The R.I.S.E. Awards: A celestial Celebration Of Visionaries, Creators, and Changemakers in the DMV

BETHESDA, MARYLAND—Under the art deco chandeliers of the historic Bethesda Theater, the inaugural R.I.S.E Awards unfolded as a symphony of glamour, artistry, and purpose. Sponsored by Roger Gore—CEO of Alisar Vodka and G Natural—the evening transcended mere accolades, morphing into a radiant homage to the DMV’s brightest luminaries. Here, the pillars of Respect, Inspire, Support, Empower were not just a mantra but a living ethos, woven into every speech, stitch, and standing ovation. 

A Message from the Founder 

Roger Gore I, the visionary behind the R.I.S.E Awards, set the tone for the evening with a heartfelt reflection: 

“The RISE Awards was created to honor those who embody the true spirit of Respect, Inspire, Support, and Empower. It is more than just an event—it is a movement, a celebration of leaders, visionaries, and change-makers who uplift their communities and push boundaries despite challenges.” 

Gore, whose own journey as a CEO and philanthropist inspired the awards, emphasized his mission to spotlight unsung heroes. “I founded the RISE Awards to recognize those who give their all to make a difference, often without expectation of recognition. This platform is about shining a light on excellence, resilience, and the power of unity.” 

He concluded with gratitude for the collective effort: “To everyone who has supported this vision—honorees, sponsors, attendees, and those pushing tickets and spreading the word—I sincerely thank you. Your belief in this mission fuels its success. Tonight, we celebrate greatness together. We RISE together!”  A Night of Majesty: Hostess and Ambiance 

Radio icon Asia Chandler (of Majic 102.3) graced the stage in a cobalt sequined gown that rivaled the theater’s gilded ceilings. “Tonight, we don’t just celebrate achievements—we ignite legacies,” she proclaimed, her voice a blend of warmth and authority. The crowd, a tapestry of tailored suits and avant-garde silhouettes, leaned in as Chandler set the tone: an evening where elegance met urgency, and applause echoed for those who’ve reshaped communities. 

Fashion as a Force: Runway Reverie 

Legendary producer Ron Cooke (CEO of RGP) and designer Miguel Wilson (of the eponymous Miguel Wilson Collection) unveiled a runway spectacle that blurred art and wearability. Fellow Fashion Icon Award honorees—including Ean Williams (founder of DC Fashion Week), Derrick Coleman (Derrick Coleman Designs), and Josie Valdez (Josie’s Faces) were also in attendance at the R.I.S.E Awards.

The Honorees: Pillars of Progress 

Trail Blazers & Image Makers 

The Trail Blazer Media and Film Image Maker Award honored pioneers like Chuck and Bree West (co-owners of OCTET), Curtis Symond (founder of HBCUGo TV), Cynthia Tyre (C.E.O. of FrontStage), Sean Wilson (C.E.O. Elevate by SMW LLC), and Corinna Delgado, whose voice as a Celebrity TV & Radio Personality has amplified marginalized narratives. Dr. Patrise Holden, bridging language and advocacy as CEO of The Language Key/ Washington Informer, Dr. Charles Wheeler IV (C.E.O. Five Star Consulting Group), and myself William Grayson Jr (Modish Muse’s visionary), stood among those redefining storytelling’s power. 

Entrepreneurial Excellence 

The RISE Entrepreneur Award celebrated risk-takers like Warren Govan (MD Yacht Charters), Tony Mason (Mason Transportation Services LLC), Tony Taheri (V-14 LLC), Amir Pilehvar, Ron West, and Troy Saunders, whose ventures exemplify grit and innovation. West’s leadership at Rush Fitness LLC underscores the relentless drive shaping the DMV’s entrepreneurial landscape. 

Hearts of Gold and Unbreakable Spirits 

Dr. Renee Allen (The People Emcee of DMV), honored with the Unbreakable Spirit Award, shared the spotlight with Ozzy Ramos (founder of the American Veterans Ball) and Ruben Gore (Ruben Comics), each a testament to resilience. Meanwhile, the Heart of Gold Award lauded philanthropists like Raymia Henderson (RunWay For A Cure), Dr. Tauheed Burke (Succeed Anyway), Gayela Bynum (We Will Survive Cancer), Tallulah Anderson (2 For 2 Boobs), Damon Scott (Next Level Ent Group), Stan & Terri Long (Spotlight Over The City), David Hardrick (Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity), Darren & Teena Smith (U Got Branded), Mark - Bell Prout (Community Leader/Philanthropist), and Jacqueline Beale (C23B Consulting). Dr. Burke’s work empowering underserved communities through education and mentorship resonated as a beacon of hope. 

The Courageous Spirit Award

Doyle Mitchell (President of Industrial Bank), honored with the Courageous Spirit Award, shared the spotlight with Thomas Penny (President, Donohoe Hospitality) and Marcella Barnes (C.E.O., The Truth Developers and Associates) are each a testament to determination. Meanwhile, the Unity in Diversity Award were Dani Moore King (C.E.O. Genluxe LLC), Peter Modlin (Teacher & Youth Community Counselor), Breshan Shaw (C.E.O. Ura Warrior), Dr. Rhonda Woods (C.E.O. RMW Global Enterprises) Marcus Clarke (Clarke & Associates), James Oxely (Oxley Reality Services) and Veronica Jean (VSJ Inc) for promoting unity and understanding across diverse backgrounds.

Capturing Legacy: Photography & Media Visionaries 

The Lifetime Achievement Award for Photography & Media honored luminaries whose lenses and creativity have immortalized moments: Bill Hart (Bill Hart Photography), Keith Cephus (Keith Cephus Photography), Andre Russell (Drex Digitalz), Norman Jones (Image Plus), Jackie Hicks, Phelan Marc (Phelan Marc Media), Marvin Bowser (Marvin Bowers Photography), Lorenzo Miller (C.E.O. Miller Audio Production), and Jackie Hicks (Fond Memories), whose work collectively redefines visual storytelling. 

Positive Light Award: Illuminating Hope 

This accolade celebrated those radiating optimism: Kyle & Vashonda Arrington (The EVOLVE Foundation), Edward Fultz (Attorney/Founder The Hierarchy), Dr. Roderick Wellington (Wellington Consulting), John Booty (NFL legend Philadelphia Eagles) , Lisa Subrize (Leading With Lisa), Stephanie C. White (The Savvy Event Guru), Dr. Cheryl Wood (Cheryl Wood Empowers), Cleve Davis (Krewe of Pyros Foundation), and Production Krewe of Pyros Foundation, whose efforts uplift communities with joy and resilience. 

Lifetime Legacies of Service 

The People’s Lifetime Service Award honored tireless advocates: Nicole Kirby (CarVer Communications Group), Sandra Mayo (Sandra’s Giving Heart), Kenny Hughes (Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute), Darryl Barnes (B1 County Business Roundtable), Kym Taylor (Maryland State Delegate), Aisha Braveboy (Maryland States Attorney), Calvin Hawkins II (At Large Prince George’s County Councilman), and Nick Charles III (Maryland Senator), whose decades of dedication have reshaped policy and uplifted lives. 

Stagecraft and Soul 

The theater erupted during Cynthia Tyre Front Stage Production of “Martin Luther King and Artist in Heaven,” a poignant tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and past singing greats., where his words cascaded through spoken word and song. Later, The Eugene Chapman Project fused jazz and R&B into a heartbeat that had even the most stoic guests swaying. 

The R.I.S.E Ethos: A Cultural Blueprint 

As Alisar Vodka cocktails circulated, Roger Gore reflected: “When we respect journeys, inspire creativity, support dreams, and empower voices, we don’t just elevate individuals—we transform culture.” His words crystallized the night’s mission: a blueprint for collective upliftment. 

Curtain Call: Legacy in Motion 

As the final ovations faded, one truth lingered: The R.I.S.E Awards etched more than names into trophies—they ignited a movement in the DMV.  

Here’s to 2026—where the next chapter of Respect, Inspire, Support, Empower awaits. Until then, the Bethesda Theater’s lights dim, but the legacy shines on.