities for children ages 5 to 13. Additionally, she created and supervised an after school program, called Academic Sports, at the North Shore campus. The program, which ran for three years, tied the desire to play basketball to the need to be academically successful.

She has served as the Chair of the Education Committee of the West Palm Beach branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for five years and later served as the 1st Vice-President. She was a founding member of the Coalition for Black Student Achievement (CBSA) and served as its Chair from its inception in 1998 until her election to the School Board. Under her leadership, CBSA wrote a 57-step plan to close the academic achievement gap in Palm Beach County schools. The Palm Beach County School Board adopted the plan “Achievement Matters for All” in February 1999.

Early in 2000, Palm Beach County residents formed “A Better County” Political Action Committee (PAC) to work for single member districts for election of School Board members. Dr. Robinson served as Vice-Treasurer of the organization. The voters of Palm Beach County, with a vote of 70 percent, enacted the new single-member form of governance for the Palm Beach County School District. The constituents of District 1 who now had the opportunity for a voice, called for Dr. Robinson’s candidacy for the District 1 seat. In September 2000, Dr. Robinson defeated the incumbent with over 70 percent of the district’s vote. Since that time, the district lines have been redrawn and Dr. Robinson is now the School Board member for District 7. She was re-elected in 2002 and again in 2006 without opposition. In 2010, she was re- elected with almost 70 percent of the vote in a three-way race.

From November 2010 to 2013, she has served as the Vice-Chair of the Palm Beach County School Board.

Dr. Robinson is married to Tay Gaines. M.D., and is mother of three sons.