Janene D. Jackson, recipient of the DC Chamber of Commerce 2024 Business Leader of the Year Award on Oct. 11, has spent most of her adult life supporting and advocating for the District’s business ecosystem.
Jackson was tapped as the executive partner for the law firm of Holland & Knight in April. She has served in all three branches of the District government and is president of the DC Bankers Association.
Jackson also served on the boards of the Federal City Council, The Economic Club, the District of Columbia Building Industry Association and the National Building Museum, where she accepted her award on Oct. 11 at the 2024 Chamber Choice Awards & Gala.
“I see the work that has to be done,” said Jackson, who was joined by more than 700 guests at the gala. “I do not do the work to get awards. I do the work to help businesses in the District of Columbia.”
WUSA Channel 9 news anchor Lorenzo Hall served as the master of ceremonies for an event hosted to highlight the accomplishments and activities of District business leaders and businesses as well as raise funds for the organization.
Among the notables in the audience were D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) and Council members Kenyan McDuffie (I-At Large), Robert White (D-At Large) and Anita Bonds (D-At Large), Maryland State Sen. Alonzo Washington (D-District 22), motivational speaker Willie Jolley, Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Alexander K. Austin and Howard University Hospital President Dr. Roger Mitchell.
Antwanye E. Ford, president of Enlightened Inc., a cybersecurity company based in Southeast, D.C., received the Community Impact Award.
Dr. Stephen Johnson, executive vice president for Events DC, the official events and sports agency of the District government, presented the award to Ford, noting Enlightened Inc., as “a highly respected company.”
Ford expressed his thanks for the honor.
“I am pleased to accept this award,” said Ford. “We believe that in order to have change in your community you must be involved.”
The Economic Impact Award went to the Hopkins Bloomberg Center at Johns Hopkins University.
Pepco was awarded Business of the Year.
Tonya V. Kinlow, a resident of Ward 8 and chair of the chamber’s board of directors, announced Yohannes Tafesse, who is the chair of the technology subcommittee, as the recipient of the Chairwoman’s Choice Award for his effort to enhance artificial intelligence at the organization.
Brian Kenner, the Global Head Community Engagement at Amazon and co-chair of the event, introduced the honorees for the Hometown Heroes: D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Gallery Place/Chinatown Task Force and Monumental Sports.
A Chamber’s Choice Award was given to Don Martin for his work as an employee of the chamber, noting his many hours and contributions to the organization, said Natalie Harris, chief of staff for the chamber.. Angela Franco, the former president and CEO of the chamber who stepped down in August to lead the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce was also given a Chamber’s Choice Award.
She was honored for her years of service to the organization, Harris said.
“Thank you for the opportunity to serve you,” Franco said.