2026 Honorees
Trailblazer Award
Karen Carter is Chief Executive Officer of Dow, where she oversees the company’s global operations and plays a pivotal role in advancing innovation, performance, and inclusive leadership across one of the world’s leading materials science companies. Over a distinguished career, she has consistently broken barriers, setting new standards for operational excellence while championing access, opportunity, and the development of future leaders. Known for her courage, clarity, and impact, Karen’s leadership reflects the very definition of a trailblazer: someone who not only reaches new heights, but opens doors for others to follow. In recognition of her extraordinary career and lasting influence, BECA is proud to honor Karen Carter with the 2026 Trailblazer Award at the Manifest Awards & Symposium.
Icon Award
Ursula Burns is a pioneering business leader and one of the most influential executives of her generation. As the former Chair and CEO of Xerox, she made history as the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company, guiding the organization through a landmark transformation with vision, resilience, and strategic rigor. Rising from an engineering intern to the C-suite, Ursula’s career embodies courage, reinvention, and excellence at scale. A trusted board leader and advocate for inclusive leadership, her impact extends far beyond any single company, reshaping what leadership looks like for generations to come. In recognition of her historic achievements and enduring influence, BECA is proud to honor Ursula Burns as the 2026 Icon Honoree at the Manifest Awards & Symposium.
Corporate Champion Award
Procter & Gamble is a global leader in consumer goods whose influence extends far beyond its iconic portfolio of brands. Long recognized as a training ground for exceptional marketing and business leadership, P&G has earned a reputation for developing talent that goes on to lead at the highest levels across industries. Its brands live in homes around the world, trusted in kitchens, bathrooms, and everyday routines, because they consistently deliver quality, innovation, and relevance. Grounded in strong leadership systems and a culture that invests deeply in people, P&G has also advanced diversity, equity, and opportunity through intentional talent development, inclusive leadership practices, supplier diversity, and community partnerships. These efforts are embedded in how the company builds teams, grows leaders, and sustains excellence at scale. In recognition of its global leadership, consumer impact, and legacy of building great leaders and great brands, BECA is proud to honor Procter & Gamble as the 2026 Corporate Champion Honoree at the Manifest Awards & Symposium.
Beacon of Light Award
Black Enterprise has long stood as a defining platform for elevating and celebrating Black excellence in business, leadership, and entrepreneurship. More than a publication, it is an institution that has shaped how Black achievement is recognized and valued across industries.
Founded by the visionary Earl G. Graves Sr. and carried forward under the leadership of Earl “Butch” Graves Jr., Black Enterprise built a platform before the concept of “platforms” existed. Through storytelling that defined excellence and influence in business, it elevated corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators, normalizing excellence at the highest levels and inspiring generations to aim higher. In recognition of its enduring influence and its role in illuminating pathways to leadership, enterprise, and economic power, BECA is proud to honor Black Enterprise as the 2026 Beacon of Light Award recipient at the Manifest Awards & Symposium.
Title Sponsor
Symposium Sponsor
Platinum Sponsors
Co-Hosts
Bozoma Saint John
BECA Founding Member, Marketing Hall of Fame, Marketing Executive, Author, Entrepreneur & Reality Star
Chris Foster
BECA Founding Member
CEO, Omnicom Public Relations Group
Event Details
When
Where
St Regis Bal Harbour
Planner
Cindy Crichlow
Days To Go!
- Days53
- Hours12
- Minutes58
- Seconds26