In 2024, WBENC continues its inspiring tradition by celebrating the WBE Stars for their remarkable achievements, contributing invaluable leadership, innovation, and influence on the dynamic business landscape. Each handpicked by one of the 14 Regional Partner Organizations (RPOs), these women serve as a wellspring of inspiration for others within their communities. The recognition they receive through the WBE Star Award is a powerful testament to the profound impact they’ve made in their respective business environments.
The 2024 WBE Stars received their accolades at the vibrant WBENC National Conference, a grand event held from March 19-22, 2024, in Denver, Colorado. This conference was a hub of innovation and networking, drawing nearly 5,000 entrepreneurs and business leaders who celebrated the accomplishments of these extraordinary women.
But the celebration doesn’t end there. Throughout 2024, WBENC will continue to spotlight these trailblazing women in various dynamic formats, including an engaging article series and captivating feature articles in WE USA Magazine this summer. Prepare to be inspired!
Meet Michele Adams, President and CEO of Levy Recognition, with the Women’s Business Enterprise Council Florida (WBEC Florida) Regional Partner Organization. As a certified woman-owned company, Levy Recognition was born from Michele’s dream to teach workplaces about the effects of a positive workplace culture. As company owner, Michele is dedicated to creating a conscious business where employees are engaged, and everyone feels like a productive member of the team. It is her passion to create meaningful purpose and foster a workplace environment where her employees feel valued, enjoy open collaboration, and communicate freely. She believes that all companies have the power to make an impact when they, too, focus on a higher purpose. It is for that reason Michele makes it her mission to aid other companies in creating their own engaged workforce.
For more than 40 years, she has been providing her clients with employee engagement and recognition solutions. She works with companies to reshape their workplace cultures and implement engaging programming that creates productive, healthy work environments.
Get inspired by Michele and stay tuned for our 2024 WBENC Stars article series throughout 2024!
Levy Recognition is in the award and recognition industry. Our company designs, manufactures, and distributes various types of awards and recognition products. These products are typically used to honor and acknowledge individuals or organizations for their achievements, contributions, or milestones. The awards and recognition industry serves a wide range of sectors, including corporate, academic, sports, entertainment, and more. Many businesses and organizations utilize awards and recognition programs to motivate and acknowledge their employees. These programs may include employee of the month awards, service recognition, or special achievement awards.
Michele has worked to continuously improve and expand Levy’s operations, streamlining the production facility and warehouse, upgrading manufacturing equipment and business technology, and has expanded Levy’s market to serve large corporations. During the pandemic, Michele invested in new ERP technology, heading Levy’s digital transformation. Today, Michele leads with a steadfast commitment to sustainability and purposeful growth.
The 2024 theme is AMPLIFY. What does AMPLIFY mean to you?
“To me, AMPLIFY means taking full advantage of my life, breaking through obstacles, and pushing forward with passion and purpose to attain goals.”
When and how was your business started?
For 25 years, I owned and operated a brand recognition company (Ad Specs of Florida, LLC d/b/a Proforma Global Sourcing) and wanted to diversify the products and services I had to offer my clients, so I acquired Levy Awards in 2011. At the time it was a very well know supplier in the sports industry and I wanted to expand its presence in the corporate world.
What is one way you recommend people to “AMPLIFY” the impact of the WBENC network in the next 2 years?
I would recommend to my fellow WBE’S to increase their reach or impact of their company’s message by sharing it and promoting it by getting actively involved whether that is through their regional partner organization, the many professional development programs that WBENC has to offer or the Forum.
How are you planning to AMPLIFY the mission of the WBENC network during your time as a WBE Star?
WBENC mission is to AMPLIFY the efforts of its members, creating a powerful network that can drive positive change in the community at large. As a WBE star I will network with current members to build relationships that will enhance this mission.
Provide an example of how innovation helped you overcome a challenge, pivot, or adapt your business.
We knew the future of our company depended on state-of-the-art technology, so we designed a proprietary enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that streamlines the customer experience from start to finish. Submitting custom orders, reviewing, and approving proofs, and tracking shipments from your desktop or mobile device is easier than ever. It allows us to keep up with trends and provide our clients with total transparency.
Our digital recognition solutions automate the entire recognition process, making it quicker and easier to thank employees, customers, and prospects for their contributions. This saves managers time and effort and ensures that teams are recognized in a timely manner and increases the efficiency of our employees. Our digital solutions make it easier for managers to recognize off-site team members and ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to be recognized.
What areas of innovation do you foresee for women entrepreneurs over the next few years?
In the next couple of years, I feel several areas of innovation offer significant opportunities for women specifically in the Tech space. Whether it is AI, Green Technology and Sustainability, Biotechnology, FinTech, Ecommerce and Retail Tech, or Clean Energy and Renewable Sources women can make notable contributions for success in these innovative spaces.
What have you learned about yourself as a leader from mentoring or coaching others?
I have learned that I am a visionary. Despite the innovative aspects of being associated with a forward-thinking perspective convincing others to jump on the same bandwagon can be a challenge. It requires finding individuals who not only understand the vision but are also capable of executing it. Addressing these challenges requires a combination of resilience, effective communication, adaptability, and a strategic approach.
What do you view as benefits of being part of the WBENC network?
Being a member of WBENC has offered me numerous benefits such as Professional Development, Knowledge Sharing, Access to Resources, Collaboration and Partnerships, Increased Visibility and Credibility, Access to a Diverse Community, Networking Events, Advocates, Personal Growth, and Friendships and Personal Relationships.
How has engaging in the WBENC Network as a Certified WBE helped your company?
Having access to opportunities like Professional Development and Knowledge Sharing has had a direct relationship to the growth of Levy Recognition.
